Max and Benedict

ISBN: 9781586174071 Author: Jeanne Perego Edition: Hardcover Pages: 52 Description: The narrator of this book is a blue rock-thrush that spends most of his time on the dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica and in the Vatican gardens. (The scientific name of this kind of bird is Monticola Solitarius, and it really lives in Rome.) This particular bird’s name is Max, and from his solitary perch, he observes everything in the vicinity. He is fascinated by one human in particular: the Pope. Max talks about the Pope’s private and public audiences, his meetings with heads of state and with children, important liturgical moments, and the Angelus. He also describes more curious events, such as the blessing of the lambs and of a fire truck. He tells us about the moments that the Pope devotes to writing and to prayer. Max flies to see the Pope at his summer home, Castel Gandolfo, and is sorry he cannot accompany him on his important apostolic trips, but is happy each time the Pope returns to the Vatican. Max is also delighted when he sees the Pope relax a bit, playing the piano or strolling through the Vatican gardens. Max loves music, too, as do many of his friends, who live in the Vatican gardens. The lavish color illustrations throughout make this a wonderful gift book and a cherished keepsake.