Joan of Arc

by Josephine Poole, Angela Barrett (Illustrator)

Joan was an innocent French farm girl of thirteen when heavenly voices called to her and gave her the courage to fight for her king. She would leave her home, cut her hair and dress like a man, and journey far and wide to fight for her noble cause. But even after Joan was captured and about to be put to death by her enemies, she remained true to her beliefs and died holding on to a simple cross. She would later become one of the most revered of all saints and a heroine to young and old alike. This is the enthralling true story of Joan of Arc told by gifted storyteller Josephine Poole and magnificently illustrated by award-winning artist Angela Barrett in what is sure to be one of the finest, most beautiful picture books of the year. Included are end-paper maps and a chronology of events for readers to follow Joan on her quest.  

Genres: Picture Books, History, Nonfiction, Biography, Childrens, France, Medieval

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Jane Penelope Josephine Helyar known by her nom de plume Josephine Poole is the renowned author of several books for children and young adults. Her first book was published in 1961, and she has also written extensively for television. She lives in Somerset.

https://whistlesinthewind.wordpress.c...

Reviews

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated picture book biography of a beloved saint. It was a perfect read-aloud for my five-year-old daughter, who was completely invested in the story and not unduly bothered by the fighting and death that occurred. There is a strong emphasis on happiness in the next world even when violence and injustice prevail in this one.

[Set · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an inspirational saint that teaches womanly strength in prayer, battle, and convictions to the bitter end. What a sacrifice for a mayor's daughter with a good fortune and future ahead of her to sacrifice marriage, children, and womanly beauty for the safety of France and the message of God. She displays so much valor and strength as a woman of Christ, a noble Christian saint. She teaches us that we must be strong in our christian belief even when we are tortured and put to death for our belief.

We see the lives of saints as inspiration and influence upon our own life. Many in America do not understand why we ask the Saints to pray for us or why they still matter. I'll tell you why. Today many do not have the Christian saints but they have their Hollywood idles that they look up to and are influenced by. The modern "martyrs" that are depicted in documentaries and reported on by the news are people that lived every ungodly lifestyles. Their images are put on murals where sometime they are even depicted as roman catholic saints. Even the protestant Christians do not believe in learning about the saints because saintly-hood turns away from a life of luxury; instead they exchange their fortune for that of poverty and service to God. Many protestants do not want you to turn to a life of poverty like Jesus, the apostles, and saints; but rather to produce and have increase for the offering buckets. This would also imply that they themselves cannot be like King David instead of King of the Jews- Jesus Christ.

[Kaylee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good short story of Joan of Arc
I really enjoyed it and can't wait to read more about her!

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful detailed illustrations.

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice retelling of her life story and I even learned a new fact that I hadn't understood before. A great book to introduce kids and adults both to Saint Joan.

[Amalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading Josephine Poole's Snow White (illustrated by Angela Barrett) I decided to read this. Also, I am tired. When I am tired I read picture books.

Joan of Arc is a saint I love to read about. The first time I read about her, I was about 12 years old. I found her extremely fascinating, brave and likable.

Though I was raised Catholic, I had never heard about her up to that point in my life. She was never a saint taught in the Sunday School. The more I read, I realised she was burnt at the stake with the approval of the Catholic Church. It took me more reading to realise that her murder was a result of the corrupted English-French Politics disguised as a Catholic Inquisition. I guess it was around that time I began to learn about the Inquisition. Books can take you to the most unexpected places, I guess.

This book allows the readers to learn about the life of this amazing young lady without getting into and sometimes completely skipping the more gruesome details such as how she wore a tunic and a hosen tight around her waist with a cord to protect herself from being raped by the prison guards, the humiliating part of the trial that examined Joan's virginity or how she was publicly burned at the stake alive. Except those, perhaps more important, yet less suitable details for young readers, this retelling is pretty accurate and has been simplified for young readers. The illustrations have the visual style of the 15th-century paintings, appropriately.

If I had a daughter, I would buy this for her to learn about a brave woman in the history.

*4 stars for the writing
*5 stars for the illustrations

[Leila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so impressed by Poole's retelling of Joan of Arc. She explains Joan's voices by saying that they were what she believed they were: voices from Heaven itself. How refreshing! Beautiful illustrations.

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated picture book biography on Joan of Arc, an unlikely and tragic hero of the Middle Ages. I felt the narrative was a bit wordy at parts and some younger children may have a harder time following along. Intended more for 4th-8th grade.

[Mas5thgrade2011 · Rating 4 out of 5]

She was a really cool person. She was also veeeeeery brave!

[Sage · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore Angela Barrett's art to pieces. I wish there was a bit more to the text in this one, but the art mostly makes up for it.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

lovely illustrations. too long for story time. great ending. very complete in that it describes Joan's whole life. definitely a girl empowerment book.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always nice to have a good picture book biography.

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for the entire library.

[Sharolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book. Gorgeous illustrations.

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really beautifully illustrated book about Joan of Arc. Read as part of a homeschool unit about the Hundred Years' War and Joan of Arc.

[Ahdom · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has some great illustrations that perhaps adults might appreciate more than children. They are images that are beautiful, but not typical for a children's book. This is perhaps because this book is more of a historical account with a religious overtone. Joan was deemed a saint in Catholicism, so the narrative is infused with her communication with God and the voices of Heaven. This would have been important to speak on when speaking of Joan, just like any Saint. However, I felt that part was told matter-of-factly just like the history. This made me feel that the book was more of a religious one, than a simple illustrated history of Joan's incredible victories. That is perfectly fine, but it stood out like a sore thumb to my kids, who believe in fairies and Santa Claus but have a hard time swallowing religious stories of God, the Devil, and angels. This book is a bit lengthy and had trouble keeping the attention of my kids, but I thought her story was an important story to share.

[Chamodi Waidyathilaka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josephine Poole’s Joan of Arc, is a recognized young biography that artfully balances the mystical elements of Joan’s "voices" with the realities of her military life. Illustrated by Angela Barrett, the artwork reflects medieval tapestries and transitions from bright greens to somber grays, embossing Joan's journey. Poole’s evocative prose respects Joan’s story, viewing her as a saintly figure. The book is written for children to understand who Joan is, and love the illustrations. It serving as a gentle introduction to complex historical themes. It is well-researched, featuring end-page maps and a chronology timeline, while touching on themes of faith, gender defiance, and the blend of triumph and tragedy in Joan's life in simple and summarised.

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated picture book telling of Joan of Arc's life, with detailed text. I must read more Angela Barrett books as I was really impressed by this one. Joan of Arc is not a personal favorite for me, but I appreciated how this story was told. It focused on Joan's inner drive and her mystical experiences (though it was kept rather vague) rather than violence and slaughter. There is a picture of her at the stake, though no fire is shown. Historical tidbit: the bishop who tried Joan of Arc is the same one who tried Margery Kempe (who was acquitted of heresy).

[Dee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Found a copy of this book for a great price at a used book store and picked it up because the art is so beautiful. I was very disappointed to find that it is presented wholesale as a "true story that happened over 500 years ago", but that the author uncritically refers to the "Voices" Joan heard as being those of angels and the will God, etc. in fact. There's definitely a skew to the religious and the way the conflict between the English and French was described was bizarre. I think it's possible that the story of Joan of Arc could be adapted well for children, but it wasn't here.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This re-release of the story of one of the Catholic Church's most popular saints is a great read for those who are unfamiliar with the story or they just want to refresh their memories in the unusual life and courageous mission of Joan of Arc.

With a map of France on the inside covers and with a brief explanation of the geopolitics of the time, which can be confusing for young readers, this is a great addition to any faith-filled household.

[Ethan · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book has beautiful illustrations and tells a clear story of saintly heroism and villainy. However, it fails to address the subtleties of a very complicated story and presents the life of Joan without the complexities of real life.

[Jonas Avesani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was pretty short, but very well written book. I recently learned about Joan with my mother, and when we read this book we learned a lot more. It's a true story set in the 1400's about a 13 year old girl who sees visions from angels.

[flopsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

literally the coolest illustrations ever and i don’t say stuff like that lightly. i would really like to add this to my children’s library. i also cannot wait to read the snow white story retold by this same author illustrator duo

[Tuly Huntington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations. Lovely book about one of my favorite heroes.

[Mary Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet sad book- beautiful illustrations. “A saint is like a star. A star and a saint shine forever.”

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the illustrations. Would have liked more direct quotes from Joan of Arc in the story.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book on the life of Joan of Arc. Very brief though. I wouldn't have minded the addition of more detail. The artwork was absolutely gorgeous!

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

dumb. thats all i have to say

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was both informative and inspirational. I learned so much about Joan, her Voices, her unwavering bravery, and her popularity. The pictures are exquisite, as can be expected by Angela Barrett, and the message about sainthood was a beautiful ending homage. A bit lengthy for a children's book, and a tad gory, but realistic and unflinching.

[callista · Rating 4 out of 5]

From my late aunts beautiful collection of picture books. Bittersweet to know we have similar taste.