Catherine Salton

I had to buy this children's book which opens with a quote from Julian of Norwich! Raphael and the Noble Task is set among the gargoyles, chimere's, effigies, and other inhabitants of a great cathedral. Raphael is a dragon chimere who finds himself searching for a noble task. Most chimeres are satisfied with their tasks of protection but Raphael yearns for more. He feels his motives are muddled but he seeks aid from his coworkers and those who are aware of history and the writings.

A series of events lead Raphael to decide that caring for an abandoned infant is his "Noble Deed". Accepting his calling, the other creatures work to help him feed, clean, and care for the baby. This is a calling, as most mothers will tell you, but a greater deed is asked of Raphael when he must fly from the castle to right a great wrong. As Raphael plummets towards the ground from the roof of the cathedral, he puts all his faith in "doing right".

The illustrations by David Weitzman incorporate glorious realistic details and fanciful imaginings. They double the pleasure of this book.

I've recommended this book to a wide swathe of people I know from child to adult from student to seminary student but I'm keeping this copy for myself.… (més)