Summary

Brother Theophane isn’t suited to sit all day with the rest of his brethren and copy texts.  He is prone to daydreams.  Finally Theophane is given the job of making ink for his brothers transcriptions. Brown ink.  In his new found task, Theophane discovers that, not only can he make brown ink, but he can make ink in all the colors of the rainbow.  And his brothers, inspired by the colors, take on the task of illuminating their work.

Review

I was first introduced to this book by way of my 1st grader. It was assigned reading (me to him, aloud) for 1st grade.  But its one of those books that seems to draw everyone in.  The drawings are marvelous, each page an illumination in and of itself.

True, in some places, the verse the author put together was stilted for the sake of rhyme and that, in places, made for a somewhat clumsy read aloud. Also, I found it difficult to transition from the sing-song verse of the storyline to the [more beautiful] poetry the author put together.

Still, the book is enjoyable. For those inclined to follow “rabbit trails” of learning, the author has kindly provided an author’s note with more information on monks and illuminations, and a list of resources for even more reading.

What You Need to Know

• Role Models/Authority Figures –
• Violence – None
• Sexual Content – None
• Language – No foul language
• Consumerism – None.
• Drinking/Smoking/Drugs – None
• Religion – Respectful portrayal of monks transcribing and illuminating texts
• Other – Be forewarned: your kids may want to collect plants to try their hand at making natural dye!
• Awards