He turned away from his life of wealth and privilege to live with lepers, the "untouchables" of his society. He preached the idea of the sanctity of all life, becoming an advocate of animal rights and environmentalism in a time when even human life often had little value. He found joy in owning nothing, and giving everything away. He was Saint Francis of Assisi and the story of his life is inspiring and radical. And now more than ever, it bears important messages for American children living in a culture of casual abundance and waste.

Saint Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. -- a father, a devout Roman Catholic, a crusader for clean air and water, and a member of a family famous for its dedication to public service. It is no wonder, then, that this saint’s story should resonate so powerfully with him. Mr. Kennedy has retold Francis’s story as a lesson and inspiration for his own children -- and for children everywhere.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is a lawyer with the Pace University Environmental Clinic, and is well-known for his work with Waterkeeper Alliance, a national grassroots organization dedicated to preserving and protecting water organization dedicated to protecting the ecological integrity of the Hudson River. The father of six children lives with his wife and their six children in Westchester County, New York. This is his first book for children.

Dennis Nolan’s lush oil paintings have graced many books, including Dinosaur Dream, Shadow of the Dinosaurs and Fairy Wings: A Story. He lives with his wife and daughter in Massachusetts.