The Ink Garden of Brother Theophane

I bought this book to go along with our Middle Ages unit for homeschool and this was the perfect lead in to talking about illuminated manuscripts. The illustrations are gorgeous and my kids loved it!

From a Medievalist: The Ink Garden of Brother Theophane is a beautifully illustrated children's book about a restless young monk in an Early Medieval Irish monastery. As is typical for children's media on the topic of the Middle Ages, this book gives unfamiliar readers the impression that monastic life is as dull and drear as the manuscripts Theophane seeks to enliven. The story is hardly historically accurate, and interprets Medieval monastic sources describing tired eyes and sore hands as though it was common for the monks to be discontented in their vocation and carry out responsibility only begrudgingly. This interpretation is simplistic, superficial, and reductive, as well as disproportionately secular for a book regarding a religious lifestyle.That being said—my interpretation is certainly reading more into the book than is there, I admit, though having encountered dispositions toward Medieval life—particularly Medieval monastic life—I feel it is important to acknowledge how reductive interpretations of history rooted in modern sensibilities result in widespread misunderstanding and prejudice where it is not warranted.Despite my admittedly harsh criticism of the attitude of the storytelling, The Ink Garden of Brother Theophane is a sweet, cozy, and very beautifully illustrated children's book which both my children and myself will greatly enjoy.

"Wow!" definitely was my first thought when I began to read this gorgeous book to my four year old son. I had already taken a peek and knew the illustrations were beautiful, but I had not yet recognized that the entire book was written as a poem. This is a fun story written in rhyme with beautiful illustrations that are unmatched. This is a gemstone of a book and it is a deep shame that such excellent quality is not more widely enjoyed.Truly a special book, may God bless the author and illustrator.J.M.J.

This book was really adorable! The pictures were incredible with intricate borders. We loved the storyline. One of my favorite book buys of late!

I am so in love with this book! An absolute joy to read aloud!

The Ink Garden of Brother Theophane is stunning for both its illustrations and story line. Young and old children will be fully entertained by the lovely, bright illustrations and flowing writing throughout, while being captivated by the underlying history lesson. (The Author’s Note and list of resources at the end are a great bonus!) Five stars for sure!

We love this book. Great portray of a monk from the Middle Ages. Beautiful illustrations.

Our children really like this book. I only took off one star because it is too long for some of our younger family members.

Good quality book but did take 3 weeks to arrive so purchase way in advance if needed for the likes of teaching like I originally planned!

Este libro trata de un monje que aprende a obtener colores de las plantas y crea tintas que permiten a los otros monjes del monasterio ilustrar, ahora con color, los libros que hacen. Las ilustraciones del libro son muy hermosas.

lovely and inspiring in it's old world charm, and because of this the book may appeal more to the inner child of herb enthusiasts like myself, I bought it for myself