763UG3SL

Brother Hugo has lost one of the abbey’s most precious books and must create a new copy by hand. As he races against time and a book-eating bear, readers learn the process of creating a medieval illuminated manuscript. Historical Note, Glossary, Author’s Note, Illustrator’s Note.

This story is based on a real note found in a twelfth-century manuscript, asking for another monastery to loan a copy of book that needs to be re-written after their copy was eaten by a bear. I have never seen a children's book set in the medieval times, so it was interesting to read something with a new concept. Because of the historical context that is needed to understand the monasteries and manuscript process, I think this book would be better suited for older students. I liked the book, but I absolutely loved the illustrations. They actually look like works of art in medieval books, including the colors and how they write the first letter on each page. The illustrations are really a great detail and make the book. ( )

While this book was a good read I am not a fan of the way the text is written. I find the large beginning letters hard to read and it would confuse or distract the students. This book does have a good message though. It shows kids that even things you do not do your self, but things you allow to happen as well have consequences. ( )

I really enjoyed this book for a couple reasons.

1- The binding of the book. I have a fascination with the quality of book bindings and the layout, so to see him binding and covering the book by hand was exceptional to me.

2- The monastery life is something that I have considered committing to. I actually seriously considered it for a period of time about a 2 years ago.

3- That ending! The bear ate, fell asleep, and then his book is due! HA!