The Legend of Saint Rocco and His Dog - Dessi Jackson and Martina Parnelli

The Legend of Saint Rocco and His Dog 
Dessi Jackson
Martina Parnelli (Illustrator)
Silver Fire Publishing
ISBN 9781734992984

This was the second volume I have read by this author and illustrator team. The first was Saint Clare and Her Cat, which we really enjoyed. After reading that first one I had planned to find more works by both the author and illustrator but because my own children are well beyond the age of picture books, it got dropped. That was a mistake on my part. But back to the volume at hand. The description of this volume states:

“A saint story you don't want to miss!

After praying for a child for many years, a wealthy couple is finally blessed with a beautiful baby boy. To their surprise, they discover a cross-shaped birthmark on his chest, but they have no idea what extraordinary graces God will bestow on him.

As a young man, Rocco renounces his fortune and enters the Franciscan Third Order, choosing the life of a poor traveling pilgrim. He stops in towns to care for the sick, especially plague victims. His prayers and labors result in many miracles. Then one day, he catches the plague too, and the townsfolk force him to go away. With no one to care for him in his dire need, he staggers to a hut outside town and entrusts himself to God. And God does not disappoint him!

This beautifully illustrated children’s book follows the legends of Saint Rocco, including ones that explain how he became the patron saint of dogs!”

I started this book a couple of times and something came up, then one Sunday after church with a mug of tea I picked it up again and finally made it through. I am not sure I have encountered the story of Saint Rocco before. I did a quick search through all the reviews I have written and do not find a ‘Rocco’ there, so I believe this is my first encounter with Saint Rocco. You would think a Cross shaped birthmark on the chest and a long friendship and time of service with a dog would stick in your mind. And it will after reading this wonderful little picture book.

About the author we are informed:

“Dessi Jackson is the author of popular picture books about saints, including Saint Clare and Her cat, Roses in the Snow: A Tale of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Saint Felix and the Spider, The Saint and His Bees, Nikola and the Monk. Her faith-filled children's stories come from the depths of her motherly heart. A writer for Seton Magazine and a Byzantine Catholic, she lives in Croatia, where she is always thinking up new stories.”

And about the illustrator:

“Martina Parnelli is an author, poet, and illustrator of plays, children's books, and short stories. She uses a mixed media for her art, including colored pencils, acrylics, and inks. Every "work" is an uniquely inspired creative project, a fruit brought to maturity from seeds sown earlier in life. She lives in Western Michigan, where she enjoys bird watching, container gardening, and reading historical accounts and Shakespeare.”

I believe this is the second collaboration between the two and from how good these two are I hope it is not the last. This is one of those stories children will latch onto, it will be read over and over again. Rocco’s kindness, charity, and example will inspire and challenge readers young and old alike. And his friendship with the dog who nursed him back to health and long companionship thereafter is one kids will love. 

The story is written in an engaging and entraining manner. The illustrations are done in a pencil crayon style. The colours are bright and vibrant. And the full page illustrations on every page provide a lot of details to examine again and again. It is an entertaining read. 

It is a great Catholic picture book, fun for the whole family. And excellent addition to any home, church, or school library. I can easily recommend this book.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Dessi Jackson:
Saint Clare and Her Cat
The Saint and His Bees
Saint Felix and the Spider
Nikola and the Monk
Roses in the Snow: A Tale of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary
The Legend of Saint Rocco and His Dog

…

Books by Martina Parnelli:
Fat John, His Little Lamb, and the Two Wise Owls
Who Shall Wear the Wedding Veil?
Little Runty, the Luckiest Donkey
Little Runty, On the Road
Little Runty Goes Home
Love’s Labour Started
…

Books illustrated by Martina Parnelli:
Animals of God (Volume 1) by Susan Peek
Animals of God (Volume 2) by Susan Peek
Small for the Glory of God: Saint John the Dwarf by Susan Peek
The Man God Kept Surprising: Saint William of Bourges by Susan Peek
The Forgotten Christmas Saint: Saint Anastasia by Susan Peek
…