Giovanni and the Fava Beans: The Story of the St. Joseph Altar

Set in Sicily during the Middle Ages, this inviting picture book shares the origins of the St. Joseph Altar tradition. When young Giovanni’s community suffers a terrible drought, he is upset to find fava beans—what he feeds the pigs—on his dinner plate due to the failure of the crops. An encounter with a starving girl sparks a conversion of heart from ingratitude to generosity, and Giovanni looks to heavenly patron St. Joseph to intercede for his community. When rain arrives the answered prayers are celebrated with building altars in honor of St. Joseph (a tradition still carried on in New Orleans and other communities today). With colorful folk art illustrations and instructions for celebrating the St. Joseph’s Altar tradition, families will read this book every St. Joseph’s Day and all through the year.