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

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"Giovanni and the Fava Beans: The Story of the St. Joseph Altar" is a captivating children's book set in medieval Sicily, beautifully illustrated with folk art. It tells the inspiring tale of Giovanni, who learns about gratitude and generosity through an encounter with a starving girl. Ideal for St. Joseph's Day, it introduces the St. Joseph Altar tradition with engaging storytelling and instructional content. See more...


Product information
  • Wonderful, engaging children's story
  • Set in Sicily during the Middle Ages
  • Shares the origins of the St. Joseph's altar for children
  • Colorful illustrations and instructions for kids
  • Great introduction to an ancient custom, & a new tradition for your family
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.

A great introduction to an ancient custom in honor of St. Joseph, and a new tradition for your own family. 


SKU: 1012303

  • Author: Joseph P. Ruli
  • 52 Pages
  • Hardcover
  • ISBN: 9781685780456

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Delivers by: Jun 20 - 23

Overall rating: 5.0 / 5 from 2 reviews.

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Reviews

Giovanni and the Fava Beans

"The beautiful illustrations and heartfelt story of Giovanni is quickly becoming on my favorites. I purchased two copies of this book to gift to my grandson and grand-niece for Easter. Their great-great-Grandfather (may he rest in peace) was a huge fan of St. Joseph, so I am very excited to share his memory with them as we learn about a St Joseph altar."

MICHELLE S. (5/5)

Excellent story of graditude!

"Author Joseph Ruli beautifully captures the meaning of the tradition of the Saint Joseph Alters and the meaning behind the use of the fava bean. Excellent!"

J. D. (5/5)

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