The Ink Garden of Brother Theophane

I had several issues with this book.

The poetic rhyming was forced at a few points. The illustrations for this story, supposedly set in early medieval Ireland (with monks shown creating manuscripts similar to the Book of Kells), depict modern shoes and Roman style tonsures when the Irish during this period had their own distinct tonsure.

But the biggest problem I had with the book was the central story idea that no one had thought of using colour to illustrate the monks's writings and drawings until the protagonist accidentally stained his fingers with blackberries. Everything, we are told several times, was brown and boring until Theophane had his juicy revelation and instantly the monastery fully embraced colour in art (and interior show more design). That apparently happened because he was the only monk who noticed and appreciated how colourful the natural world outside their windows was. Maybe I'm wrong, but I just don't buy that premise socially or historically. Humans have used color in their art since cave paintings. So was there ever a moment in time when the monks producing these beautiful manuscripts shifted from not using colour to suddenly doing so? I doubt it, but I'm open to learning if I'm wrong. show less

This beautifully illustrated book celebrates individuality while also exposing children to a largely forgotten task of monks: copying of manuscripts and the creation of illuminated manuscripts.

A tender story of a young monk discovering his unique gifting. I've longed admired the artwork of Andrew Wisnewski.

Makes you want to grow a garden, produce your inks and dyes, and create beautiful books! - But wait! I don't have to because here it is done for me. Lovely book.

A beautiful poetic story emphasizing a love for nature and creativity with natural resources.

Wonderful story about a medieval Irish monk who creates color ink for illuminated manuscripts. Beautifully illustrated, lyrical text.

From the publisher: "In medieval Ireland, Theophane's boredom with his duties as a scribe distracts the other monks, but when he is sent to the kitchens he discovers that he can make inks of many colors from plants, allowing the others to illustrate their work. Includes facts about the history of monasteries, scriptoriums, and illuminated manuscripts.