Break-In at the Basilica

4.2/5 ( ratings)

Dianne AhernIllustrated by Katherine Larson Luigi, a desperately poor man, breaks into the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, Italy, to steal something of great value. He hides behind the wooden choir stalls and waits for nightfall. The howl of the wolf breaks the quiet of the night and a burst of warm air sends chills down his spine. Thus begins another Adventure with Sister Philomena, Special Agent for the Pope. Break-in at the Basilica written by Dianne Ahern and illustrated by Katherine Larson, is the second book in this adventure series that takes a boy, Riley, and his littlle sister, Delaney, to Italy to stay with their aunt, Sister Philomena. At first the kids were sure this would be a miserable summer stuck in a convent with a bunch of nuns that do nothing but go to church and pray all day. Boy, were they wrong! In this adventure, Sister Philomena, the Pope's private eye, is called upon to go to Assisi to investigate the break-in and theft of the priceless Chartula of Saint Francis, Her Mother Superior has made it clear that the children cannot be left unattended in the convent. Having no other alternative, Sister Philomena takes her niece and nephew with her to Assisi on the Papal Assignment. Eager to assist their aunt and find clues, the children explore the basilica, study its frescos, sneak into the tomb of Saint Francis, wander through the hill town of Assisi, and end up in the lieel church of San Damiano. Every once in a while they spot a wolf or hear its howl or feel its presence. Is it real or a spirit? Good or evil? What is it trying to tell them? Woven into this great tale of adventure are the personal stories of Saint Francis and Saint Clare and the sights and sounds of Assisi. The book also has an appendix of Italian Words and Phrases that will help young readers become world travellers.