Editorial Review
In this beautifully illustrated book for children, Chico the cat describes the life of his "best friend", Pope Benedict, in this authorised biography of the Pope for young people approved by the Vatican.
"Dear Children, here you will find a biography that is different than others because it is told by a cat and it is not every day a cat can consider the Holy Father his friend and sit down to write his life story," the Pope's personal secretary, Monsignor Georg Ganswein, says in the foreword.
The Pope is known for his fondness of animals, especially cats, and Joseph and Chico is narrated by Chico, a real cat who took up with the Pope in his native Germany long before he became the Pope. Chico tells the story of the life of "my best friend" from his birth in Germany in 1927, through his days as a young man, priest, bishop and cardinal.
With a colorful and sometimes amusing language, the author makes this funny cat tell us about the life of the young Joseph all the way up to his election as Pontiff on April 19, 2005. It recounts the Nazi era in Germany when the Pope was a teenager, calling the war years "one of the most dramatic and shameful times in the history of man". Later when he became Cardinal Ratzinger, Chico recounts how each time when the Cardinal returned to Germany from Rome for a vacation, the cat would run into his house and sit on his lap as he played the piano.
The lavish color illustrations throughout make this a wonderful gift book and a cherished keepsake for people of all ages!
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Customer Reviews
Joseph and Chico 
2008-05-03
This book uses the voice of a cat to talk about Pope Benedict XVI. Chico was the Pope's cat when he lived in Germany and Chico tells the story of the life of Joseph Ratzinger who becomes Pope Benedict XVI.
This is a good book to read to your children and talk about the things that have happened in the Pope's life. The art in the book is beautiful and children and grownups alike will enjoy the book for different reasons.
The children will like to see the pictures and share time with another person to have the book read to them. The adult reading it will enjoy the storyline and the time spent with the child. It is a large size book, 12 x 8, so it makes it easy to hold and share the pictures and writings with a little one at your side. All will benefit from sitting down with this great book.
For Catholic Cat lovers 
2008-04-20
I expected this book to be much simpler - for very young children. I wound up having to "talk" the story to Kdg and 1st graders. Cat lovers may like this more, but there wasn't enough about Pope Benedict - particularly his daily life after becoming Pope.
A Heartwarming story that is true 2008-04-18
With Pope Benedict XVI visiting in the United States, I thought it would be a good time for the kids to read more about him.
After reading the reviews posted here, I purchased Joseph and Chico, The Life of Pope Benedict XVI as Told by a Cat and I must agree with the positive reviews.
Told from the point of view of Chico, we learn about the life of Pope Benedict XVI, beginning with his birth in Bavaria up until his election as Pope. In a simple storybook form, it relates the major events of his life.
Although it is rather long for a picture book, the lively prose and interesting point of view held my daughters' and my interest.
While the bright, colorful illustrations are not exceptional, they nicely complement the text.
The unusual point of view adds an element of fun as the cat makes humorous comments. This elicited laughs from my ten-year-old daughter on more than one occasion.
A heartwarming story that is true, Joseph and Chico is a delightful read.
Thanks for posting the positive reviews and inspiriting us to read it.
Endearing and Informative 2008-04-12
This tender book about Pope Benedict and his love of cats is very endearing and informative. It shows the gentle nature of a somewhat shy scholar who was reluctant when chosen Pope. His reputation as the stern head of the Holy Office preceded him. Now after these few years as Pontiff, he has become an beloved writer and thinker to so many.
Charming biography of the Pope for children 2008-04-07
This is a charming book about Pope Benedict XVI for slightly older children. It is released at a most fortunate time -- as the Holy Father will soon be coming to the US and is much in the news.
I expected it to be for quite young children because it is "narrated" by the Pope's cat. It is written in a more mature style, however, suitable only for parents to read to their young children -- which is perfectly acceptable. The drawings are adorable and add a lot. I enjoyed it.
Joseph & Chico 2008-06-13
I thought this book had loads of potential. The illustrations are wonderful, the theme terrific, but its a bit wordy for the young audience I read it to.
for children or cat lovers? 2008-05-28
It's hard to tell for whom this short biography of Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) is intended. The narrator is a cat, whose storytelling style is very much in the vein of picture books intended for quite young children, much younger than the 9-12 age group suggested by the publisher. But the vocabulary and sentence structure are too advanced for young children and some 9-year-olds will be challenged by a sentence like "While Joseph and Georg set off toward would become their future life in the Church, a tragedy was developing in Germany that would throw the whole world into turmoil." There are some excellent bits of feline wisdom, such as the Latin words for "cat" and "mouse," and the observation that cats choose their people, rather than the reverse; and the text is illustrated by truly outstanding drawings that can be appreciated by children and adults of any age. It makes a very attractive coffee table book, and one that Catholic parents may enjoy reading with their children.
gift for 1st Communion 
2008-05-27
I bought this book for my daughter for her 1stCommunion. (2nd grader) I thought by the cover that it would be at her level, but it was a little advanced and I lost her at a few pages in.
Joseph and Chico:The Life of Pope Benedict XVI as Told By a Cat 
2008-05-24
Very cute idea as a way to introduce a child to Pope Benedict. Nicely illustrated and a presentation of the pope's life before he became Pope Benedict XVI. I gave the book to my grandaughter for her First Communion and she and her parents like it very much.
Excellent story 2008-05-14
I bought a copy for my own family as well as one for each of my godchildren, and I am extremely pleased with it. I did not know much about Joseph Ratzinger/ Pope Benedict XVI prior to reading this story, and now am much more familiar with who he is and where he came from. The story is extremely accessible, interesting, and even has a touch of humor (the story of his life is being told by a cat, after all). I highly recommend this book, for kids of all ages (although under age 6 or so may have a tough time staying focused if you read it all at one sitting).
