New children’s book details pope’s daily life

Vatican City — A new illustrated children’s book detailing Pope Benedict XVI’s daily life was published Thursday as the pontiff celebrated his 82nd birthday in the quiet company of his older brother.

“Max and Benedict,” about a sparrow’s impressions of the pope from his perch on St. Peter’s Basilica, is a sequel of sorts to the 2007 children’s book “Joseph and Chico,” which told the story of the pope’s early years from the point of view of a tabby cat.

The new book contains no revelations about the pontiff’s daily routine, but its narrator, Max, proves to be a charming eyewitness to the work both spiritual and bureaucratic that occupies Benedict’s day.

The book was written by Jeanne Perego and illustrated by Donata Dal Molin Casagrande, who teamed up for “Joseph and Chico,” which publisher Edizioni Messaggero Padova said has sold tens of thousands of books in 14 countries. An English edition is expected soon.

The book was published as Benedict spent his 82nd birthday with his brother, Monsignor Georg Ratzinger, at the papal summer retreat in the hills south of Rome.

‘Slumdog’ makers to help Indian children

The makers of “Slumdog Millionaire” have finalized plans to care for some of the poorest children in Mumbai, India’s slums, pledging 500,000 British pounds (about $747,000 at current exchange rates) over five years to a local charity.

The charity, Plan, has been working with children in need for more than 70 years and has been in India since 1979, according to a news release issued Thursday in the United Kingdom by the filmmakers and the charity.

Christian Colson, the producer of the best picture Oscar winner, said the money would be used for education and health care. The funds are separate from what the filmmakers have raised for education of some of the film’s younger actors.

“Having benefited so much from the hospitality of the people of Mumbai, it is only right that some of the success of the movie be plowed back into the city in areas where it is needed most and where it can make a real difference to some lives,” said director Danny Boyle, who filmed much of his movie in Mumbai’s slums.

Film icon Paul Newman joins Conn. Hall of Fame

Hartford, Conn. — Oscar-winning actor and longtime Connecticut resident Paul Newman has joined fellow actor Katharine Hepburn, humorist Mark Twain and baseball great Jackie Robinson in the Connecticut Hall of Fame.

Newman was inducted posthumously Thursday at the state Capitol, where the longtime Westport resident was remembered for his lengthy acting career and wide array of philanthropic works.

Newman, who died in September at age 83, set up camps for severely ill children and launched his Newman’s Own foods line in 1982 on a lark — a joking venture that, to date, has raised $265 million for charities worldwide.

Newman’s wife, fellow Oscar-winning actress Joanne Woodward, did not attend the event.

Newman becomes the eighth member of the Connecticut Hall of Fame, established to honor current and former state residents who distinguish themselves in their profession and perform outstanding civic service.