Loving God: A Mass Book for Little Hands
By Steve Walton
Illustrated by Claudio Corrales
Published by EPIC Words LLC
When it comes to taking little ones to Mass, I have learned that a well-designed, age appropriate Missal or Mass book is extremely helpful. I like bringing Catholic books to Mass so that, even if my toddler or pre-schooler can’t follow everything, he can still be thinkinig about God and holy things. Steve Walton’s board book, Loving God: A Mass Book for Little Hands, has been the perfect addition to my diaper bag that I bring to Mass!
A Sweet Mass Book for Little Hands
When I saw the cover of this book, I loved the artwork right away. Illustrator, Claudia Corrales, does a lovely job depicting the different parts of the Mass with her beautiful, child-friendly illustrations. The book includes many major parts of the Mass such as:
- The Kyrie
- The Gloria
- Listening to the readings
- The Offertory
- The Consecration
- Communion
- Responses that we say during Mass
The different parts are illustrated and explained simply, beautifully, and clearly for children. I found it helpful to read the book with my toddlers before attending Mass. Then, during Mass, they could look through the book and I could quietly point out the different parts.
My favorite parts of the book are the when the priest elevates the Sacred Host and the pictures of the congregation. The people all look so happy and and joyful as they pray! I also love the illustration of the tabernacle right in the center of the altar with a red sanctuary candle right next to it.
A fun use of this book would be to play a quiet game of “I Spy” before Mass begins to keep your little one engaged and quiet. For example, you can point to the tabernacle in the book and ask the child to find the tabernacle in your own sanctuary.
Who Would Enjoy This Book
The images of this Mass book can easily be matched up with each part of the Mass that the child is attending, and it is a beautiful and reverent book. There is a woman wearing a veil, altar boys assisting, and a woman receiving Communion kneeling and on the tongue with an altar boy holding a paten. I love that!
I think that this book is perfect for birth through 4 years old. A young, early reader would also enjoy practicing his reading skills with this book. This would make a lovely gift for a new baby, a baptism, or Godchild birthday gift. You can also order these in sets of 12 to sell or give out at your parish. These are great for teaching young children about the Mass – either at home or in a parish preschool group.
You can find Loving God: A Mass Book for Little Hands at ChildrensMassBooks.com.