As the weather turns cooler, my kids and I just crave snuggling up with a good book (and, sometimes, a mug of hot chocolate!). In the winter months, we partake in what we fondly call “hot chocolate story time.” (Feel free to replace “hot chocolate” with your family’s favorite treat). This is also a great way for mom to sit and enjoy a hot drink during the day. After lunch, when the baby is napping, I pass out the hot beverages, and we gather around for a good book. Even my older kids still love being read to! Today, I would like to share some Catholic picture books that we have been loving.
How Edith Found Jesus
by Caitlin Bootsma
Illustrated by Ann Kissane Engelhart
Published by OSV Kids
This is a beautiful story book about St. Edith Stein (also known as St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross). It talks about Edith’s childhood in her large Jewish family, and takes you through the rest of her amazing life. This saint is an incredible model of faith and courage. I love how Edith was incredibly intelligent, and her studying and curiosity led her to the Catholic Faith. She clearly shows that faith and reason do go hand in hand! The book cleverly weaves in how Edith spiritually and physically found Jesus!
The book does gently discuss World War II, and how Jews were taken to concentration camps. It discusses her life in the camp and how she comforted people and brough them hope. If you child is sensitive to difficult topics, or you haven’t discussed WWII be sure to pre-read the book to make sure you are comfortable with the images and explanations. The book does end on a hopeful note, and my children (ages 3 and up) were all ok with the sad details of the story. This is a beautiful book that tells the incredible life of an amazing saint!
When to read this book
This book would be perfect to read on St. Edith Stein’s feast day (August 9th) or if your kids are learning about World War II. St. Edith Stein is also one of the featured saints in the Little Flowers girls club in Wreath II, and would be great to share with a wide range of ages. It’s also not a long book, and the illustrations are lovely.
If a Saint Had a Song
by Gracie Jagla
Illustrated by Sara Ugolotti
Published by OSV Kids
Gracie Jagla just knows what kids enjoy in a children’s book! We have read this one many times in our home, and I brought it to our parish’s mommy and me group to share with the little ones. If your children like the book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, then they with love If a Saint Had a Song. The story takes place in heaven, and begins with a saint bursting out into song. Her song inspires others to join in, and, under the direction of St. Cecilia, they gather a heavenly orchestra. Throughout the book, you will meet many favorite saints joining in on the fun. The illustrations are colorful and whimsical, and the rhymes are pleasant and so very fun!
When to Read this Book
This book can really be read at any time! It would be great, specifically, for All Saints Day, St. Cecilia’s feast day (November 22), and for any feast of the saints mentioned in the book. The Blessed Mother has an important role in the book, so reading it in May (dedicated to Mary) or on any of her various feasts would also be perfect. This would also be a great one to bring to Adoration for little ones to look at quietly.
If the Pope Had a Puppy
by Gracie Jagla
Illustrated by Sara Ugolotti
Published by OSV Kids
This book is super cute, entertaining, and informative! Gracie Jagla and Sara Ugolotti team up again for fun rhymes and delightful illustrations to imagine what would happen if the pope had a puppy. In this book, Gracie Jagla cleverly takes the reader on a journey through Rome and introduces readers to the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Gardens, the cupola, the Trevi Fountain, and more!
When to Read this Book
This book can be read at any time you want something light-hearted and fun! It would be great to supplement a simple geography study of Rome or if you are learning about the pope. I will also be brining this to my mommy and me group later this year!
This Little Light of Thine: Stories of the Sanctuary Lamp
by Susan Joy Bellavance
Illustrated by Byron Hamilton
Published by Sophia Institute Press
This book is exactly about what the title implies – a story from the point of view of the sanctuary lamp. A sweet poem (that can be sung to the tune of “This Little Light of Mine”) is woven throughout the book. This book is a stunningly illustrated catechetical tool for families and catechists.
The True Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist is clearly and lovingly emphasized throughout this book. The coolest aspect of this book is that each tabernacle and sanctuary illustration is based on photos of actual tabernacles in churches around the United States! Some of the featured churches are St. Mary of the Expectation Catholic Church in League City, TX, St. Patrick Parish in Newport, NH, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City (to name a few).
In addition to the True Presence, this book covers the star in Bethlehem, the Visitation, Palm Sunday, and Jesus’ Ascension into Heaven. The book is beautifully done and the illustrations are captivating.
When to Read this Book
This book would be great to read at any time, especially the times mentioned in the section above. It would be great for teaching about the True Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist and when teaching about the Mass. Speaking of Mass, this would be a wonderful book to bring to Mass and point out the sanctuary lamp and what its glowing presence means. It would also make a lovely Baptism or First Communion gift. It’s another sweet choice for a mommy and me church group, and I think children will love singing along.