By Anna Weaver
Hawaii Catholic Herald
It can be tricky to find Catholic books for kids that are appealing in both text and illustrations. Here are some notable books that have recently been published for your consideration.
The Pursuit of the Pilfered Cheese
By Haley Stewart. Illustrated by Betsy Wallin. Pauline Books & Media
In the first of the new Sister Seraphina Mysteries, Catholic family blogger Haley Stewart of Carrots for Michaelmas writes about a convent of mice and the pupils they teach. They live underneath the home of British Catholic writer G.K. Chesterton. Led by Sister Seraphina, the mice nuns and a few of their students have to solve cases.
The second chapter book in the series, “The Curious Christmas Trail,” is set to be released in November.
Saints Around the World
By Meg Hunter-Kilmer. Illustrated by Lindsey Sanders. Emmaus Road Publishing
What stands out in this book of saints are the beautiful watercolor depictions and maps and the diversity of the holy people highlighted. More obscure saints and blesseds like St. Agatha Kim A-gi and St. Pedro de San Jose Betancur make up the majority of the 100 biographies.
Hunter-Kilmer also tells their stories in an accessible way so that young readers can see themselves in the saints.
Look and Learn: Word for Catholic Kids
By Casey Pawelek. Paraclete Press
Written by Pawelek to engage her own child at Mass, “Look and Learn” has simple and colorful labeled illustrations for around the church, in the church, at home, and other terms such as those for the sacraments.
A “First Words for Catholic Kids” toddler board book edition is set for release in Feb. 2023.
The Holy Mass: On Earth as It Is In Heaven
By Kevin and Mary O’Neill. Sophia Institute Press
If you have Lego-loving kids, this book is for them. The O’Neills first came out with a Lego “Catechism of the Seven Sacraments.” They also have two pocket guides on Reconciliation and the Rosary as part of this “Building Blocks of Faith” series.
The graphic novel format uses photos of two Lego figures and lots of building blocks to illustrate the origins and explanations of the Mass. The book shows Mass in the Tridentine rite, Mass of the Missal of Paul VI and the Divine Liturgy of the eastern Catholics.
Marian Consecration for Families with Young Children
By Colleen Pressprich. Illustrated by Rebecca Gorzynska. Our Sunday Visitor.
Showing images of Mary from around the world, this book guides kids as young as 2 and 3 in five-minute daily meditations and explanations of Marian devotions. Short questions help your children focus on the book’s purpose.
“Luminous illustrations will captivate children’s imagination and hold their attention,” according to Aleteia.
Stories of the Saints: Bold and Inspiring Tales of Adventure, Grace, and Courage
By Carey Wallace. Illustrated by Nick Thornborrow. Workman Press.
The illustrations for this book are striking, mystical and sometimes dark, pulling readers into the 70 saints’ tales. The selection is largely Eurocentric and focusing on the time between the Roman Empire and the early modern period. The stories are also condensed into a handful of pages each, so consider this a capsule look at the greats, best for kids 8 and up.
Tall, narrow and hardbound, we imagine parents reading a saints story a night from this book with their children.
Brilliant! 25 Catholic Scientists, Mathematicians, and Supersmart People
By David Warren. Illustrated by Jaclyn Warren. Pauline Books & Media/Word on Fire Institute
This book has 25 biographies written for kids ages 7-11 looking at both famous and more obscure scientists, doctors, mathematicians, and other great thinkers.
The goal of the book, according to its publisher is to “walk in the footsteps of these supersmart Catholics who changed the world and learn how brilliant they can be when they unite faith and science!”
The Interior Castle: A Boy’s Journey into the Riches of Prayer
By Judith Bouilloc, Illustrated by Éric Puybaret. Ignatius Press
This book for children 7 and up is an adaptation of St. Teresa of Avila’s well-known spiritual work, “The Interior Castle.” In it, a regular boy is guided by the saint through the level of the interior castle as they explore levels of prayer.
“I learned so much about prayer and I love having such a beautiful and simple text to use to approach this dense topic with my children!” one Amazon reviewer wrote of the book.
