Michael Brooks
There are many great Catholic books for children that can help them engage with their faith and develop intellectually and imaginatively. These books can range from picture books to adventure stories, and even include parenting advice books. Some popular Catholic books for kids include Devotional Stories for Little Folks, The Squire and the Scroll, and The Adventures of Nick and Sam. There are also book series such as the Chime Traveler series and the Will Wilder series that incorporate Catholic messages into exciting narratives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time-traveling adventure | Chime Traveler series by Lisa M. Hendey |
| Meeting saints | Chime Traveler series by Lisa M. Hendey |
| Learning about sacraments | Chime Traveler series by Lisa M. Hendey |
| Discussion questions | Chime Traveler series by Lisa M. Hendey |
| Similar to Percy Jackson series | Will Wilder series by Raymond Arroyo |
| Beautiful illustrations | In the Candle’s Glow by Elizabeth Crispina Johnson and Amandine Wanert |
| Exploration of prayer | In the Candle’s Glow by Elizabeth Crispina Johnson and Amandine Wanert |
| Picture books | Maura Roan McKeegan's "Old and New" series |
| Introducing saints | Catholic Readers |
| Honesty, bravery, and obedience to God | The Squire and the Scroll |
| Children's version of Pilgrim's Progress | Dangerous Journey |
| Pro-life | Angel in the Waters |
| Retelling of Psalm 23 | Found: Psalm 23 |
| Devotional | My Path to Heaven |
| Art study | A Child’s Book of Prayer in Art |
| Catechism of the Seven Sacraments | Lego book |
| Parenting advice books | Various |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Picture books and read-alouds
Picture Books
- "Devotional Stories for Little Folks" is a favourite of one junior high teacher.
- "The Legend of the Golden Straw" is a Christmas book that is perfect for children.
- "Saint Fernando III Kingdom for Christ" is another recommendation from a teacher.
- "Old and New" by Maura Roan McKeegan is a picture book where each double spread has a page about Old Testament typology and Jesus's New Testament fulfilment.
- "Saints Around the World" by Meg Hunter-Kilmer introduces saints from throughout history and all over the world.
- "A Child's Book of Prayer in Art" is a great way to incorporate art study into homeschooling while mingling in the Catholic faith.
- "Catholic Children's Treasure Box" is a set of books that includes stories, crafts, games, poems, and more!
- "The Weight of a Mass" is a beautifully illustrated book that details the power of Mass.
- "Angel in the Waters" is a pro-life book.
- "The Tale of Three Trees" is a story about the trees whose wood made objects in Jesus's life.
Read-Alouds
- "Billowtail, A Young Catholic in King James Court, and Shadow of His Wings" are recommended by a junior high teacher.
- "The Adventures of Nick and Sam" by Paul McCusker is about a pair of twins who get into some hi-jinks while preparing to celebrate a birthday.
- "The Adventures with Lupio" series are comic/graphic novels about a young boy who befriends St Francis.
- "The Chime Traveler" series by Lisa M. Hendey takes children on a time-travelling adventure that includes meeting a saint and learning about the importance of the sacraments.
- "The Will Wilder" series by Raymond Arroyo is similar to the Percy Jackson series but with strong Catholic messages.
- "In the Candle's Glow" by Elizabeth Crispina Johnson and Amandine Wanert is a lovely exploration of prayer with gorgeous illustrations.
- "A Child's Book of the Mass" by Betsy Puntel and Hannah Roberts is one of the best liturgical/catechetical Mass books for young children.
Catholic Bishops in Africa: How Many?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Mystery and adventure stories
There are many Catholic books for children that feature mystery and adventure. Here are some examples:
The Father Brown Reader is a collection of four captivating mysteries adapted from the famous stories of G. K. Chesterton. The stories follow Father Brown and his sidekick, Flambeau, as they investigate strange crimes in Victorian England. "The Blue Cross", for instance, revolves around a daring jewel theft on a train leaving London.
The Adventures with Lupio series are comic/graphic novels about a young boy who befriends St Francis.
The Rose Years series follows Rose Wilder, the daughter of the author of the beloved Little House series. In the seventh book, Rose leaves her family farm and moves to Louisiana, where she thrives in the bustling city and grows into an independent young woman with her own ideas and dreams.
Lost in Peter's Tomb is the first in a series of books by Catholic author Dianne Ahern, featuring Sister Philomena, a nun and special investigator for the pope. The story is filled with mystery and offers a wealth of information about Rome, the pope, Assisi, and Siena.
The Chime Travelers series by Lisa Hendey takes two Catholic children on a time-travelling adventure, where they meet saints and learn about having a relationship with God and the importance of the sacraments.
Prince Martin Wins His Sword is the first in an adventure series where Prince Martin learns virtues, slays dragons, and protects the innocent.
Freddy the Detective, starring Freddy the Pig, is a humorous mystery inspired by Sherlock Holmes. Freddy attempts to solve crimes but finds the justice system more complex than he expected.
Haley Stewart's Mouse Nuns Mystery Series is a fun read about an order of mouse nuns that live in G. K. Chesterton's floorboards and run a school.
Knights of Columbus: Catholic Men's Organization
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Catholic teachings and values
One such book is "The Adventures of Nick and Sam" by Paul McCusker, which follows a pair of twins and their adventures in the fictional town of Hope Springs, Colorado. This book series aims to provide solid stories filtered through a Catholic "lens" of faith and worldview, making it an excellent tool for teaching Catholic values.
For older children, "Did Adam & Eve Have Belly Buttons?: And 199 Other Questions from Catholic Teenagers" by Matthew Pinto provides a unique perspective on Catholic teachings. It addresses questions that older children may have about the faith, offering clarity and guidance.
The "Chime Traveler" series by Lisa M. Hendey is another excellent example of Catholic literature for children. These books take young readers on a time-travelling adventure, meeting saints and learning about their relationship with God and the importance of sacraments. Each book concludes with ten discussion questions, encouraging reflection and dialogue about the themes explored.
Additionally, "Catholic Readers" offers beautifully illustrated saint books for children, making them perfect for introducing the faith in a visually engaging and spiritually enriching manner. These books captivate younger children with their vibrant images, while older children can delve into the inspiring stories of saints, making it a versatile resource for families.
Lastly, "Raising Chaste Catholic Men" by Leila Miller is a practical guide for parents, offering advice on raising children, particularly boys, with Catholic values. It equips parents with the theology and language to navigate challenging topics, such as sexual sins, in a counter-cultural manner.
Adam and Eve: Catholic Marriage Origins
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Saints and their stories
Saints Around the World by Meg Hunter-Kilmer
This book features short, two-page stories and illustrations of 100 saints from around the world. Each Saint's story is accompanied by an illustration by Lindsey Sanders. The book is published by Tommy Nelson, the children's division of Thomas Nelson, a publisher of general Christian content. While it is not specifically Catholic, the book is respectful of Catholic teaching regarding the Saints.
Saint José: Boy Cristero Martyr by Kevin McKenzie
This book tells the story of José Sánchez de Rio, a young boy who was captured by government forces in Mexico and refused to deny his faith in exchange for his life. With 178 pages, it is more suitable for middle school children.
The Desert Fathers: Sayings of the Early Christian Monks, edited by Benedicta Ward
This book is not just about the lives of the Saints but also about the early "Desert Fathers" (St. Anthony, St. Pachomius, St. Basil, and others) and the wisdom they gained from their ascetic lives in the desert. The text is based on De Vitis Patrum, sive Verba Seniorum, Liber V. by Pelagius and John, and is arranged by subject matter rather than by author.
Saint of the Day, edited by Leonard Foley and revised by Pat McCloskey
This book is a self-proclaimed "definitive guide to the Saints". While it does not have an entry for every day of the year, it provides in-depth information on various Saints when it is good.
An Alphabet of Catholic Saints by Brenda and George Nippert
This book is a great way to introduce young children to various Saints. It features beautiful illustrations and simple stories that can be read as bedtime stories, helping children identify different Saints at a young age.
Chime Travelers by Lisa Hendey
Chime Travelers is a great way for children to learn about various Saints through the eyes of two Catholic children. It is an engaging way to teach young Catholics about the Saints and their importance.
The Catholic Roots of Notre Dame Cathedral
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Parenting advice
Reading is a great way to bond with your children and grandchildren and can help shape their future in a profound way. Here is some parenting advice on how to use books to help raise your children in the Catholic faith and pass on your values.
Firstly, it is important to choose books that are age-appropriate and engaging for your child. For younger children, picture books with vibrant images can be a great way to introduce the faith. Maura Roan McKeegan's "Old and New" series, for example, features pictures of Old Testament typologies alongside Jesus's New Testament fulfillment. For older children, you can choose books with more complex stories that still incorporate the Catholic faith, such as Haley Stewart's "Mouse Nuns Mystery Series" or the Will Wilder series by Raymond Arroyo, which is similar to the Percy Jackson series but with strong Catholic messages.
Another way to engage children with the Catholic faith through reading is to incorporate discussion questions and activities. The Chime Traveler series by Lisa M. Hendey includes ten discussion questions at the end of each book, which can help to encourage reflection and critical thinking about the themes explored in the story. The Catholic Children's Treasure Box is another great resource, as it includes a wide range of stories, crafts, games, and poems.
In addition to fiction, there are also many devotional and prayer books for children that can help them develop their own spiritual practices. My Path to Heaven is a devotional book that is suitable for children of all ages. A Child's Book of Prayer in Art is another unique devotional book that incorporates art study with the Catholic faith. For older children, Did Adam & Eve Have Belly Buttons?: And 199 Other Questions from Catholic Teenagers by Matthew Pinto can be a great way to explore their questions about the faith.
Finally, remember that reading aloud is a valuable practice, even if your children are able to read independently. Reading aloud creates a shared experience and allows you to discuss the story and its values with your child. It can also be a special time for bonding and creating memories together.
Christmas Traditions in the Catholic Church
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Here are some popular Catholic books for children:
- The Adventures of Nick and Sam by Paul McCusker
- The Adventures with Lupio series
- The Chime Traveler series by Lisa M. Hendey
- The Will Wilder series by Raymond Arroyo
- Catholic Children’s Treasure Box
Yes, there are a few Catholic children's books that feature saints:
- Saints Around the World by Meg Hunter-Kilmer
- Little Saints series
- Catholic Readers
Yes, there are Catholic books for kids that are adventure-based, such as:
- The Adventures of Nick and Sam by Paul McCusker
- The Chime Traveler series by Lisa M. Hendey
- The Will Wilder series by Raymond Arroyo
Yes, there are Catholic picture books for kids, such as:
- Old and New series by Maura Roan McKeegan
- Mouse Nuns Mystery series by Haley Stewart
- Saints Around the World by Meg Hunter-Kilmer
Yes, there are Catholic books that can help teach children about the faith:
- Catechism of the Seven Sacraments
- Catechism of the Catholic Church
- A Child’s Book of Prayer in Art
