Our Favorite Catholic Children's Books
Over the past few years, we've collected a handful lovely children's books that display the Catholic faith in fun and beautiful ways. So, I wanted to briefly provide links to our top 10 books below. Many of these we read regularly before bed or bring to Mass. And, there are a few new ones I'm so excited about!
Also, I'm always looking for more to add to our library, so PLEASE send me your faves!
Ok, first up...
The beautiful illustrations against the stark black background are breath-taking in this stunning rendition of St. Francis of Assisi's Canticle of the Creatures. Gemma is almost three years-old and loves to study each page with all it's detail, discovering little critters and flowers woven into the art. I'd say around three or older is the perfect age for this gem of a book.
Saintly Rhymes for Modern Times//
Meghan Bausch is incredibly talented and sweet ( I met her briefly here in Pittsburgh before she moved back to New York City) and her unique illustrations as well clever poems for these modern saints are so special. Gemma and Felicity love this book and we bring it to Mass every Sunday. There are even few saints Brian and I newly discovered, such as "Blessed Miguel Pro" whose story brought tears to Brian's eyes after reading Meghan's poem about the final moment before his death.
Katie Warner, who I've connected with via social media ( yay for Instagram friends!), created a delightful book introducing kids to well known saints. Each spread includes a simple, colorful illustration alongside a popular prayer of the saint depicted - it's just darling and definitely a keeper.
This treasure has yet to be released but I CANNOT WAIT. Geena Harrington teamed up with a slew of other talented Catholic artists to create this beautiful picture book which display articles of Catholic worship through colorful art and crisp photography ( think of those "100 First Word" books that babies love so much, same idea). What a fun way to engage children in the beauty of the Mass. I'm linking to the Kickstarter page where you can preoder!
Ok, this has awesome old-school images of over 20 female saints that rock. Beginning with the letter "A" with St. Agnes, this book takes you through the alphabet of women who loved Christ and His Church radically. Each page carries easily understood summaries of their life, perfect for 6-7 year-olds +. I have actually enjoyed learning about new saints as well. Even though our girls are much younger than the intended audience, Gemma has loved memorizing each saint by their illustration.
This is another gorgeous picture book filled with luminous illustrations depicting the story of the importance or "weight" of the Mass. My mother actually gave me this book after college, to save for my future children. I can't wait to start reading it to the girls when they are a bit older and can follow along.
The Virgin Mary Around the World//
This is SUCH a cute book about Marian apparitions around the world. Literally, the illustrations could not be any sweeter and the simple text in rhyme makes it a joy to read out loud. The girls love seeing "Mare Mare," as Felicity would say, in different garb and exotic locations.
Another "old-school" illustration book, this has been a favorite of Gemma's since she was 18 months old. Each page depicts all the ways in which our guardian angels help us throughout our day, from morning til night. ( I even need the reminders!) It's just simple and precious.
Ok, I may have jumped the gun by buying this book recently... because it's definitely for older girls, I'd say 8+, but I couldn't pass up a collection of beautiful, strong females. I would have loved this as a little girl, studying the dresses and features of each of these saints' illustrations on full page spreads. Can't wait to read this by Gemma and Felicity's bedside down the road.
The Saints are Watching Over Me //
This last book was given to William for his baptism by my mother, and I think it's the perfect book for a little boy ( the illustrations remind me of video game characters) and it goes through all the different types of saints, and how Our Lord calls ALL of us to be saints with Him forever in heaven. It most certainly will join our Mass bag:)