Author: Father Olivier Bonnewijn Illustrator: Amanda Wanert Publisher: Magnificat : Ingnatius Age Range: 7 – 10 The Three Roses didn’t disappoint. This is a simple story about Bella and her prayer life. We follow Bella as she graciously plays with her younger sister, and then settles down to her daily prayers. Bella prepares her special …
The Three Roses: Book Two in The Adventures of Jamie and Bella Read More »
Author: Carissa Douglas Illustrator: Carissa Douglas Publisher: Sceptor Age Range: 9 – 14 I loved this story. From the very start I recognized this book as the type I absolutely love. All of the winning elements are present – finding a mysterious old key, a secret tunnel, a spirit guide and a cracking adventure! I …
Author: Nancy Carabio Belanger Illustrator: Sandra Casali LewAllen Publisher: Harvey House Publishing Age Range: 9 – 15, depending on reading ability. This is a sweet story about Olivia, who is soon to commence the fifth grade. Olivia’s family, it seems, is to move interstate because of Dad’s work. The good news is that Olivia will …
Olivia and the Little Way: Gorgeous middle school story Read More »
Author: Katie Warner Illustrator: Amy Rodriguez Publisher: Tan Age Range: 2 – 8 years. Katie Warner is a Catholic children’s author and home-schooling mom. In Listening for God, she has taken a passage from 1 Kings (19:11-12) and recreated it for children. In the passage, the prophet Elijah recounts how he was listening for …
Listening for God: Clever Catholic children’s book Read More »
I have read several of T.M. Gaoette’s stories and her greatest strength as an author is her real-life and sometimes gritty portrayal of young characters who are caught up in the contemporary world and battle contemporary problems. Teens will love this book but be warned: it contains drug taking, drinking alcohol to excess, teens behaving …
Freeing Tanner Rose: A Gritty and Fast Paced Catholic Story for Teens Read More »
Author: Stephanie Engelman Publisher: Pauline Books and Media Age Range: 12 plus There are some real strengths to this book by Stephanie Engleman. Firstly, I had tears in my eyes by the sixth page – this story is gripping and heart rending. A family gathers on the anniversary of the death of their mother/ grandmother …
A Single Bead: A Catholic teen story about grief and loss Read More »
Author: Linda Etchison Illustrator: Denise Plumlee-Tadlock Publisher: Self published Age Range: 3 – 7 years There are currently four books in the Sister Aloysius series. Linda Etchison and Denise Plumlee-Tadlock have produced a delightful series of stories about a young nun, Sister Aloysius. In Sister Aloysius Gets Ready for the First Day of School, …
Sister Aloysius Gets Ready for the First Day of School Read More »
Author: Vinny Flynn with Brian Kennelly. Published: Tan Books Age Range: 8 – 14 I had mixed feelings about reviewing this book. It is not really a “story” as such. The book endeavours to explain Divine Mercy for children. It is loosely held together by the notion that a narrator is guiding two children through …
Divine Mercy for Children: A guided tour of the museum of mercy. Read More »
Author: Rosanne Pallini-Verlezza Illustrator: Rosanne Pallini-Verlezza Publisher: Self Published, printed by Blurb. Ages: 7 – 14 This book is a little different from most that I review. This is not a ‘story’ as much as an activity book which teaches children about the Rosary. On the other hand, there are many stories from the Gospels …
Blessed Mother Mary, the Rosary, and You. A Guided Journal Read More »
Author: Carmela A. Martino Publisher: Arquilla Press Range Age: 11 + (parental guidance required) Read this book and weep. The subject of death, grief and loss is rarely explored in books for children and teens. It’s a challenging subject. But Rosa, Sola is a special book. It will capture your heart and then break it. …