A few notes:
-Some of these books I've inherited, a lot I have purchased, and some were sent to me by the author/publisher, but all of them are books I have used/gifted/recommended in my classroom or as a DRE. I'm only sharing with you what I like and use.
-This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. That means that if you click through and purchase something, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you. I'd also love to encourage you to shop directly with the publisher or with your local bookshop!
-By recommending these books, I am not saying they are perfect. Their quality is somewhat dependent on the age and interests of the kids reading them as well as the support and background knowledge they have. As always, you should preview and make the decision as to what is best for your kids or classroom (possibly thinking about some of the qualities I talk about in this post).
-Some of these books I've inherited, a lot I have purchased, and some were sent to me by the author/publisher, but all of them are books I have used/gifted/recommended in my classroom or as a DRE. I'm only sharing with you what I like and use.
-This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. That means that if you click through and purchase something, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you. I'd also love to encourage you to shop directly with the publisher or with your local bookshop!
-By recommending these books, I am not saying they are perfect. Their quality is somewhat dependent on the age and interests of the kids reading them as well as the support and background knowledge they have. As always, you should preview and make the decision as to what is best for your kids or classroom (possibly thinking about some of the qualities I talk about in this post).
-Obviously there are tons of books that you could find Catholic themes within (virtue, symbolism, etc.) but these are books with explicit Catholic content and I've sorted them into a "genres" below.
-These lists are roughly organized from youngest interest level to oldest. They are also far from complete and I invite you to chime in with your favorites in the comments. Feel free to book mark this post as I will come back and continue to add to it!
-These lists are roughly organized from youngest interest level to oldest. They are also far from complete and I invite you to chime in with your favorites in the comments. Feel free to book mark this post as I will come back and continue to add to it!
-As this list grows, it can be hard to find things! I use this list and the keyboard shortcut CTRL + F (or Command + F on a Mac) to search on the page all the time! You can do the same with a key word to help you find a certain topic or Saint.
The Bible
Overall Scripture:
Old Testament:
Colors of Creation, by Paul Thigpen
God's Wildest Wonderment of All, Thigpen, Paul
God's Wildest Wonderment of All, Thigpen, Paul
Noah and the Ark, Tomie de Paola
New Testament:
Through the Year with Jesus- Bogner, Katherine
The Gospel for Little Ones- Roche, Maite
Jesus, Savior of the World, Marlyn Evangelina Monge
Jesus, Savior of the World, Marlyn Evangelina Monge
I Wonder About the Good Shepherd- Jenny Luetkemeyer
Jesus, Son of Mary- Sheen, Fulton
Jesus, Our Savior- Szczebak, Patricia
Jesus, Son of Mary- Sheen, Fulton
Jesus, Our Savior- Szczebak, Patricia
Seek and Find: The Life of Jesus- Geert de Sutter
Compendium of Marian Devotions- Fr. Ed Broom
Walking with Jesus to Calvary: Stations of the Cross for Children- Burrin, Angela
Sacraments
What are some of your favorite Catholic books for kids? Feel free to add them in comments or reply with an email!
Brother Lorenzo's Pretzels: Prayer and the Holy Trinity, Bilinsky, Cornelia
The Catholic Comic Book Bible: Acts of the Apostles
Beatitales: 80 Fables about the Beatitudes for Children- Dees, Jared
Life of Christ Lectio Divina Journal, Education in Virtue
Beatitales: 80 Fables about the Beatitudes for Children- Dees, Jared
Life of Christ Lectio Divina Journal, Education in Virtue
Our Lady, Undoer of Knots- Sylvia Dorham
Our Blessed Mother: The Story of Mary for Children- Orfeo, Christina Virginia
Our Blessed Mother: The Story of Mary for Children- Orfeo, Christina Virginia
Mary, the Mother of Jesus, Tomie de Paola
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Story Book- Windeatt, Mary Fabyan (and series)
Mary's Story- Boss, Sarah Jane
Mary's Story- Boss, Sarah Jane
On a Mission to Love- Staresinic, Debbie
Our Lady of Fatima: The Graphic Novel- Estrada, Sam(Organized alphabetically, not by age)
Encounter the Saints Series from Pauline Books and Media (any of series)
B
(Benedict) The Holy Twins- de Paola, Tomie
Bernadette: The Little Girl from Lourdes- Sophie Maraval-Hutin
(Bernadette) The Saint Chronicles Collection 3
C
(Catherine of Siena) The Women Doctors of the Church- Colleen Pressprich
(St. Celestine V) The Saints Chronicles, Collection 5
(St. Charles Lwanga and Companions) The Saint Chronicles Collection 3
D
E
(Elizabeth Ann Seton) The Saint Chronicles Collection 1
(Elizabeth of Hungary) Roses in the Snow- Jackson, Dessi
F
(Faustina) Divine Mercy for Children- Vinny Flynn
Francis of Assisi Little Saint Stories Board Book- Cassie Herrington
(St. Francis Xavier) Great Missionaries throughout the Ages- Gaelle Tertrais
(Francisco Marto) Our Lady of Fatima: The Graphic Novel- Estrada, Sam
(Francisco Marto) Our Lady Came to Fatima- Ruth Fox Hume
G
H
(Henriette DeLille) Black Catholics on the Road to Sainthood- Michael Heinlein
(Henry Morse) The Saint Chronicles Collection 1
I
(Ignatius of Loyola) The Saint Chronicles Collection 5
J
(Jacinta Marto) Our Lady of Fatima: The Graphic Novel- Estrada, Sam
(Jacinta Marto) Our Lady Came to Fatima- Ruth Fox Hume
(St. Jerome Emiliani) The Saint Chronicles Collection 1
(Joan of Arc) The Saint Chronicles Collection 1
John Paul II Little Saint Stories Board Book- Cassie Herrington
(Julia Greely) Black Catholics on the Road to Sainthood- Michael Heinlein
K
L
M
(Martin of Tours) The Sword and the Cape- Love, Pamela
(Mary Magdalene) The Miracle of the Red Egg, Elizabeth Crispina Johnson
N
O
P
(Pachomius) The Saints Chronicles, Collection 2
Q
R
S
(Samson) The Saint Chronicles Collection 3
(Scholastica) The Holy Twins- de Paola, Tomie
T
(Teresa of Avila) The Interior Castle: A Boy's Journey into the Riches of Prayer, Judith Bouilloc
(Teresa of Avila) The Women Doctors of the Church- Colleen Pressprich
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Saints (Collection)
(Organized from youngest readers to oldest)
Cloud of Witnesses- Warner, Katie
Cloud of Witnesses- Warner, Katie
You Were Born to Be a Saint, Kortnee Senn
Sleepytime Saints: A to Z- Michael and Marcy Kelleher
Picture Book of Saints- Lovasik, Fr. (and others in series)
Saints for Young Readers for Every Day- Wallace, Susan
Light of Heaven: A Children's Book of Saints, Adalee Hude
Light of Heaven, Saints Coloring Book, by Adalee Hude
Light of Heaven: A Children's Book of Saints, Adalee Hude
Light of Heaven, Saints Coloring Book, by Adalee Hude
Light of the Saints, Cory Heimann
In the Footsteps of the Saints (any in series)
In the Footsteps of the Saints (any in series)
Radiate: More Stories of Daring Teen Saints- Swaim, Colleen
Stories of the Saints: Bold and Inspiring Tales of Adventure, Grace, and Courage
Stories of the Saints: Bold and Inspiring Tales of Adventure, Grace, and Courage
A Saint a Day: 365 True Stories of Faith and Heroism, Meredith Hines
The Saint Chronicles (Series)- Multiple Authors
The Saint Chronicles (Series)- Multiple Authors
In Caelo et in Terra: 365 Days with the Saints- The Daughters of St. Paul
Brilliant: 25 Catholic Scientists, Mathematicians, and Supersmart People- David Michael Warren and Jaclyn Warren
Pray for Us: 75 Saints who Sinned, Suffered, and Struggled on Their Way to Holiness, Meg Hunter-Kilmer (For older kids, contains more sensitive topics)
Memorized Prayers:
Little Prayers for Little Ones- Jablonski, Patricia
The Catholic Treasury of Prayers & Verses- Adalee Hude
How to Pray and Types of Prayer:
The Interior Castle: A Boy's Journey into the Riches of Prayer, Judith Bouilloc
Jesus and Me: Talking with My Greatest Friend- Melissa Kirking
The Rosary:
Journals and Devotionals:
Be Yourself! Journal for Catholic Girls, Amy Brooks
Family and Communal Prayer:
Liturgical Year
Advent/Christmas
A Child's Christmas Counting Book- Thigpen, Paul
The Birds of Bethlehem- dePaola, Tomie
The Night of Las Posadas, dePaola Tomie
The Legend of the Poinsettia, dePaola, Tomie
The Legend of Old Befana, dePaola, Tomie
The Birds of Bethlehem- dePaola, Tomie
The Night of Las Posadas, dePaola Tomie
The Legend of the Poinsettia, dePaola, Tomie
The Legend of Old Befana, dePaola, Tomie
The Shepherd at the Crib and at the Cross- Patrick O'Hearn
Bambinelli Sunday: A Christmas Blessing, Welborn, Amy
Angela and the Baby Jesus- McCort, Frank
24 Christmas Stories for Little Ones
Santa's Priority, Tom Peterson
The Little Star, by Anthony DeStefano
Bambinelli Sunday: A Christmas Blessing, Welborn, Amy
Angela and the Baby Jesus- McCort, Frank
24 Christmas Stories for Little Ones
Santa's Priority, Tom Peterson
The Little Star, by Anthony DeStefano
The Crippled Lamb- Lucado, Max
Voices of Christmas- Grimes, Nikki
Aaron's Secret Message, Pfister, Marcus
Voices of Christmas- Grimes, Nikki
Aaron's Secret Message, Pfister, Marcus
Celebrate the Season; Twelve Short Stories for Advent and Christmas- Lynch, Diane M.
Sisters of the Last Straw #5: The Case of the Christmas Tree Capers, Karen Kelly Boyce
Christmas Around the Fire, Ryan N. S. Topping
Sisters of the Last Straw #5: The Case of the Christmas Tree Capers, Karen Kelly Boyce
Christmas Around the Fire, Ryan N. S. Topping
The Jesse Tree Advent Journal, Lumen Ecclesiae Press
O Come, Emmanuel, Kendra Tierney
Advent and Christmas One Day at a Time for Catholic Teens, Katie Prejean McGrady & Tommy McGrady
Simon of Cyrene and the Legend of the Easter Egg- Degazelle, Terri
Tale of the Three Trees- Hunt, Angela Elwell
Tale of the Three Trees- Hunt, Angela Elwell
Stations of the Cross Books For Kids- Post with twelve options and lots of detail!
The Stations of the Cross for Children Written by Jerry Windley-Daoust and illustrated by Vicki Shuck
15-Minute Stations of the Cross For Kids Written by Jared Dees and illustrated by Ezekiel Saucedo
The Way of the Cross Written by Juliette Levivier and illustrated by Anne Gravier
Stations of the Cross For Kids by Regina Doman, illustrated by Chris Lewis
All:
My First Book of Catholic Pictures Michele Chronister
Baptism:
Chosen! Jenna Guizar
The Sacraments in Action (Includes Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation)
Confirmation:
The Sacraments in Action (Includes Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation)
Set a Fire: The Holy Spirit Book for Kids from Blessed is She
Eucharist:
Where is Jesus Hidden? Maura Roan McKeegan
With Jesus Always: My Mass Book by Sadlier Publishing
I Look at Jesus and Jesus Looks at Me- Nannet Horton
Jesus in Space: A True Story That's Out of This World- Cecilia Cicone
The Sacraments in Action (Includes Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation)
Reconciliation:
Anointing of the Sick:
Holy Orders:
Matrimony:
The Very Young Catholics Series
Look it Up!- Alampi, Janet
Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, St. Mary's Press
YOUCAT
The Church Rocks!- Hill, Mary Lea
Did Adam & Eve Have Belly Buttons?- Pinto & Evert
Did Jesus Have a Last Name?- Pinto & Evert
Ask the Bible Geek- Hart, Mark
Blessed Are the Bored in Spirit- Hart, Mark
Totally Catholic- Glavich, Mary Kathlessn
100 Things Every Catholic Teen Should Know
The Strangeness of Truth- Ference, Fr. Damian
Look it Up!- Alampi, Janet
Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, St. Mary's Press
YOUCAT
The Church Rocks!- Hill, Mary Lea
Did Adam & Eve Have Belly Buttons?- Pinto & Evert
Did Jesus Have a Last Name?- Pinto & Evert
Ask the Bible Geek- Hart, Mark
Blessed Are the Bored in Spirit- Hart, Mark
Totally Catholic- Glavich, Mary Kathlessn
100 Things Every Catholic Teen Should Know
The Strangeness of Truth- Ference, Fr. Damian
Stories/Novels/Activity Books
Before Austen Comes Aesop: The Children's Great Books and How to Experience Them- Blomquist, Cheri (great guide for discerning reading the great books with your children)
Before Austen Comes Aesop: The Children's Great Books and How to Experience Them- Blomquist, Cheri (great guide for discerning reading the great books with your children)
Before I Was Me- Frank Fraser
The Monks' Daily Bread- Dorham, Sylvia
The Monks' Stormy Night- Dorham, Sylvia
The Fruit Tree- Restaino, Mark
Chime Travelers Series- Hendey, Lisa
I'm Bernadette! (and series)- Ortega, Emily Grace
Anna Goes to a Party & Learns About the Mass- Kramer-Kost, Gabriele
Prince Martin Series, Hale, Brandon
The Monks' Daily Bread- Dorham, Sylvia
The Monks' Stormy Night- Dorham, Sylvia
The Fruit Tree- Restaino, Mark
Chime Travelers Series- Hendey, Lisa
I'm Bernadette! (and series)- Ortega, Emily Grace
Anna Goes to a Party & Learns About the Mass- Kramer-Kost, Gabriele
Prince Martin Series, Hale, Brandon
The Adventures of Lupio Series- Kieffer, Jean-Francois
Clown of God, dePaola, Tomie
The Christian Alphabet
Clown of God, dePaola, Tomie
The Christian Alphabet
Justice on the Acropolis, B.B. Gallagher
The Island of the Two Trees- Kennelly, Brian
St. Patrick's Summer- Hunt, Marigold
The Island of the Two Trees- Kennelly, Brian
St. Patrick's Summer- Hunt, Marigold
Roxy the Ritzy Camel, by Anthony DeStefano
The Puppy That No One Wanted, by Anthony DeStefano
The Sheep that No One Could Find, by Anthony DeStefano
The Puppy That No One Wanted, by Anthony DeStefano
The Sheep that No One Could Find, by Anthony DeStefano
Miraculous! Catholic Mysteries for Kids- Swegart, Kathryn Griffin
32 Days- Prozeller
Catholic Funny Fill Ins- Tighe, Tommy
Catholic Funny Fill-Ins: Saints Spectacular!, by Karen and Tommy Tighe
32 Days- Prozeller
Catholic Funny Fill Ins- Tighe, Tommy
Catholic Funny Fill-Ins: Saints Spectacular!, by Karen and Tommy Tighe
Pauline Kids Coloring Books
Jesus Speaks to You Coloring Book
Light of Heaven, Saints Coloring Book, by Adalee Hude
The Wolf and the Shield- Smith, Sherry Weaver
Jesus Speaks to You Coloring Book
Light of Heaven, Saints Coloring Book, by Adalee Hude
The Wolf and the Shield- Smith, Sherry Weaver
The Phantom of the Colosseum, Sophie de Mullenheim
Today Someone I Loved Passed Away
I Will Remember You: My Catholic Guide Through Grief
After the Funeral
Sometimes Life is Just Not Fair: Hope for Kids Through Grief and Loss
When Your Grandparent Dies: A Child's Guide to Good Grief
That Easter Sunday: A Story of Resilience, Friendship, and Hope, by Nadishka Aloysius
I Will Remember You: My Catholic Guide Through Grief
After the Funeral
Sometimes Life is Just Not Fair: Hope for Kids Through Grief and Loss
When Your Grandparent Dies: A Child's Guide to Good Grief
That Easter Sunday: A Story of Resilience, Friendship, and Hope, by Nadishka Aloysius
How to Handle My Emotions: Sadness- Tertrais, Mouliere, de Nouel
What are some of your favorite Catholic books for kids? Feel free to add them in comments or reply with an email!
Thank you so much Katie!!! Great Christmas gift ideas!
ReplyDeleteMy question: Do you have a recommendation for a good Bible for teen for Confirmation gift? Thank you again!
Hi Trisha! I'd definitely recommend a good gift Bible in the NABRE or RSVCE translations! For a girl, the Blessed is She Journaling Bible would be my top pick. For either boy or girl, the Ave Maria Journaling Bible or the Great Adventure Bible look awesome too!
DeleteThis post filled me with glee. : D Thank you for all the suggestions!
ReplyDeleteAdditional recommendations for the scripture genre:
Old Testament Rhymes - Benson
Catholic Nursery Rhymes - St. Augustine Academy Press
Noah's Ark - Peter Spier (amazon)
Additional recommendations for saint collection genre:
Heroes of God's Church - Mortimer (St. Augustine Academy Press)
So Many Ways to Be Holy - Holy Heroes
Donkey's Dream - Bergner & There Was No Snow on Christmas Eve - Munoz Ryan for Advent/Christmas.
The Virgin Mary Around the World (a board book by shining light dolls I think?) my kids liked too even though we don't collect peg dolls.
Also recommend the book about St. John Vianney by Mullenheim. I see other books by her on your list that I didn't know existed. Thanks!
Oh! One last board book recommendation: The Saving Name of God the Son by Bethlehem Books and God the Father's Loving Plan board book by them too.
The Donkey's Dream by Berger, Barbara Helen (no n in the last name)
DeleteThank you for the wonderful suggestions.
Another story category suggestion: A Gift of Myself - Douglas (Scepter Publishers)
ReplyDeleteAlso, for CHristimas: The Third Gift - Park
Thank you for all of your suggestions!
DeleteHi Katie, I love your list and come back to it often. Do you have a suggestion for a book for a Confirmandi 8th grader about how faith and science are not incompatible? Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry I missed this comment! Just in case someone had the same question, Brilliant by David and Jaclyn Warren might be helpful. I also think that the websites CredibleCatholic.com and ReasonFaithScience.com are great and navigable for an 8th grader!
DeleteLilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes has elements of Reconciliation in a secular book. An Orange for Frankie Patricia Polacco great for Catholic social teaching,
ReplyDelete