I bought this book years ago to read aloud to the kids, but they ended up listening to it at Children's Adoration at our parish instead. The moderators of Mater Amabilis have recently suggested it as an alternative catechism book for fifth grade (Level 2 Year 2). Second Son, my youngest, was just starting Level 2 Year 1, but I thought this would be a good year to schedule catechism because I didn't know how it would go in a Covid year at our parish. They ended up meeting every Sunday in person, just as planned, but Second Son read through the book as well.
In St. Patrick's Summer, two young children are prepared for First Communion by miraculous visits from St. Patrick in the answer to prayers from their faithful (but tired) catechist. He teaches them about the beginnings of the Catholic faith and the meaning of the Eucharist in a way that makes the faith not only alive to them, but relevant to their daily lives.
The explanations are excellent. Very often they give a basic idea but encourage the reader to learn more as they grow; they leave lots of room for nuance and a deeper understanding as children mature.
This is a great book for kids to read independently in Level 2. Second Son read and narrated about half a chapter once a week. Some chapters are longer and were divided into three readings. It would also be a good book for First Communion preparation, but parents may want to read it aloud.
I have received nothing in exchange for this post. Links to Amazon and Bookshop are affiliate links. I purchased this book.
