edited by Inos Biffi
illustrations by Franco Vignazia
text by Inos Biffi
illustrations by Franco Vignazia
These two books are recommended by Mater Amabilis™ for Level 1A for Advent reading. I've mentioned them in the past when I've blogged about our Advent plans in general, but I thought I'd highlight them in their own post.
The Life of Mary is focused almost entirely on the illustrations, drawn to resemble stained glass windows. The limited text focuses the reader on the events of the life of Mary as they are related in the Gospels, pulling from (Roman and Ambrosian) liturgy, hymns (including at least one of the Eastern Church), and Scripture.
The meditations cover:
- The Annunciation
- The Visitation
- The Nativity
- The Presentation in the Temple
- The Flight into Egypt
- The Loss and Finding of Jesus in the Temple
- The Wedding at Cana
- The Crucifixion
- The Ascension
- Pentecost
- The Assumption or Dormition
The Way to Bethlehem contains more text than The Life of Mary. Based on the Gospel stories leading up to the Nativity and through the infancy of Jesus (coming of the Wise Men, flight into Egypt, return to Nazareth), it provides the same kind of contemplative artwork. The second section provides information on the saints of the season: Mary, Joseph, Zechariah, Elizabeth, John the Baptist, Angels and Shepherds, Wise Men, the Innocents, Simeon, Anna, Nicholas, Lucy, Stephen, John, Thomas Becket.I was afraid the children would be upset by the page on Herod's killing of the Innocents, but they seemed less saddened than I was. Perhaps my response was stronger because I had little babies myself when I first read it.
These are two beautifully illustrated books. The illustrations are stylized (much as you see on the covers) with brilliant colors.
When First Son was in Level 1A, I read both of these books aloud, a few pages a day, while the children ate breakfast. (That's our Morning Time / Morning Basket / whatever it's called now.) Reading aloud allowed me to control the reading rate, encouraging contemplation and a prayerful attitude.
As families change, so did our time all together, so the other three children read it on their own. In some ways, independent reading provides a great opportunity for a child to immerse themselves in these meditations, but I wasn't able to see whether either of them really took advantage of that opportunity. It's possible they were more focused on just finishing the reading for the day. (One way to combat that hastiness is to follow the Mater Amabilis™ recommendation to cut back on some of the other readings during Advent; the children then really have more time to appreciate the liturgical year readings.)
Here's the schedule I used for the those who read on their own. You might need to adjust the readings a bit to match the time you have in Advent and time you want to be off school for the season. I did not ask them for narrations.
Independent Reading Schedule
Second Grade: The Way to BethlehemWeek 1
1 - pp. 8-11
2 - pp. 12-15
3 - pp. 16-19
Week 2
1 - pp. 20-23
2 - pp. 24-27
3 - pp. 28-31
Week 3
1 - pp. 32-35
2 - pp. 36-39
3 - pp. 40-43
Week 4
1 - pp. 44-47
Third Grade: The Life of Mary
Week 1
1 - pp. 6-9
2 - pp. 10-13
Week 2
1 - pp. 14-17
2 - pp. 18-21
Week 3
1 - pp. 22-25
2 - pp. 26-27
I intend to keep these books on our shelves because I do think they invite and encourage prayer for all ages. I hope the children will revisit them.
I've linked to Amazon above, but I have frequently found these books available directly from Liturgy Training Publications at reasonable prices.
I have received nothing in exchange for this post. Links to Amazon are affiliate links.
