The Catholic Company Book Review: A Donkey's Tale

A Donkey's Tale by Stefano Gorla, illustrated by Angela Marchetti

This sweetly illustrated book tells the story of Jesus' life, beginning with the Nativity, and continuing through the Resurrection and Ascension, from the point of view of the fictional donkey, Ladan.

The book retells many familiar Gospel stories. Some of the quotations seem to be directly from a Bible, but others are obvious (and sometimes jarring) paraphrases. Overall, the stories are faithful to the meanings and I would willingly share them with my children.

Each story, however, ends with the phrase "...I was there." The description of the book says:

The phrase "…because I was there" is repeated by the donkey at the end of each story, emphasizing the importance of being a witness of and to the faith. Sensitively expressed and colorfully illustrated, A Donkey's Tale encourages children to also be witnesses to the faith by sharing what they have seen and heard about Jesus with others.

I guess I can understand the author's goal, but I found myself frustrated that the truth of the Gospel was contrasted with the obviously fictional viewpoint of the donkey with words that indicated we should believe the Gospel story because the donkey was telling it and he was a witness to the events. We do not believe these stories because of the witness of a donkey and I felt like those repeated words detracted from the book.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an objective review. This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on A Donkey's Tale. The Catholic Company is the best resource for all your seasonal needs such as First Communion gifts as well as ideas and gifts for the special papal Year of Faith.

The Catholic Company Book Review: The Queen and the Cross

The Queen and the Cross: The Story of Saint Helen
by Cornelia Mary Bilinsky

This book relates the legend of St. Helen and her journey to Jerusalem to find the cross on which Jesus died. It begins when her son has brought her to be Queen in Rome (leaving the details of how her husband divorced her to a note in the back, where parents can choose whether to share it). Through prayer, trust, and miracles, the true cross is found and identified.

While I haven't read every saint story, I have read quite a few. This is the first I've seen on St. Helen for young children. It would be appropriate to read aloud to all ages. I also liked the illustrations of St. Helen. Though she is a Queen, she seems like a beautiful grandmother, someone anyone could approach.

I appreciate how Pauline Books and Media have published this book in hardcover. They last so much better than paperbacks, especially in families with multiple children.

This would be a good book to share with children on St. Helen's feast day, August 18th, or for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 14th. (You could read the book while munching on delicious hot cross buns.)

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an objective review. This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on The Queen and the Cross-The Story of St. Helen. The Catholic Company is the best resource for all your seasonal needs such as First Communion gifts as well as ideas and gifts for the special papal Year of Faith.

September 2013 Book Report

The Catholic Prayer Book compiled by Msgr. Michael Buckley and edited by Tony Castle
(a review for The Catholic Company)

Fairchild Family Series by Rebecca Caudill (purchased copies, three directly from the publisher, Bethlehem Books)

Poetic Knowledge by James S. Taylor (Kansas Dad's copy, which I think was a gift from a fellow professor)

Bambinelli Sunday by Amy Welborn (a review for The Catholic Company)

The Children's Homer by Padraic Colum (purchased from Sacred Heart Books and Gifts)

The Mass and the Saints by Thomas Crean, O.P. is a book I bought the spring before First Son began his First Communion preparation...so that would have been the spring of 2011. It's too bad I didn't have time to read it that year because it really did provide some insight for me into the depth of meaning of the Mass. For each part of the Mass, the author has compiled quotes from saints and doctors of the church and other theologians and early writers. It follows the Latin Mass, but I found it interesting how much applied to the new Roman Missal. I carried my copy to the pool last summer and it got wet so I can't swap it on PaperBackSwap. Let me know if you'd be interested in reading it and I'll see about getting it to you. (purchased from the publisher)

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain is a classic, of course, though not one I had read before. I am still considering it for First Son to read next year (in fifth grade) for independent reading. I think he would enjoy parts of it and there are benefits to being familiar with the story, but I have to admit I had some problems myself, in particular with the treatment of Tom's relationship with Becky Thatcher. It's unlikely First Son would notice that very much. It's probably the sort of book that appeals more to boys in general than to mothers. (free Kindle edition)

The Saint Book for Parents, Teachers, Homilists, Storytellers, and Children by Mary Reed Newland is an older book of saints. I thought it was fine, though I wouldn't give it to my children to read. There are quite a few stories that assume a knowledge of mature relationships (nothing inappropriate is mentioned, it's just not something my young children would understand yet). Overall, though, I think there are better saint books, especially for younger children, and this one can be hard to find because it's out of print. (PaperBackSwap.com)

The Catholic Mother's Helper in Training Her Children by Sister Mary, IHM, Sister Mary Roberta, OP, and Sister Mary Rosary, OP, is a series of lessons in which a mother (I suppose other caregiver as well) retells stories of the saints or from the Bible, both to impart knowledge of the Bible stories and to encourage virtuous behavior. Overall, I found the stories acceptable and easily adapted to a more modern household, if that's you're desire, but I think they are unnecessary in our home. In many ways, our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd classes do much the same thing, but I think they are even better. If, however, you do not have access to Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and want some way to bring these stories to life without creating a lot of materials yourself, this book might be a good place to start. It seems to be a little hard to find. I could probably be persuaded to share my copy if anyone local is interested in looking it over. (gifted from a former homeschooling mom)

New Lands (Chronicles of Egg #2) by Geoff Rodkey is the second in a series I started reading as a preview for First Son. This book might be even better than the first and they are both definitely on his list for summer reading next year (when he'll be between fourth and fifth grades). Egg's romantic relationship (mostly imaginary) is still outside First Son's interests, but I think he'll love the action and adventure. The friendships Egg develops are worthwhile, too. (library copy)

The Blight of Muirwood by Jeff Wheeler is also the second in a series. It's a fantasy tale of supernatural battles of good and evil and the end of the world (in Noah's sense). I think it's written for young adults, but I've enjoyed the books. I'm not pre-reading them for the children, just enjoying them as a bit of fun reading. (borrowed for free from the Kindle Owners' Lending Library)


Books in Progress (and date started)

• The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins (August 2013)
• Father Damien and the Bells by Arthur and Elizabeth Sheehan (August 2013)
• Half Upon a Time by James Riley (September 2013)
• The Diary of a Country Priest by Georges Bernanos (September 2013)
• Tending the Heart of Virtue by Vigen Guroian (September 2013)
• The Wonder Clock by Howard Pyle (September 2013)
• Captains Courageous by Rudyard Kipling (September 2013)

The Catholic Company Book Review: Bambinelli Sunday

Bambinelli Sunday: A Christmas Blessing
Written by Amy Welborn
Illustrated by Ann Kissane Engelhart

I was really excited to request this book from The Catholic Company for review. We have used a number of Amy Welborn's books in our homeschool for saint studies and First Communion preparation. Because I read a picture book a day every Advent, I am always seeking out new Christmas books.

In Italy, there is a holiday tradition to bring the baby Jesus from the creche to be blessed by the Pope on the third Sunday of Advent. The story of Alessandro, young and left with his grandparents for an extended stay while his parents work, is told around that tradition. Alessandro is having trouble finding the joy in the season and fitting in with the neighbor children when his grandfather suggests he make his own infant Jesus to take to Rome for the blessing.

I love the descriptions of the tradition of Bambinelli Sunday. The very first pages, when the tradition is described, and the street of Naples filled with shops of Nativity scenes, are quite lovely. The book is at its best when describing how Alessandro shapes and paints his own Jesus. Altogether, though, I was a little disappointed with the book. At one point, Alessandro takes one of his grandfather's figurines to be blessed (after his own is broken), which is stealing. Later he gives the figurine away. While I suppose this is to show us his growth in generosity, I can't set aside the fact that it was not his figurine to give away.

We're supposed to see Alessandro growing in faith and charity, but as he never apologizes for any of his mistakes and is only happy when he gets what he wants, I don't see how the book actually shows that. I'm a little ambivalent about sharing the book with my children. I wouldn't say it's a bad book, but with so many other wonderful Advent and Christmas books, I'm not sure it will end up on my list.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an objective review. On an unrelated note, I noticed these new Shining Light dolls while I was getting the links for this review. They look adorable. I'd love to give these to our young goddaughters for Christmas! (I don't get anything if you click any link to The Catholic Company.)

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Bambinelli Sunday: A Christmas Blessing. The Catholic Company is the best resource for all your seasonal needs such as First Communion gifts as well as ideas and gifts for the special papal Year of Faith. 

The Catholic Company Book Review: The Catholic Prayer Book

The Catholic Prayer Book
Compiled by Msgr. Michael Buckley; Edited by Tony Castle

This is a wonderful little prayer book. The cover feels nice and the pages are light-weight but not too delicate.

Included are many well-known prayers, prayers from the Roman Missal, and a few select modern prayers the editors believe will stand the test of time. The prayers are organized in sections: prayers to the Holy Trinity, prayers regarding the sacraments, daily prayers, family prayers, prayers for special needs, prayer to Mary (including the Rosary), prayers to angels and saints, and prayers for the Holy Souls.

I haven't read every prayer in the book. After all, it's meant to be used over a lifetime, not read in a few weeks.

The manner in which each person uses The Catholic Prayer Book will be unique as he or she grows in the life of the Spirit. That the reader will come to love and treasure this book as an instrument that leads to a fuller life with God: This is its function and my prayer for you. (Micheal Buckley)

I have flipped through every section, finding many prayers I recognize and new ones as well. There were quite a few in the section on family prayers I think we'll incorporate into our morning or evening prayers over the years, as the children grow. I do wish it had a prayer or a blessing for the anniversary of a baptism, but that was the only thing I sought that I did not find.

There are some Christian prayers that are not specifically Catholic.

The Church is spiritually one. In this it reflects the unity of the Trinity. But we live, in fact, in a fragmented Church and world. We believe that the Spirit pours out his gifts on all those in the Church who confess Jesus as Lord to the glory of the Father. The Catholic Prayer Book, therefore, in acknowledging this diversity of spiritual gifts of the Spirit to all members of Christ's Church, incorporates in its pages many prayers of Christian denominations other than Catholic.

The brief section, "How to Use this Prayer Book," contains some succinct advice for anyone wondering how to pray.

Prayer is not a matter of talking a great deal but of loving a great deal. It is thinking about God while loving him and loving him while thinking about him. Silence, for the Christian, is not just the absence of speech but the stillness of soul in which our true self is united with its Creator and Father. We become silent in awe and wonder, as we contemplate God within us. It is an experience too rich and sensitive for words.

This is the perfect prayer book to pack for a trip, to take to Adoration, for someone with a tiny apartment (or dorm room), and especially for someone who will be somewhere without access to the Internet because it lists so many important and common Catholic prayers. It is worthy of gift-giving for important occasions like confirmations and graduations.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on The Catholic Prayer Book. The Catholic Company is the best resource for all your seasonal needs such as First Communion gifts as well as ideas and gifts for the special papal Year of Faith.

July 2013 Book Reports

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon is a novel written from the perspective of a fifteen year old autistic boy. I don't know how accurate it is in depicting an autistic person, but there is a paragraph early in the book that sounded exactly like a young autistic I know. It is an interesting and different narrative form for a novel. This is a quick read and I enjoyed it, but I always find myself saddened by "regular" people in novels who do horrible things, as if that's just how life is now. (started at a friend's house, finished with a library copy)

The Hero's Guide to Storming the Castle by Christopher Healy is the sequel to The Hero's Gide to Saving Your Kingdom, which I read last month. It's just as enjoyable and in some ways has a little more depth. More books are in store and I intend to read them all! First Son enjoyed the first one, laughing out loud sometimes as he was reading it. He'll read this one, too. (library copy)

Destination: Bethlehem by Sharon R. Altman follows two cousins who independently develop relationships with the Holy Family in the months leading up to the Nativity. The 24 chapters are meant to be read on the 24 days in December before Christmas as an Advent activity. I found the story to be adequate despite my higher hopes for it, though there is some usefulness is providing the historical information for children. I'm not sure if we'll read this book during Advent. I may ask First Son (who will be in fourth grade) to read it independently. I don't think it would be bad to read; I'm just not sure it would be better than other books I've already planned. (received as a gift)

The Songs of Distant Earth by Arthur C. Clarke is a science fiction story based in the far future, when Earth has sent seed ships to the far reaches of the galaxy to avoid the elimination of mankind when the destruction of Earth was assured. A spaceship from Earth arrives at a thriving colony. It was fun to read and interesting to ponder, though it's probably not surprising that Clarke and I differ on many opinions. (Kindle edition borrowed from the Kindle Owners' Lending Library)

The End of the Affair by Graham Greene (PaperBackSwap.com)

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson is so enjoyable! I can't believe I had never read it. At first I was going to ask First Son to read it independently, but I think instead I'll read it aloud to the whole family next year. (Kindle edition, though we received a real copy as a gift)

Theras and His Town by Caroline Dale Snedeker (purchased copy from Sacred Heart Books and Gifts)

Impressionism: 50 Paintings You Should Know by Ines Janet Engelmann gives a summary of Impressionism and then presents fifty paintings in chronological order with brief descriptions of the painting or the painter for each one. At the top is a timeline that extends throughout the book. I enjoyed this book and felt like it gave a nice overview of the subject and some important paintings, helping me to prepare for our picture study in the upcoming year; we'll be studying Renoir, Degas, and Monet. (library copy)

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate was a pre-read for First Son. It's the tale of Ivan, a gorilla living in a small cage at a mall zoo until a tiny new inmate prompts him to change. It seems to be written at a pretty easy level with lots of very short chapters that will be inviting to weak readers, but the character growth and topics (animal cruelty and zoos) are appropriate for older readers. First Son may be a little young for a few of those lessons (at nine), but there's nothing here he can't read. It's a great tale of compassion, bravery, hope, and understanding. (library copy)

Prayer (a review for The Catholic Company)

Real Learning: Education in the Heart of the Home by Elizabeth Foss (received as a gift)

Sarah, Plain and Tall and Skylark and Caleb's Story by Patricia Maclachlan is the trilogy of the beginning of a family, when Anna's father puts an ad in a newspaper for a wife, answered by Sarah. Shockingly, I had never read these books. The first is my favorite, with beautiful and halting descriptions of Anna's hopes and fears. The last is a good story of forgiveness and a reminder to parents of the ways our children watch our actions. These are on my list as possibilities for First Daughter to read in first grade. (purchased used on Cathswap)

The Toothpaste Millionaire by Jean Merrill was written in the 1970s, telling of a white girl befriended by a black boy who go on together to build a successful toothpaste company. First Son will be reading it next year in his financial literacy studies and I think he'll enjoy it. It's a good book of entrepreneurship, friendship, math in real life, self-sufficiency, good corporate citizenship, and racial issues. It is surprisingly not too preachy but honestly fun. Definitely recommended. (library copy)

Something Beautiful for God: The Classic Account of Mother Teresa's Journey into Compassion by Malcom Muggeridge (purchased copy)

Deadweather and Sunrise: The Chronicles of Egg #1 by Geoff Rodkey is full of adventure and unexpected twists. I liked the main character, though I did not like how his family treated him. I think it's an intriguing beginning to a new trilogy for young readers and am excited for the next two. First Son could read this book, but now he's interested in the Redwall series so it's not clear I'll need to provide any leisure time reading for a while. There is one disturbing episode in which some pirates attempt to force themselves on a young woman which I worried would bother First Son, but Kansas Dad thinks he wouldn't really understand it and would just move on. I'm going to put this on our list for next summer (when he'll be ten), just in case I need to make some suggestions. (library copy)

Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury is as beautifully written as any Bradbury. And very creepy. (library copy)


Books in Progress (and date started)

• The Mass and the Saints (April 2013)
• Lorna Doone by Richard Blackmore (May 2013)
• The Catholic Mother's Helper in Training Her Children by Sister Mary, I.H.M, Sister Mary Roberta, O.P., Sister Mary Rosary, O.P. (June 2013)
• The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain (July 2013)
• St. Dominic and the Rosary by Catherine Beebe (July 2013)

The Catholic Company Book Review: Prayer

Prayer
Pope Benedict XVI

I have been wondering a lot about prayer recently: why I pray, what I expect when I pray, what I should pray. When I saw this book in the list of review books for The Catholic Company, I knew I should request it. I was a little worried that Pope Benedict would be too academic, but was instead surprised at how applicable the book was.

Pope Benedict presented forty-five catecheses on prayer during his general audiences from May 4, 2011 to October 3, 2012 that were edited slightly to be published as a single book. Over the course of the book, he draws extensively from Scripture as well as the writings and experiences of a few saints.

I could have quoted from every chapter. There is so much richness in each one.

The Giver is more precious than the gift. For us too, therefore, over and above what God bestows on us when we call on him, the greatest gift that he can give us is his friendship, his presence and his love. He is the precious treasure to ask for and to preserve forever.

The most important result of my time in prayer is the development of my relationship with God. It is not about asking for something and receiving it (or feeling like I don't). It's simply about spending time with him so that he can change me and change how I act in the world.

My favorite chapter was the one on St. Paul. Pope Benedict explained three results of the work of the Spirit. The second of these (you'll have to read the book to learn the other two) is a complete trusting of the Lord despite any trials and suffering.

We understand that with prayer we are not liberated from trials and suffering, but that we can live through them in union with Christ, with his suffering, in the hope of also participating in his glory.

In the chapter on St. Alphonsus Mary Liguori:

More than anything else we need his liberating presence which makes us truly fully human and hence fills our existence with joy. And it is only through prayer that we can receive him and his grace, which, by enlightening us in every situation, helps us to discern true good and by strengthening us also makes our will effective; that is, renders it capable of doing what we know is good.

A final quote:

The more and the better we pray, with constancy, with intensity, the more like him we shall be, and he will truly enter into our life and guide it, bestowing up on us joy and peace.

I am still working through the purpose and results of prayer myself, but this book was a wonderful source of thought and contemplation for me. Though I did not stop while reading it to look up the Scripture references, I have noticed the themes standing out more clearly to me in my Scripture readings. I highly recommend this book; it's definitely one of my favorites of all The Catholic Company book reviews I've done over the years.


I received a review copy of this book.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Prayer - by Pope Benedict XVI. The Catholic Company is the best resource for all your seasonal needs such as First Communion gifts as well as ideas and gifts for the special papal Year of Faith. 

Quote: Prayer

Pope Benedict XVI in Prayer (a review copy):

His words are a precious reminder to us today, used as we are to evaluating everything with the criterion of productivity and efficiency...Without daily prayer lived with fidelity, our acts are empty, they lose their profound soul, and are reduced to being mere activism which in the end leaves us dissatisfied.

At the end of the chapter:

And there is another precious reminder that I would like to underscore: in the relationships with God, in listening to his word, in dialogue with God, even when we may be in the silence of a church or of our room, we are united in the Lord to a great many brothers and sisters in faith, like an ensemble of musical instruments which, in spite of their individuality, raise to God one great symphony of intercession, of thanksgiving and praise.

Quote: Prayer

Pope Benedict XVI in Prayer (a review copy):

Dear brothers and sisters, in our prayer we should look more often at how, in the events of our own lives, the Lord has protected, guided and helped us, and we should praise Him for all He has done and does for us. We should be more attentive to the good things the Lord gives to us. We are always attentive to problems and to difficulties, and we are almost unwilling to perceive that there are beautiful things that come from the Lord. This attention, which becomes gratitude, is very important for us; it creates in us a memory for the good and it helps us also in times of darkness. God accomplishes great things, and whoever experiences this--attentive to the Lord's goodness with an attentiveness of heart--is filled with joy.

Quote: Prayer

Pope Benedict XVI in Prayer (a review copy):

Silence is the environmental condition most conducive to contemplation, to listening to God and to meditation. The very fact of enjoying silence and letting ourselves be "filled," so to speak, with silence, disposes us to prayer.

Quote: Prayer

Pope Benedict XVI in Prayer (a review copy):

Man bears within him a thirst for the infinite, a longing for eternity, a quest for beauty, a desire for love, a need for light and for truth that impel him towards the Absolute; man bears within him the desire for God. And man knows, in a certain way, that he can turn to God, he knows he can pray to him.

The Catholic Company Book Review: He and I

He and I

by Gabrielle Bossis

translated and condensed by Evelyn M. Brown

This book contains the journal entries of Ms. Bossis, a Frenchwoman who purportedly heard the voice of Jesus speaking to her repeatedly over the course of many years. Her voice usually gives little more than a place or time ("Holy Hour"), with the words of Jesus filling pages.

The book carries an Imprimatur (1969), indicating there is nothing within it that contradicts the faith, but it is a personal revelation and therefore no Catholic is required to believe either that Jesus spoke to Ms. Bossis or that these were His words. The more I thought about it, the more I became open to the possibility that Jesus really did speak to Ms. Bossis.

In the Preface, the translator writes:

If we can admit that Christ does speak in the soul, can we deny the possibility of a voice or at least of the impression of a voice? Gabrielle herself had doubts. The reply to one of them reveals her own suspicions: "And if these words do come from your own human nature, didn't I create that nature?"

If I believe one of the goals of prayer is to become still enough to hear the voice of God in our souls (and I do), then I should be pleased to read the results of one woman's dedicated prayer life. Ms. Bossis was not a contemplative nun; she was a woman out in the world, struggling through the war and keeping busy each day but always turning to Christ and carving time out of her schedule for regular Holy hours, hours of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.

"When you tidy your house, think that it is Mine and you will make it more beautiful. When you prepare your meals think that it is to honor Me. And when you rest your body, think that it is My body, My friend; and this is the reality, since all that you have is first Mine, isn't it?" (October 24, 1940)

In the journal entries are repeated encouragements and professions of great Love. The voice of Jesus guides Gabrielle Bossis in her daily life.

"The all-important thing is that you mean to imitate Me. You see you must continually purify your intention. Hold it up to Me like a little sanctuary lamp. Oh, this love-will to always please Me, to keep Me company, to comfort Me!

"Just now you offered Me one of the first violets saying, 'Perhaps no one has thought of giving you any today.' It was just a trifle, yet it was much to Me, for I am kept in the background on earth. I, the King of Heaven!" (March 16, 1944)

One of the amazing things apparent in the book is Ms. Bossis's continued struggles. Even a woman who hears the voice of Jesus still finds herself distracted at Mass or grumpy with her neighbors. Regular prayer can help us identify those areas in which we struggle and, hopefully, improve them, but it is a difficult journey.

This is my favorite quote in the entire book:

"If you want to gain strength to make a sacrifice, don't look at the sacrifice. Look at My joy." (February 14, 1947)

 When contemplating the response to Lui et moi, as published during her lifetime, the voice says:

"Do you know what we're doing in writing these pages? We're removing the false idea that this intimate life of the soul is possible only for the religious in the cloister. In reality My secret and tender love is for every human being living in the world. there is not one who does not have a mysterious yearning for it. And how true it is that each one wants to see someone live My love so that he may discover the means of reaching Me." (January 12, 1950)

As she lay ill, near the end of her life:

"So be filled with joy at the thought of approaching it, as you were in the airplane when you asked, 'Shall we be arriving soon?' And someone said, 'Keep on looking at the horizon and you'll be able to tell when the plane is about to land.' And if some of your dear ones were waiting for you, your heart leapt with joy. My child, the one who is waiting for you is your Creator and Savior. Go gaily to meet Him as if you were going to a festival. Lovingly prepare your 'going away' costume, the one ornamented with the jewels you have received from Him. And besides this, borrow the radiant colors--your heavenly mother's and your beloved's raiment. You must take the habit of adorning yourself in them every day. They are holding them out to you because they want to see their own beauty in you. Give them your humble smile, the smile of a child happy to be going home." (March 16, 1950)

What a beautiful way to envision death and our union with God.

More than anything, I was attracted to the relationship Ms. Bossis developed with our Lord and Jesus. The hours she spent in adoration allowed her to hear a voice, a voice that encouraged her to do even more for the Lord. The specific words Ms. Bossis recorded were spoken to her, to her spirit and relationships (though she was directed to publish them). I was encouraged in my own prayer life, eager to begin to develop the kind of inner peace and stillness that allows Jesus and the Holy Spirit to speak to me. I've always felt this is an area in which I fail repeatedly and was pleased to feel so encouraged by reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on He and I. The Catholic Company is the best resource for all your seasonal needs such as First Communion gifts as well as ideas and gifts for the special papal Year of Faith.

April 2013 Book Report

Yellow Star by Jennifer Roy is a poetic telling of a young child's life in a ghetto during World War II. It's quite good. A young reader could read it, but I do not intend to share it with my children anytime soon. Though the most awful horrors of the concentration camps are not in this book, the great number of people who disappear, die, or are shipped off in train cars never to return would still be distressing to a young child. Don't get me wrong; we'll study the Holocaust, but I'm not going to cover it with my young children. I think this book, though written in simple language, is a powerful story and recommend it. (Kindle version borrowed for free from the Kindle Owners' Lending Library)

A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms by Lisa M. Hendey (inter-library loan)

Athanasius by Simonetta Carr (inter-library loan)

Legends of the Saints by E. Lucia Turnbull is a book of legends, small stories of a number of different saints. I had read of these saints and some of the particular legends in the past, but this is a wonderful version. We're lucky the library has a copy of it. I'm going to put it on First Son's pile for his independent reading and will give it to First Daughter to read when her skills improve a little. I think it's a touch too easy for First Son, who is in third grade now, but he'll still enjoy it. Hopefully the library doesn't discard it before my other children read it; it's already usually in storage. (library copy)

Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome (library copy)

The Jack Tales by Richard Chase is a collection of tales from the American Southeast, all about Jack, who shares much in common with the heroes of many fairy tales we've read in The Blue Fairy Book and The Red Fairy Book. I originally found it on a list of good books for boys at Memoria Press. First Son will begin reading it independently to finish out third grade and probably into the summer. I hope he enjoys it; I thought it was highly entertaining. (library copy)

Seeds of Faith for Children by Rosemarie Gortler and Donna Piscitelli (a review for The Catholic Company)

Daisy Dawson and the Secret Pond by Steve Voake is the second volume with Daisy Dawson. I think it's just as sweet as the first and have put it on First Daughter's reading list for next year (first grade). It's a little heavy-handed in the environmental message, but I felt more compassion for the author when I read the note in the end in which he said his favorite outdoor haunt was destroyed just as described in the book. (library copy)

The Kitchen Madonna by Rumer Godden is the tale of a young boy who finds his voice in creating a gift for his family's cook. I'm considering it as a read-aloud for our family next year. It's a sweet story, but there are some frightening tales of wolf hunts from the cook's childhood. (library copy)

Big John's Secret (Living History Library) by Eleanore M. Jewett is the wonderful story of a young man who serves as a page and squire in England and the Holy Land during the time of the Fifth Crusade. He is searching for his place in the world and his father. It has a surprisingly balanced presentation of the Muslims in the Holy Land, with whom John lives for a year. St. Francis of Assisi makes an appearance as well. It's highly recommended. I want First Son to read it, but haven't decided yet if he'll do so independently in fourth grade (next year) or if we'll wait until sixth grade when we'll be cycling back to this time period is history. (library copy)

The Light Princess by George MacDonald must be the original source of the idea for Princess Hyacinth (The Surprising Tale of a Girl Who Floated) (one of my favorite picture books, though I haven't yet written about it on the blog). It's more sophisticated and more complex, but still a nice short story. (free Kindle edition)


Books in Progress (and date started)

• The Good Shepherd and the Child: A Joyful Journey (October 2012) 
• Destination: Bethlehem (December 2012)
• The Cloister Walk (January 2013)
• Treasure Island (March 2013)
• Call It Courage (April 2013)
• The Mass and The Saints (April 2013)
• The End of the Affair (April 2013)
• The Boy from Reactor 4 (April 2013)

The Catholic Company Book Review: Seeds of Faith for Children

Seeds of Faith for Children

by Rosemarie Gortler and Donna Piscitelli

illustrated by Mimi Sternhagen

Over and over again, I am pleased with the little books for children written by Rosemarie Gortler and Donna Piscitelli. I own all but one, I think (Living the 10 Commandments for Children) and even reviewed Little Acts of Grace 2 for The Catholic Company a few years ago.

I have used all of these books as our catechism books for my preschoolers and kindergarteners, but I think Seeds of Faith for Children will quickly become one of my favorite first books to use in our homeschool (along with Little Acts of Grace and The Mass Book for Children).

In this book, children learn how the gifts of God through the Church help our faith to grow just like a seed well tended grows into a beautiful plant. These precious gifts are prayers, the Creed, the Ten Commandments, the sacraments, sacramentals, and even the opportunities to do acts of charity. The explanations are perfect for little ones like preschoolers and kindergarteners, encouraging them to make connections with the prayers they hear at Mass and the statues or other sacramentals they may see at home.

Throughout, there are quotes from Scripture (the RSV translation, not modified) and from the Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church. The end of the book includes prayers, a list of the sacraments, and the Ten Commandments. (The Commandments are also listed within the text, but in language more accessible for young children. I thought it was very well done.)

The illustrations by Mimi Sternhagen include the little mouse my children have learned to find on each page. I appreciated that, though the mouse is shown going to confession, he does not take Communion. I love how Jesus himself appears in the confessional and with the priest in the illustration of First Communion (which has such a beautiful young girl!). I can tell there has been a real effort to make the illustrations an additional source of information on the faith for children.

Another wonderful book from Rosemarie Gortler and Donna Piscitelli.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an objective review.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Seeds of Faith for Children. The Catholic Company is the best resource for all your seasonal needs such as First Communion gifts as well as ideas and gifts for the special papal Year of Faith.

March 2013 Book Reports

Ice Age by Brian Freemantle is a science fiction book about a virus released from the melting ice caps. There are too many problems with this book to mention. Please don't read it. (purchased for the Kindle when it was a Kindle Daily Deal)

"B" Is for Betsy by Carolyn Haywood is a sweet little story of young Betsy in her first year of school. If you have a young reader eager for chapter books, it would be a good choice. Personally, I don't think it's as good as Happy Little Family, but it may be easier to find. (library copy)

Love in the Little Things: Tales of Family Life by Mike Aquilina is a collection of essays on Catholic family life. The short essays are a good length for harried parents of young children and do a nice job of connecting what we do as we move through our days with spiritual growth and the life of the Church. (inter-library loan)

Chucaro: Wild Pony of the Pampa by Francis Kalnay is more the story of the gaucho Juan than the wild pony, but it's a quiet story of the pampa of Argentina. It's recommended by Mater Amabilis for Level 2 when reading about the Americas. I thought it was amusing at times and a nice little book (probably a bit easier reading than First Son will need in fourth grade). I'm happy with this book as one of the three he'll read, but I'm open to other ideas for South American books. (Secret of the Andes is an option as well, but I'm not sure how much he'd enjoy it.) (library copy)

The Behavior Gap: Simple Ways to Stop Doing Dumb Things with Money by Carl Richards is mostly a book on investing. Kansas Dad and I don't do a lot of that. (We have some retirement accounts, but nothing we spend any time on.) I found this book fascinating, though, because it really encourages people to think about their own goals and dreams, then pick a financial strategy. It's inspired me (and therefore Kansas Dad) to take a little time this year to review our financial goals and how we plan to reach them. Last year, we focused on our physical health. I'm not at the end of that journey yet, but I think I'm ready to tackle something else in the same way. (library copy)

Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh is a rather awful book. Harriet is mean and spiteful. She experiences no personal growth. The adults are all complicit or vacuous. Seriously, skip it. (library copy)

The Cay by Theodore Taylor is recommended as a book on the Americas for Mater Amabilis Level 2. Set during World War II, Philip finds himself alone on a raft with an old black man after his ship is torpedoed. A head injury causes him to go blind before they reach an island. The novel follows his growth from a completely dependent and frightened boy while telling quite a bit about the geography of the Caribbean. I think it'll be a good addition to our studies in fourth grade. (library copy)

Blood Will Tell: A Medical Explanation for the Tyranny of Henry VIII by Kyra Cornelius Kramer is a fascinating argument that King Henry VIII carried a rare blood antigen that led to multiple miscarriages and infant deaths for his wives and an even rarer condition as he aged in his forties that accounted for the dramatic personality changes and paranoia that contributed to his attacks on family, friends, and the Church. There's no way to tell if her argument is true, but it certainly seems plausible. This was a great book for me to read as the children and I were covering this period in English history. (borrowed for free from the Kindle Owners' Lending Library)

Third Shift - Pact (Part 8 of the Silo Series) by Hugh Howey carries the story begun in Wool and the first two shift books a bit farther. It brings all the story lines together in preparation for the final installment. I really enjoy all of these books. (purchased for the Kindle)

Holy Crocodile by Caroline Cory (a review for The Catholic Company)

Tippy Lemmey by Patricia C. McKissack is the story of a young girl and her friends terrorized by a neighborhood dog. The problem-solving is pretty good. The story is fun and exciting without being too scary. I'd recommend speaking frankly about race while reading this early chapter book with a child because the children are black and (based on what I can tell in the pictures), the dog owners are white. Race isn't an issue in the story, which is nice, but I think it's best to talk to children about race rather than just assume they won't think a person's color makes any difference. It takes place during the Korean War (the dog belongs to a soldier) but the war itself doesn't figure prominently. This is on my list as a possibility for First Daughter to read aloud to me. (library copy)

Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie on Julie Sternberg is a sweet tale of a girl whose babysitter must move away. Her parents are supportive. Her new babysitter is understanding. She makes new friends and grows up a little. This is on the list for First Daughter to read aloud to me in first grade. (library copy)

Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr is a classic I had never read. Sadako, of course, becomes ills with cancer years after the bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. I think it could be a nice complement to a study of World War II or modern Japanese history for an older child (perhaps twelve). The reading level is not difficult, but the topic is complicated and distressing. (library copy)

Books in Progress (and date started)

• The Good Shepherd and the Child: A Joyful Journey (October 2012) 
• Destination: Bethlehem (December 2012)
• The Cloister Walk (January 2013)
• The Jack Tales (March 2013)
• Treasure Island (March 2013)
• Legends of the Saints (March 2013)

The Catholic Company Book Review: Holy Crocodile

Holy Crocodile: Stories of Saints and the Animals Who Helped Them

by Caroline Cory

You know I just can't resist a children's book on saints, right?

This is a nice hardcover book with large full-color illustrations for each saint story. Most of the stories are a page or two long (with an additional page for the illustration). Usually they tell of just a brief episode in a saint's life, one which involves (not surprisingly) an animal.

The illustrations are bright, in a "scribble" style (as described by the author and illustrator). They are perhaps not the my favorite style, but the children seem to love them. First Son keeps picking up this book and flipping through it. (I wouldn't let him read it until I'd finished my review because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to find it when I had a minute to sit down and write something. He'll be very happy when I hand it over to him.)

There is not much biographical information on any of the saints, just enough to tell the story. While I appreciate the pronunciation guides for names within the stories, it would be nice if there were a little more, perhaps an index in the back or a list with their countries or dates. Some of them might be hard to investigate more because names are recorded differently in various sources. For example, the story of St. Jerome and the Lion is here, but Jerome is "Gerasimos (Ju-RAY-zee-mos)" which may very well be more accurate than Jerome, but "Jerome" is the way I've always seen it.

Some of the stories are funny, some are exciting, some are truly miraculous. A few have morals, but many of them are just interesting stories of the saints, such as we might tell if something unusual happened to us. I've read a lot of saint stories in the past few years and there were quite a few here I had not read before, so there's a nice mix of the familiar and the new.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Holy Crocodile!. The Catholic Company is the best resource for all your seasonal needs such as First Communion gifts as well as ideas and gifts for the special papal Year of Faith. (Speaking of First Communion gifts, I highly recommend Man to Mangia, the Altar Gang CD on the Eucharist. It's my favorite of the Altar Gang CDs and perfect for sacrament prep or celebration.)

February 2013 Book Reports

When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert (library copy)

My First Book of Saints by Kathleen M. Muldoon and Susan Helen Wallace, FSP (a review for The Catholic Company)

Walk the Worlds Rim by Betty Baker is the tale of Chakoh, a Native American who travels with three Spaniards and a black slave shortly after the discovery of the New World by Europeans. I found it thought-provoking and reasonably well-written, but it is a novel for someone ready to face some of the abuses, misunderstandings, and wrongs of the Church. There are a lot of things the novel brings up like how missionaries converted the Native Americans and in the ways they failed to convey the true meaning of our faith. Finally, I think there could be a lot of good discussions about slavery and freedom. I don't think I'll read this one aloud, but I do think there could be some good discussions with a middle school or high school student who was reading it independently. (library copy)

Daisy Dawson Is on Her Way! by Steve Voake is one I picked up somewhere and am so glad I did. It's a sweet little chapter book about Daisy, who is learning too much on her way to school to be there on time. She pauses to rescue a butterfly from a spider and is rewarded with a marvelous gift. There's just enough adventure to be exciting for little ones. I intend to ask First Daughter to read this aloud to me next year in first grade. There are five Daisy books so far and, if they are like the first one, this would be a great series for very young readers ready for chapter books. The illustrations are well done, too. (purchased copy)

The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman tells the adventures of a spoiled prince who runs away, dragging his whipping boy along with him, in search of freedom and, perhaps, a friend. It's a bit like a tall tale and would probably appeal to boys who are young readers. I intend to ask First Son if he'd like to read it, but I wouldn't assign it. (It's also below his reading level at this point.) I can't imagine why it won the Newbery medal as I'd say it's merely acceptable. Fleischman's By the Great Horn Spoon! is far superior. (library copy)

Mieko and the Fifth Treasure by Eleanor Coerr tells of Mieko, a ten-year-old talented Japanese calligrapher whose arm is badly injued by the Nagasaki bomb. I will share it with my third grade son this year if I decide to cover the atomic bombings. It gently touches on how the bombs changed a child's life without being too scary. It is also a sweet story of courage, friendship, perseverance, and personal growth. Ms. Coerr was born in Canada, but visited Japan as a young woman and lived there for a number of years. (purchased copy)

Simple Living - 30 days to less stuff and more life by Lorilee Lippincott is a short Kindle book with exercises for each of 30 days ranging from clearing off your counters (of everything for at least a week) to unsubscribing from email lists if you don't read them regularly. There's even a little section on facebook. I didn't find anything here I hadn't heard before, but I think it's nice to have little reminders of things I can do to ease the clutter in our lives. I was inspired to move a few things around and pass a few things on to others who can use them. (read for free from the Kindle Owners' Lending Library)

Quo Vadis by Henryk Sienkiewicz (library copy)

Hoot by Carl Hiaasen is the story of a middle-school student, new and bullied, who is intrigued by the mystery of a running boy. In the end, he makes some friends, stands up to the bullies, and learns a little about caring for his home (wherever that is). I enjoyed it, but it's certainly a book I would reserve for older children. There are instances of physical abuse and neglect in addition to the struggles with bullies, a topic incredibly difficult to address. (copy received for free in a book promotion)

The Blue Castle by L. M. Montgomery (purchased copy)


Books in Progress (and date started)

• The Good Shepherd and the Child: A Joyful Journey (October 2012) 
• Destination: Bethlehem (December 2012)
• The Cloister Walk (January 2013)
• Ice Age (February 2013)
• Love in the Little Things: Tales of Family Life (February 2013)
• "B" Is for Betsy (February 2013)
• The Behavior Gap: Simple Ways to Stop Doing Dumb Things with Money (February 2013)
• Blood Will Tell: A Medical Explanation for the Tyranny of Henry VIII (February 2013)

The Catholic Company Review: My First Book of Saints

My First Book of Saints

by Kathleen M. Muldoon and Susan Helen Wallace, FSP

with illustrations by Tom Kinarney and Patricia R. Mattozzi

In this new hardcover edition, Pauline Kids has pulled together all of the saints in the six volumes of their Little Books of Saints. I used the first two volumes of these when First Son was in kindergarten and will now use this new book for Second Daughter next year for kindergarten part one. (I think I'm going to spread her kindergarten year over two years.)

I love these little saint stories. They are very brief, just a few sentences on each saint, with a full page illustration. At the end, is a small prayer that connects the saint with the reader, like "Saint Damien, please show me how to be helpful to my family and friends."

For interested folks like First Son, a small box gives the years the saint lived, where the saint was born, and when we celebrate the feast day.

Many of the Blesseds are now Saints (like St. Kateri Tekakwitha and St. Damien of Molokai) and the new edition reflects the canonizations. (Some Blesseds are also included in the books.)

The hardcover edition would be perfect to give as a baptism gift or (perhaps even better) as a small gift for a "new" big brother or big sister at the baptism of a new baby. I think they are perfect for children in the three to five age range and am very pleased to have this book to share with my little ones.

This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on My First Book of Saints. The Catholic Company is the best resource for gifts for every Sacrament celebration, such as First Communion gifts and Baptism gifts, as well as a great selection of limited-time Year of Faith gifts and resources.

January 2013 Book Reports

Silent Tears: A Journey of Hope in a Chinese Orphanage by Kay Bratt is based on excerpts from a journal the author kept while her family was living in China, mainly focused on her experiences as a volunteer at a Chinese orphanage. I was mainly interested in this book because my cousin adopted an adorable little girl from China a few years ago. From what I've seen elsewhere, her descriptions are accurate (and depressing). Unfortunately, her writing is merely adequate. Also, although she claims to love China, she never shows any great love for the people or culture of China in her writing. Because she lives in an enclave for ex-patriots, her main encounters with China is through the orphanage, which is probably China at its worst. (I don't have any recommendations for other books on orphanages in China, but if you can find a great love for China in the magnificent writings of Pearl S. Buck.) (Kindle edition, borrowed for free from the Kindle Owner's Lending Library)

Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel Garcia Marquez is the tale of a murder no one prevented. I read it in a day and highly recommend it. (library copy)

The Trees Kneel at Christmas by Maud Hart Lovelace is the story of the two children in a Lebanese family set in Brooklyn in 1950, right in Park Slope, the wonderful neighborhood Kansas Dad and I called home when we lived in New York City. Afify and her brother, Hanna, set out on Christmas Eve to see if the trees kneel just as they do in Lebanon, to honor the Christ child's birth. It's full of wonderful details about life in New York for Lebanese immigrants, a heart-warming tale of faith. I didn't pre-read it in time to share it with the children last Christmas, but we'll read it during Advent next year. (We also didn't get to The Christmas Carol, so we're going to start with that and then read this one.) Do pre-read it as there are references to Mary and the Mass that seemed explicitly Catholic to me. Also there are quite a few adults who smoke, which isn't something we find often in contemporary children's literature. (library copy)

Theories of Childhood: An Introduction to Dewey, Montessori, Erikson, Piaget and Vygotsky by Carol Garhart Mooney is a brief introduction to these five child development theorists and how those theories would impact classroom and educational practices. She either assumes everything they theorize is accurate or doesn't touch on the less accepted ideas. I'd like to read more about Montessori and I consider what I am learning in my Catechesis of the Good Shepherd classes and as I continue to implement and learn about Charlotte Mason's philosophy of education. This was the shortest book at the library on the topic and I found it a nice introduction, useful for childcare providers, early childhood educators, and parents. (library copy)

The Woman Who Died A Lot: A Thursday Next Novel by Jasper Fforde is the newest Thursday Next novel. I just love reading the Thursday Next books for the pure entertainment value. I thought the end of this one was wrapped up a little too quickly after how the plot was sluggish through earlier parts of the book and got the sense that much of the book was merely setting up his next Thursday Next book. That being said, I thought there could be some interesting discussions about the portrayal of religion and the value of human life and family relationships. I wish Kansas Dad could have read it along with me, but he still hasn't had time to read the last Thursday Next book. (Don't let anyone tell you being a college professor is a relaxing job, though I'm sure the four kids don't increase his free time.) (library copy)

A Family of Poems: My Favorite Poetry for Children selected by Caroline Kennedy with fabulous paintings by Jon J. Muth just might be my new favorite book of poetry. For the past few years, I've purchased an anthology for each school year. If I continue the tradition, this will be the choice for next year. I imagine Ms. Kennedy and I would disagree on many things, but her poetry selections are delightful. There are fun selections for the children along with more challenging ones which will only appeal more as the children grow. As the very best collections should, it includes Daddy Fell into the Pond. The illustrations are simply perfect. (library copy)

Our Only May Amelia by Jennifer L. Holm is the first person tale written in the vernacular. It tells the tale of a 12 year old girl living with her large boy-filled family as pioneers in the Pacific Northwest. I suppose it was alright, but I didn't think it was great and was a little disappointed at how her grandmother treated her. (purchased at a library sale, but I think I'll pass it on to someone else)

Adam of the Road by Elizabeth Janet Gray is altogether a different story. The book is set in the last thirteenth century in England. Adam is the young son of a minstrel and loves his life on the open road. On one eventful day, he loses both his dog and his father. Alone, he searches for them. It's a tale full of adventure, friendship, courage, loyalty, wisdom, prudence, and a host of other virtues. It's full of wonderful glimpses of medieval life in the most natural way, as all the best historical fiction is. Highly recommended. I intend to read it to the children even though we're a little bit past this time in our history studies. (purchased copy, and worth every penny)

The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall just wasn't very good. It's not terrible, though I don't like how the girls keep secrets from their father. The plot and writing seemed forced. If my kids asked to read it, I'd let them, but I don't intend to give it to them otherwise. (library copy)

The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling is truly delightful and I can't believe I'd never read it before. That's a travesty I don't intend to inflict on my children. I'm going to read it aloud to them soon, hopefully before the end of the school year. We had listened to a wonderful audio version of Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, so my children will recognize that story. (free Kindle edition)

Holding Jesus by Alfred McBride (a review for The Catholic Company)


Books in Progress (and date started)

• The Good Shepherd and the Child: A Joyful Journey (October 2012) 
• Destination: Bethlehem (December 2012)
• When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor . . . and Yourself (January 2013)
• The Cloister Walk (January 2013)
• Quo Vadis (January 2013)
• Walk the Worlds Rim (January 2013)
• Simple Living - 30 days to less stuff and more life (January 2013)

The Catholic Company Review: Holding Jesus

Holding Jesus: Reflections on Mary the Mother of God 

by Alfred McBride

The first part of this book provides daily readings for Advent, focused on Mary's relationship with Jesus in his childhood. The second and third parts focus on Mary's relationship with Jesus during his public ministry and Mary during Christ's Passion, death and resurrection. The latter two parts would be appropriate at any time of the year. I think they might be nice to read during Lent as a complement to the Advent readings, though there would not be enough readings for one each day.

Overall, this is a nice little book. The quote, refection, question, and prayer provided for each day are quite short. The Bible passages recommended would flesh out the daily reading well. Sometimes the reflections didn't flow very well, but perhaps that was just the author's style. I thought most of the questions were quite good as well, especially if the reader was willing to be honest.

I was disappointed in the references. (I know, I'm odd; I almost always check the end notes in a book.) It seemed like the majority of the references are webpages (even for poetry or hymns in the public domain) or McBride's other books (at least once for an encyclical). There was nothing inaccurate with the references; it just seems like they were rushed or something. It made me wonder how much of the ideas in the reflections might also appear in other of McBride's books, none of which I have read.


This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Holding Jesus. The Catholic Company is the best resource for gifts for every Sacrament celebration, such as First Communion gifts and Baptism gifts, as well as a great selection of limited-time Year of Faith gifts and resources.