As a Catholic mom and elementary school teacher, I have always been drawn to Catholic books to read to my kids. I could spend hours in a Catholic book store!
St. John Bosco once said, “Only God knows the good that can come about by reading one good Catholic book,” and I couldn’t agree more!
Books are a way to build a special bond with my children. It not only helps to build their vocabulary, but also helps the Holy Spirit to guide them as they grow! With my 3 ½ year old starting to ask more questions, I love reading books about God and the Catholic faith so that I can explain more to her.
My 1 ½ year old has a compromised immune system, so we have not been able to attend Mass since Covid. Books are our way of showing the girls more about God’s love for them (in addition to virtual Mass, of course)!
Below is a list of our family favorites!
Ages 0-2:
Glory Be Saints: A-Z (By: Rebecca Pohlmeier)
Cloud of Witnesses (By: Katie Warner)
Where is Baby Jesus? (By: Thompson & Hilderbrand)
St. Joseph Hide & Slide: Saint Stories (By: Donaghy)
Thank you, God, for Puppies (By: Mary Simon)
Wherever You Are: My love will find you (By: Nancy Tillman)
God Made the Sun (By: Mary Simon)
The Hail Mary (Illustrated by: Randy Wollenmann)
God Bless You & Good Night (By: Hannah Hall)
Ages 2-4:
Father Ben Gets Ready for Mass (By: Katie Warner)
God Gave Us You (By: Lisa Bergren)
Our Lady’s Wardrobe (By: Anthony DeStefano)
Colors of Creation (By: Paul Thigpen)
Saintly Rhymes for Modern Times (By: Meghan Bausch)
Light of Heaven (By: Adalee Hude)
Nothing: Nothing Can Separate You from God's Love (By: Natalee Creech)
A is for Angel: The Alphabet in Sacred Art (By: Keoglers)
Ages 4-6:
Lily Lolek Future Saint (By: Katie Warner)
The Weight of a Mass- A Tale of Faith (By: Josephine Nobisso)
A Boy Who Became Pope (By: Fabiola Garza)
The Life of a Saint: Mother Teresa (By:Charlotte Grossetete)
Loyola Kids Book of Catholic Signs & Symbols (By: Amy Welborn)
The Beginner’s Bible: Timeless Children’s Stories (By: Karyn Henley)
Create your own Books:
Make your own “Seek & Find” Book: I took photos around our Parish of different items. My kids loved flipping through it during Mass, but also like lifting the flaps at home as well. Some examples: Altar, Virgin Mary statue & Stations of the Cross.
Make your own Saint Book: We like using Saint cards or drawing photos of Saints we are learning about!
Reading books aloud to children stimulates their imagination and expands their understanding of the world. Why not read more to them about God and our beautiful Catholic faith? With this being an unusual time during Covid, it is even more of a reason to cuddle up with your kiddo and read! In the words of St. Padre Pio, “Help yourself during this troubled period by reading holy books. This reading provides excellent food for the soul.” Happy family reading!
Written By:
Steph Hampton
FAITH Board Member
8th Grade PSR Teacher
Elementary Ed Teacher turned Stay-at-home Mom