Saints' lives for children
The Conversion of St. Camillus de Lellis
by Susan Peek
There are very few stories written about the life of St. Camillus, but his life story is one that both the young and old would do well to hear. In a style very captivating, Mrs. Peek imparts the fascinating story of this great saint who - at an early and rebellious age - went off to become a 16th century soldier-of-fortune. A belligerent and often brash young soldier, this self-seeking Camillus de Lellis frequently gives in to his passion for gambling and drinking, leaving him, for the most part, in dire straits. And though he sometimes cooperates with grace, he always seems to find himself back in trouble. Ultimately pushed to the brink of utter despair and humiliation, this stray and obstinate soul finally surrenders to the King of Kings, and the soldier of fortune becomes a soldier of Christ. An inspiring story of perseverance and the eventual surrender to the Divine Will.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 228 pages
Apostle of Scotland
by F. A. Forbes
St. Fintan, one of the Saint's first companions in Iona, was asked once towards the end of Columba's life to describe him to one who had heard much of his holiness, but who did not know him. "He is a king amongst kings," answered Fintan, "a sage amongst wise men, a monk amongst monks. He is poor with God's poor; a mourner with those who weep, and joyful with those who rejoice. Yet amidst all the gifts of nature and of grace that have been so liberally showered on him by God, the true humility of Christ is as royally rooted in his heart as if it were its natural home." (Chapter IX)
“Columbcille was a man of great heart and of determined will; what he set himself to do was sure to be done” (Chapter IX)
“To be quick to take offence and slow to forgive an injury is a characteristic of the Celtic race all the world over, and Columba was no exception to the rule. Long and sharp was to be the struggle before that quick and imperious nature was wholly conquered by the grace of God, but great was to be the victory at last.” (Chapter I)
“It was Columba’s love of the Church that won for him among his companions the name by which he became famous in after-days– “Columb-cille” or “the dove of the Church.” He would slip away from their games whenever he could, but they always knew where to find him. “He nestles beside the altar like a dove in its nest,” they would say.” (Chapter I)
“But God shows His love for His Saints in ways which are not the ways of men, and the chastening fires of sorrow and of suffering were to purify that ardent and impulsive nature.” (Chapter III)
Originally published in 1919.
Paperback, size 7" x 5", 110 pages
Catholic Stories For Boys & Girls III
by Catholic Nuns in America
Continue your family’s reading adventures with Catholic Stories for Boys and Girls, Volume III! In the penultimate volume of this four-part series read:
- “Begga’s Bracelet”—The Irish Princess Begga’s promise to live for God alone - St Begga
- “In the Tower of London”—The story of St. Edmund Campion, with the disguises he used and dangers he faced as a priest to keep the Catholic Faith alive in England
- “Joseph”—A fictional account of the life of Saint Joseph from boyhood to his holy, happy death
- “Louise”— The story of how Louise’s generosity and kindness from childhood led her to sainthood - St Louise de Marillac
Written to be read aloud for the entire family’s entertainment, Catholic Stories for Boys and Girls offers four volumes each holding a handful of happy and courageous stories, compiled and written by Catholic nuns in the 1930's. Catholic Stories for Boys and Girls appeals to the whole family by using simple vocabulary to engage children but also providing well-developed plots to captivate adults’ interest.
Each story highlights a different virtue, and, to reinforce the virtue, every chapter closes with a two-line rhyming verse that provides both a chapter summary and a pithy message, all underlining the books’ main theme—the Church gives life to the soul through grace. Excellent when read by children, and even better when read to children by parents and older siblings, these timeless stories show the reward of virtue by the wondrous events that occur when one is generous with God.
As taken from the front cover of the book, the stories herein are republished in the hope that in a small way the Faith, Culture, and Tradition of the Holy Catholic Church may be preserved for our most prized possession, our children.
Our prayer for these books is the same as Baltimore’s first Archbishop, the Most Reverend Michael J. Curley, prayed when these books were first published:
“May our Divine Lord bless each boy and girl who reads these stories, as well as every one who helps to place them in their hands.”
Hardcover, size 7" x 4.75", 141 pages, Illustrated
by Various
Men need the elevating example of Catholic heroes. Learning from the saints what it is to live and die for the faith is an essential element of a boy's Catholic character development. Start by giving them this easy-to-read compilation of short stories and inspire the boys of today to be the saints that inspire others tomorrow.
Lives of Saints include:
| St Andrew, the Apostle | St Charles Borromeo | St Edward, King of England | St Francis of Assisi |
| St George, Martyr | St Henry II, Emperor | St James, the Apostle | St Joseph |
| St Louis, King of France | St Maurice and his companions | St Patrick | St Stephen, King of Hungary |
| St Thomas Aquinas | St William, Abp, Confessor |
Paperback, size 6" x 4", 248 pages
by Br Ernest, CSC
In 1194, Saint Clare was born into a wealthy family in Assisi, Italy. Her father wanted her to marry a wealthy man, but Clare believed that God did not want her to marry. After hearing St Francis preach she asked him for his advice. through his help she realized God was calling her to a life of prayer and poverty, With St Francis' help they founded a cloistered Order for women, which is known as the Poor Clares.
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
by Br Ernest, CSC
This story of Saint Cecilia is set during the papacy of Urban I, which began in the year 222. Reding this story about Saint Cecilia can help us to see how the sacrament of Baptism can strengthen our faith in God and help us view the world in a new light!
Level 1
Paperback, size 8" x 6", 30 pages
A Book in the Series of Amazing Saints
by Anna Kuck, illustrated by Sisters of the Congegation of the Mother of God
A true illustrated story of the Seven Holy Sleepers, which inspired Irving's "Rip Van Winkle". These Seven Holy Sleepers are early Christian martyrs that sleep for 184 years and wake up in a new era.
Age range froim 5-9
Paperback, size 8.5" x 8.5", 36 pages
Saints and Festivals
A Cycle of the Year for Young People
by Mother Mary Salome
Mother Mary Salome wrote a volume of meditations called The Feasts of Mother Church in 1904, covering many of the most important feasts of the Liturgical Year. In 1913, she followed up with Saints and Festivals, adapting portions of her earlier work for a younger audience.
In addition to Christmas, Easter and the stories of well-beloved saints, children will also discover the stories of lesser-known heroes of the Church such as St. Chad, St. Serapion, St. John the Dwarf and St. Hilda of Whitby. Even St. John Cantius finds a home in these pages. Peppered throughout with the imaginative illustrations of Gabriel Pippet, this volume makes a wonderful resource for children to take part in the yearly cycle of the Church.
Age range: 9 - 15
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 264 pages
by Fr. Gales
10 short, captivating stories about well-known saints:
St. Gabriel the Archangel, St. Joseph, St. Agnes of Rome, St. Patrick, St. Benedict, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Dominic, St. Margaret Mary, St. Therese, and St. Michael the Archangel.
A great introduction for little children! Beautiful illustrations on every page!
Ages: 2-10
Paperback, size 7" x 4.25", 32 pages
A first book for little Catholics
by Father Gales
The young Catholic learns the story of Saint Peter. It tells what happened when Peter tried to walk on water. It explains how he denied our Lord three times and was very sorry for doing that. Peter was the first Pope of the Church.
Ages 2-10
Paperback, size 6.3" x 5.2", 20 pages, Impr, 1956
For other titles in this series please click here.
A first book for little Catholics
by by Father Gales
The young Catholic learns about a very brave Saint who wrote letters, or epistles that we read in the holy Bible.
Ages 2-10
Paperback, size 6.3" x 5.2", 20 pages, Impr, 1957
For other titles in this series please click here.
St. Joseph "Carry-Me-Along" Board Book
by George Brundage
Catholic children are introduced to fourteen of the most recognized and beloved Saints. Among the features of this title are:
- an integrated carry handle ideal for small hands
- vibrant illustartions
- a short prayer to each of the fourteen featured Saints
- the feast day for each featured Saint in accordance with the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church
- Imprimatur thats ensures that the contents all comply with official Catholic Church doctrine
The following fourteen Saints are featured in this title:
- Our Lady, Queen of All Saints
- Saint Joseph
- Saint Francis of Assisi
- Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton
- Saint Rita
- Saint John Bosco
- Saint Patrick
- Saint Joan of Arc
- Saint Teresa of Avila
- Saint Peter the Apostle
- Saint Maximilian Kolbe
- Saint Vincent de Paul
- Saint Kateri Tekakwitha
- Saint Anthony of Padua
The St. Joseph "Carry-Me-Along" Board Books are ideal books for young children. They are sturdy books that will stand up to wear and tear with full-color illustrations and clear, simple text.
Board book, size 8.3" x 6.1", 16 pages
by Dessi Jackson
On the road to San Damiano, Grandma Nonna shares with her grandson Antonio a once-upon-a-time story about Saint Clare. Full-colour illustrations and a delightful tale capture the beauty and faith of Saint Clare as she pursues her vocation and embraces the joyful and simple Franciscan spirituality. Ever appreciative of the little things, Clare's happiness blossoms even more with her wonderful discovery of a tiny kitten.
Ages range: 03 - 08 years
Paperback, size 9.5" x 7.5", 38 pages
by Dessi Jackson
Illustrated by Martina Parnelli
After praying for a child for many years, a wealthy couple is finally blessed with a beautiful baby boy. To their surprise, they discover a cross-shaped birthmark on his chest, but they have no idea what extraordinary graces God will bestow on him.
As a young man, Rocco renounces his fortune and enters the Franciscan Third Order, choosing the life of a poor traveling pilgrim. He stops in towns to care for the sick, especially plague victims. His prayers and labors result in many miracles. Then one day, he catches the plague too, and the townsfolk force him to go away. With no one to care for him in his dire need, he staggers to a hut outside town and entrusts himself to God. And God does not disappoint him!
This beautifully illustrated children's book follows the legends of Saint Rocco, including ones that explain how he became the patron saint of dogs!
Age range: 6+
Paperback, size 9.5" x 7.5", 40 pages
by Maura Roan McKeegan
Conrad of Piacenza was a nobleman, living in a medieval castle in Italy. One day, he went out hunting with his servants, and a fire broke out in the forest. What happened next would change his life forever.
In St. Conrad and the Wildfire, children of all ages will discover the power of truth and forgiveness. Introduce children to St. Conrad through Maura Roan McKeegan’s moving retelling and Patty Borgman’s magnificent illustrations that bring the saint to life.
Paperback, 28 pages
by Tomie dePaola
This beautiful new edition of dePaola's 1978 classic retelling of a French legend stars a little juggler whose unique talent leads him to what might be a Christmas miracle.
Little Giovanni is poor and homeless, but he can do something wonderful: he can juggle.
The people of Sorrento marvel at his talents, and before long, he becomes famous throughout Italy for his rainbow of colored balls that delight the nobility and townspeople alike. But as the years pass, Giovanni grows old, and his talents begin to fail him. No longer a celebrated performer, he is once again poor and homeless, begging for his food.
Until one Christmas Eve, when Giovanni picks up his rainbow of colored balls once more. And what happens next just might be a miracle…
Paperback, size 11.2" x 8.7", 48 pages
Character Calendar
by Sr Mary Fidelis & Sr Mary Charitas
This pocket-size volume contains a wealth of spiritual guidance through daily devotions to the saint or feast of the day. Originally written in 1931 for upper grade school children by a pair of Notre Dame School Sisters, this book was later updated to align with the General Roman Calendar of 1954.
Beginning with a brief introduction to the saint of the day, augmented by excerpts from the Imitation of Christ and from the Mass for the day, as well as an ideal to ponder and an "action item", this is a wonderful way to focus on the virtues of each of the saints, and thereby to make our lives an imitation of theirs.
Paperback, size 7" x 4.37", 288 pages
Hermit, Abbot, and Miracle Worker
by Kevin McKenzie
In 6th century Ireland, the memory of the great missionary, Saint Patrick, was strong, but so was the influence of the old pagan religion. This new Vision Book, Saint Kevin of Glendalough, tells the story of one of the greatest saints of the Emerald Isle.
Saint Kevin founded a monastery in 6th century Ireland that was a beacon of light for the next 800 years. Saint Kevin worked miracles, communed with animals, and inspired thousands to leave everything to follow Christ. Saint Kevin’s example and ministry helped root the light of the Christian faith deep into the hearts of the Irish people. Anyone who visits Saint Kevin’s monastery today will feel his holy and peaceful influence.
Kevin McKenzie spent seven years researching the life of Saint Kevin, visiting places where he lived, and personally translated Saint Kevin’s thousand-year-old Latin life into English. He also set out to walk from Ireland to Rome to better understand Saint Kevin’s own pilgrimage to Rome.
Using his detailed research and the very witness of the places where he lived, McKenzie has woven together the first biography of Saint Kevin in a thousand years. In this book in the acclaimed Vision books series, he has produced a compelling and exciting narrative about Saint Kevin of Glendalough that will inspire and delight readers of all ages, especially youth 9-15 years old.
Paperback, size 8" x 5.25", 200 pages
by Amy Steedman
The stories of saints and sinners alike populate the pages of this unique book for children. Under the author's loving touch, these enchanting tales come alive with scenes of old Italy, from the poor but generous Saint Zita in her native Lucca to the captive Turkish Princess Stellante and her beloved Bartolo in prosperous Venice. Each of these widely varied characters must face their own struggle against the selfish desires of this world in order to achieve true happiness, both here and in the hereafter.
The water-colors by Katharine Cameron add infinite charm, and new illustrations enhance the captivating history of these legends and stories.
Paperback, size 8.5" x 5.5", 175 pages
by F. A. Forbes
St. Athanasius of Alexandria is one of the greatest saints in the history of the Church and perhaps the single greatest champion of the Divinity of Christ. From an early age, he was marked for the clerical life, and even for becoming the successor of the Patriarch of Alexandria. Although still a deacon under thirty years of age, he was present in 325 at the First Council of Nicaea as the secretary of Patriarch Alexander, playing a great part in the promulgation of the "consubstantiality" of the Son and the Father. Soon after, Athanasius succeeded in the Patriarchate and became the most prominent and aggressive defender of Trinitarian orthodoxy against Arianism, which said that the Son was not God but a creature.
He underwent no fewer than five exiles and multiple rigged trials, standing up to emperors and numerous Eastern bishops who supported some form of Arianism. It goes without saying that Athanasius's faith and dedication to Christ was undying to the last. Saint Athanasius: The Father of Orthodoxy details the life of this holy and excellent bishop, Doctor of the Church, and Champion of Orthodoxy in a way accessible to young and old alike. Let the reading of this great saint's life fill you with zeal for the truths of the faith and gain you a powerful heavenly intercessor.
Paperback, size 7" x 4.25", 116 pages, Impr, 3 Illustrations