After posting on Choosing and Using Good Catholic Books here earlier in the week, I suppose I need to share some of the Catholic books that I use in my classroom and/or DRE work. :) So here is a list of my favorite books for Catholic kids. Obviously there are tons of books that you could find Catholic themes within (virtue, symbolism, etc.) but these are books with explicit Catholic content and I've sorted them into a "genres" below.
A few notes:
-Some of these books I've inherited, a lot I have purchased, and some were sent to me by the author/publisher, but all of them are books I have used/gifted/recommended in my classroom or as a DRE. I'm only sharing with you what I really like.
-This post contains Amazon Affiliate links. That means that if you click through and purchase something, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you.
-By recommending these books, I am not saying they are perfect. Their quality is somewhat dependent on the age and interests of the kids reading them as well as the support and background knowledge they have. As always, you should preview and make the decision as to what is best for your kids or classroom (possibly thinking about some of the qualities I talk about in this post).
-These lists are roughly organized from youngest interest level to oldest. They are also far from complete and I invite you to chime in with your favorites in the comments. I have a feeling that this will be a growing post!
Scripture
Through the Year with Jesus- Bogner, Katherine
The Word of the Lord- Warner, Katie
The Gospel for Little Ones- Roche, Maite
Jesus, Savior of the World, Marlyn Evangelina Monge
What Did God Make? Henning, Heather
Colors of Creation, by Paul Thigpen
God's Wildest Wonderment of All, Thigpen, Paul
The Gospel for Little Ones- Roche, Maite
Jesus, Savior of the World, Marlyn Evangelina Monge
What Did God Make? Henning, Heather
Colors of Creation, by Paul Thigpen
God's Wildest Wonderment of All, Thigpen, Paul
Noah and the Ark, Tomie de Paola
David and Goliath, Tomie de Paola
Jesus, Son of Mary- Sheen, Fulton
Jesus, Our Savior- Szczebak, Patricia
Mary
Through the Year with Mary- Bogner, Katherine
Jesus, Son of Mary- Sheen, Fulton
Jesus, Our Savior- Szczebak, Patricia
Saved by the Lamb: Moses and Jesus- McKeegan, Maura Roan
The Miracle of the Fish and the Boy, by Anthony DeStefano
Roxy the Ritzy Camel, by Anthony DeStefano
The Puppy That No One Wanted, by Anthony DeStefano
The Sheep that No One Could Find, by Anthony DeStefano
The Miracle of the Fish and the Boy, by Anthony DeStefano
Roxy the Ritzy Camel, by Anthony DeStefano
The Puppy That No One Wanted, by Anthony DeStefano
The Sheep that No One Could Find, by Anthony DeStefano
The Catholic Children’s Bible- St. Mary’s Press
The Story of the Bible, Dramatized Audiobook
Great Adventure: Kids
The Story of the Bible, Dramatized Audiobook
Great Adventure: Kids
The Illustrated Gospel- Kieffer, Jean Francois
The Ten Commandments, Biffi, Inos
An Introduction to the Liturgical Year, Biffi, Inos
The Ten Commandments, Biffi, Inos
An Introduction to the Liturgical Year, Biffi, Inos
The Life of Jesus- Alex, Ben
Beatitales: 80 Fables about the Beatitudes for Children- Dees, Jared
Life of Christ Lectio Divina Journal, Education in Virtue
Beatitales: 80 Fables about the Beatitudes for Children- Dees, Jared
Life of Christ Lectio Divina Journal, Education in Virtue
The First Christians: The Acts of Apostles for Children- Hunt, Marigold
Saints
Cloud of Witnesses- Warner, Katie
Saints
Cloud of Witnesses- Warner, Katie
You Were Born to Be a Saint, Kortnee Senn
Sleepytime Saints:A to Z- Michael and Marcy Kelleher
The Sisters and the Staircase- Love, Pamela
Patrick and the Fire- Bilinski, Cornelia
The Queen and the Cross- Bilinski, Cornelia
A Prayer and a Pickaxe: A Legend About St. Clement of Rome, by Pamela Love
Joseph: Guardian of the Holy Family- Monge, Marlyn Evangelina
Patrick and the Fire- Bilinski, Cornelia
The Queen and the Cross- Bilinski, Cornelia
A Prayer and a Pickaxe: A Legend About St. Clement of Rome, by Pamela Love
The Legend of the First Valentine: A Story of God's Love , Bilinsky, Cornelia
***Brother Lorenzo's Pretzels:Prayer and the Holy Trinity, Bilinsky, Cornelia
Brigid and the Butter-Love, PamelaJoseph: Guardian of the Holy Family- Monge, Marlyn Evangelina
Bernadette: The Little Girl from Lourdes- Sophie Maraval-Hutin
Go To Joseph for Children: Consecration to St. Joseph for Children and Families- Ortega, Renzo & Monica
Martin de Porres, A Beggar for Justice- Yoffie, Barbara (and the whole Saints and Me Series from Liguori)
Martin de Porres, A Beggar for Justice- Yoffie, Barbara (and the whole Saints and Me Series from Liguori)
Picture Book of Saints- Lovasik, Fr. (and others in series)
Saints for Young Readers for Every Day- Wallace, Susan
Light of Heaven: A Children's Book of Saints, Adalee Hude
Light of Heaven, Saints Coloring Book, by Adalee Hude
In the Footsteps of the Saints (any in series)
Light of Heaven: A Children's Book of Saints, Adalee Hude
Light of Heaven, Saints Coloring Book, by Adalee Hude
In the Footsteps of the Saints (any in series)
Encounter the Saints Series from Pauline Books and Media (any of series)
Soldier of God. St. Maximilian Kolbe- Treece, Patricia (and other comic books on Fulton Sheen, Emil Kapaun, Solanus Casey, etc. but I can't find them at a reasonable price online. You can always contact the Foundations for the Causes for Canonization to order them more affordably)
Saint Joan of Arc, Quest for Peace- Bar, Brunor
Saint Francis of Assisi, Messenger of Peace- Matas, Toni
St. Clare of Assisi, Runaway Rich Girl- Hee-ju, Kim
Saint John the Baptist, A Voice Crying Out in the Desert- Saucedo, Ezekiel
Heroes of Virtue- Sheridan, Robert
How to Be a Hero- Harrell, Julia
Saint Francis of Assisi, Messenger of Peace- Matas, Toni
St. Clare of Assisi, Runaway Rich Girl- Hee-ju, Kim
Saint John the Baptist, A Voice Crying Out in the Desert- Saucedo, Ezekiel
Heroes of Virtue- Sheridan, Robert
How to Be a Hero- Harrell, Julia
Abba Moses- Votipka, Andrew
Ablaze: Stories of Daring Teen Saints- Swaim, Colleen
Radiate: More Stories of Daring Teen Saints- Swaim, Colleen
Stories of the Saints: Bold and Inspiring Tales of Adventure, Grace, and Courage
Martyred: the Story of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz by Susan Tan
The Saint Chronicles (Series)- Multiple Authors
Ablaze: Stories of Daring Teen Saints- Swaim, Colleen
Radiate: More Stories of Daring Teen Saints- Swaim, Colleen
Stories of the Saints: Bold and Inspiring Tales of Adventure, Grace, and Courage
Martyred: the Story of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz by Susan Tan
The Saint Chronicles (Series)- Multiple Authors
In Caelo et in Terra: 365 Days with the Saints- The Daughters of St. Paul
Brilliant: 25 Catholic Scientists, Mathematicians, and Supersmart People- David Michael Warren and Jaclyn Warren
Mary
Through the Year with Mary- Bogner, Katherine
Just Like Mary- Gortler, Rosemarie
Our Blessed Mother: The Story of Mary for Children- Orfeo, Christina Virginia
The Lady of Guadalupe- de Paola, Tomie
Our Blessed Mother: The Story of Mary for Children- Orfeo, Christina Virginia
The Lady of Guadalupe- de Paola, Tomie
Mary, the Mother of Jesus, Tomie de Paola
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Story Book- Windeatt, Mary Fabyan (and series)
Mary's Story- Boss, Sarah Jane
Mary's Story- Boss, Sarah Jane
On a Mission to Love- Staresinic, Debbie
Our Lady of Fatima: The Graphic Novel- Estrada, SamThe Woman in the Trees- Bell, Theoni
Prayer
Stories of the Blessed Sacrament- Bay, Francine
Catechism on the Seven Sacraments: Building Blocks of Faith Series- ONeill, Kevin and Mary
The Catholic Field Guide- Chronister, Michelle
Anointed- Pope Francis
Who is the Holy Spirit?
The Sacraments in Action
A Pocket Guide to Sacramental Reconciliation
Heaven/Grief/Death/Tragedy
Heaven is a Wonderful Place
I Will Remember You: My Catholic Guide Through Grief
After the Funeral
Sometimes Life is Just Not Fair: Hope for Kids Through Grief and Loss
When Your Grandparent Dies: A Child's Guide to Good Grief
Today Someone I Loved Passed Away
That Easter Sunday: A Story of Resilience, Friendship, and Hope, by Nadishka Aloysius
Prayer
Little Prayers for Little Ones- Jablonski, Patricia
My Superhero Prayer Book- Tierney, Kendra
Mary Holds My Hand- Chronister, Michelle
This Little Prayer of Mine, by Anthony DeStefano
On a Mission to Love-Staresinic, Debbie
The Catholic Treasury of Prayers & Verses- Adalee Hude
Mary Holds My Hand- Chronister, Michelle
This Little Prayer of Mine, by Anthony DeStefano
On a Mission to Love-Staresinic, Debbie
Finding You, The Sisters of Life
Sitting Like a Saint- Bottaro, Gregory and Barbra
Loyola Kids Book of Everyday Prayers
The Kid's Book of Prayers about All Sorts of Things, by Elizabeth Heller and David Heller
Be Yourself! Journal for Catholic Girls, by Amy Brooks
Be Yourself, A Journal for Catholic Boys, by Amy Brooks
To Hear His Voice Mass Journal
Rise Up; Shining with Virtue, Blessed is She
Sitting Like a Saint- Bottaro, Gregory and Barbra
Loyola Kids Book of Everyday Prayers
The Kid's Book of Prayers about All Sorts of Things, by Elizabeth Heller and David Heller
Be Yourself! Journal for Catholic Girls, by Amy Brooks
Be Yourself, A Journal for Catholic Boys, by Amy Brooks
To Hear His Voice Mass Journal
Rise Up; Shining with Virtue, Blessed is She
The Interior Castle: A Boy's Journey into the Riches of Prayer, Judith Bouilloc
Divine Mercy for Children- Vinny Flynn
Made for Greatness: A Growth Mindset Journal for Courageous Catholic Youth, Ginny Kochis
Catholic Youth Prayer Book
YOUCAT Prayer Book
Jesus Speaking, Gabrielle Bossis
Made for Greatness: A Growth Mindset Journal for Courageous Catholic Youth, Ginny Kochis
Catholic Youth Prayer Book
YOUCAT Prayer Book
Jesus Speaking, Gabrielle Bossis
Prompt Me to Pray, Monica McConkey
Manual for Eucharistic Adoration
Life of Christ Lectio Divina Journal, Education in Virtue
My Encounter: How I Met Jesus in Prayer, Chika Anyanwu
Manual for Eucharistic Adoration
Life of Christ Lectio Divina Journal, Education in Virtue
My Encounter: How I Met Jesus in Prayer, Chika Anyanwu
The Plans God Has for You: Hopeful Lessons for Young Women- Amy Smith
I Choose The Sky: A Scriptural Devotion for Women, Emily Wilson
I Choose The Sky: A Scriptural Devotion for Women, Emily Wilson
Bless Us O Lord, A Family Treasury of Mealtime Prayers- Hamma, Robert
Advent/Christmas
A Little Camel for Baby Jesus- Gianola, Maria
Guess Who's in the Manger: A Christmas Story- Howie, Vickie
Advent/Christmas
A Little Camel for Baby Jesus- Gianola, Maria
Guess Who's in the Manger: A Christmas Story- Howie, Vickie
A Child's Christmas ABC Book- Thigpen, Paul
The Birds of Bethlehem- dePaola, Tomie
The Night of Las Posadas, dePaola Tomie
The Legend of the Poinsettia, dePaola, Tomie
The Legend of Old Befana, dePaola, Tomie
Bambinelli Sunday: A Christmas Blessing, Welborn, Amy
Angela and the Baby Jesus- McCort, Frank
24 Christmas Stories for Little Ones
Santa's Priority, Tom Peterson
The Little Star, by Anthony DeStefano
The Birds of Bethlehem- dePaola, Tomie
The Night of Las Posadas, dePaola Tomie
The Legend of the Poinsettia, dePaola, Tomie
The Legend of Old Befana, dePaola, Tomie
Bambinelli Sunday: A Christmas Blessing, Welborn, Amy
Angela and the Baby Jesus- McCort, Frank
24 Christmas Stories for Little Ones
Santa's Priority, Tom Peterson
The Little Star, by Anthony DeStefano
The Crippled Lamb- Lucado, Max
Voices of Christmas- Grimes, Nikki
Aaron's Secret Message, Pfister, Marcus
Voices of Christmas- Grimes, Nikki
Aaron's Secret Message, Pfister, Marcus
Celebrate the Season; Twelve Short Stories for Advent and Christmas- Lynch, Diane M.
Sisters of the Last Straw #5: The Case of the Christmas Tree Capers, Karen Kelly Boyce
Christmas Around the Fire, Ryan N. S. Topping
The Jesse Tree Advent Journal, Lumen Ecclesiae Press
Sisters of the Last Straw #5: The Case of the Christmas Tree Capers, Karen Kelly Boyce
Christmas Around the Fire, Ryan N. S. Topping
The Jesse Tree Advent Journal, Lumen Ecclesiae Press
O Come, Emmanuel, Kendra Tierney
Advent and Christmas One Day at a Time for Catholic Teens, Katie Prejean McGrady & Tommy McGrady
Lent/Easter
Petook: The Rooster Who Met Jesus- Caryll Houselander
Lent/Easter
Petook: The Rooster Who Met Jesus- Caryll Houselander
Catholic Icing Symbolic Holy Week and Easter Cookbook
Simon of Cyrene and the Legend of the Easter Egg- Degazelle, Terri
Walking with Jesus to Calvary: Stations of the Cross for Children- Burrin, Angela
Tale of the Three Trees- Hunt, Angela Elwell
The Donkey That No One Could Ride, by Anthony DeStefano
The Way of the Cross: Discovery Mercy with St. Longinus- Sofie, Rev. J. Francis
Mary's Way of the Cross- Furey, Richard
Simon of Cyrene and the Legend of the Easter Egg- Degazelle, Terri
Walking with Jesus to Calvary: Stations of the Cross for Children- Burrin, Angela
Tale of the Three Trees- Hunt, Angela Elwell
The Donkey That No One Could Ride, by Anthony DeStefano
The Way of the Cross: Discovery Mercy with St. Longinus- Sofie, Rev. J. Francis
Mary's Way of the Cross- Furey, Richard
Set a Fire: The Holy Spirit Book for Kids from Blessed is She
Lent: One Day at a Time for Catholic Teens- Prejean McGrady, KatieA Missal for Toddlers- Lescoat, Ellen
I Went to Mass, What Did I See? - Warner, Katie
Fr. Ben Gets Ready for Mass- Warner, Katie
The Weight of a Mass- Nobisso, Josephine
I Went to Mass, What Did I See? - Warner, Katie
Fr. Ben Gets Ready for Mass- Warner, Katie
The Weight of a Mass- Nobisso, Josephine
Where is Jesus Hidden? Maura Roan McKeegan
Sam the Guardian Angel, by Lis Luwia
My First Communion Bible- Groeschel, Fr. Benedict
Little Book About Confession for Children- Tierney, Kendra
Sam the Guardian Angel, by Lis Luwia
My First Communion Bible- Groeschel, Fr. Benedict
Little Book About Confession for Children- Tierney, Kendra
The Monks Make Amends- Sylvia Dorham
Heavenly Hosts: Eucharistic Miracles for Kids- Griffin, KathrynStories of the Blessed Sacrament- Bay, Francine
Catechism on the Seven Sacraments: Building Blocks of Faith Series- ONeill, Kevin and Mary
The Catholic Field Guide- Chronister, Michelle
Anointed- Pope Francis
Who is the Holy Spirit?
The Sacraments in Action
A Pocket Guide to Sacramental Reconciliation
A is For Angel: The Alphabet in Sacred Art- Keogler, Adrienne, Katie & Jaimee
Loyola Kids Books of Catholic Signs and Symbols- Welborn, Amy
Loyola Kids Books of Catholic Signs and Symbols- Welborn, Amy
Holy Mysteries: 12 Investigations into Extraordinary Cases- Sophie de Mullenheim
Look it Up!- Alampi, Janet
Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, St. Mary's Press
YOUCAT
The Church Rocks!- Hill, Mary Lea
Did Adam & Eve Have Belly Buttons?- Pinto & Evert
Did Jesus Have a Last Name?- Pinto & Evert
Ask the Bible Geek- Hart, Mark
Blessed Are the Bored in Spirit- Hart, Mark
Totally Catholic- Glavich, Mary Kathlessn
100 Things Every Catholic Teen Should Know
The Strangeness of Truth- Ference, Fr. Damian
Look it Up!- Alampi, Janet
Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, St. Mary's Press
YOUCAT
The Church Rocks!- Hill, Mary Lea
Did Adam & Eve Have Belly Buttons?- Pinto & Evert
Did Jesus Have a Last Name?- Pinto & Evert
Ask the Bible Geek- Hart, Mark
Blessed Are the Bored in Spirit- Hart, Mark
Totally Catholic- Glavich, Mary Kathlessn
100 Things Every Catholic Teen Should Know
The Strangeness of Truth- Ference, Fr. Damian
Heaven/Grief/Death/Tragedy
Heaven is a Wonderful Place
I Will Remember You: My Catholic Guide Through Grief
After the Funeral
Sometimes Life is Just Not Fair: Hope for Kids Through Grief and Loss
When Your Grandparent Dies: A Child's Guide to Good Grief
Today Someone I Loved Passed Away
That Easter Sunday: A Story of Resilience, Friendship, and Hope, by Nadishka Aloysius
Stories/Novels/Activity Books
Angel in the Waters
The Monks' Daily Bread- Dorham, Sylvia
The Monks' Stormy Night- Dorham, Sylvia
The Fruit Tree- Restaino, Mark
Chime Travelers-Hendey, Lisa
I'm Bernadette! (and series)- Ortega, Emily Grace
Anna Goes to a Party & Learns About the Mass- Kramer-Kost, Gabriele
Prince Martin Series, Hale, Brandon
Angel in the Waters
The Monks' Daily Bread- Dorham, Sylvia
The Monks' Stormy Night- Dorham, Sylvia
The Fruit Tree- Restaino, Mark
Chime Travelers-Hendey, Lisa
I'm Bernadette! (and series)- Ortega, Emily Grace
Anna Goes to a Party & Learns About the Mass- Kramer-Kost, Gabriele
Prince Martin Series, Hale, Brandon
The Adventures of Lupio Series- Kieffer, Jean-Francois
Clown of God, dePaola, Tomie
The Christian Alphabet
Clown of God, dePaola, Tomie
The Christian Alphabet
Justice on the Acropolis, B.B. Gallagher
The Island of the Two Trees- Kennelly, Brian
St. Patrick's Summer- Hunt, Marigold
The Island of the Two Trees- Kennelly, Brian
St. Patrick's Summer- Hunt, Marigold
Miraculous! Catholic Mysteries for Kids- Swegart, Kathryn Griffin
32 Days- Prozeller
Catholic Funny Fill Ins- Tighe, Tommy
Catholic Funny Fill-Ins: Saints Spectacular!, by Karen and Tommy Tighe
32 Days- Prozeller
Catholic Funny Fill Ins- Tighe, Tommy
Catholic Funny Fill-Ins: Saints Spectacular!, by Karen and Tommy Tighe
Pauline Kids Coloring Books
Jesus Speaks to You Coloring Book
Light of Heaven, Saints Coloring Book, by Adalee Hude
The Wolf and the Shield- Smith, Sherry Weaver
Jesus Speaks to You Coloring Book
Light of Heaven, Saints Coloring Book, by Adalee Hude
The Wolf and the Shield- Smith, Sherry Weaver
The Phantom of the Colosseum, Sophie de Mullenheim
A Lion for the Emperor- Sophie de Mullenheim
What are some of your favorite Catholic books for kids?
What are some of your favorite Catholic books for kids?
As a school librarian, I really appreciate this! I've printed out the list & marked the titles we have. Thanks for doing all this research. God bless you! (Thanks also for your post about choosing good Catholic books.)
ReplyDeleteSister F.
Any recommendation for a children's book on heaven? I'm looking for one that meshes well with Catholic teaching.
ReplyDeleteHi Susan! I don't know if you will see this, but I just added some books on grief to this list. I bought and really like "Heaven is a wonderful place" from Word Among Us Press. Does a good job of sharing the Biblical descriptions of Heaven and is rooted in Catholic teaching.
DeleteCan I suggest this one under the categories of Easter and Grief?
ReplyDeletehttps://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084VG8CCY/
THAT EASTER SUNDAY: Story book for Children Age 8 - 12 based on the True Events of the Easter Sunday Attacks in Sri Lanka
Hi! By any chance should the "Jerry Douglas" author of one of the recommended Stations of the Cross books for children be Jerry *Daoust* ( Jerry Windley-Daoust) instead?
ReplyDeleteYes! Thank you for the correction! I just fixed it, and updated the link as well since the old one wasn't working. Thanks!
Delete