The Children's Book of Saints

This small book can serve as a gentle spiritual guide for Catholic children by presenting brief biographical sketches of 50 saints. Arranged alphabetically this book offers a two-page spread for each saint: a charming color illustration opposite a thumbnail sketch of the saint told in simple vocabulary. The author has selected these specific personages from Church history in the hope that they would have particular appeal to children, especially those in America. He focuses the short narratives on "events from the saint's childhood or...relationship to children." When caring adults share this book with the children they love, quality time will result--both in appreciation for the sacrifices of these saints, and in deeper human bonding during daily or weekly devotionals. A spiritual gem for all Christians.

A nice introductory book for young Catholics. I used it during the month of October, leading up to All Saints Day. Nice pictures, nice write-ups. Thank you.

Having read the "a treasure for children" review, I can only say a hearty "Amen". Of the over 15 books of saints that I have reviewed (click on "see all my reviews for the others) I believe that this is geared for the youngest children of them all. The concepts are shared on as simple a level as possible for children who are old enough to learn about saints, but the stories are well read and darling. The reading level is also low enough for your second graders to be able to read it to themselves. Two pages are committed to each saint - one for a simple and sweet (but not syrupy) colorful picture of a saint and a short prayer that a child can say as a response to reading about the life of the saint, geared very much on a child's level of understanding and interest. The 2nd page is, well, the author of the "a treasure for children" review described it very well. All that I can add is a list of the saints which are included in this book: Agnes....... Aloysius Gonzaga....... Angela Merici....... Anne....... Anthony of Padua....... Augustine....... Benedict....... Bernadette....... Bridget of Sweden....... Catherine Laboure....... Catherine of Siena....... Cecilia....... Dominic Savio.......Elizabeth of Hungary....... Elizabeth Seton....... Frances Xavier Cabrini....... Francis of Assissi....... Francis de Sales....... Francis Xavier....... Gemma Galgani....... George....... Helen the Empress....... Ignatius Loyola....... Isaac Jogues....... Isidore the Farmer....... Jane Frances De Chantal....... Joan of Arc....... John the Baptist....... John Baptist De La Salle....... John Bosco....... John Neumann....... Joseph....... Jude....... Kateri Tekakwitha....... Lucy....... Margaret Mary....... Maria Goretti....... Martin De Porres....... Mary Queen of Saints....... Patrick....... Paul....... Peter....... Peter Clavier....... Rose of Lima....... Stanislaus Kostka....... Stephen....... Theresa the Little Flower....... Thomas the Apostle....... Thomas Acquinas....... Thomas More....... Vincent De Paul.

I'm not Catholic but this a really neat little collection of minibios, pictures & prayers about over 100 saints!

My mother gave me this book for my First Communion and it remains my most memorable gift from that special day. As a child I loved reading and rereading about my favorite saints. At the time, I didn't realize what a lasting impression it made; I just enjoyed the simple pictures and uplifting stories. Looking back though, it's easy to see how much this book helped reinforce the lessons of love and compassion I learned everyday from mass or the classroom.This book is truly a treasure for kids and adults alike. Many popular saints are featured (e.g., St. Stephen, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Elizabeth) as well as some lesser known ones (Bl. Kateri Tekawitha). Each biography includes a small illustration at the top of the page followed by a brief passage recounting deeds or sacrifices for which that saint is remembered. The prose is simple enough for a small child to read alone yet avoids reducing these important stories and lives to tall tales. Of course read it with your kid too! If you want to expose him or her to religion and the Christian values inspired by these saints, I can't recommend a better collection. Its durable hardback binding also ensures that they will treasure it years to come.