The Liturgical Year

My First Christmas Sticker Book

Author(s): 
Sally Ann Wright
Illustrator(s): 
Moira Maclean
Number of pages: 
16 pages
Copyright: 
2005
ISBN / ID: 
1841014699
Publisher: 
Pauline Kids
Binding: 
Stapled Softcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 
I have always loved sticker books-- especially when the drawings are cute as in the case of this booklet. Sticker "scenes" are 2 page- spreads following the story of the birth of Our Lord, and the last page had a suggested scheme of each scene.
Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
11-21-2009

My Path to Heaven

Book cover: My Path to Heaven
Author(s): 
Geoffrey Bliss, S.J.
Illustrator(s): 
Caryll Houselander
Number of pages: 
89 pages
Copyright: 
1997
ISBN / ID: 
9780918477484
Publisher: 
Sophia Institute Press
Binding: 
Sewn Softcover
Review: 

This is one of the nicest educational materials I've come across (and I think that's saying a lot). What this book amounts to is a simplified form of the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius, designed to be understood by children. This is cleverly done with a very detailed picture for each of the twelve chapters. The child studies the details of the pictures and then the parent or the child reads the text (two or three pages) which explains the details of the pictures. The child is then invited to look at the picture again. The text is read a second time and then a list of ten to twenty yes or no questions are asked to reinforce the text and determine how well the child understood it. This is not just another religion text teaching facts, but a very persuasive text leading children to desire holiness and the greatest good in their lives. 

The publisher gives permission for parents to photocopy the pictures for their own children to color while studying the text, which might enhance their interest in the pictures and their ability to notice all of the little details. The book is recommended for children ages nine through twelve, although I've heard from a number of homeschoolers (and found the same to be true in my own family) that younger children and adults will benefit from it as well. Particularly nice for Lent/Holy Week or for First Communion Preparation.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

Copyrights 1936/1997

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
3-25-2000

On That First Christmas Eve

Book cover: On That First Christmas Eve
Author(s): 
Carol Schulze Dowgiallo
Robert Dowgiallo
Illustrator(s): 
Dorothy Perez
Number of pages: 
48 pages
Copyright: 
2005
ISBN / ID: 
9781592761838
Publisher: 
Our Sunday Visitor
Binding: 
Softcover
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

This is one of those delightful children's books that I wish was hard-covered instead of paperback! This book is a simple idea: a 40-some page poem that details the first Christmas Eve. Sounds pretty traditional and common, yes? The unique thing about this book, though, is that the authors link that first Christmas Eve to Jesus' baptism and death on the Cross and then come back full circle to the first night, but now with children of the world surrounding the manger. It's a beautifully done explanation for WHY Christ was born. In simple rhythm poetry and simple pictures, children are shown that Jesus was born in a manger two thousand years ago, but his birth and resurrection are just as much for the children of today as for the shepherd children in that long ago field.

The illustrations by Dorothy Perez add to the innocence and beauty of the book. The pictures are lightly drawn colored-pencil sketches, a new sketch on every two-page spread. A simple, lovely book for children to read throughout the Christmas season.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
12-1-05

Our Lady of Guadalupe Cut'n'Color Kit

Publisher: 
Illuminated Ink
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

Our Lady of Guadalupe Cut ‘n Color is actually a 3-dimensional story book about Our Lady of Guadalupe. Once completed, this cut, color, and assemble kit creates a lovely storybook attached to an attractive diorama that children can use with the paper dolls to act out the story. A few parts will need some adult supervision. On the bottom of the “book” are pages of the story that you turn while the diorama remains in view. Each kit includes the book, scenery, church, and paper dolls of Juan Diego, the Bishop, and Our Lady of Guadalupe all on card stock with easy to follow instructions. A craft knife or X-acto knife is required. The picture on the cover does not give justice to how beautiful this project is. Once completed, your child will have an attractive diorama to play with and a story to read over and over again.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
5-2-2006

Passion Play Cut'n'Color Kit from Illuminated Ink

Publisher: 
Illuminated Ink
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

The 3-D Passion Play Cut ‘n Color Kit creates a spectacular miniature theater when completed. It displays in a circle format and includes four ready-to-color, 3-dimensional scenes (The Last Supper, The Agony in the Garden, The Crucifixion, and the Resurrection). Three are back to back on the bottom and one is perched on top. (You might like to display it on a lazy-susan in order to change between scenes). Easy-to-follow, step-by-step, illustrated instructions are provided to insure success. Once completed, children will have a beautiful theater to re-enact the events of Holy Week, beginning with the Last Supper through the Resurrection, along with numerous movable characters, and 3 mini-booklets (Biblical excerpts from The Agony in the Garden, The Crucifixion, and the Resurrection). Besides the miniature booklets, there are scriptural verses printed along the perimeter of each scene. Also along the top tier there are nine virtues: Joy, Peace, Faithfulness, self-control, etc. Finished size: 10" x 10" x 13 ½". Younger children will need some adult supervision.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
5-2-2006

Stations of the Cross for Children

Book cover: Stations of the Cross for Children
Author(s): 
Julianne M. Will
Illustrator(s): 
Patricia Mattozzi
Number of pages: 
32 pages
Copyright: 
2005
ISBN / ID: 
9781592761531
Publisher: 
Our Sunday Visitor
Subject(s): 
Review: 

This small booklet can make a nice resource for a child during Stations of the Cross devotions.

Each set of double pages depicts a full page illustration in a simplified iconic format and a page of text. Under the title of each station, in bold, is the traditional prayer of the Church: We adore you, o Christ and we praise you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world. 

The language is directed towards children, and it has a personal and sincere tone. In a letter format, each opens with a "Dear Jesus" greeting and ends with an "Amen." Subjects revolve around the everyday life of a child and the prayers are very nicely worded.

This is a very nice resource, especially for Lent. 

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
11-14-07

Stations of the Cross for Children Poster Set

Book cover: 'Stations of the Cross for Children Poster Set'
Author(s): 
Julianne Will
Illustrator(s): 
Patricia Mattozzi
Number of pages: 
15 pages
Copyright: 
2005
ISBN / ID: 
9781592761654
Publisher: 
Our Sunday Visitor
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

This is a very nice, very inexpensive, large-size set of the Stations of the Cross created especially for children (the same pictures as are in the Stations of the Cross for Children book, also reviewed here) appropriate for homes and classrooms. The drawings are simple (they remind me a little of Tomie dePaola's drawings) and what my husband would describe as "sanitized". Our first inclination was to think these were too sanitized, but when we compared them to our more "traditional" set (which cost us 3x as much and are about half the size), we realized that the other set, too was without blood. As a matter, of fact, my 10 year old son noticed that one of the pictures in our "traditional" set was reversed and had the wound in Jesus' side – on the wrong side.

I think many families will find this to be a very nice set to hang on their walls during Lent as a very visual reminder (and even a visual catechism in the sense that religious art of old was intended to instruct) of Jesus' death and resurrection.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

Medium weight paper – each poster is approximately 11x17 inches

Sadly, these are no longer in print but you might be able to find a used set.

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
2-15-06

Stations of the Cross Grotto Kit

Completed 13th station
Publisher: 
Illuminated Ink
Subject(s): 
Review: 

This well-thought-out kit is easy to use and makes a beautiful set of Stations of the Cross "grottos" when complete. The kit contains full-color art prints of each station, pre-cut wooden sticks for the frames, and gemstones to glue on for decoration. When complete, each station measures approximately 7" tall by 5" wide.

This could be a wonderful family project to make during Lent or beforehand and the set of Stations can then be used for years to come. Illuminated Ink recommends it for children 10 and up or for younger children, 6 and up, with close supervision and help from a parent.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
02/17/2025

The Catholic Christmas Book of Cherished Christmas Customs

Author(s): 
Father Francis Weiser
Illustrator(s): 
Frankenberg, Robert
Number of pages: 
188 pages
Copyright: 
1999
ISBN / ID: 
0911845925
Publisher: 
The Neumann Press (reprint of 1952 edition)
Binding: 
Sewn Hardcover
Subject(s): 
Review: 
I love Christmas. I love all the preparing during Advent, the feasting during Christmas Day itself, and the Catholic and secular traditions surrounding the entire Advent-Christmas-Epiphany cycle. I love reading about Christmas and planning new traditions and dusting off old ones. I was delighted to find a republished (by Neumann Press) copy of Father Francis Weiser’s classic, The Catholic Christmas Book of Cherished Christmas Customs. Originally published in the 1950s, I can remember Mom reading snippets from this book when I was growing up. The republication is such a blessing; especially since Neumann Press has kept the original texts and sketches and bound it all together in a hard-cover for years of use. Please note: this is not a recipe book, craft book or activity book. This is a scholarly work on the facts about Christmas from a Catholic world-view. Father Weiser delves into each symbol, tradition, story and saint that plays a role in the Christmas season. He begins with the Gospel versions and relates these to historic events. Next he discusses just how and when the celebration of December 25th as the birth of the Christ Child came about. He further develops the changing times as the Protestant Revolt and the rise of Puritanism caused many of the religious aspects of Christmas to seemingly disappear – but some of what we consider very secular traditions have their roots in religious beliefs. Fr. Weiser points all these out, with specific information about why the different countries celebrate in these ways. A few chapters are devoted to describing and explaining ancient hymns, medieval carols and modern Christmas songs – not so much the words of these carols, but more their meanings and background. He places the hymns and songs in their historical and social context, explaining when the particular hymn was sung and why. Nativity plays and mystery play traditions from different countries and crèches are detailed. Lights, fires and the Christmas tree are symbols used in just about every culture – Fr. Weiser does a great job describing and explaining these customs. Food, which plays a large role in many of the Christmas traditions, is the subject of the last couple of chapters. Unfortunately, Fr. Weiser doesn’t give us any recipes – and some of these treats sound wonderful! Many of the foods mentioned, thankfully, we can find on the internet to satisfy our need to make what he mentions. Again, this book is not a typical Christmas book – there are no stories, activities or recipes. This book will give all those interested a great resource for understanding the roots of the many holiday traditions including the activities, the decorations, the music and drama of the days surrounding the birth of the Christ Child and the visit of the Magi.
Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
6-22-2009

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey

Book cover: The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey
Author(s): 
Susan Wojciechowski
Illustrator(s): 
P.J. Lynch
Number of pages: 
32 pages
Copyright: 
1995
ISBN / ID: 
9781564023209
Publisher: 
Candlewick Press
Binding: 
Sewn Hardcover
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

This is a lovely story about a gruff woodcarver who is commissioned to make a Nativity Set for a young boy and his mother. The story is beautifully written and lovingly illustrated. This is such a favorite for my children that we keep it out year-round and it has been read over and over and over again. This is simply a can't-miss book – at least check it out from your library. When you buy a copy, I certainly recommend the hardcover for durability. There are many copies available used online – at Amazon.com there were over 50 used copies available – most for well under $10.

Additional notes: 

Newer editions have a different cover, but interior artwork and content appear to be unchanged.

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
11-29-05

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