Looking for books that teach about faith, spirituality, hope and love
Brother Juniper
Author: Diane Gibfried
Illustrator: Meilo So
Publisher: Clarion Books, an Imprint of Houghton Mifflin Company
Recommended Age Range: 4 to 8
There is no way not to love Brother Juniper and his incredibly generous nature. Yet, when Father Francis asks him to care for the church for the day, it does inspire a bit of worry among his fellow brothers; they know just how giving Brother Juniper can be. With humor and charm, and a few surprises, we are reminded that there is more than one way to tend to – and attend – a church. ☺
Dear Pope Francis: The Pope Answers Letters from Children Around the World
Author: Pope Francis
Publisher: Loyola Press
Recommended Age Range: 4 to 12
Awards: 2017 Association of Catholic Publishers-Book of theYear; 2017 Illumination Book Awards, Gold Medal: Children’s Picture Book; 2017 Independent Press Awards, Distinguished Favorite: Book Cover Design-Children’s; 2017 Catholic Press Association Book Awards, First Place: Children’s Books; 2017 Catholic Press Association Book Awards, First Place: Pope Francis; International Book Award Winner, 2016; Lectio Book Award, 2016; Moonbeam Award, 2016
Naamah and the Ark at Night
Author: Susan Campbell Bartoletti
Illustrator: Holly Meade
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Recommended Age Range: 4 to 8
Website
This stunningly illustrated book tells the story of Noah’s Ark by allowing us a glimpse into his wife’s love of animals, and beautiful singing voice, which she used each night to sing the animals to sleep. This story, with its silhouette-style images, captivates children.
Awards: ALA Notable Children’s Book; Charlotte Zolotow Award Honor Book; Sydney Taylor Honor Book Award; The Horn Book Fanfare; Kirkus Reviews Best Children’s Books; Booklist Top 10 Religion Books for Youth
Old Turtle
Author: Douglas Wood
Illustrator: Cheng-Khee Chee
Publisher: Pfeifer-Hamilton Publishers
Recommended Age Range: 4 to 8
Website
Old Turtle is a wonderful fable about peace and understanding, God and faith, and our world and everything within it. Beautiful illustrations complement the moving text.
Awards: International Reading Association’s Children’s Book Award, 1993; American Booksellers’ Book of the Year, 1993
Noah’s Ark: The Brick Bible for Kids
Author: Brendan Powell Smith
Illustrator: Brendan Powell Smith
Publisher: Sky Pony Press
Recommended Age Range: 3 to 6
For those children who love Legos, Brendan Powell Smith’s Noah’s Ark: The Brick Bible for Kids will be a BIG hit!
On Noah’s Ark
Author: Jan Brett
Illustrator: Jan Brett
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Recommended Age Range: 4 to 8
Website
Jan Brett’s On Noah’s Ark is told from the perspective of Noah’s grandson. In addition to its beautiful illustrations, Jan Brett simply knows how to tell (or in this case, retell) a good story and make it great for children to hear and enjoy.
Awards: Publishers Weekly – Children’s Top Ten Bestseller List October 2003
The Golden Rule
Author: Ilene Cooper
Illustrator: Gabi Swiatkowska
Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers, an Imprint of Abrams
Recommended Age Range: 4 to 8
Website
The Golden Rule is the story of this ancient rule found throughout many of the world’s religions. In this book, it is “discovered” and discussed through a simple dialogue between a grandfather and his grandson. Innocent and wise, simple and profound, this is powerful literature that wraps a timeless lesson within the pages of a beautifully illustrated book.
Awards: Booklist Editors’ Choice 2007; National Association Parenting Publications Gold Award 2007; The Book Award for Best Children’s Literature on Aging for Elementary Readers 2008
The Sandal Artist
Author: Kathleen T. Pelley
Illustrator: Lois Sprague
Publisher: Pelican Publishing Company
Recommended Age Range: 5 to 8
Website
The Sandal Artist is a thoughtful story that teaches all of us the power of walking in someone else’s shoes. In this book, it is a judgmental artist who, when given a pair of sandals by a cobbler, stops seeing the negative side of those he has always known and, instead, the beauty that lies within. An inspiring read with a wonderful message.
Awards: 2013 Bock Book Award Winner; 2013 Storytelling World Award Honor Book