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Catholic Schools Week is about to begin, so I’d like take a minute to highlight some of my favorite Catholic and Christian titles that are available in my school library. I absolutely love that as a Catholic school librarian, I get to share books like these with my students, and it warms my heart to see children gravitating toward books that may help their faith to grow.
In addition to these book recommendations, I also have a FREEBIE for you as a little Catholic Schools Week gift! I hope your students enjoy coloring these free bookmarks during Catholic Schools Week…or any time!
Now, on to some awesome books!
When Mary Says Yes by Gracie Jagla
A relatively new release and new to my library this school year, When Mary Says Yes tells the story of different that ways Mary obeyed God’s will throughout her life. Young readers of this book will see that that Mary’s most well-known “YES!” was world-changing, but it was not a one-time thing; it was a part of a lifelong pattern of surrender to and cooperation with God in Mary’s life that we can imitate in our own lives. This book has cute illustrations by Natalia Carcache, and it has been a hit with the kindergarten through second grade girls.
Jesus is Here by Mary E. Wingfield
Jesus is Here is a lift-the-flap board book book about the mass that is very popular among my preschool and kindergarten students. The lovely illustrations and flaps bring children on an engaging journey through different parts of the mass, helping them understand what to expect and what is happening at church. I recently purchased and gave a copy of this book to a friend as a baby gift because it’s one of my favorite Catholic books for little ones.
The “Princess Parables” series by Jeanna Young
My preschool and kindergarten girls can’t get enough of Princess Joy’s Party and the other books in the Princess Parables series. We have five books from this series in our library, and I can’t seem to keep them on the shelves. Each simple story features a princess as the main character and connects to a story from one of the gospels.
Saint Clare of Assisi by Kim Hee-ju
My students love graphic novels, and this one that tells the story of the life of Saint Clare of Assisi circulates quite regularly. I love that talented and creative artists are using the popular graphic novel format to bring the lives of the saints to children and tweens. My students also enjoy other graphic novels about saints from Pauline Books and Media, including Saint Bernadette of Lourdes: The Girl Who Saw Mary and Saint Teresa of Avila, God’s Troublemaker.
My First Catholic Book of Prayers and Graces by Catholic Book Publishing Corp.
Brightly colored and eye-catching, this prayer book is often selected by my preschool students to check out, bring home, and read with their families. It includes both traditional Catholic prayers and new prayers written for different events that take place during a child’s typical day.
The Tale of the Three Trees retold by Angela Elwell Hunt
The Tale of the Three Trees is a cherished Christian folk tale that brings to mind several stories from Jesus’ life, all while showing that the plans God has for our lives can outshine our own dreams. This one is a beautiful read aloud.
You’re So Brave by Carrie Marrs
This book geared for children ages four to eight stresses the theme that people CAN do hard things, and it describes the adventures of brave men and women of the Bible who pushed themselves to do difficult things, all for the glory of God. It’s adorable with a wonderful, inspiring message.
Jesus, Savior of the World by Marlyn Evangelina Monge
A darling board book with beautiful illustrations by Mary Rojas, Jesus, Savior of the World by Marlyn Evangelina Monge is a wonderful way to introduce little ones to Jesus! My preschool and kindergarten students choose this one often, and it is another book that I have also purchased as a baby gift or baptism gift for relatives and friends.
“Made by God” Animal Books by Zondervan
Children love exploring animal books, and this series looks at animals through a Christian worldview that shows how they are an important part of God’s creation. We have titles such as Cats, Dogs, Hamsters, and Horses and Big Bugs, Little Bugs in our school library for our students to enjoy.
Princesses of Heaven by Fabiola Garza
Children are captivated by this beautiful book about the adventures of real-life female saints. The illustrations by Fabiola Garza are simply gorgeous and draw the readers into the fascinating stories of women from different backgrounds who shared bravery, strength, and strong faith in God. Through this stunning and unique book, your students will be introduced to role models such as St. Joan of Arc, St. Josephine Bakhita, and St. Kateri Tekakwitha and will be encouraged to grow in character and become closer to God.
Books of Bible Stories
There are so many fantastic books of Bible stories out there, but I wanted to just share a just few that are my students’ favorites. At my school, students enjoy a collection called The Catholic Book of Bible Stories by Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton, a children’s Bible called My Bible: God’s Word for Me by Mary Martha Moss FSP, and the bright and beautiful My Storytime Bible by Renita Boyle, among others!
I hope that you found some new faith-building books to add to your library or classroom, or to share with other kids you love!
Don’t forget to download your FREE gift — bookmarks for your students to color as they celebrate Catholic Schools Week!
What are some of your favorite Catholic and Christian children’s books?
