No name

A Landscape with Dragons

Book cover: A Landscape with Dragons
Author(s): 
Michael D. O'Brien
Number of pages: 
261 pages
Copyright: 
1998
ISBN: 
9780898706789
Publisher: 
Ignatius Press
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Books about Books
Review: 

This book has helped me to understand the importance of stories in a child's spiritual and intellectual formation. Mr. O'Brien explains how mythology, fiction, fantasy and fairy tales help children understand the real world - both what we can see and what we can't see. Stories help teach children the difference between right and wrong, good and evil. Unfortunately, many fiction stories give the wrong messages about good and bad. Mr. O'Brien gives parents the tools to tell good from bad and includes his own analysis of some popular stories and several Disney movies. Some of the work is rather scholarly and perhaps even heavy-handed at times. In particular, his theories about good fantasy, which even the Chronicles of Narnia and the Lord of the Rings can't quite live up to, seem overly particular to me.

Because of all the problems with offensive content in modern books and movies, I think it's easy for parents to fall into judging books and movies JUST by whether or not they are "clean." The problem with this is that some materials that appear to be non-offensive have problems of a more subtle nature. Conversely, there are some really fine books and movies that have some unfortunate scenes or even some scenes that seem offensive but are important to the story. A Landscape With Dragons helps sort out what's good and what's bad in a meaningful, rather than superficial way.

This book also contains an extensive recommended reading list compiled by the staff of Bethlehem Books. It's a very helpful resource categorized into Picture Books, Easy Readers, Short Chapter Books, Books for Intermediate Readers, and Adult Titles which are suitable for older teens. Included are many good secular titles that you can probably find in your local library. Also, titles are marked to let you know which ones are currently in print. 
In keeping with the notion of deciding for yourself on some of the finer points (and remembering that good Catholics will disagree on some of these details), it is interesting to note that there are a few discrepencies between Michael O'Brien's recommendations and those present in the recommended book list from Bethlehem Books.
 

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
1998-99

A Life of Our Lord for Children

Book cover: A Life of Our Lord for Children
Author(s): 
Marigold Hunt
Illustrator(s): 
Ted Schluenderfritz
Number of pages: 
189 pages
Copyright: 
2003
ISBN: 
1928832644
Publisher: 
Sophia Institute Press
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Biographies
The Life of Christ
Review: 

Sophia Institute Press has reprinted another gem! In an easy conversational manner, Marigold Hunt tells the story of the Life of Christ. She begins by spending one chapter on the time before Christ, the promise, and the prophets. Then she tells of his birth and young life, his preaching and miracles, and his death and resurrection. The last chapter, His Kingdom is the Church, tells of the Pentecost.

The pictures make this edition really special. There are thirty, done in an almost icon-like style. I have two favorites. The first is of the storm on the Sea of Galilee while Jesus sleeps and the apostles panic. The view is from above. The second is a picture that has a small drawing of each apostle with some symbol to represent who he is. The spot for Judas is darkened. My children had a fun time deciding the name of each apostle based on the symbols. Another interesting detail is that the artist is a homeschooling dad!

When I first saw the book, I wondered at the need of it. If you wanted your children to know the story of Christ, I thought, why not read the Bible. But as I read it I saw that the way Mrs. Hunt tells the story makes a big difference. She claims that she is not telling everything that is in the bible, but a little, so that the children understand and can someday read the bible themselves. It is almost like a conversation she is having, with stops for explaining things, just as I would tell my children about something. For example when she talks about the coming of the Messiah, she explains why He is called the Messiah and the Christ and the King. I thought the storytelling fashion, the second person manner of writing, must be what it was like in the early days of the Church when the story of Christ passed to people by word of mouth, or like in later ages when not everyone read, but yet knew the story of Christ. For this reason I think it would make a great read aloud.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

Copyrights 1939/2003

Reviewed by: 
Margot Davidson
First reviewed: 
8-10-04

A Life With Karol,

My Forty-Year Friendship with the Man Who Became Pope
Author(s): 
Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz
Gian Franco Svidercoschi
Translator(s): 
Adrian J. Walker
Number of pages: 
260 pages
Copyright: 
2007
Publisher: 
Doubleday
Binding: 
Glued Hardcover
Subject(s): 
Biographies
Pope John Paul II
Grade / Age level: 
High School
Adults
Review: 
Absolutely fascinating! A Life with Karol offers an intimate portrait of Pope John Paul II. Written by his personal secretary of 40 years, Cardinal Dziwisz, we are privileged to partake of an up close and personal view of Pope John Paul II and we are not disappointed. Together with Gian Franco Svidercoschi, they discuss the life and times of Pope John Paul II, beginning with the first time the Cardinal met Pope John Paul II until his death. Gian Franco Svidercoschi asks provocative questions, sets the scene, or provides political commentary, while Cardinal Dziwisz shares anecdotal information. Together the conversation flows back and forth. Of course, it should come as no surprise that Pope John Paul II's life is absolutely riveting, because of the extraordinary feats he accomplished during his lifetime. In looking back at Pope John Paul II's years as a young archbishop of Krakow, we feel the tension mount as he challenges the authority of the Polish communist government with his desire to build the church at Nowa Huta. We follow him across the world as he reaches out to many countries with his many missions of love. We experience perhaps the biggest surprise and disappointment of his life as he meets with his attempted assassin, Ali Agca. These are just a few of the many topics touched on. More than a biography of what he accomplished, we also witness his hopes and dreams, the reasons why he did the things he did. We also witness his disappointments and confusion that people would misunderstand his purposes. Through it all, we are inspired to follow his heroic example of love and to also fearlessly proclaim the truth of Christ's transforming love. Through his lived example of daring love, Pope John Paul II gives the world a blueprint of how to address the many controversial topics of contemporary society. Take the time to read a story of inspiration and love, the life of Pope John Paul II. A Life with Karol will allow you to see a new and intimate side of Pope John Paul II. It may even inspire you to enthusiastically follow his example and set the world on fire with the love of Christ.
Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
Elizabeth Yank
First reviewed: 
8-22-2008

A Litany of Saints

Book cover: 'A Litany of Saints'
Author(s): 
Ann Ball
Number of pages: 
224 pages
Copyright: 
1993
Publisher: 
Our Sunday Visitor
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Saints
Grade / Age level: 
Adults
Resource Type: 
General Resource
Review: 
When I see Ann Ball's name on a book, I expect a treat. This book is no exception. A Litany of Saints begins with an introduction to the Communion of Saints and Catholic practices regarding their veneration. This section is clear and easy-to-read, including the changes instituted as a result of the Second Vatican Council. The footnotes provide many sources for additional reading. Next comes a history of litanies in general and the text of the formal "Litany of the Saints". Following this is the bulk of the book: a fascinating, documented collection of information about 26 well-known saints as well as shorter summaries of 17 more saints. This book contains prayers, photographs, legends, and the stories of these saints. It is written in a titled-paragraph style that makes it easy to pick up, read a few pages, and put down again---perfect for a busy person to read in those few available minutes each day.

Do you know why we should ask the saints to pray for us? Do you know what happened to St. Christopher? Do you know who is the protector from cancer? If not, then you need to read this book and have your questions answered!

Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

Imprimatur (1992) and Nihil Obstat

Many thanks to Saint Gabriel's for donating this book for review.

Reviewed by: 
Susan Kalis
First reviewed: 
1998-99

A Little History of the World

Book cover: 'A Little History of the World'
Author(s): 
E.H. Gombrich
Copyright: 
2006
ISBN: 
978-0300143324
Publisher: 
Blackstone Audiobooks
Subject(s): 
History
Grade / Age level: 
Grades 6-8
Resource Type: 
CD Audio
Review: 

This is the kind of book that is written for children and yet any adult will enjoy it immensely. We listened to it during a summer trip, and all of our children, from 6 to 20 years old, were enthralled. Reader Ralph Coshan won an audio award for the reading of the book and we have truly grown to love the sound of his voice. Gombrich's A Little History of the World is right up there with Hillyer's A Child's History of the World, but even better--which I never thought I would say, as A Child's History of the World has been a favorite of mine for years. Gombrich himself revised and translated his 1930's text into English before his death in 2002. This is why we have a recent publication in English of a European bestselling history text for children from the 1930s! The text is geared to children a bit older than the Calvert School classic, which is good for a homeschooling family. I love the way the author dealt with a huge Catholic theme: the Reformation! And I love the fact that there is a whole chapter on the Counter-Reformation, which is largely ignored by the American public when studying European history. His account of Saint Ignatius Loyola's story and the founding of the Company of Jesus (Jesuits) makes this volume very Catholic-friendly indeed, which is something to be said for a history book from any major secular publisher. The way the author refers to God, and to the person of Jesus Christ, and to His teachings, is very respectful and wonderfully done. In my research about Gombrich's faith life, I learned that he converted to Christianity from Judaism early in his life. I am currently leading a History 3rd/4th grade small class using Hillyer's text and comparing/complementing it with Van Loon's Story of Mankind. I believe these three volumes together can make up a superb World History curriculum for elementary school! Hedgeschool's First Timeline, done in first and second grades, would be a great place to start. Highly recommended. This will be a great addition to your homeschool audio library.

Reviewed by: 
Ana Braga-Henebry
First reviewed: 
9-20-2007

A Long Way from Welcome

A Mystery in Paris
Book cover: 'A Long Way from Welcome: A Mystery in Paris'
Author(s): 
Echo Lewis
Number of pages: 
182 pages
Copyright: 
2002
Publisher: 
Bethlehem Books
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Catholic Fiction
Grade / Age level: 
Grades 6-8
High School
Review: 
In this story Echo Lewis takes us from the small town of Welcome, Indiana, all the way to Paris, France alongside Maggie, a shy teenager who would really rather stay at home in her comfortable small town surroundings. Maggie is visiting her new step-dad's sister in an ancient convent in the heart of the city. There she becomes wrapped up in her new home and friends and in a mystery involving a series of art heists plaguing Paris.

The story is a fun quick read for ages 12 and up. The convent itself is fascinating with its hidden panels and secret passages. The experience would be further enhanced by checking out some guide books of Paris and architecture books (that include the Cathedral of Notre Dame and the Beaubourg) from your local library.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

This title was donated for review by Bethlehem Books

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
2-4-03

A Look at Minerals

from Galena to Gold
Book cover: A Look at Minerals
Author(s): 
Jo S. Kittinger
Number of pages: 
64 pages
Copyright: 
1998
ISBN: 
9780531159255
Publisher: 
Franklin Watts/Grolier
Binding: 
Softcover
Sample Pages
Subject(s): 
Earth Science
Grade / Age level: 
Elementary
Resource Type: 
Picture Books
Review: 

A surprisingly interesting (and fairly in-depth) picture book that introduces children to minerals – which include metals and gems. Many full color photos highlight and enhance the text, which covers topics such as Mohs' Scale of Mineral Hardness, ice crystals, cleavage planes (the way minerals break when cut) of various minerals, metals in their natural state, special metals like gold, silver and platinum, how various minerals form and what they look like in their natural state. My children and I found this to be quite an interesting book.

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
4-25-01

A Look at Rocks

from Coal to Kimberlite
Book cover: A Look at Rocks
Author(s): 
Jo S. Kittinger
Number of pages: 
64 pages
Copyright: 
1997
ISBN: 
9780531158876
Publisher: 
Franklin Watts/Grolier
Binding: 
Softcover
Sample Pages
Subject(s): 
Earth Science
Grade / Age level: 
Elementary
Resource Type: 
Picture Books
Review: 

I really didn't expect to get much out of a children's picture book on rocks. Rocks are, well, rocks! I was wrong. Mrs. Kittinger has done a fine job in presenting various types of rock, how they are formed in nature (with a significant emphasis on volcanoes) and the various fascinating and often beautiful varieties of rocks. There are many stunning photos and fascinating statistics on rock-related items from Mount Rushmore (and it's lesser known "sister-sculpture" – Stone Mountain – of some "monumental" figures of the Confederacy) to the Grand Canyon to amazing volcano formations. The book also includes a glossary, an index, suggestions for further reading and internet resources for rock collectors.

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
4-25-01

A Man for All Seasons

Book cover: 'A Man for All Seasons'
Author(s): 
Robert Bolt
Copyright: 
1966
ISBN: 
043396180857
Subject(s): 
Biographies
Saints
Setting: 
16th century
England
Grade / Age level: 
High School
Resource Type: 
Videos
Review: 

This is a VERY well-done rendition of the story of St. Thomas More. Thomas More was a well-respected lawyer who was named Chancellor of England under King Henry VIII. He is a model statesman – modest, intelligent, and principled. He was martyred for not condoning the actions of the King toward the Catholic Church and his first wife. (Quite a refreshing contrast to modern-day politics!) I would suggest this for high school students as younger students – unless they are familiar with the story and accustomed to somewhat complex dialogue – may find it "boring". We were very pleased to find this movie at our local library. Available on VHS or DVD.

Additional notes: 

Duration: 120 minutes.

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
1998-99

A Map of Life

A Simple Study of the Catholic Faith
Book cover: A Map of Life
Author(s): 
Frank Sheed
Number of pages: 
144 pages
Copyright: 
1933
ISBN: 
9780898704747
Publisher: 
Ignatius Press
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Apologetics
Miscellaneous Religion Materials
Grade / Age level: 
High School
Adults
Resource Type: 
Book(s)
Review: 

This is a really beautiful little book about morality and the Catholic Faith. It would make a great supplement for high school age or excellent reading for an adult. It's not too difficult to understand, but also interesting and really makes you think. The author has this to say about the purpose of this book:

A traveler through life gets vivid – sometimes extremely vivid impressions of things near at hand: confused impressions of things seen at a distance or only heard of: but of the whole plan of life, no idea at all. In his mind will be a jumble of facts, tossed about in any order – God, sin, church-going, disease, sacraments, suffering, the treason of friends, hostilities, death and the fear of death, money and the loss of it, God-made-man – and so on without end. But which of these things are big things and which of them are little, he will not know with certainty: the things that have come nearest to himself will seem big things: the remoter things will seem small. And of the relations of these things one to another – how one thing agrees with, or conflicts with, another – of all this, merely by dint of living, he will have only the most confused and uncertain impression. In fact it may easily happen that a man who merely lives, and neither reflects nor is taught, does not even suspect relationships, but thinks of all things as accidents with no reason in themselves save that they happened, and no connection with each other save that one cam earlier and one came later. Because of this confusion, I propose to try to make what may roughly be called a map of life.
This is a great book to use for a teen group discussion. When I was being homeschooled for high school, a friend of the family guided us in discussions of one chapter every month. We found it very engaging and helpful.
Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
1998-99

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