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The Kitchen Madonna
The children wrap themselves up in the quest of finding a kitchen Madonna for their Marta. I shouldn't really tell you much more. It's a short story, though not really a kids story; a story for everyone. Very sadly, it is out of print; but it's well-worth your own quest. :)
UPDATE: This has just been reprinted in a lovely, newly-illustrated hardcover edition by Bethlehem Books. Highly recommended!
The Lady of Guadalupe
This has been one of my family's very favorite picture books since our oldest was a toddler. It is a beautiful re-telling of a beautiful story with illustrations that complement it nicely and which are very appealing to children. I especially like Tomie de Paola's attention to detail. It's informative enough to be interesting even for adults.
The story tells of Mary's apparitions to an Indian convert, Juan Diego, in Mexico, in 1531. She asked Juan Diego to tell the bishop that she wished a church to be built. On his second visit, the bishop asked Juan to ask "the lady" for a sign. Mary sends Juan back to the bishop with fresh cut roses - even though it's the middle of December. When Juan opens his tilma (like a cloak) to show the roses to the bishop, they discover that Our Lady's image has been miraculously imprinted on his tilma. This tilma has remained intact and is displayed even today in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.
The author also avoids some of the mistakes and biases often present in renditions of the story. By explaining how the Bishop interrogated Juan Diego and carefully recorded all the details, the author makes it clear that this story is not a legend, but an actual occurence. (A note following the story also gives information about the miraculous condition of the tilma today - which is amazingly intact after more than 400 years.) The author also seems to have avoided any politically correct bias. I was particularly impressed with his portrayal of the bishop who was a very holy man with a genuine concern for all the people of Mexico.
The Lances of Lynwood
This book might be enjoyed by children who are fans of the historical books of G.A. Henty - it has the same historical detail and the same kind of noble, virtuous protagonist -- but has the added benefit of being thoroughly Catholic. The reading level is probably best suited for ten to fourteen year olds, but there is nothing in its content which would make it unsuitable for even much younger children.
The Lances of Lynwood is part of the Knights and Ladies line recently reprinted by Lepanto Press, and is handsomely bound in a hard cover.
This book was donated for review by Lepanto Press.
The Lark in the Morn
The Lark on the Wing
The Last Crusader: Isabella of Spain
Queen Isabella (the Catholic) of Spain is one of the most influential and controversial women in history. She and her husband were responsible for supporting Columbus' voyages to the New World, the re-conquering of all of Spain from the Moors, the expulsion of the Jews, and the establishment of the Spanish Inquisition. Her daughter, Catherine of Aragon, was the unfortunate first wife of King Henry VIII of England (who founded the Anglican church because he didn't accept the Pope's refusal to grant him an annulment of his marriage to Catherine). The story is fast-paced and gripping (as well as complex), but also very sad and even disturbing at times. It's an important period of history for Catholic to understand as many aspects of this story are frequently used to attack the Church. Reading the whole story will also dispel some common myths about history in general – particularly ones that try to make blanket statements about history and assumptions that as history progresses things always get worse.
Recommended for upper high school or adult.
This book mentions at least one disturbing story of violence against a child that appears to follow the pattern of anti-Jewish myths debunked by the Church as early as Gregory X's 1272 document on "Papal Protection of the Jews". The link takes you to the document at the EWTN Library. In addition to reading this document (which particularly highlights problems with Christian violence against the Jews), further discussion and research are recommended on this topic.
The Last Lecture
His last lecture can be viewed on YouTube: Randy Pausch The Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.
In order to appeal to a wider audience, he avoids how his faith played a role in the development of his character.
The Last Straw
To celebrate Christmas, in addition to baking Christmas cookies, setting up the manger scene, decorating the tree, and numerous other seasonal activities, we also like to pause in out preparations to cozy up together and read good books that encapsulate the true meaning of Christmas. The Last Straw by Frederick H. Thury is one such book.
Hoshmakaka is a grumpy, old camel, who would rather do anything than carry gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Bethlehem. He is sleeping peacefully one night when he is visited by voices informing him that the wise men have chosen him for this task. He balks at the idea, providing feeble excuses, but when a furious wind blows the sand, he changes his mind.
The next day as the servants of the wise men are placing the precious gifts on his back a group of young, admiring camels comments that he must be very special. His pride puffed up, he brags that he is “as strong as ten horses” and then allows the young camels to accompany him along the journey. This could be his downfall. Will they find out the truth?
Along the way, one after another person or animal begs Hoshmakaka to carry a gift to the newborn king, creating a mountainous pile on his back. Finally, he comes within sight of Bethlehem. Feeling the strain of the weight, he doubts he will make it when a small voice asks him to carry one more gift for the baby.
Can he do it? Will he make it?
The pictures are delightful. My children enjoyed picking out the gifts piling up on his back. It has also become a familiar line in our home to say, “My joints, my gout, my sciatica.” And the ending is superb! All ages will enjoy this wonderful story.
The Laviniad
First the story: The author successfully writes in the style of the ancient epic in modern English, picking up the thread of the story of the Aeneid. The Laviniad takes up the tale of the Trojan settlement of Latium following the death of Aeneas. His son, Ascanius, assumes the leadership and almost immediatley must deal with the threat of Italians still hostile to the Trojan presence.
There are some pleasant similarities to the ancient epics, such as prophecies that are fulfilled in not quite the way the people expect, and the descriptions of the deaths of the heroes. The Trojans prevail in the end and Lavinia, Aeneas' widow gives birth to his child, the true and final mix of the blood of the Latins and the Trojans. Hope is restored to a people wearied by years of war and loss of life. Lovers of classic tales will really appreciate the poetry and the plot.
The poem reads easily and naturally with the flow and flavor of the ancient epics. A complete glossary in the back will help anyone who has not read the Aeneid or the Iliad to understand the relationship of the characters and the various names of the Greeks, Trojans, and Latins. It is not, strictly speaking, a sequel, however, a knowledge of the events of the Aeneid is helpful. A highschooler could appreciate the story whether or not he has read the Aeneid.
Now the book: I learned from the publisher that the author hand makes each book, binding and all! The story is printed on parchment and handsewn, not glued. The outer cover is a light blue cloth cover. It is a beautiful, elegant edition, wonderful for gift giving.
Binding details: Hardback with cloth covering