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On That First Christmas Eve

Book cover: 'On That First Christmas Eve'
Author(s): 
Carol and Robert Dowgiallo
Illustrator(s): 
Dorothy Perez
Number of pages: 
48 pages
Copyright: 
2005
ISBN: 
1592761836
Publisher: 
Our Sunday Visitor
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Advent and Christmas Stories
Grade / Age level: 
Elementary
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: 
Mary C. Gildersleeve
First reviewed: 
12-1-05

Once Upon a Time Saints

Book cover: 'Once Upon a Time Saints'
Author(s): 
Ethel Pochocki
Publisher: 
Bethlehem Books
Sample Pages
Subject(s): 
Saint Story Collections
Grade / Age level: 
Preschool
Elementary
Review: 
In the Bethlehem Books catalog, this book is recommended for ages 5 - 10, but I think many of the stories will be appealing even for preschoolers. The stories have been carefully chosen to be interesting to children at the "fairy tale age". Many of the saints chosen are knights and princesses with adventures and lessons to share with your children. Some parents may not like the informality of her story-telling style, but I think most will appreciate using this book to foster an interest in the Saints at a very young age.

The second volume, More Once Upon a Time Saints, brings us more stories of the saints.
Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
1998-99

Once Upon a Time Saints (audio book)

Book cover: 'Once Upon a Time Saints (audio book)'
Author(s): 
Ethel Pochocki
Publisher: 
Bethlehem Books
Subject(s): 
Saint Story Collections
Grade / Age level: 
Preschool
Elementary
Resource Type: 
CD Audio
Review: 
Once Upon a Time Saints is a collection of stories about the lives of the saints written as stories and not biographies to capture the attention of young children, from preschool through the early grades. Intertwined in the stories are mixtures of legend, fact, and humor, embellishing on the human qualities of the saints and presenting them as not mere statues, but real people. Reading with expression and drama, the narrator brings these stories to life, allowing us to listen to the book as it should be read, out loud. In addition, each story begins and ends with background music.

On the first CD, we hear the introduction to the book and meet seven saints, including Alice, Ambrose, Anne, and Barbara. The second CD includes nine more saints, such as Clement, Comgall, Dorothy, Genevieve, and Hubert.

If you are wondering what to do with your children on long (and not so long) trips in the car, listening to these saint stories is a nice way to keep everyone happy.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

2 CDs, Approximately 100 minutes (Unabridged)

Reviewed by: 
Elizabeth Yank
First reviewed: 
9-2-04

One

Author(s): 
Kathryn Otoshi
Number of pages: 
32 pages
Copyright: 
2008
ISBN: 
0972394648
Publisher: 
KO Kids Books
Subject(s): 
Fiction
Grade / Age level: 
Preschool
Resource Type: 
Picture Books
Review: 

Our own Number Seven has read this new picture book aloud to me countless times since I picked it up at the library last week. She loves it! Perhaps it is because the numbers in the story stop at seven... or more likely it is because the book gives the colors personality and emotion, creating interesting twists to a fun story.

Product Description:

Blue is a quiet color. Red’s a hothead who likes to pick on Blue. Yellow, Orange, Green, and Purple don’t like what they see, but what can they do? When no one speaks up, things get out of hand — until One comes along and shows all the colors how to stand up, stand together, and count. As budding young readers learn about numbers, counting, and primary and secondary colors, they also learn about accepting each other's differences and how it sometimes just takes one voice to make everyone count.

A couple of sample pages:

"Blue" page"7" page
Reviewed by: 
Ana Braga-Henebry
First reviewed: 
May 29, 2009

Onions in My Boots

Basic Gardening for Young Sprouts
Author(s): 
Nancy Nicholson
Number of pages: 
94 pages
Copyright: 
2008
Publisher: 
Catholic Heritage Curricula
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Practical Skills
Gardening
Grade / Age level: 
All ages
Review: 
I was very pleased to see Catholic Heritage Curricula offer a new gardening guide, Onions in my Boots by Nancy Nicholson. Onions in My Boots offers basic instructions for gardening at home. It is an easy read and is printed in child friendly font and format, making it well suited for children or their parents. It features sections on preparation and tools, flowers and houseplants, herbs and vegetables. Nicholson emphasizes adaptability, to both location and budget, and in this way makes gardening very accessible. The methods described are simple and practical. Children and novice gardeners are encouraged to think beyond terra cotta pots and approach container gardening with a sense of playfulness. Nicholson provides instructions for growing many common flowers and vegetables. This is thoughtfully done, focusing on plants that will thrive in most climates and yield a respectable harvest while under the care of young hands. Early success in planting seeds and watching them transform into cool, crisp cucumbers can spark a lifelong love of gardening. While waiting for their first harvest, children will also be cultivating the virtues of patience and responsibility. As an enthusiastic gardener myself, I am always looking for new ways to involve my children in this wholesome and rewarding activity. Gardening connects children to wonder of God’s creation in a very tactile and active manner. Onions in My Boots is unique in offering a Christ-centered gardening guide that is suited for the whole family.
Reviewed by: 
Jennifer McGonigle
First reviewed: 
5-29-2009

Othello

the Moor of Venice
cover from first quarto, c 1619
Author(s): 
William Shakespeare
Subject(s): 
Classic Literature
Grade / Age level: 
High School
Adults
Review: 
Othello, which we studied in tenth grade, is a dark play, a tragedy brought about by Othello's surrender to Iago's campaign of deceit. Although this is the main idea of the play, quite a few characters and twists and turns maintain the suspense. The title character Othello is a general and Iago's commander. Iago is angered at Othello's promotion of a less-experienced soldier (Cassio) over him; moreover he is in the pay of Roderigo, a rich man who wishes to marry the beautiful Desdemona. However, Othello has already won over Desdemona and married her. In his hatred, Iago plots to ruin Othello's life by convincing him that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio, thereby exacting revenge on Cassio as well. In this, he succeeds, with tragic results. I found it easy, even at that age, to relate to the characters in this play. They are drawn with depth and are believable. In particular, Othello's inner struggle is very realistic -- we in the audience want to shout at him that Iago is lying, that he should trust Desdemona. Major themes in this play are love, trust, jealousy, and free will. Pride and insecurity also play important parts in the drama. The consequences of wrong choices are all too clear, as are the consequences of putting one's trust in the wrong person. Questions to consider might include: Why does Othello believe Iago? What could he have done differently? Othello doesn't go in one quick step from newlywed in love with his bride to murderous jealousy. What are the "little steps" by which he allows himself to be led on this road?
Additional notes: 

Written c. 1601-1604

Many editions available. "Interleaved" editions (original text with notes on facing page) are helpful.

Reviewed by: 
Suchi Myjak
First reviewed: 
1-24-2009

Otto of the Silver Hand

Author(s): 
Howard Pyle
Copyright: 
1880
Publisher: 
Dover Publications (and others)
Subject(s): 
History
Setting: 
Middle Ages
Grade / Age level: 
All ages
Review: 
Otto of the Silver Hand relates the story of a young boy caught between the malice of vengeful barons. After the untimely death of Otto’s mother, Otto was placed in the care of his uncle, the abbot of St. Michael’s monastery. Otto grew up in the monastery, happy and content until his tenth birthday. On his tenth birthday, Baron Conrad, his father, reclaimed his son and brought him back to his birthplace, the castle of Trutz-Drachen. The world was a dangerous place in the Middle Ages, and Otto soon learned of its terrors. Although Otto of the Silver Hand is a short historical fiction novel, it does an excellent job of developing its characters. The book’s main character, Otto, is a shy and quiet boy, in sharp contrast to his overbearing and at times foul-tempered father. Howard Pyle illustrated the book himself, with vivid pencil sketches that help you imagine the medieval world. This book is suitable for many ages, and would enhance a unit study on the Middle Ages. The plot of the book, though thin, is well-written and engaging. Otto of the Silver Hand is a pleasant book to read and a fun family read-aloud.
Additional notes: 

Guest review by Colin Hogan and Brigid Hogan

First reviewed: 
1-15-2009

Our Holy Faith Series

Book cover: 'My Father and Mother on Earth and in Heaven'
Number of pages: 
96 pages
Copyright: 
2019
Publisher: 
St. Augustine Academy Press
Sample Pages
Subject(s): 
Catechetical Programs
Grade / Age level: 
Elementary
Resource Type: 
Text
Review: 

My Father and Mother on Earth and in Heaven (Book One) is a small text, heavily illustrated with black-and-white drawings, designed to be a sort of "religion storybook" for first graders. The text is very brief, particularly in the beginning (when they expect first graders to have more limited reading abilities) and is well suited to discussion with a parent as well as drawing in supplemental resources, such as the full stories from the Bible. It covers beliefs and spirituality in a simple way, very appropriate for those just being introduced to their faith. The text (very appropriately) relies heavily on the pictures to portray ideas and lessons to the children. Topics covered include: the Lord's Prayer and the Hail Mary briefly explained and suggestions for how young children can try to be more like Jesus. The Appendix includes basic prayers and the "First Communion Catechism" (Questions 1-54 of the Baltimore Catechism). A teacher's manual is also available.

(Alicia Van Hecke, 2-28-2000)

Note from the webmaster: Because I don't have a copy of the teacher's manual, I feel that my review is somewhat incomplete. Please read the following review as well, from a friend who is using the program...

You are right to think that the bulk of the material is in the teacher's manual. The little hardcover book is more of a picture book. It gives the kids something to look at while we read/discuss the lesson. There are 144 lessons in the Teacher's Manual. It covers roughly the same material as the Faith and Life series, but Our Holy Faith goes into much more depth. The main reason that I see for this is that Faith and Life is primarily designed for weekly classes. Our Holy Faith is designed for daily use. And so, for example, Faith and Life covers the Passion in one lesson, while Our Holy Faith has eighteen. (There is a lesson for each Station of the Cross.)

Also, Our Holy Faith follows the liturgical calendar, and at the end of each month's material there are a few lessons devoted to specific feast days that are within that month. For example, in February we had additional lessons on the Feast of the Purification, St. Blaise, Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Valentine.

Within the text are questions to ask the students and then suggestions of how to implement the virtues that are being taught/exemplified by Our Lord, Our Lady, the Saints, etc. This first year also covers all the mysteries of the Rosary. As you can see it is very thorough. I am amazed at all the material that is covered. First grade looks like the entire scope of what I learned in 12 years of Catholic school!

Update from webmaster, March 2024: These titles have been updated by St. Augustine Academy Press to feature four-color illustrations rather than the original black-and-white ones. They are also now available in both soft- and hardcover editions.

The Seventh Grade text takes some controversial stances with regard to Biblical interpretations. While belief in the "old-earth" theory (that the world is billions rather than thousands of years old) may be held by Catholics, some parents have objected to the strong tone the text takes in defending this view. More troubling is the authors' interpretation of many biblical events that would otherwise be considered historical (such as God changing Lot's wife to a pillar of salt or the story of Jonah and the Whale) to be mythical in nature. It should also be noted that Our Lady of the Rosary School, which uses this series, does not use this portion of the text.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

Imprimatur

Reviewed by: 
Z.C.
First reviewed: 
3-26-2000

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Book cover: Our Lady of Guadalupe
Author(s): 
Carmen T. Bernier-Grand
Illustrator(s): 
Tonya Engel
Number of pages: 
32 pages
Copyright: 
2012
ISBN: 
9780761461357
Publisher: 
Two Lions
Binding: 
Glued Hardcover
Subject(s): 
The Blessed Mother
Guadalupe
Setting: 
Mexico
Grade / Age level: 
Elementary
Resource Type: 
Picture Books
Review: 

I never cease to marvel at the wonder-full story of Guadalupe. This new picture book does a fabulous job of retelling it, with historical accuracy, gentleness, and vibrant illustrations. This lovely book will make a very nice gift to a child, and the child's older siblings and parents will enjoy it as well. 

Although the story of Guadalupe is one of the most well-known Catholic stories, the effects of this historical event are intricately woven in Mexican-American history. I believe this book will be of interest to any reader, independent of denomination, because of its historical ramifications. In the millions who visit the largest Marian shrine in the world in Mexico, there are many who are there for historical and cultural interest. A high quality, beautiful picture book! Highly recommended.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

The "See Inside" feature on Amazon for this book is very generous and one can see much of the book including the excellent Author's Note at the end.

Reviewed by: 
Ana Braga-Henebry
First reviewed: 
January 14, 2013

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