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Cathedral: The Story of Its Construction

Book cover: 'Cathedral: The Story of Its Construction'
Author(s): 
David Macaulay
Number of pages: 
80 pages
Copyright: 
1973
Publisher: 
Houghton Mifflin Co.
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
History
Setting: 
High Middle Ages
Grade / Age level: 
Grades 6-8
Elementary
Resource Type: 
Picture Books
Review: 
An interesting, fully illustrated (with pen and ink drawings) story of the construction of a Medieval Cathedral. The cathedral in the book and the details of the story are fictional, but are based on details of what we know about the construction of real-life cathedrals. (Among other reasons, this technique makes sense because there probably aren't enough details known about the construction of any one Cathedral to make a book of this sort). In addition to scientific, artistic and architectural details about how flying buttresses work and other technical information, the author provides a glimpse into this significant aspect of Medieval life - how dedicated the townspeople were to the project, how many of those who started the project did not live to its completion (because it took so many years to build), difficulties that would come up in the midst of the construction, etc.

From what he has portrayed in this book, I believe that David Macaulay is trying to be fair to the Church. Unfortunately, there is one significant error with regard to Church teaching - on the first page. The problematic portion reads: "A new cathedral would offer a worthy resting place for the sacred remains of Saint Germain, a knight of the First Crusade whose skull and forefinger had later been sent back from Constantinople by Louis IX. Such relics as these were worshipped by people throughout Europe." I don't think that this error makes the book unusable, but parents should be certain that their children understand that Catholics are not permitted to worship saints relics, statues, images or any other thing or mere human. Worship is reserved for God alone (the Father, Son and Holy Spirit). We pray to the Saints and to Our Lady only to ask them to pray and intercede for us because they are so close to God. Statues, images, relics and other sacramentals are not worshipped, but reverenced and venerated (treated with great respect, cherished and even devoutly kissed - even as we may kiss another person or the image of a dead beloved one) because they remind us of God or those who are close to God.
Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
4-18-01

Catholic Authors - 4 Sight Edition

Book cover: 'Catholic Authors - 4 Sight Edition'
Author(s): 
Brother George N. Schuster, S.M.
Number of pages: 
32 pages
Copyright: 
1949
Publisher: 
Catholic Authors Press
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Books about Books
Review: 

This book was designed for grades 7 through 9 to give "a vital, illustrated presentation of Catholic literature to help students 'see' and love Christ four ways always: in Himself, in Others, in His Creation, in His Mother." [from the back cover]

The author does this by first explaining how God is visible to us: In Himself (Seeing God: "Love the Lord thy God"), In Others ("Love thy Neighbor"), In Creation ("Consider the Lilies") and In His Mother ("Behold thy Mother"). The book reviews and brief author and illustrator biographies are broken up into these four categories. We are introduced to great authors of the past and present (at least as of 1949!) who have illustrated these concepts to us by use of real characters, action and life situations.The reviews themselves are rather brief - they really amount to short "teasers" - an attempt to interest students in reading these books. There are also a number of brief essays which elaborate on how some of the individual books teach us about God, even if indirectly. Although Catholic Authors was designed for students, I think it should be required reading for homeschooling parents. Its value is two-fold for us: 1. A source of information about good reading for our children (although many of the books are out of print, others are available new from companies such as Bethlehem Books, TAN and Neumann Press). 2. An education for parents (without a huge amount of reading) in the importance of literature, and especially Catholic literature, in our children's education and spiritual formation.

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

Catholic Bible Quiz: Elementary Level

Book cover: 'Catholic Bible Quiz: Elementary Level'
Number of pages: 
80 pages
Copyright: 
1997
Publisher: 
Divinity Religious Products
Binding: 
Spiralbound
Subject(s): 
Bible
Resource Type: 
Puzzles and Games
Review: 

This book provides 200 questions and answers - forty each in five different categories - the Law, the Prophets, Wisdom, the Gospel and the Epistles. The book is designed to be used as a quiz game - keeping score (based on the difficulty of the questions - each question is awarded a particular point value) to determine the winner. It could just as easily be used as an informal reinforcement of Bible Study. It is very similar in format to the New Catholic Quiz listed above.

Sample Questions from this book: (page one) What is the first book of the Bible? Who was the pagan God of the Canaanites? (a. Dracula, b. Beelzebul, C. Baal) What book of the Bible has the shortest title? To whom was Joseph engaged to be married? (a. Martha, b. Mary, c. Elizabeth How many days did Jesus continue to appear to his apostles after the resurrection? (a. sixty, b. forty, c. fifty)

Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

Imprimatur

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
1-15-01

Catholic Book of Quotations

Book cover: Catholic Book of Quotations
Author(s): 
Leo Knowles
Number of pages: 
400 pages
Copyright: 
2004
ISBN: 
9781592760060
Publisher: 
Our Sunday Visitor
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Miscellaneous Religion Materials
Review: 

This inexpensive paperback offers a wide variety of memorable Catholic quotations from both ancient and modern sources. The book is organized according to subject. Here are just a few: Abortion, Art, Baptism, Blessed Sacrament, Conscience, Devil, Divine Mercy, Dying Words, Family, Fasting, Free Will, Generosity, Grace, Guardian Angel, Incarnation, Justice, Marriage, Our Lady, Prayer, Priesthood, Rosary, Sin, Suffering, Transubstantiation, Virtue and Vocation. Authors quoted in this work include: St. Augustine, Pope John Paul II, Msgr. Robert Hugh Benson, St. Josemaria Escriva, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. John of the Cross, G. K. Chesterton, Charles Péguy, St. Ignatius Loyola and St. Padre Pio. There are a few authors that might raise a few eyebrows, but I didn't find anything off-base. I've really enjoyed having this around the house to find some inspiration, highlight an idea when writing to someone or complete a special project (I just made a plaque for my daughter's room with a quote from St. Francis that I found in this book).

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
2-21-05

Catholic Cardlinks: Bible

Author(s): 
Thomas Craughwell
Number of pages: 
100 pages
Copyright: 
2007
Publisher: 
Our Sunday Visitor
Subject(s): 
Religion
Bible
Children's Bibles
Grade / Age level: 
Elementary
Review: 
Thomas Craughwell has a knack for informative yet captivating writing! This is a very nice first Bible for a beginning reader, and of course it could be read aloud as well. Each page has an illustration and a Bible verse in bold, ranging from Genesis to Revelation. I wish the illustrations were a bit more professional, and that the text agreed with the way the "card" pages turn: it is a bit awkward to flip the clunky volume from front to verse on each page. Mr. Craughwell's retelling of the biblical stories, however, makes up for these minor obstacles! Catholic Cardlinks: Bible could prove to be a valuable Bible stories option for your young elementary school student's curriculum.
Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
Ana Braga-Henebry
First reviewed: 
8-11-2007

Catholic Cardlinks: Patron Saints

Book cover: 'Catholic Cardlinks: Patron Saints'
Author(s): 
Thomas J. Craughwell
Number of pages: 
100 pages
Copyright: 
2004
Publisher: 
Our Sunday Visitor
Binding: 
Other
Subject(s): 
Saints
Grade / Age level: 
Elementary
Resource Type: 
General Resource
Review: 
My children have always loved picture cards for learning about subjects - animals, art, flags, etc. I love it when the cards are fastened together in some way so that they don't get lost and thus rendered useless. Catholic Cardlinks: Patron Saints is just the sort of resource that makes everyone happy!

Children will love (I speak from experience with my own brood) to befriend the saints with this charming resource that they can so easily hold in their little hands. Each elongated cardstock sheet has a colorful sketch of a saint (48 saints in all) with a short biography. The pages fan out so that you can see all of the faces at once. Or open to one at a time and spend a little time reading about your favorites. When I leave this sort of book laying in reach of my little ones (especially the pre-readers), they will become acquainted with the pictures over time and find their favorites that they ask me to read about over and over. What a nice way to help young children develop a devotion to a favorite saint!

I'm also delighted to see such colorful and creative resources being published for young children.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

Binding details: cardstock pages pivot on a sturdy post

Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
12-11-04

Catholic Catechism on the Angels

Book cover: 'Catholic Catechism on the Angels'
Author(s): 
Father John A. Hardon, S.J.
Number of pages: 
28 pages
Copyright: 
2000
Publisher: 
Inter Mirifica
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Catechisms
Review: 

In today's culture, angels are represented on everything from popular television programs to needlecraft projects, but they are rarely portrayed accurately. This little powerhouse of a book sets the record straight on Catholic teaching regarding our "holy helpers". Thorough but concise, it is written for upper high-school students and adults.

The book is organized into three sections that take the form of a brief essay followed by a question-and-answer catechism clarifying each point made. Father Hardon begins with a study of the angels, providing an explanation of angelic terms and definitions commonly used in reference to angels; adversaries, which are those individuals or systems which deny the doctrines about angels; and doctrinal value, which refers to the need for a believing Catholic to accept what is taught by the Church. He continues with the Catholic doctrines on the existence of angels from three different directions: ecclesiastical authority, sacred scripture, and theological reasoning. Finally, Father Hardon concludes with the proofs that angels are pure spirits from ecclesiastical authority, sacred scripture and tradition, and patristic evidence.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

Imprimatur and Nihil Obstat

Reviewed by: 
Susan Kalis
First reviewed: 
12-29-04

Catholic Children's Treasure Box

20 volume set
Book cover: Catholic Children's Treasure Box #1
Author(s): 
Maryknoll Sisters
Fr. Richard Ginder (Editor)
Illustrator(s): 
Miki
Number of pages: 
32 pages
Copyright: 
1950
Publisher: 
TAN Books
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Catholic Stories
Grade / Age level: 
Preschool
Grades K-2
Resource Type: 
Supplement
Review: 

This set of colorful books for ages 3-8 are reprints of a Catholic magazine from the 1950s. They are filled with stories, games, picture puzzles, poems, crafts, etc. The pictures are beautiful and I like the very simple moral lessons many of the stories teach. (For example, when my daughter was three, she was very impressed by a story called "Peter the Picky Eater". Her eating habits changed and she honestly admitted that she wished I hadn't read it to her.) There are currently 20 volumes in print out of more than 60 that were originally published (unfortunately it may take quite awhile to find out what happens to Wupsy in the end!).

We have especially enjoyed the St. Therese stories from the first few volumes. These have been a favorite mostly among the preschool set in our family. While many Catholic homeschool parents treasure these books, there are two complaints that I've heard from a number of parents. First, some parents have bought the set thinking they would be nice for early grade school and found them to be more appropriate for preschool (as read-alouds). Second, the pedagogy at times doesn't hold up to serious scrutiny. Complaints include the sappy way in which the devil is presented in the Wupsy stories and the "self-righteous" expressions on some of the faces in the illustrations.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
Alicia Van Hecke
First reviewed: 
8-21-02

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