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The Holy Bible: Douay Rheims Version

Book cover: 'The Holy Bible: Douay Rheims Version'
Number of pages: 
314 pages
Copyright: 
1899
Publisher: 
TAN Books
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Review: 

The Douay Rheims Bible is supposed to be the most accurate, Catholic, translation of the Bible available in the English language. The Old Testament was translated into English in 1609 and the New Testament in 1582 and revised in its entirety (and "diligently] compared with the Latin Vulgate") by Bishop Richard Challoner from 1749-1752. Although the some of the language would be considered archaic today (lots of "thees" and "thous") but it really is beautiful. Although you will probably want a more modern translation as well, the Douay Rheims is especially good for memorizing passages and as a reference for points (and discussions) in which accuracy is especially important. TAN Books also publishes the Douay New Testament in a less expensive edition.

Sample passages: Genesis 1:1-3In the beginning God created heaven, and earth. And the earth was void and empty, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the spirit of God moved over the waters. And God said: Be light made. And light was made.

Psalm 26: 1-2The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the protector of my life: of whom shall I be afraid? Whilst the wicked draw near against me, to eat my flesh. My enemies that trouble me, have themselves been weakened, and have fallen.

John 1: 1-5In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him: and without him was made nothing that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

Imprimatur 1899

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
1-13-01

The Holy Mass in My Pocket

Illustrator(s): 
Mary Joseph Peterson, FSP
Number of pages: 
32 pages
Copyright: 
2008
ISBN: 
0819833924
Publisher: 
Daughters of Saint Paul
Binding: 
Stapled Softcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 
This is an inexpensive, small and thin book with the text and rubrics of the Mass for children. Illustrations show different parts of the mass, both in the pews and in the sanctuary. Rubrics include such explanations as "Here we bow until the words..." and "The Apostle's Creed is said in Canada and in some masses for children". The illustration for the reception of Holy Communion shows a child receiving the host in his hands.
Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
9-28-2008

The Holy Twins: Benedict and Scholastica

Book cover: 'The Holy Twins: Benedict and Scholastica'
Author(s): 
Kathleen Norris
Illustrator(s): 
Tomie de Paola
Number of pages: 
40 pages
Copyright: 
2001
Publisher: 
G.P. Putnam's Sons
Binding: 
Sewn Hardcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 
This oversized story book, illustrated with the familiar style of Tomie de Paola, relates the stories of Saints Benedict and Scholastica - twin brother and sister who lived in Italy in the 5th Century. The story is very simple, with gentle humor, and suitable for young children. The illustrations are especially interesting because they resemble pre-Renaissance Christian art with little bits of the story taking place in the background of the main picture.

Monastic life and St. Benedict's rule are presented in a gentle and very positive manner. The end of the story has a detailed explanation of the history of the rule of St. Benedict. Here is a nice little sampling: "Many people who are not monks or nuns have found that Benedict's Rule offers good, practical advice and spiritual counsel for getting along with others in a family, on the job, or in a church community." This page is followed by one illustrating some examples from his Rule.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
7-21-05

The House of Sixty Fathers

Book cover: 'The House of Sixty Fathers'
Author(s): 
Meindert de Jong
Number of pages: 
189 pages
Copyright: 
1956
Publisher: 
Harper Collins
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 
This is the dramatic story (and probably true or based-on-a-true story) of a young boy in Japanese-occupied China who is separated from his parents and baby sister. He travels with his pet pig through dangerous territory and aids a wounded American airman. Still seeking his parents, he is adopted by the airmen (sixty "fathers") at an American military base who fly him about the area to find his parents in gratitude for his assistance to their fellow soldier.

The story is beautiful and thoughtful and gives a picture of life in an oft-forgotten portion of the World War II "drama". We Americans tend to focus on the stories of Europe and the Holocaust. Appropriate for ages ten and up.

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
4-26-02

The Ides of April

Book cover: 'The Ides of April'
Author(s): 
Mary Ray
Number of pages: 
165 pages
Copyright: 
1999
Publisher: 
Bethlehem Books
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Setting: 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 
When Hylas, a slave, discovers the death of his master, a Roman senator, he realizes that he is in dire straits. The harsh laws of ancient Rome dictate that all household slaves be killed should a murder be discovered in that home. Hylas enlists the help of Camillus Rufus, a tribune, to help clear the slaves of the judge's inevitable verdict of 'guilty!'

The Ides of April is an intriguing book set in 62 A.D. It's a classic murder mystery. The author, Mary Ray, paints a vivid picture of life in ancient Rome. Students will gain much technical information about the time period - social status, architecture, religion, laws, the games, and the working of a household.

Though the book is recommended for children "14 years and up", younger children would enjoy it as a read-aloud. It's on the "highly-recommended list" at our house.

Additional notes: 

Copyrights 1974/1999

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
1998-99

The Ignatius Bible

Revised Standard Version: Catholic Edition (RSVCE)
Book cover: 'The Ignatius Bible: Revised Standard Version: Catholic Edition (RSVCE)'
Number of pages: 
1255 pages
Copyright: 
1966
Publisher: 
Ignatius Press
Binding: 
Sewn Hardcover
Subject(s): 
Review: 

This is the best translation available in "modern" English (without the "thees" and "thous" found in the Douay Rheims translation). For many of us today, this language is more familiar and comfortable and is probably easier for small children to understand. We use both translations in our home and find this one a little better for reading aloud to the family. It does not contain the "feminized language" (a.k.a. "inclusive language") found in most of the modern translations of the Holy Bible. The feminized language found in most modern translations affects not only the beauty of the language, but even the subtle meanings of passages such as some Psalms where the "he" or "him" actually refers to Our Lord.

Sample Passages: Genesis 1: 1-3In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the Spirit of God was moving over the face of the waters. And God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light.

Psalm 27 (26): 1-2The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me, uttering slanders against me, my adversaries and foes, they shall stumble and fall.

John 1: 1-5In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God; all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Perspective: 
Catholic
Additional notes: 

Also available in softcover

Old Testament - 1005 pages, New Testament - 250 pages

Imprimatur 1966

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
1-13-01

The Insect World of J. Henri Fabre

Book cover: The Insect World of J. Henri Fabre
Author(s): 
Jean-Henri Fabre
Number of pages: 
333 pages
Copyright: 
1977
ISBN: 
9780807085134
Publisher: 
Beacon Press
Binding: 
Softcover
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

Jean-Henri Fabre (1823-1915) was a French naturalist who penned many writings about his beloved insects. These essay/stories describe, in great detail, his encounters with some interesting insects – how he worked with them and what he discovered about them. For instance The material is informative and even humorous at times, but rather dense (definitely not dry!). Here is a sample, from "The Pine Processionary"...

You voracious little creatures, if I let you have your way, I should soon be robbed of the murmur of my once so leafy pines! Today I will seek compensation for all the trouble I have taken. Let us make a compact. You have a story to tell. Tell it me; and for a year, for two years or longer, until I know more or less all about it, I shall leave you undisturbed, even at the cost of lamentable suffering to the pines.

Although it might be suitable for high school students and could possibly be read aloud to younger students, it constitutes a portion of the Freshman Lab studies at Thomas Aquinas College. J. Henri Fabre is listed as one of the authors recommended in Catholic Authors: 4-Sight Edition.

A compilation of some of these stories, titled Fabre's Book of Insects is available from Emmanuel Books.

Additional notes: 

Copyrights 1949/1977

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
4-4-01

The Institute for Excellence in Writing

Book cover: 'The Institute for Excellence in Writing'
Subject(s): 
Review: 

The Institute for Excellence in Writing, owned by a Catholic convert and home school father, teaches the "structure and style of writing" through live and video workshops. This program is used throughout Canada. As do other programs IEW teaches structure (organizing material for writing) so that the final written piece will be logical, but unlike most programs children are trained to do this by using the writings of good authors. The structure of writing is taught by having children read literature, outline the literature, narrate from their outline, then write their own piece. This eliminates the problem of what to write about and gives the child a "feel" for the flow of good writing. The first of the 5 videos shows the parent how to teach outlining and the beginnings of style. Style, that which makes for a sophisticated sentence as opposed to a "Dick and Jane" sentence, is not taught by most writing programs. IEW teaches style by providing children with a checklist of things that should be included in their writings. They are taught to include strong verbs, to change the part of speech with which they begin their sentences, to include clauses, and many other things all of which is taught in a systematic way which the child can easily grasp and remember because they have the checklist next to them. My children enjoy this program and have made great strides in their writing. This flexibility works in favor of individual differences, but figuring out a schedule was challenging at first. Unlike the Writing Strands program, IEW requires a good deal of parental involvement, especially in the beginning. The 5 video tapes can be rented for $80 or purchased for $130. While the initial outlay for IEW is more than other programs, it is the only one you need to teach writing through high school. This program teaches style and structure for: non-ficiton, critical essays (book reports), narratives, creative writing, writing from pictures, research reports. The IEW forces the child to write better sentences and use more descriptive words, which adults who read a lot tend to do naturally.

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
1998-99

The Iron Spy

Book cover: 'The Iron Spy'
Author(s): 
Joan Stromberg
Number of pages: 
165 pages
Copyright: 
2003
ISBN: 
9780966468946
Publisher: 
Ecce Homo Press
Binding: 
Softcover
Subject(s): 
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 

In this first book of the new series The Danville Chronicles, Joan Stromberg has found a fun and exciting way to teach faith to your children ten years and older. It will capture their imagination and keep their minds thinking.

This book takes place in the town of Danville, Pennsylvania in 1875. The biggest Iron Mill in town is owned by Mr. Graves. It has just exploded and Mary Mulhearn, an Irish immigrant, and her blind friend Kathleen Dodd are trying to find evidence that Mary's father, Mr. Mulhearn, is innocent of blowing up the Iron Mill and becoming a Molly Maguire. Although Mary's family knows he would never turn into a Molly Maguire and blow up the Iron Mill were he worked before it exploded, they also know that their realization of his innocence alone will not be enough to win the trial against Mr. Mulhearn.

Then one day, to make things more puzzling for Mary, a man who calls himself Sean McGinty shows up at Mary's door and says he is an immigrant right off a boat from Ireland and finds a place to stay at the Mulhearns' house. But Mary doesn't believe his story and is on his case. Mary and Kathleen go through adventures and trials, they find a detective book under a man's bed, they notice a ring that has shown up on two people, they spot a man in the town graveyard during the night, and they learn how to spy on a spy. They also have many more questions than answers at one point. Who is Sean really? Is he a Molly Maguire or is he on Mr. Graves' side? Who blew up the mill and why? If you want to know the answers to these questions and more and if Mary cracks the case and finds out whom Sean really is, you will have to read The Iron Spy for yourself.

What better kind of book could you ask for than a Catholic history mystery that will not let your mind wander or let your eyes drift from its thrilling pages?

Additional notes: 
Reviewer age 12
Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
1998-99

The Jesse Tree

Book cover: 'The Jesse Tree'
Author(s): 
Geraldine McCaughrean
Illustrator(s): 
Bee Willey
Number of pages: 
93 pages
Copyright: 
2005
ISBN: 
0802852882
Publisher: 
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
Binding: 
Sewn Hardcover
Grade / Age level: 
Review: 
Take a grumpy old man working in a Church, add an inquisitive little boy, assorted other characters and mix in the greatest story ever told and you have the book, The Jesse Tree, written by British author, Geraldine McCaughrean. This is sure to be an Advent classic!

Set in the present day, an old woodcarver (who tends to grumpiness) is carving a wooden Jesse Tree for a church. Jesse Trees are an ancient traditional way of showing Jesus' lineage - from the start of the world, through Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Daniel, David, Jonah, John the Baptist and finally to Mary and Joseph in a stable in Bethlehem. The old man is lovingly carving the figures and symbols representing each of 24 stories for the carved tree. The book opens just as he starts to carve the earth and moon, to represent God's creation. An inquisitive boy stops in the church and asks the ubiquitous question, "why"?

Through a series of 24 stories, the man slowly details the story of mankind - from the creation through the fall and right up to Jesus' birth. Each story has a different symbol and link to the Bible.

This book is beautifully told. The pictures are not spectacular, but at the head of each story, a small inset shows the symbol for the story. This makes it very easy to use this book as an Advent Calendar. That's what we're doing this year. In November, my younger children and I crafted the same 24 symbols, but we used oven-bake clay. We then made a cloth tree wall-hanging with 24 strings to attach these symbols. Starting December 1st, we read one story each night, attaching the appropriate symbol. On Christmas Eve we will attach the 24th symbol - the brightest star ever seen - heralding Jesus' birth.

This book, and our homemade Jesse Tree, will be a family tradition for years to come - a tradition that links the Old Testament to the New Testament - that links the first Adam and Eve to the new Adam (Jesus) and new Eve (Blessed Virgin Mary).

Reviewed by: 
First reviewed: 
12-6-05

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