Grades K-2

Make Way for Ducklings

Book cover: 'Make Way for Ducklings'
Author(s): 
Robert McCloskey
This is one of our family's favorite books in the "non-religious" category. Mr. and Mrs. Mallard are looking for a safe place to start their duck family. They make friends with Michael the policeman who helps Mrs. Mallard and the ducklings make their way safely to the Public Garden to meet up with Mr. Mallard. The illustrations are SO charming - my children ask for this over and over.

The Squire and the Scroll

Author(s): 
Jennie Bishop
With colorful, dramatic illustrations and a story to inspire children, The Squire and the Scroll is sure to be a favorite. Written as a parable set in an imaginary kingodm, a wicked dragon has stolen the Lantern of Purest Light. This is not just any ordinary light, but a "Lantern that gave freedom to all the kingdom." Who will be brave enough to bring back this precious Lantern? Although many young men try, none return, until one day a poor squire who had been taught by his parents "how to guard his pure heart by the words from a simple scroll" accompanies another daring knight.

The Miracles of Jesus

Book cover: The Miracles of Jesus (dePaola)
Author(s): 
Tomie dePaola

This book is a beautiful way to help your children learn to know and love Jesus. With many simple pictures (but nicely done) and just enough details of the story, Tomie de Paola relates how Jesus helped others while he was on earth. Stories include: The Wedding at Cana, The Catch of Fishes, The Calming of the Storm, The Loaves and The Fishes, Jesus Walks on the Water, The Paralyzed Man, The Centurion's Servant, Jesus Heals the Lepers and The Raising of Lazarus. (13 stories altogether) My children love to hear about how good Jesus is and how much he loves them.

Christopher's Talks to Catholic Children

Book cover: Christopher's Talks to Catholic Children
Author(s): 
David L. Greenstock

What a beautiful book! Do you imagine teaching the catechism to your children through stories and illustrations? This is the book to use. Christopher's Talks to Catholic Children is a book of stories for children from the youngest ages up through elementary school. Written in the first person with a friendly, gentle tone, each story is a beautifully-presented lesson in the whole of the catechism.

Catholic Children's Treasure Box, Volumes 7 and 8

Book cover: 'Catholic Children's Treasure Box 7'
Author(s): 
Maryknoll Sisters

These two volumes of the Treasure Box Books contain a very simple story of Mary's life, appropriate for very young children. The full-color illustrations are quite charming. Please note that this story has the marriage of Mary and Joseph come before the Annunciation, which is not in accordance with the actual Bible account. Perhaps the authors felt that very young children weren't ready to understand this part of the story.

Angus and the Ducks

Author(s): 
Marjorie Flack
Angus is a little Scottish terrier who is terribly curious about everything - especially a noise coming from the other side of the large green hedge. One day, when "the door between outdoors and indoors was left open by mistake" he goes exploring to discover what makes that noise. His adventures are very cute, my children love hearing the sounds made by Angus and by the ducks. The text is very short and simple, but the real beauty is in the language which has a charming and humorous flow to it - it is perfect for reading aloud to little ones..

The Day the Sun Danced

Book cover: 'The Day the Sun Danced'

Published by CCC Animated Video
This is a nicely done version of the story of Our Lady's appearances to the three small children in Fatima, Portugal in 1917. It is a simpler version than The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima and more appropriate for very young children.

Updated March 2024: This video has been reissued on DVD with three languages, English, Spanish, and French, on the same disk.

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