In the consistent style of the Vision Series of non-fiction Catholic stories for young people, the author presents a very engaging account of the important story of Our Lady's appearances to Bernadette Soubirous – probably the poorest and simplest child in the small town of Lourdes, France. Bernadette's beautiful devotion is inspiring and her stubborn honesty is refreshing. More important, however, is Our Lady's message and her profound effect on those who come to her out of devotion and sometimes only curiosity.

Therese Martin (1873 – 1897) was the youngest of five girls growing up in a devout Catholic family in France in the late nineteenth century. We all know how, in just over one hundred years she has become one of the most beloved Saints in the Church and has recently been named "Doctor of the Church" by Pope John Paul II. This is the delightful and moving story of a little girl who became a great saint; of five sisters who were all called to religious vocations.

While I believe that textbooks are useful tools in the study of history, they tend to quickly lose the interest of the student if used alone. "Living books" work well when read alongside history textbooks because they bring to life the characters and events related – engaging the imagination and helping the student to more fully understand the signifiance of the people and events being studied. Beorn the Proud is such a story – an exciting, dramatic tale, full of real characters and accurate historical information.

Forty-seven stories including "The Star Spangled Banner", "Our Lord and Our Lady" by Hiilaire Belloc, "St Martin of Tours" and "St Brigid". A few black and white pictures. Includes study suggestions for each story. Glossary.