Benedict and the Rule - Katie Warner and Leah Ballard

Benedict & the Rule

Katie Warner
Leah Ballard (Illustrator) 
TAN Books
ISBN 9781505135275

eISBN 9781505137149

eISBN 9781505137132

ASIN 

This is the eighth volume I have read by Katie Warner, my youngest and I love her books even though they are well below her reading level. And to be honest at some point I will have grandkids to share them with, hopefully.  A number of years ago we read Cloud of Witnesses: A Child's First Book of Saints and loved it. A few years ago we read, Lily Lolek, Future Saint, and really enjoyed it. I really enjoyed this book. I have read a fair bit about Saint Benedict over the years, and a few translations of his Rule. But this little volume is excellent for introducing both to little children. The description of this volume is:

“Uncover the life and remarkable legacy of one of history’s most well-known and loved saints. Benedict & the Rule is a gorgeously illustrated look at Saint Benedict’s miracles and impact, and at his famous “little rule for beginners” (known today as the Rule of Saint Benedict), adhered to by monasteries and convents throughout the world and surprisingly impactful for children and families today. What if you could have your own little Rule of Life, inspired by Saint Benedict? This book will guide young readers in that beautiful spiritual exercise, inspiring children and adults alike to adopt St. Benedict as a spiritual father unlike any other. Benedict & the Rule will especially be enjoyed by children ages 3 and Up.”

Katie in the author’s note states:

“There have been other books which have beautifully treated the life of Saint Benedict, including his many miracles, only a few of which are mentioned in this text. With this project, I wanted to weave his Rule into the context of his life, because the two were indeed inextricably connected.”

And later:

“Saint Benedict’s Rule is not only useful for those in religious life. Its foundational principles are meant to inspire our own spiritual lives, and should encourage us in the pursuit of our own rule of life, a powerful way to personalize and concretize our spiritual progress.”

And also:

“A rule helps us to carry out our true mission. Like Benedict, we were not made for comfort, but for the work of God.”

There is a section at the end on how to make your won rule and a url to some resources to help. There is no about the author section in the book or on the back, but on the Tan site we are informed:  

“Katie Warner is a Catholic homeschooling mom who loves to make and share creative resources to raise faith-filled families. Katie is the author and editor of the FirstFaithTreasury.com series, Catholic picture books, Head & Heart: Becoming Spiritual Leaders for Your Family, and a popular prayer journal series including A Parent Who Prays. She holds a graduate degree in Catholic Theology from the Augustine Institute, where she met Meg and fell in love with Meg's art. In her spare time, Katie writes for the National Catholic Register, manages KatieWarner.com, and helps others home to the Church through Catholics Come Home. Katie lives in Georgia with her husband and fellow book-loving children.”

There is no information about the illustrator, either in the volume or on the TAN Site. That being said the illustrations are bright and vibrant, with rich tones and excellent imagery that capture the life of Benedict. This little volume is written for young readers as a picture book. But it is also a tool that can be used to help them develop patterns and habits that can help carry them through life. But even in my mid 50’s I greatly enjoyed the volume and learned from it.

This is an excellent book that would be a blessing in any home, school, or church library. It is a wonderful book we can easily recommend.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2026 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Katie Warner:
Head & Heart: Becoming Spiritual Leaders for Your Family
Gaze Upon Jesus: Experiencing Christ's Childhood through the Eyes of Women
A Grandparent Who Prays: A Journal to Guide You in Praying for Your Grandchildren
A Parent Who Prays: A Journal to Guide You in Praying for Your Children
A Sponsor Who Prays: A Journal to Guide You in Praying for Your Confirmand
A Godparent Who Prays: A Journal to Guide You in Praying for Your Godchild
Illustrated Classic Christmas Carols

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For Children:
I Went to Mass: What did I See?
Cloud of Witnesses: A Child's First Book of Saints
Lily Lolek, Future Saint
Let Us Pray: A Child's First Book of Prayers 
The Word of the Lord: A Child's First Scripture Verses 
Kiddie Cat: A Child's First Catechism Lesson 
Father Ben Gets Ready for Mass 
This is the Church

Listening For God

Oremus Latin Prayers for Young Catholics

Benedict and the Rule

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