Book Reviews and More: KatieWarner

Showing posts with label KatieWarner. Show all posts

Saturday, 21 February 2026

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

Benedict and the Rule - Katie Warner and Leah Ballard

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.

Benedict and the Rule - Katie Warner and Leah Ballard - Sample 1

Benedict and the Rule - Katie Warner and Leah Ballard - Sample 2

Benedict and the Rule - Katie Warner and Leah Ballard - Sample 3

Benedict and the Rule - Katie Warner and Leah Ballard - Sample 4

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

…

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

…

Friday, 21 November 2025

Illustrated Classic Christmas Carols - Katie Warner and Adalee Hude

Illustrated Classic Christmas Carols

Katie Warner
Adalee Hude (Illustrator)
TAN Books
ISBN 9781505134865

eISBN 9781505137217

ASIN B0FXD7J29F

Illustrated Classic Christmas Carols - Katie Warner and Adalee Hude

This is the seventh volume I have read by Katie Warner, my youngest and I love her books even though they are well below her reading level. 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. Both my daughter and I enjoyed this book; her because of her love of music and the season of Advent and Christmas; and me because of a deep devotion during the season. It is a wonderful volume, and we will continue to track down other works from Katie to read. The description of this volume is:

““Awake, mankind! For your sake God has become man . . . I tell you again: for your sake, God became man.”

—St. Augustine

Keep your family immersed in the wondrous Truth of the Christmas season with Illustrated Classic Christmas Carols. In this unique resource for children and adults alike, stunning classic artwork meets timeless, theologically rich Christmas hymns. With over twelve hymns, and reflections by Katie Warner on each one, even the littlest souls can learn to pray with the Truths contained in these hymns and not simply sing them.

Hymns include:

O Come, All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles)

Once in Royal David’s City

In the Bleak Midwinter

Angels We Have Heard on High

Teach your children the true meaning of Christmas and the hallmarks of our Faith while making lasting memories by the Christmas tree, around the piano, or at your holiday gatherings with Illustrated Classic Christmas Carols.”

Katie in the introduction states:

“It's that wonderful time in the liturgical year again: the hopeful anticipation of Advent, followed by me mystical joy of the Christ Child's coming at Christmas.

May this collection of artwork, reflections and hymns help prepare a place in your heart for Our Lord to dwell this holy season. Whether you sing these hymns as a family by your table or tree, with a group of carolers in neighborhoods or nursing homes, or with your parish as you prepare for and ponder the Incarnation together, lee the words sink deep and your voice raise high as we share with our dark world the good news that Christ has come to save us.

I truly hope this book becomes a treasured resource for you! Know that you are in my prayers, this holy season and always.”

The hymns covered in the book are:

Angels We Have Heard on High

Away in a Manger

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

In the Bleak Midwinter

It Came upon the Midnight Clear

Joy to the World

O Come, All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fideles)

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Veni, Veni Emmanuel)

O Holy Night

O Little Town of Bethlehem

Once in Royal David’s City

Silent Night

The First Noel

What Child Is This?

We Three Kings of Orient Are

A sample write up for a hump is:

“In the Bleak Midwinter

Christina Rosetti, 1872

“Notice the contrastsin this beautiful song: the cold, bleakness of winter meets the warmth and light of Christ; the glory of heaven descends to the poverty of earrth. God has lavished us with more than we could ever repay. But He longs for one thing from us: our love..”

Another is:

“O Holy Night

Placide Cappeau (author), 1847

Translated by John Dwight, 1855

The soul feels its worth when it encounters Christ. It is he whom we were made for! As Saint Augustine wrote, in his confessions, “our hearts are restless, until they find rest in You.” No wonder the evening of His birth is such a holy one. On this night, the world meets its Savior face to face! He turns things upside down – kings bowing before a Baby, slaves as brothers – and that God for that. Because we are not worthy of His love, yet He lavishes it upon us, Praise His name forever!”

This is a magnificent volume, for young readers, and for the young at heart. It can be used as a picture book for young readers or as a hymnal for the family. The book is set up with the music and lyrics on facing pages to the illustration and texts about the song. I enjoyed it just as much as my daughter. The illustrations are amazing.

About the author we are informed:

“Katie Warner is a Catholic homeschooling mom and bestselling children’s book author. Her popular titles include Oremus: Latin Prayers for young Catholics and One Holy Marriage: The Story of Saints Louis and Zelie Martin. She has a graduate degree in Catholic Theology and lives in Georgia with her husband and fellow book-loving children.”

About the illustrator:

“Adalee Hude, a wife, mother to two beautiful adopted children (and several wee intercessors), and Catholic author and artist, runs Brightly Hude Studio. Fueled largely by prayer and tea, she has done illustration work for Catholic magazines, prayer journals, stickers, and several children’s books. Her own books include Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus: An introductory Latin Missal for Children, published by Tan Books, and Light of Heaven: A Children’s book of Saints, published by OSV.”

This is an excellent volume. It is a great book to add to the family, school, or church library. It is a great good book we can easily recommend.

Illustrated Classic Christmas Carols - Katie Warner and Adalee Hude Sample 1

Illustrated Classic Christmas Carols - Katie Warner and Adalee Hude Sample 2

Illustrated Classic Christmas Carols - Katie Warner and Adalee Hude Sample 3

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan!

Listening For God

Oremus Latin Prayers for Young Catholics

Benedict and the Rule

…

Books by Adalee Hude:

Light of Heaven Saints A Children's Book of Saints

Light of Heaven Saints Coloring Book

Illustrated Classic Christmas Carols

...

Monday, 9 January 2023

Oremus Latin Prayers for Young Catholics - Katie Warner and Meg Whalen

Oremus Latin Prayers for Young Catholics

Katie Warner
Meg Whalen (Illustrator)
TAN Books
ISBN 9781505127386

eISBN 9781505127409

ASIN B0BHFF26WS

This is the fifth book I have read by Katie Warner, my youngest and I love her books even though they are well below her reading level. 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. Both my daughter and I enjoyed this book. It is a great read, and we will continue to track down other works from Katie to read. The description of this volume is:

“In Oremus—Latin for “let us pray”, prayers from the Mass and other beloved Catholic prayers, in both English and Latin, are accompanied by master copies of some of the Church's most beautiful artwork.

Young Catholics will learn to pray in the language which Pope Saint John Paul II said elicits “a profound sense of the Eucharistic Mystery” while exploring, reflecting on, and being inspired by studies of masterpieces of Christian art, from Fra Angelico to Bouguereau. This stunning compendium is an invaluable resource for young Catholics to use both at Mass and at home.”

Katie in the introduction states:

“This book began as an idea to translate our First Faith Treasury board book, Let Us Pray: A Child’s First Book of Prayers (TAN Books, 2019), into Latin, the official language of the Church. It grew into the beautiful treasury you have in your hands today, thanks to the creative inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

We pray this collection helps children of all ages to fall more in love with the prayers of the Mass and other beloved Catholic prayers, while learning them both in English and in Latin; the language that Pope Saint John Paul II called “an expression of the unity of the Church” and a language which “through its dignified character elicited a profound sense of the Eucharistic Mystery” (Dominicae cenae, 10).

In addition to learning sacred prayers in Latin and using this compendium while participating in the liturgy, we want families to become more familiar with some of the great artistic masterpieces that reflect the mysteries of our faith. We hope that Meg Whalen’s studies of great master works will draw hearts and souls to the divine in an even deeper way. More practically, we also wish this book to serve as a launching point for exploring religious art and learning the practice of visio divina (“divine seeing”), an ancient form of prayer in which art is used to open one’s heart to meditation and conversation with God.

Perhaps your children will further be encouraged to do their own master studies, copying the artwork in their own drawings and paintings, or as a family, you may be inspired to learn more of the history, details, and symbolism behind the pieces chosen for the book (you can find a list of the names and artists in the back).

May this book be a blessing to your family’s life of prayer and experience of the Mass, the highest form of prayer! May it help you develop a greater appreciation for the use of Latin in the life of the Church, as well as a greater love for the beauty and spiritual growth that visual art can bring to the faithful.”

And Meg Whalen in the afterwards states about the art:

“The practice of making master studies, or copies after master paintings, like the pictures in this book, is one that has been used for centuries. When we talk of these illustrations as copies, we don’t mean that we are stealing the work. Credit is always given to the original artist, usually by titling the new picture as “after Raphael” or “after Fra Angelico” and so on.

This practice of copying or studying master works helps us to learn from these artists in a real way, even though we aren’t able to learn from them in person. What better way for an artist to improve drawing or painting skills than by drawing or painting the works of the greatest artists who ever lived? And what better way to discover the sacred truths these artists depicted than by studying and recreating the symbols and details the artists included?

Illustrating this book has made me grateful not only to have had the chance to study and draw these master works of sacred art, but also to contemplate, in the details the artist included, the depth and beauty of our Faith.

I sincerely hope that this book inspires you to draw your own master studies as well. It is a wonderful way both to become a better artist and to grow closer to God, the Divine Artist.”

The list of works used as source material is:

Evening Prayer, Pierre Edouard Frère, 19th century

Main Apse, Altlerchenfelder Church, Vienna, Karl von Blaas, 19th century

The Prodigal Son, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, 17th century

For God So Loved the World, Artist Unknown, 18th century

The Adoration of the Shepherds, Guido Reni, 17th century

La Disputa, Raphael, 16th century

The Entry of Christ into Jerusalem, Félix Louis Leullier, 19th century

Messa di Paolo III Farnese, Antonio Maria Panico, 17th century

Creation of Adam, Michelangelo, 16th century

Adoration of the Mystic Lamb (Ghent Altarpiece), Jan van Eyck, 15th century

Christ and the Centurion, Paolo Veronese, 16th century

The Eucharist Wreathed in Flowers, Jan Anton van der Baren, 17th century

The Annunciation, Fra Angelico, 15th century

Holy Trinity, Hendrick van Balen, 17th century

Queen of the Angels, William-Adolphe Bouguereau, 19th century

Grace Before the Meal, Evert Pieters, 19th century

The list of prayers included in this volume are:

Sign Of The Cross

Confiteor

Kyrie

Gloria

Nicene Creed

Sanctus

Mortem Tuam

Our Father

Agnus Dei

Domine, Non Sum Dignus

Tantum Ergo

Hail Mary

Glory Be

Salve Regina

Grace Before Meals

This is a magnificent volume, for young readers, and for the young at heart. I enjoyed it just as much as my daughter. The illustrations are amazing. The layout and design is excellent. The only thing missing would have been links to download or watch online audio versions of the Latin Prayers to make sure we are getting them correct.

It is a great book to add to the family, school, or church library. It is a great good book we can easily recommend.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2023 Catholic Reading Plan!

Listening For God

Oremus Latin Prayers for Young Catholics

Benedict and the Rule

…

Wednesday, 10 March 2021

Listening For God: Silence Practice for Little Ones - Katie Warner and Amy Rodriguez

Listening For God:

Silence Practice for Little Ones

Katie Warner
Amy Rodriguez (Illustrator)
TAN Books
ISBN 9781505118926

This was the fourth Katie Warner book we have read. A few years ago we read Cloud of Witnesses: A Child's First Book of Saints and loved it (My daughter reads it to my wife almost every night still). Both my daughter and I loved this book. She read it to me three times the day it arrived and has picked it up every day since and read it to herself. She cannot wait to share it with her friends down the street. And has asked if we can donate it to her school library. It is an excellent read, and we will continue tracking down other works from Katie to read. The description of this volume is:

“This creative book, which contains some surprise interactive elements that your child will love, will become an invaluable resource to your family prayer life.

Katie Warner, noted Catholic author of numerous wonderful books for children writes: “Years ago, I started having my young children practice silent time each day. They loved the story of Elijah and the still small voice, and we’d talk about it in the same way this book does.

That daily silent time practice became the seed concept for this book. I think it’s so important for little ones to learn early and intentionally how to quiet themselves so they can hear God’s voice. At first, our silent time training only lasted a minute. Then two, three, four minutes and more - a building block to future holy hours that our little ones will spend in the chapel or at home listening for God’s voice and getting to know their Savior and Best Friend.”

The ability to be silent is a skill that even many adults have never developed. Give your child this priceless gift and give it early. For it is one that will reap eternal rewards.”

The story begins with a bible quote of 1 Kings 19:11-12. The first part of the book is a series of illustrations about Elijah and his experience listening to God. Then the story transitions to us. And specifically children and how they can listen to god, and how they can learn to practice silence. We are told that God wants to give us:

Faith

Hope

Love

Wisdom

Courage

Strength

That God has a plan for us, just like he did for Elijah. But we need to learn to listen. The book does a wonderful job teaching about listening for God. And learning to spend time in silence. Both are great lessons, not only for children but for all Catholics.

It is a wonderful book. Well written, and from the notes at the end written from Katie’s family experience. The illustrations are awesome. There are a few both my daughter and I would love to have as prayer cards to have in our collection. It is a book that will bless the children who read it, who have it read to them. And it will bless adults who read it to and with children.

It is aa valuable volume for any home, school or church library. Pick up a few copies to give to the children in your life. It is excellent!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!

Listening For God

Oremus Latin Prayers for Young Catholics

Benedict and the Rule

…

Monday, 23 November 2020

This Is the Church - Katie Warner and Meg Whalen

This Is the Church
Katie Warner
Meg Whalen (Illustrator)
TAN Books
ISBN 9781505117936

eISBN 9781505117950

ASIN B08FCPWJQX

This was the third Katie Warner book we have read. A few years ago we read Cloud of Witnesses: A Child's First Book of Saints and loved it. Earlier this year we read, Lily Lolek, Future Saint, and really enjoyed it. Both my daughter and I enjoyed this book. She read it to me two days in a row. And than she shared it with her friends down the street. It is a great read, and we will continue to track down other works from Katie to read. The description of this volume is:

“The most beautiful way to introduce your little one to the incredible story of salvation history! This is the Church will dazzle you with its detailed, stained-glass illustrations and tempt you to countless readings with its rhythmic story.

Through this unique picture book, which is destined to become a classic found in all Catholic homes, you and your little one will fall more deeply in love with Jesus Christ, Our Savior and King, who died and then rose and founded a Church, the Catholic Church, to share God’s love with the world.

If you’re already a fan of Katie Warner and Meg Whalen’s beautiful children’s books, this one will not disappoint . . . and is likely to become your new favorite.”

The book is good but did not impress as much as Warner’s earlier works we have read. The illustrations are intriguing. Mostly greyscale, with a splash of colour or colored stained glass. The story of salvation told through the art of the windows. The illustrations are wonderful. They illustrations are very different than any other book I have read with any of my three children. This book is below my daughter’s reading level. She read it easily.

It is a good book to add to the family or church library. And even though written in verse it packs a lot of information into a few lines on each page. A good book we can easily recommend.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!

Oremus Latin Prayers for Young Catholics

Benedict and the Rule

…

Monday, 27 July 2020

Lily Lolek, Future Saint - Katie Warner and Amy Rodriguez

Lily Lolek, Future Saint
Katie Warner (Editor)
Amy Rodriguez (Illustrator)
TAN Books
ISBN 9781505116564
eISBN 9781505116588
ASIN B087TR335K

This was the second Katie Warner book we have read. A few years ago we read Cloud of Witnesses: A Child's First Book of Saints and loved it. Both my daughter and I loved this book. She read it to me three days in a row. And has already shared it with her friends down the street. It is a fantastic read, and we will be tracking down other works from Katie to read. The description of this volume is:

“Your little one will love the story of this spirited young girl and her bold dreams to become a saint, book and broom in hand. Filled with bright and colorful illustrations, whimsical rhyme, and a powerful lesson, you and your child will want to read this book again and again!

This is the story of Lily Lolek.
There was nothing that she wanted more
Than to love with her might
And to burst with God’s joy
Til the day she reached heaven’s big door.

But is being a saint as tough as it seems?
Lily wonders inside of this book.
Hear what this priest says about Lily’s bold dreams...
There’s a lesson we shan’t overlook.”

The story follows Lilly. She dreams of being a saint. But when a friend makes a comment about not being able to be a saint. She loses some of her shine. But after a priest comes for dinner her goal of becoming a saint is stronger than ever. The book gives a lot of examples of different saints. And also reminds us that we are all called to be saints. The saints highlighted in the volume are:

Damien of Molokai
Thomas Aquinas
Mary, The Mother of God
Bernadette of Lourdes
Elizabeth of Hungary
King David
Scholastica
Benedict
Philip Neri
Joan of Arc
Francis of Assisi
Maria Goretti
Augustine of Hippo
Dominic Savio
Martin de Porres
Jane Frances de Chantal
Therese of Lisieux

The book is an excellent read. The illustrations are wonderful. The style is both bright and vibrant. The book ends with a litany that is great to pray and use to help your child create their own. This book was an instant family hit. It is great for the young ones in your life. And as a reminded to all of us, to strive to be saints. We highly recommend it.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!

Listening For God

Oremus Latin Prayers for Young Catholics

Benedict and the Rule

…

Saturday, 6 October 2018

Cloud of Witnesses A Child's First Book of Saints - Katie Warner and Meg Whalen

Cloud of Witnesses: A Child's First Book of Saints
Katie Warner (Editor)
Meg Whalen (Illustrator
TAN Books
ISBN 9781505112177

This book was by no means our families first book about saints. Nor was it even my youngest daughters. But She has latched onto this book with a deep devotion. I am certain she has the entire book memorized now in under a week. She has taken it to school every day this week, first to share with her teacher, then with friends at recess. Practically any time she goes to leave the house it is in her hands.

Each saint has a two-page spread with a wonderful illustration by Meg Whalen. One page is a full page picture of the saint, and the facing page is a short prayer or aspiration, a symbol associated with the saint, and at the bottom of the page the saints name. There was some initial confusion because the first saint is Saint Augustine, and he is all in green. My daughter at first assumed it was Saint Patrick.

The saints in order of appearance are:

Saint Augustine
Saint Francis of Assisi
Saint Theresa of Avila
Saint Ignatius of Loyola
Saint Therese of Lisieux
Saint Patrick
Saint John Paul II
Saint Clare of Assisi
Saint Pio of Pietrelcina
Saint Catherine of Siena
Saint Josemaria Escriva

The short prayers or aspirations for each saint are attributed to words they spoke or wrote. It is a wonderful little book. It will be treasured by children and appreciated by adults.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!

Listening For God

Oremus Latin Prayers for Young Catholics

Benedict and the Rule

…