Showing posts with label SaintGeorge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SaintGeorge. Show all posts

Monday, 27 July 2026

Rescued II: True Stories for Catholic Kids - Kathryn Griffin Swegart

Rescued II!: True Stories for Catholic Kids
Catholic Stories for Kids Book 5
Kathryn Griffin Swegart
Casey Jackson (Illustrator) 
John Henry Folley (Illustrator) 
ISBN 9798270923846
ASIN B0GG6G88LF
ASIN B0GHPHHTD5

Rescued II: True Stories for Catholic Kids - Kathryn Griffin Swegart

I was so excited when I heard about this volume. I have loved the other books in the series, and greatly enjoyed everything I have read by Kathryn Griffin Swegart. It took a while for the eBook, but it was well worth the wait. With my dual form of dyslexia the eBooks make reading so much easier, my son has eye tracking issues and our deacon has low vision. eBooks help with all of these and other issues. 

I picked this book up without reading the description of any review. I have so enjoyed other books from Kathryn that I had no doubt this would be excellent, and it exceeded all expectations. This is the eighth volume by Kathryn that I read and most of them have been read multiple times. This book is a fantastic read. I absolutely loved this book and this series. To be honest both series I have read by Kathryn are excellent. I picked this book up to read even though my children are now passed the reading range. My son loved the other so much he wants to read it after I talked about how great it is. 

So right off the top, even though this book was written with children as the target audience it can be enjoyed by readers of any age. And it will inspire an, encourage, and stoke up the faith of any believer. In our house it is being enjoyed by readers from 15 to 53 years of age.

In the introduction Kathryn states:

“Rescued II takes you all around the world to the top of the Andes Mountains in Chile to the Wild West, where an intrepid nun confronts stagecoach robbers and lynch mobs. Be ready to read an incredible dog story in which teams of dog sleds save the children of an Alaskan town from a deadly epidemic. You will learn about the greatest sea disaster in history: the sinking of the Titanic, and the strange twist of fate that saved the life of an Irish seminarian. On September 11, 2001, terrorists crashed planes into skyscrapers in New York City. Be amazed by the heroic rescue of a woman from the burning World Trade Center tower.”

The chapters are:

Introduction
Giant Killer – 1025 BC
St. George And The Dragon – 200s AD
Trinidad, Colorado – December 10, 1872
Mother Cabrini - South America, 1879
Southhampton, England - April 10, 1912
Pilsen, Kansas - Spring of 1922
Nome, Alaska - January 21, 1925
The Adventures Of Mother Angelica - Canton, Ohio, 1934
Hero Of 9/11 - New York, Sept 11, 2001
The Facts Behind the Stories

The chapter on the facts behind the stories is almost as fascinating as the stories themselves. The stories appear in chronological order as they appear in the book. Each story begins with an illustration, and even though Casey Jackson illustrated them all they are done in a wide range of styles. The illustrations help to set up each story in the book. The 9 stories of rescues not only span time but also take place around the world and in a wide variety of circumstances. Kathry states in the introduction:

“Are you ready to read some thrilling stories? Well, buckle your seatbelts. Here we go!”

It is sound advice. I could hardly put the book down. And even after turning out the lights for the night, I ended up picking it up again and reading a 2 more chapters. I just could not put it down.

You could easily read one story a night until the book is completed. And Maybe pair that story with the fact section at the end of the book. If you have that much self-control, I did not! Or you can race through it like I did. But I guarantee it will fascinate and amaze the children in your life, and maybe you as well.

This is another wonderful book from Kathryn’s pen, a great read for readers of all ages!

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2022 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Kathryn Griffin Swegart:
Brave Hearts Series:
Perilous Days
Martyrs
Lucia of Fatima
...

Catholic Stories for Kids Series:
Heavenly Hosts: Eucharistic Miracles for Kids
Miraculous! Catholic Mysteries for Kids
Rescued! True Stories for Catholic Kids
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Monday, 22 April 2024

Saint George Dragon Slayer - Jeannie Meekins - 15-Minute Books Book 613

Saint George: Dragon Slayer
15-Minute Books 613
Jeannie Meekins
Learning Island
eISBN 9781301421985
ASIN B00BZDPOL6

Saint George: Dragon Slayer - Jeannie Meekins

This is the third volume I have read in this series by this author. The first was excellent, the second was meh, this one is in the middle and is a pretty good read. I picked this up to read after reading Mary MacKillop: Australia's First Saint, from the same author in the same series. I enjoyed that first one so much, I picked up the eight volumes in the series about saints. As much as I loved that first one, I found second was a disappointment. Fortunately, this one turned the corner again.  I Prior to reading this I have read a number of biographies and other books about Saint George, both biographies and historical fiction. With that being said this volume was a decent read and I even learned a number of things. 

Jeannie Meekins according to amazon has over 120 unique titles geared for young readers. Many are biographies, some are in a Fun Facts Series, and other appear to be short fiction. This one I picked up because I loved another by the author in the series. This is part of a series tagged as 15-Minute Books, which are geared to get children reading for 15 minutes a day. 

The website is now defunct, but Learning Island when I checked the internet archive machine appears to have been a site with contributors from around the world. The oldest archived versions show books available for download in PDF format and exercises to go with the books. Later iterations of the site show link to purchase cheap eBook and later even print editions of the works. There are some numbered even into the1000’s. With the most recent being from early 2013 and numbered at 1014. But I only find 163 when I search Kindle. The description of this volume is:

“St George, defender of the helpless and slayer of dragons is a saint honored by many countries and many religions. He is as popular with Muslims and Jews as he is with Christians.

How could this happen? We know dragons never existed. How could someone be so well known and honored worldwide for something that could never have happened?

Find out about the life of this man who was said to have slain a dragon in this 15-minute biography.

Ages 8 and up.”

The description of the Series is:

“LearningIsland.com believes in the value of children practicing reading for 15 minutes every day. Our 15-Minute Books give children lots of fun, exciting choices to read, from classic stories, to mysteries, to books of knowledge. Many books are appropriate for hi-lo readers. Open the world of reading to a child by having them read for 15 minutes a day.”

The sections in this booklet are:

Early Life
George the Roman Soldier
Diocletian
The Death of George
Since the Third Century
The Legends of St George
St George and the Dragon
Flag of St George
Blessings and Images

I highlighted a few passages while reading this volume. They are:

“St George, defender of the helpless and slayer of dragons is a saint honored by many countries and many religions. He is as popular with Muslims and Jews as he is with Christians.”

“There are slightly differing versions on George’s death. All versions agreed on these facts. George was tortured, refused to give up his faith, and was beheaded on April 23, 303. His body was buried in Lydda.”

“Soldiers at the Battle of Agincourt in 1425 believed they saw him fighting with the English. St George is also said to have appeared at the Siege of Antioch in 1098. Soldiers from both sides claim to have seen St George, St Mercurius and St Demetrius leading the crusaders into battle. St George was also seen at the Siege of Jerusalem in 1099. St George, along with St Paul and St Agata, were seen to protect the Maltese in their battle with the Moors in 1091. St George appeared to the Georgians during the Battle of Didgori in 1121, and again during the Georgian uprising against Persia in the eighteenth century. The Portuguese credit victory in the 1385 Battle of Aljubarotta to St George.”

“There are many different versions of the legend. This depends on the culture or country where the legend is told. All versions contain the same basic story: There was a town being terrorized by a dragon. A young princess was to be sacrificed to the dragon. George rode to the town, slew the dragon and saved the princess.”

“St George is patron saint of many countries. These are Aragon, Bulgaria, Catalonia, Egypt, England, Ethiopia, Georgia, Greece, India, Iraq, Lithuania, Palestine, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia and Ukraine. He is the patron saint of over 26 cities, including the cities of Moscow, Barcelona, Rio de Janeiro, and of Lydda, the place of his burial. St George is also patron saint of archers, scouts, soldiers, cavalry and chivalry, farmers and field workers, and riders and saddlers. He helps people who suffer from leprosy, plague and syphilis.”

This little booklet provided a wide range of information. There were some items I was unaware of such as: The fact that Saint George is described as a prophetic figure in Islamic sources. George is venerated by some Christians and Muslims because of his composite personality combining several biblical, Quranic and other ancient mythical heroes. I was also unaware of the wide range of countries and cities that George is the patron Saint of. 

I really enjoyed the first book I read in this series. This one was close. I have picked up a number in the series and will continue to read an review them. This was a good little introduction and for the intended audience would be a good read. But even in my 50’s I appreciated the book. I can recommend this book as a starting point for exploration of saint George, the man and the legends around his life. 

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2024 Catholic Reading Plan! 


Joan of Arc: The Girl Who Fought For France - Jeannie Meekins

Mary MacKillop: Australia's First Saint - Jeannie Meekins

Saint Francis of Assisi: The Patron Saint of Animals - Jeannie Meekins

Saint George: Dragon Slayer - Jeannie Meekins

Saint Patrick Ireland Beloved Saint - Jeannie Meekins

Saint Valentine: The Man Who Became the Patron Saint of Love - Jeannie Meekins

The Lives of Seven Saints - Jeannie Meekins
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Sunday, 6 August 2023

Prayer of the Day Another Prayer to Saint George of England

Saint George Prayer 

Dear God

We think about the story of Saint George,
a soldier who fought in the name of Christ.

We think about the story of Saint George,
who was concerned to help the poor and needy.

Help us to be brave, to fight
for what is right and to battle
for justice.
Amen. 


This Prayer comes from:
Lois Rock
Finola Stack (Illustrator)
A Lion’s Children Book
ISBN 0745948103
ISBN 9780745948102
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Sunday, 23 July 2023

Prayer of the day Saint George of England

Saint George Prayer 

Faithful servant of God and invincible martyr, St George, inflamed with a burning love of Christ, you fought against the dragon of pride, falsehood and deceit. Neither pain nor torture, nor the sword nor death could part you from the love of Christ. 

I implore you for the sake of this love to help me by your intercession to overcome the temptations that surround me, and to bear bravely the trials that oppress me, so that I may patiently carry my cross and let neither distress nor difficulty separate me from the love of our Lord, Jesus Christ. 

Amen 

This prayer came on the prayer card when I ordered this icon of Saint George from Holy Art.
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Wednesday, 14 June 2023

Saint George Patron Saint of England - Lois Rock and Finola Stack

Saint George Patron Saint of England
Lois Rock
Finola Stack (Illustrator)
A Lion’s Children Book
ISBN 0745948103
ISBN 9780745948102


This is the third book I have read by Lois Rock, The first I stumbled across while trying to find books on Saint Dewi, Rock has a volume called Saint David Patron Saint of Wales. I enjoyed it so much I tried to track down the other 3 in the series. The other two in the series are on Patrick and Andrew. I have been able to track down three of the four. I have greatly enjoyed the two I have read so far.

This is a short picture book on Saint George the Dragon Slayer, it was originally published in 2005. A few years ago I read George: Patron of England, by J.B. Midgley. Everything else I have read about George is novelizations based on the legends around his life.

Description of the series:

“One of a set of 4 books on the national saints of the British Isles, published simultaneously with Saint Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland; Saint Andrew: Patron Saint of Scotland; and Saint George: Patron Saint of England. Just who was St. David? When and where did he live? And how did he come to be Wales' patron saint? This useful little book covers all these topics, providing background information that all patriotic youngsters will be interested to know.”

And the description on the back of the book states:

“Read the story of the fearless fighter who became the patron saint of England. Find out about the customs and traditions that are linked to his special day, 23 April.”

The sections in the book are:

The Life of George
Who Was George?
George: A Soldier for England
Dragon-Slayer!
Saint George’s Day
A Prayer Inspired by Saint George
Saint George’s Day

I highlighted a number of sections when reading this book, some of them are:

“The true story of George has been lost among the many legends told about him. However, it is probable that he lived and died sometime before 312, the year in which the emperor Constantine claimed to have seen a vision in the sky that led him to make Christianity the official religion of the Roman empire.”

“George has been respected as a saint for nearly 1, 700 years. From long ago, Christians believed that George was buried at a place called Lydda, in Roman Palestine. Pilgrims went there to honour George and to pray to God.”

“It is little wonder that, around the year 495, the leader of the church, the pope, gave a warning: he said that George was one of the saints who deserved respect, but his true deeds were known only to God!.”

“He was probably well known in England by the eighth century; indeed, one book of Saint George stories was translated into Anglo-Saxon!”

“By the fourteenth century, Saint George's arms of a red cross on a white background were used as a kind of uniform for English soldiers and sailors. Around 134 7 the English king, Edward III, founded an order of knights - the Knights of the Order of Saint George.”

“Saint George's Day began officially in England in 1222. A church council meeting in Oxford agreed that 23 April should be kept as a lesser holy day.”

“Nowadays, it is again less important. It only gets mentioned in church services, and sometimes the flag is flown.”

It also has a wonderful prayer to Saint George:

“Dear God
We think about the story of Saint George,
a soldier who fought in the name of Christ.
We think about the story of Saint George,
who was concerned to help the poor and needy.
Help us to be brave, to fight
for what is right and to battle
for justice.”

The final section of the book is about Saint George’s Day:

“Saint George's Day
23 April
Patron saint of England, Canada,
Germany, Lithuania,
archers, cavalry, farmers,
horses, horse riders,
knights, lepers, soldiers
and many others.”

I really enjoyed this volume. It is a great look at the saint and some of the legends and stories around his life. I was unaware he was a patron saint of Canada, I was only aware of Saint Joseph having that role. This was a really fun read.

This is a wonderful volume about this saint. It would be great for the home, the school or the church library. It was a blessing to track it down and give it a read and I encourage you to give it a try, I am certain it will inspire and challenge readers of all ages. Having read three of the four books in this series I can easily recommend them, and wish I could find a copy of the volume on Saint Andrew to complete the set. A great read.



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


Books by Lois Rock:
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Wednesday, 29 January 2020

George: Patron of England - J.B. Midgley - CTS Great Saints

George: Patron of England 
CTS Great Saints
Catholic Truth Society
ISBN 9781860824593
CTS Booklet B695


 In just over the last 2 years I have read over 100 books from the Catholic Truth society. This was the fifth volume by Midgley that I have read, and the first in the Great Saints Series. I have read many in the Biographies and also Saints of the Isles Series. And have loved most of them. Now after reading this volume am I not only trying to track down all the 26 books written by Midgley for the CTS, but have now added several others in this series to my wish list. But back to this volume. This book was published in 2007. To date I believe there has only been the single printing and there is no eBook edition.

 The back of the volume states:

 “Images of Saint George on horseback slaying the dragon are well known. What of his life, his story, his context, his links to England, his place in the liturgy? St George appears in verse, art and drama. There are well known devotions associated with him. All this and more is explored in this highly informative booklet.”

 After having read this booklet I agree it is highly informative. My grandmother, though an Anglican, and not Catholic, always instilled a devotion in me to Saint George. In My teen years I wore a Saint George medallion she purchased for me. It has been lost in time, but my appreciation and devotion to the saint has waxed and waned over the years. But once I saw that this one was of Midgley’s books I tried hard to track down a copy to read. The chapters in the volume are:

 England’s Patron
Why patron Saints?
The Life of Saint George
Devotion to Saint George
The Dragon in Saint John’s Book of Revelation
Chivalry
Saint George, Patron and Titular Guardian
The Feast of Saint George
The orders of Saint George
Saint George in Art, Drama, and Verse.

 A few years ago, Dr. Taylor Marshall wrote a trilogy of epic historical fiction on the life of Saint George beginning with Sword and Serpent. That series renewed my interest in this saint. And this little volume has sparked those flames even more. 

 Often when I read one of the CTS booklets, I find a prayer I really like and add it to my list of prayers. There were several in this book, but none of them really grabbed my attention. But as mentioned this book has and I plan on reading further into the history of Saint George and his legacy. Unlike many of the CTS booklets this volume did not have a bibliography at the end to use as a jumping off point for that further study. But the Acknowledgements at the beginning does list 13 books, 3 or 4 of which might prove good starting points for further exploration. 

 I believe I fell away from devotion to George when reading a lot of Irish history, and about the oppression and abuse of the Irish and Scottish at the hands of the English. This volume has helped me to reconnect with the Saint. I am thankful that I was able to track this book down, and for having read it. It is another excellent, well researched, and crafted book by J.B. Midgley. It is another excellent read from both Midgley and the Catholic Truth Society.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.

Books about Saint George:

Books by J.B. Midgley:
Advent & Christmastide with the Saints
Antonio Rosmini
Benedict - Patron of Europe
Bernard of Clairvaux – CTS Great Saints
Charles Borromeo  - CTS Great Saints
Companion to St. Joseph
Companion to the Feasts of Mary
Companion to Saint Peter
Companion to Saint Paul
Companion to the Angels
Companion to the Feasts of Our Lord
Companion to the Passion of Our Lord
Dominic - CTS Great Saints
George: Patron of England - CTS Great Saints
Dewi Sant: St David Patron of Wales
Francis de Sales – CTS Great Saints
John Baptist de La Salle – CTS Great Saints
John Vianney – CTS Great Saints
Lent with the Saints
Nurturing the Young
Robert Bellarmine
Saint John the Baptist 
Stations of the Cross and Resurrection with the Saints
The Eucharist with the Saints
The Four Evangelists
Thomas Becket – CTS Saints of the Isles
Vincent de Paul – CTS Great Saints
Witchcraft, Sorcery and Magic
…

Contributed to:
First Fridays and First Saturdays The Devotions Explained 
Devotion and Prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
...

Books in the CTS Great Saints Series:
Antonio Rosmini - J.B. Midgley
Bernard of Clairvaux - J.B. Midgley
Benedict Patron of Europe - J.B. Midgley
Charles Borromeo - J.B. Midgley
Dominic - J.B. Midgley
Elizabeth of the Trinity The Great Carmelite Saint - Jennifer Moorcroft
Francis de Sales - J.B. Midgley
Gemma Galgani Gem of Christ John Paul Kirkham
George: Patron of England - J.B. Midgley
John Baptist de La Salle - J.B. Midgley
John of the Cross - Jennifer Moorcroft
John Vianney - J.B. Midgley
Martin de Porres - Glynn MacNiven-Johnston
Patrick Missionary to the Irish - Thomas O’Loughlin 









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