Saint Clare of Assisi: Runaway Rich Girl - Kim Hee-Ju

Saint Clare of Assisi: Runaway Rich Girl
Kim Hee-Ju
Pauline Books and Media
ISBN 9780819890870

This book is both written and illustrated by Kim Hee-Ju. It is a graphic novel in a semi-manga style. The reason I say semi is it has the typical oversized eyes, but it does not have disproportionate body sized, and it is in full color instead of black and white whit shading. Now I am by no means an expert on graphic novels. But I do enjoy a few artists that I have been introduced to. And this is a really good offering.

I read this book with my three children, ages 10, 9 and 6. The 6 year old loved it. She has carried it around for 2 weeks now. We have reread it a few times. She took it to school to share with her classroom. Her best friend and her have sat on the back porch and read through it a few times now. She even slept with the book the first few nights. And I do not think you can really give a book better praise then kids love reading it and read it again and again.

This book is really two stories in one. It is the stories of both Francis and Clare of Assisi. It starts with Clare remembering back to Francis's conversion and renouncing his worldly possessions. It is the story of Clare's love for God and appreciation for the work Francis was doing. And it is the story of Clare's call and life of service. And it is wonderfully told through both pictures and words.

Graphic novels are a good art form, and method of storytelling in and of themselves. But they are also great for reluctant readers. This is a good book and I really look forward to reading more in the series.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!

Graphic Novels from Pauline Books and Media:
St. Francis of Assisi: Messenger of Peace
St. Teresa of Avila: God's Troublemaker
Philip Neri: The Laughing Saint
Mother Teresa of Kolkata: Saint Among the Poor
Saint Clare of Assisi: Runaway Rich Girl
The Legend of Saint Christopher: Quest for a King

...

Posts related to Clare and Francis of Assisi:

The Way of the Cross: According to the Method of St. Francis of Assisi - TAN Books 

Saint Francis of Assisi: The Patron Saint of Animals - Jeannie Meekins - A 15-Minute Biography   

Message of Assisi The Shrine of St Francis of Assisi - Chris Simpson - CTS Christian Shrines 

Clare of Assisi Her Life and Message - John Paul Kirkham - CTS 

Saint Francis of Assisi - Jennifer Moorcroft - CTS Great Saints 

Clare of Assisi - John Paul Kirkham - CTS Great Saints 

Saint Clare of Assisi: A Light for the World - Marianne Lorraine Trouvé and Mary Joseph Peterson - Encounter the Saints Book 26 

St. Francis of Assisi - Alice Curtayne 

Saint Francis of Assisi Gentle Revolutionary - Mary Emmanuel Alves - Encounter the Saints Book 4 

Saint Clare of Assisi: Runaway Rich Girl - Kim Hee-Ju

Peace of Heart Francis of Assisi - John Kirvan - Great Spiritual Teachers 

Prayer of the Day Saint Francis Prayer

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20 Answers The Real Jesus - Trent Horn- 20 Answers Series from Catholic Answers

20 Answers The Real Jesus
20 Answers Series from Catholic Answers 
Trent Horn
Catholic Answers Press
ISBN 9781938983931
eISBN 9781938983955
ASIN B01HDWETCC

Some good news and some bad news; first the good news this series has just been expanded from 20 to 23 books and I believe more will release in the fall expanding it even further. The bad news is that Trent Horn has not authored any of the new volumes. Of the 23 books now available Trent Horn has written 10, and they are each great reads. 

This year I took the 20 Answers Challenge, at the time it was to read all the books available in the Catholic Answers series (that were available at the time).  You can still get the first 20 books for 50% off, an incredible deal, so get them with this deal while you can! They are really great reads. That will enhance your faith and your ability to defend it. I have rated 18 of the 20 with 5 out of 5 stars, and the other two got 4 stars. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religious Studies with a focus on Roman Catholic Thought, and I love the clarity of through and the format of this series. I cannot wait until my three children are a little order to read these books with each of them. The 20 questions that Trent answers in this volume are:

1. Is there any evidence that Jesus actually existed as a historical person?
2. But is there any evidence outside of the Bible that Jesus was real?
3. If Jesus really existed and performed miracles, then why didn't more ancient historians write about him? I've heard that there were dozens of ancient historians who lived shortly after Jesus and none of them wrote about Jesus being a real person.
4. Can we trust the Gospel accounts of Jesus' life? I heard they were written decades or even centuries later by anonymous authors.
5. We don't even have the original manuscripts of the Gospels, so how can we know that the words and deeds of Jesus were not made up or changed by various scribes who copied the New Testament?
6. I watched a video on the Internet that said the ancient world had legends about many dying and rising gods. People believed these gods were born on December 25, had twelve disciples, were crucified, and then rose from the dead. Were the stories about Jesus simply copied from pre-existing pagan mythology?
7. I'm willing to accept that a man named Jesus existed and was a wise teacher, like Buddha. However, I think everything about him being the son of God was added at a later time and embellished. Is there evidence that Jesus originally claimed to be the Son of God?
8. In the Bible, Jesus never says, "I am God. Worship me." In fact, didn't Jesus claim to be the "Son of man" and on several occasions deny that he was divine?
9. If Jesus was God, then how was God still running the universe when Jesus was a baby? Did Jesus know everything about the universe when he was five? In short, how is it possible for God to become a man?
10. Even if Jesus' words were accurately recorded, so many things he said seem crazy or just impossible to accept. Why would I want to worship someone like that?
11. Jesus said that there were people standing in front of him who would see the coming of the kingdom of God before they died (Mark 9:1). He also described the end of the world and said his generation would not pass away until it took place (Matt. 24:35). But the kingdom didn't come and the world didn't end. How can I believe in Jesus when he was so obviously wrong?
12. I heard that Jesus was married and that the Church suppressed other Gospels that depict him as just an ordinary man and not the Son of God. Is this true?
13. Why do Christians believe that Jesus had to die in order for God to forgive our sins? Why couldn't God just forgive our sins outright?
14. How can we be so certain that Jesus really died on the cross, and didn't just pass out and walk out of the tomb later? Or, how do we know that Jesus wasn't just left on the cross to rot or that his body wasn't thrown in a shallow grave and eaten by dogs? Those outcomes are far more likely than Jesus dying and rising from the dead.
15. How do we know Jesus' tomb was really empty? Maybe this was simply a legend that developed over time in order to explain what happened to Jesus.
16. What about the stories of the risen Jesus appearing to people? Maybe these were legends that developed later.
17. Even if the apostles believed that Jesus rose from the dead, that doesn't prove it really happened. How do we know they weren't suffering from a group hallucination?
18. But Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:37-50 that the "natural body" cannot enter heaven, but only the "spiritual body." Doesn't this mean that the apostles believed only in the "spiritual" resurrection of Jesus, and so a body lying in the tomb would not have disproved their "Easter faith"?
19. Is it possible to believe that Jesus really performed miracles? Christians don't believe the miracle stories of other religions, and besides, wouldn't miracles violate the laws of nature?
20. What should I believe about Jesus?

From the introduction of this booklet Horn states:

"Is the Christ of faith a mere fantasy? Or is he the same person as the Jewish carpenter who lived in Palestine 2,000 years ago? This is an essential question. As Pope Benedict XVI wrote in his book Jesus of Nazareth, "For biblical faith the historicity-and thus the 'facticity'-of the Incarnation is indispensable. Faith demands that we consider Jesus as approachable by historical research."

Since faith and reason cannot contradict one another, there must be rational, evidence-based answers to pressing questions about Jesus of Nazareth that do not contradict the "Christ of faith" who is worshipped by billions of Christians around the world. In this booklet we will look at some of those answers."

This book tackles questions around the key claims about Christ that Christian's believe. It is written to refute false claims or attacks against orthodox beliefs. And also to Support sound Christian doctrine.  It also brings in a lot of external historical evidence and proofs. Of the 20 books I have read in this series I think this is one of the most important. And one every Catholic, no that every Christian should read!

This is an incredible booklet and is part of an amazing series! It is another great read from Catholic Answers and Trent Horn.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!

Note 2: Currently this is an amazing series of books is being offered at a 50% discount so get it while you can. That is right you can get all 20 physical books or all 20 eBooks for just $34.95! If you want a way to go deeper this year give this series a try! #20AnswersChallenge

20 Answers Series:
20 Answers Abortion - Trent Horn
20 Answers Angels & Demons - Fr. Mike Driscoll
20 Answers Atheism - Matt Fradd
20 Answers Death & Judgement - Trent Horn
20 Answers Divorce & Remarriage - Jim Blackburn
20 Answers End of Life - Jason Negri
20 Answers Faith & Science - Trent Horn
20 Answers God - Trent Horn
20 Answers Islam - Andrew Blezad
20 Answers Jehovah's Witnesses - Trent Horn
20 Answers Mary - Tim Staples
20 Answers Miracles - Karlo Broussard
20 Answers Mormonism - Trent Horn
20 Answers Salvation - Jimmy Akin
20 Answers Scripture and Tradition - Jim Blackburn
20 Answers The Bible - Trent Horn
20 Answers The Eucharist - Trent Horn
20 Answers The Papacy - Jim Blackburn
20 Answers The Real Jesus - Trent Horn
20 Answers The Church - Trent Horn
20 Answers Witchcraft & the Occult - Michelle Arnold
20 Answers Apparitions & Revelations - Michael O'Neill
20 Answers Bible Prophecy - Jimmy Akin
20 Answers Homosexuality - Jim Blackburn
20 Answers The Reformation - Steve Weidenkopf
20 Answers The Sacraments - Fr. Mike Driscoll
20 Answers Bioethics - Stacy A. Trasancos
20 Answers Conversion - Shaun McAfee
20 Answers Faith and Works - Jimmy Akin

20 Answers: Relics & Sacramentals - Shaun McAfee

20 Answers: The Communion of Saints - Karlo Broussard

20 Answers Eastern Catholicism - Father Daniel Dozier 

20 Answers Anti-Catholic Myths - Jimmy Akin

20 Answers The End Times - Jimmy Akin

20 Answers The Rosary - Tom Nash

20 Answers Seasons & Feasts – Michelle Arnold

20 Answers New Age -  Michelle Arnold

20 Answers Catholic Social Teaching – Mark Brumley

20 Answers Prayer – Hugh Barbour O. Praem and Sebastian Walshe O. Praem

20 Answers Faith & Reason – Christopher Kaczor

20 Answers The New Testament – Jimmy Akin

20 Answers Protestantism – Jimmy Akin

20 Answers Marriage & Sex – Todd Aglialoro

20 Answers The Early Church – Jim Blackburn

20 Answers The Old Testament – Jimmy Akin

20 Answers Judaism – Michelle Arnold

20 Answers The Sacraments – Father Mike Driscoll

20 Answers St Thomas Aquinas - Dr. Kevin Vost

... 

Other Books from Catholic Answers:
Hard Sayings: A Catholic Approach to Answering Bible Difficulties - Trent Horn
A Daily Defense: Apologetics Lessons for Every Day - Jimmy Akin
The Apostasy That Wasn't: The Extraordinary Story of the Unbreakable Early Church - Rod Bennett
Answering Atheism - How to Make the Case for God with Logic and Charity - Trent Horn
Persuasive Pro Life: How to Talk About Our Culture's Toughest Issue - Trent Horn and Fr Frank Pavone
The Protestant's Dilemma: How the Reformation's Shocking Consequences Point to the Truth of Catholicism - Devin Rose
Behold Your Mother: A Biblical and Historical Defense of the Marian Doctrines - Tim Staples
Handed Down: The Catholic Faith of the Early Christians - James L. Papandrea
Demons, Deliverance, Discernment: Separating Fact from Fiction about the Spirit World - Fr. Mike Driscoll
Navigating the Tiber: How to Help Your Friends and Family Journey Toward the Catholic Faith - Devin Rose
100 Biblical Arguments Against Sola Scriptura - Dave Armstrong
The Drama of Salvation: How God Rescues You from Your Sins and Brings You to Eternal Life - Jimmy Akin
The Truth is Out There (Brendan and Erc in Exile Book 1 - Brother Amadeus and Amadeus
...Memorize the Reasons! Defending the Faith with the Catholic Art of Memory - Kevin Vost
Marching Orders: A Tactical Plan for Converting the World to Christ - Dan McGuire
The Fathers Know Best - Jimmy Akin
Why We're Catholic: Our Reasons for Faith, Hope, and Love - Trent Horn
The Old Evangelization: How to Spread the Faith Like Jesus Did - Eric Sammons
What the Saints Never Said - Trent Horn
...

Sixth Sunday of Easter 2017

Sixth Sunday of Easter 2017

www.stjosemaria.org

The Catholic Gentleman

  

Books by St. Josemaria Escriva:
Christ Is Passing By
Conversations with Saint Josemaria
The Forge
Friends of God
Furrow
Holy Rosary
In Love with the Church
The Way
The Way of the Cross
The Way of the Cross - Booklet Illustrated Michael O'Brien

Praying the Stations of the Cross with St. Josemaria Escriva

The Way, Furrow, Forge (3 in 1 Edition)

Points of Meditation About Our Lady from St. Josemaría

...

Books about St. Josemaria Escriva:
A Man Who Knew How to Forgive: Lessons from the Life of St. Josemaria Escriva - Francesc Faus
Praying 15 Days with St. Josemaria Escriva - Guillaume Derville

Loving Christ Through St Josemaría Escrivá - Holly Melita Rodriguez

Coached by Josemaría Escrivá - Henry Hanson, O. Praem.

...

Volumes in the St Josemaria Escriva's Collected Letters:

Introduction

Letters 1: Singuli dies, 24 March 1930

Letters 2: Videns eos, 24 March 1931

The Burgos Letters (1938-1939): Three Circular Letters

Letters: Letter 3: Res omnes, 9 January 1932

Letter 4: Vos autem, 16 July 1933 : Letter 4: Vos autem, 16 July 1933 

Letter 5: Euntes ergo, 2 October 1939 

Letter 6: Sincerus est, 11 March 1940

Letter 7: Quem per annos, 24 October 1942 

Letter 8: Legitima hominum, 31 May 1943 

…

Other Posts:

Prayer of the day Pray with Saint Josemaría Escrivá

Pray to the Holy Spirit from Saint Josemaría Escrivá

A Prayer of the Day St Escriva Prayer for Vocations

...

Saint John Bosco Champion for the Young - Emily Beata Marsh - Encounter the Saints Series

Saint John Bosco Champion for the Young
Encounter the Saints Series
Emily Beata Marsh FSP
Wayne Alfano (Illustrator)
Pauline Books and Media
ISBN 9780819890450
eISBN 9780819890467
ASIN B017S0ZN3S

This is the third book in the Encounter the Saints series that I have read and it will not be the last. This is an amazing series. And even though this series was written for children, geared to the pre-teen and teen market, these are such good reads I really believe there are for all ages! Dom Bosco lived from August 16th 1815 to 31 January 1888. He was beatified on June 2nd 1929 and then canonized on April 1st 1934. His feast day is January 31st. And he is known as the patron saint of schoolchildren, young people, magicians, juvenile delinquents, editors, publishers, and apprentices. But this book is about his life, and oh what a life it was.

I think there are few saints that can claim in their job history shepherd, acrobat, farm hand and more. John was called to serve God, and God provided the way. It was unusual for farmers to become priests at this time. But John worked and studied. When conflict with his brother caused him to leave home at 12 and work as a farm hand elsewhere so he could save money for school. 

“John needed to go to school if he wanted to become a priest one day. But the Boscos were too poor to pay for school.“Pray, John,” Mama Margaret told him.“If God wants it, then it will happen.”And God did make it happen!”

Throughout his life John often relied on God providing what was needed when it was needed. 

“Don’t worry, Mama,” he said. “If you had money, you would give me some, right?”“Of course,” she replied.“Well, God is even more generous than you are,” he said smiling, “and he will provide the money we need.”God did provide. That week, two people came to Don Bosco with donations of money that added up to 1,000 livres. On February 19, 1851, Don Bosco became the owner of the Pinardi House, and he officially named it the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales.

John also had a lifelong closeness to his mother. And she was active in his ministry until she passed away. He followed her example. 

“Johnny watched all of this from his place on the floor by the fireplace. From his mother’s good example he was learning how to be generous and to love his neighbor. But there was much more learning to do.”

This is the story of a man who had dreams and followed God and the dreams that God placed on his heart. And that heart was for serving young men and serving the community. In founding the Salesians he founded a movement that is still serving in the world today. This man’s simple faith and hard work serve as an example for all of us. But especially for the youth of today. This was a wonderful read!

I can highly recommend this book and the whole series. I challenge you to read this and see the impact it will have on your faith and life, and I look forward to my next Encounter with the Saints in this amazing series of books.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by and about Saint John Bosco:

Saint John Bosco - F.A. Forbes

John Bosco - Jennifer Moorcroft - CTS Great Saints Series

Saint John Bosco Champion for the Young by Emily Beata Marsh - Encounter the Saints

…

Encounter the Saints Series from Pauline Books and Media:
Blessed James Alberione Media Apostle
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati Journey to the Summit
Journeys with Mary Apparitions of Our Lady
Saint André Bessette Miracles in Montreal
Saint Anthony of Padua Fire and Light
Saint Bakhita of Sudan Forever Free
Saint Bernadette Soubirous And Our Lady of Lourdes
Saint Catherine Labouré And Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
Saint Clare of Assisi A Light for the World
Saint Damien of Molokai Hero of Hawaii
Saint Edith Stein Blessed by the Cross
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Daughter of America
Saint Faustina Kowalska Messenger of Mercy
Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini Cecchina's Dream
Saint Francis of Assisi Gentle Revolutionary
Saint Gianna Beretta Molla The Gift of Life
Saint Ignatius of Loyola For the Greater Glory of God
Saint Isaac Jogues With Burning Heart
Saint Joan of Arc God's Soldier
Saint John Bosco Champion for the Young
Saint John Neumann Missionary to Immigrants
Saint John Paul II Be Not Afraid
Saint John Vianney A Priest for All People
Saint Juan Diego And Our Lady of Guadalupe
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha: Courageous Faith
Saint Katharine Drexel The Total Gift
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque And the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Saint Martin de Porres Humble Healer
Saint Maximilian Kolbe Mary's Knight
Saint Paul The Thirteenth Apostle
Saint Pio of Pietrelcina Rich in Love
Saint Teresa of Avila Joyful in the Lord
Saint Teresa of Calcutta Missionary of Charity
Saint Teresa of Kalkota Missionary of Charity

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux The Way of Love
Saint Thomas Aquinas Missionary of Truth
Saint Thomas More Courage, Conscience, and the King
Saints Jacinta and Francisco Marto: Shepherds of Fatima
The Saints Pray for Us

Saint Julie Billiart The Smiling Saint

...

The King's Prey: Saint Dymphna of Ireland - Susan Peek

The King's Prey: Saint Dymphna of Ireland
Susan Peek
Seven Swords Publications
ISBN 9780997000573

This was the second book by Susan Peek that I have read this spring. And I have already started another. I was even more impressed with this book that I was when I read Saint Magnus The Last Viking, which I thought was an excellent read. This book was compelling and addictive right from the beginning. I love this book and other writing by Susan Peek, who brings to life some lesser known saints. 

This book begins with a statement from the author:

“In many chapels,
reddened by the setting sun,
the saints rest silently,
waiting for someone to love them.”

“These words, penned by an unknown priest, long dead,
were the inspiration for this series on the lives of saints
who have fallen deep into the shadows of obscurity.
My hope is that, in reading their heroic stories,
you will make the acquaintance of some of
God's Forgotten Friends”

And this book does an amazing job of doing just that, she brings to life both Saint Dymphna and Saint Gerebran. This book deals with a number of mental health issues. Flashbacks, Blackouts, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and a madness brought on by grief. And it does so without trivializing and of the conditions it is presenting. It also deals with broken families or at least families with great divides and a great number of misunderstandings. 

This book was a fascinating read. Both for the time it was set, and the story it tells. But there were times where it was not an easy read. It all starts with a mad king who wants to marry his daughter and rename her to replace her mother. That princess in trying to escape her father’s illness flees to a cottage, and draws in a young musician and her husband. Follow this trio as they garner the aid of a priest and begin the journey to find freedom. This is the story of two very brutal martyrdom’s. But it is also an inspiring story. 

I recommend this book and this series. Susan Peek does an amazing job of bringing lesser known saints to life. Though these stories are mostly fiction, a what might have been, they draw from the facts that we know. Well done and I wonder what saint Peek will flesh out for us next.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!

Books by Susan Peek:

Novels:
Crusader King: A Novel of Baldwin IV and the Crusades
Saint Magnus The Last Viking
A Soldier Surrenders: The Conversion of Saint Camillus de Lellis
The King's Prey: Saint Dymphna of Ireland

Saint Cloud of Gaul, The Prince Who Traded Kingdoms

...

Picture Books:
Animals of God
Animals of God, Volume Two
The Forgotten Christmas Saint: Saint Anastasia
The Man God Kept Surprising
Small for the Glory of God
...

Books published by Susan Peek:
Daily Pilgrimage to Purgatory
…

Contributed to:
Secrets: Visible & Invisible 7 Amazing Stories - Catholic Teen Books

Gifts Visible & Invisible 8 Christmas Stories for Teens
Treasures: Visible & Invisible 8 Stories for Teens

...

Encounter the Saints - Pauline Books and Media

Encounter the Saints

Pauline Books and Media

I have discovered an amazing series; Encounter the Saints from Pauline Books and Media. Currently there are 36 books available in the series and another is due out in January 2018. A few of the books have been updated over the years, noticeably when they have moved from Blesseds to being Sainted, and also the Mother Teresa was updated from Calcutta to Kalkota. I have read 3 of these books in the last two weeks and they are wonderful. 

These books provide inspiration. They provide encouragement. They are written for the ages 8-12 range but as an adult I love them and plan on reading many many more in the series. All the books in the series are currently available on the Pauline site, but not all are currently available through Amazon or other retailers. Some are available only in physical copies and others in both mobi or epub eBook editions as well as the physical. I have started reading these with my son, and my oldest and I have started reading them together where we alternate pages as we read. These book are a great blessing to our family and I am sure they would bless anyone who reads them; and there is such a variety of Saints to encounter in this incredible series so why not pick one or two up and give them a try!

Blessed James Alberione Media Apostle
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati Journey to the Summit
Journeys with Mary Apparitions of Our Lady
Saint André Bessette Miracles in Montreal
Saint Anthony of Padua Fire and Light
Saint Bakhita of Sudan Forever Free
Saint Bernadette Soubirous And Our Lady of Lourdes
Saint Catherine Labouré And Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
Saint Clare of Assisi A Light for the World
Saint Damien of Molokai Hero of Hawaii
Saint Edith Stein Blessed by the Cross
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Daughter of America
Saint Faustina Kowalska Messenger of Mercy
Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini Cecchina's Dream
Saint Francis of Assisi Gentle Revolutionary
Saint Gianna Beretta Molla The Gift of Life
Saint Ignatius of Loyola For the Greater Glory of God
Saint Isaac Jogues With Burning Heart
Saint Joan of Arc God's Soldier
Saint John Bosco Champion for the Young
Saint John Neumann Missionary to Immigrants
Saint John Paul II Be Not Afraid
Saint John Vianney A Priest for All People
Saint Juan Diego And Our Lady of Guadalupe
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha: Courageous Faith
Saint Katharine Drexel The Total Gift
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque And the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Saint Martin de Porres Humble Healer
Saint Maximilian Kolbe Mary's Knight
Saint Paul The Thirteenth Apostle
Saint Pio of Pietrelcina Rich in Love
Saint Teresa of Avila Joyful in the Lord
Saint Teresa of Calcutta Missionary of Charity
Saint Teresa of Kalkota Missionary of Charity

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux The Way of Love
Saint Thomas Aquinas Missionary of Truth
Saint Thomas More Courage, Conscience, and the King
Saints Jacinta and Francisco Marto: Shepherds of Fatima
The Saints Pray for Us

Saint Julie Billiart The Smiling Saint

...

P.S. check back often as I will update with links to the books in the series as I review them.

Encounter the Saints in Order of Release:
01 Saint Anthony of Padua
02 Saint Bernadette Soubirous
03 Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton
04 Saint Francis of Assisi 
05 Saint Edith Stein 
06 Saints Jacinta and Francisco Marto
07 Saint Joan of Arc 
08 Saint Ignatius of Loyola
09 Journeys with Mary 
10 Saint Maximilian Kolbe
11 Saint John Vianney

11a Saint Julie Billiart 
12 Saint Isaac Jogues 
13 Saint Pio of Pietrelcina 
14 Saint Juan Diego 
15 Saint Katharine Drexel
16 Saint Thérèse of Lisieux 
17 Saint Teresa of Kalkota 
18 Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati 
19 Saint Martin de Porres
20 Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini
21 Saint Bakhita of Sudan
22 Saint Paul
23 Saint Faustina Kowalska
24 Saint Teresa of Ávila
25 Saint Damien of Molokai
26 Saint Clare of Assisi
27 Saint André Bessette
28 Saint John Paul II
29 Saint Gianna Beretta Molla 
30 Saint Catherine Labouré
31 Saint Kateri Tekakwitha
32 Blessed James Alberione 
33 Saint Thomas More
34 Saint John Bosco
35 Saint Thomas Aquinas 
36 Saint John Neumann 
37 Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque 
The Saints Pray for Us

Books that have been updated and renamed in reprints:
Blessed Teresa of Calcutta 
Saint Teresa of Calcutta 
Blessed John Paul II
Blessed Jacinta and Francisco Marto

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!

Show-And-Tell Strawberry Shortcake - Lana Jacobs

Show-And-Tell Strawberry Shortcake
Lana Jacobs
Turtleback Books
Penguin Random House of Canada
ISBN 9780606316941
ASIN B00CHQOSOE

It is a little weird writing a review of this book as a man in my mid-forties. But All of my children know I review books and each time we read a book they want to know if I am going to review it. I am pretty sure I read this about 5 years ago when it first came out with my oldest daughter and have now read it again with my youngest daughter.

This book is part of the Levelled reader books, as a Level 2 book it spans the letters E-I in the reading progression chart used in many schools. The goals of Level 2 books are:

These books are perfect for a Progressing Reader who:
can figure out unknown words by using picture and context clues;
can recognize beginning, middle, and ending sounds;
can make and confirm predictions about what will happen in the text; and
can distinguish between fiction and nonfiction.

As such it is a good book for where my daughter is at the moment. I find that with children's books, especially the levelled readers there is a great deal of variation is how good the books are, especially across specific series or different publishers. Some seem just slapped together, and others seem to have a little more thought and effort put into them. This is one of the better ones.

My daughter loved this book. On days where they are allowed to take something to school all three of my children struggle with what to take. There is often debate and talk about wise decisions and what is appropriate. This book has some of the same dialogues. The struggle of what to bring is very real to children and to the characters in the story.

The illustrations are a little simplistic in this book compared to others in the same category but both my daughters loved it. Any book my daughter wants to read to me more than once is a hit in my books! And this one was a grand slam.