The Massive List of Catholic Books for Kids
Don’t have time to read all the new Catholic books for kids? Well, I read them for you!
In this roundup, I present my book reports on a selection of children’s books from Catholic publishers. I’ve gathered a mix of classics and new titles so there will be something for everyone. (But don’t worry—I didn’t include anything out of print!)
Use this as an aid in determining what your bookshelves need or to help you pick a gift for a Catholic kid you know.
SPOILERS: Be aware that I included spoilers—these are supposed to be quick summaries to pique your interest and help you determine which book might be best suited for which child.
These reviews are in no particular order, and the pictures are ones I took while reading, so let’s just call the random backgrounds Authenticity.
Some of these books were sent to me for free for the purpose of review. Others are ones I found around my house or friends’ houses. So, this also explains why some of the books are in better condition than others… Your copies will all be new and shiny if you order from the publishers! In every case, the review is a portrayal of my thoughts and reading experience designed to help you determine which books are best for the children you want to get reading.
Catholic Books for Littles
Magnificat Illustrated by Tricia Dugat from Word on Fire Votive
Age range: Publisher recommends 1-5 years old
Vocabulary: The text is a simple translation of the Magnificat
Who should read it: Children who can’t yet read will enjoy the illustrations—a good book for the Mass bag!
Physical book: This is a sturdy board book with a glossy finish; at 8” by 10”, it is bigger than most board books and would be a full lap-sized book for a toddler.
Mood: Detailed contemporary illustrations with lots of flowers, fruits, and foliage
This board book, illustrated by Tricia Dugat, is simply what it says—the Magnificat, illustrated. Each spread features a picture of Our Lady or another focal point (Christ, a Lamb, the Sacred Heart, etc.), accompanied by a phrase from the Magnificat. I enjoyed the illustrations—they are cheerful and pastel with lots of individual details in each image and a heavy emphasis on flowers throughout.
One thing to note: this book uses the International Consultation on English Texts’ translation of the Magnificat—just in case you are used to the Revised Standard Version (e.g., “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord” rather than “My soul magnifies the Lord”). Altogether, the book delivers well on a simple and charming concept, and the illustrations provide wonderful opportunities to introduce young children to many aspects of the Faith.
Where to buy: https://bookstore.wordonfire.org/products/the-magnificat
The Song of Zechariah, illustrated by Marcin Piwowarski from Word on Fire Votive
Age range: Publisher recommends 1-5 years old
Vocabulary: The text is a simple translation of the Canticle of Zachary
Who should read it: Children who can’t yet read will enjoy the illustrations—another good Mass bag book
Physical book: This is a sturdy board book with a glossy finish; at 8” by 10”, it is bigger than most board books and would be a full lap-sized book for a toddler.
Mood: Mystical illustrations with lots of movement
This board book pairs nicely with the Magnificat title, also from Votive, in that it does exactly what the title says: it presents the Canticle of Zachary line by line. The difference here is that Piwowarski’s illustrations give an entirely different feel, with lots of movement and bright colors. The illustrations also tell the story of salvation that Zechariah is foretelling in his song, alongside the time and place where the song happens. The pictures tie closely to the song, which again uses the International Consultation on English Texts’ translation. They also show Zechariah waiting for John’s birth, Mary and Joseph traveling to Bethlehem, Elizabeth raising John, John baptizing in the Jordan, and Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This combination is a great way to introduce so many stories to those who can’t read yet!
Where to buy: https://bookstore.wordonfire.org/products/the-song-of-zechariah
Catholic Books for Grade School Students
Angel Food Books for Boys and Girls by Fr. Gerald T. Brennan from TAN Books
Age range: Publisher recommends ages 6-9
Vocabulary: Simple, intended as a read-aloud
Who should read it: A great read-aloud series for children preparing for their First Communion, or for family time!
Physical book: Small hardback with short read-aloud stories (no illustrations)
Mood: Classic catechesis
These four books of little catechism stories (or “sermonettes”) can be read alone just for fun (great bedtime story idea!) or would be lovely woven into catechism classes or preparation. Although they were written in the 1940s, these little stories still have a high engagement level when read together. They are intended to promote discussion—many end with a question—and leave a lot of room for personalization or embellishment on the part of the reader. Stories cover different topics, but are designed to get kids (and grown-ups) thinking about how their catechism lessons apply in everyday life.
Where to buy: Angel Food Books, the Four Box Set
The Hound of the Lord by Eleanor Bourg Nicholson from MAGNIFICAT Ignatius
Age range: Publisher recommends age 7 and up
Vocabulary: Conversational tone, great for an independent read or a read-aloud
Who should read it: Children who are ready for short chapter books will love it! Most words that might be new to the younger crowd are defined in context. Older readers will appreciate the visual key at the start of the book helping you identify the attributes of St. Dominic
Physical book: Small paperback, easily slipped into a handbag or backpack pocket. Illustrations are black and white with a watercolor feel
Mood: Fun retelling with a gentle pace—and a dog!
This little chapter book is only 52 pages long, making it the perfect length for readers who are just starting out on their own! The short chapters and full-page pictures follow the fictional dog Torch as he accompanies St. Dominic from childhood through the founding of the Dominican order and finally to Dominic’s departure for Heaven.
One special thing to love about this book is the incredible amount of detail that is incorporated into a story simple enough for a young reader. While many stories about the life of St. Dominic for younger readers focus only on the highlights, this book gives a fuller picture, including details like Dominic’s older brother Antonio becoming a priest and joining his order, Dominic saving a group of pilgrims from drowning, and Dominic’s friendship with Bishop Diego. This book makes a wonderful gift for younger children, preparing them to learn more later about the life and work of St. Dominic. They’ll also be delighted to later discover the connection between Torch and the famous dream of St. Dominic’s mother.
Where to buy: https://eleanorbourgnicholson.com/product/the-hound-of-the-lord-signed/
Mother Teresa: The Smile of Calcutta by Charlotte Grosetete from MAGNIFICAT Ignatius
Age range: Publisher recommends ages 7 and up
Vocabulary: Short paragraphs, good for a read-aloud
Who should read it: Great for group reading or independent readers ready for short chapters
Physical book: Large hardcover with detailed full-page color illustrations. Pictures are big enough to comfortably show to a group of children.
Mood: Simple story to read aloud
This picture book tells the story of Mother Teresa, from her days as a young woman arriving in Dublin to become a Sister of Loreto, to the founding of her Missionaries of Charity, to her worldwide fame and death. The words and pictures play into each other really well, making this a good read-aloud book for a group of children. The short paragraphs leave space for discussion or questions throughout the story. The informational page at the end of the book includes details about Mother Teresa’s order and the meaning of their white and blue sari habit. This book really conveys the compelling love that motivated Mother Teresa!
Where to buy: https://ignatius.com/mother-teresa-the-smile-of-calcutta-6mth/
Catholic Books for Middle School Students
Detective Thomas Series by Caitlin E. Bootsma from Our Sunday Visitor
Age range: Publisher recommends ages 8-12
Vocabulary: Simple vocabulary with a few theological or philosophical terms. Terms are usually explained as part of the story.
Who should read it: Children who are eager to ask and answer questions or who enjoy the early YA feel of short chapter books
Physical book: Books are small, slim paperbacks with black and white line illustrations. Letters and worksheets are set aside from the text with notebook illustrations and lines.
Mood: Modern middle school chapter book
The first book, Detective Thomas and the Biggest Question, introduces the character of forgetful yet inquisitive eleven-year-old Thomas. His quest to find out why he has reason to believe in God’s existence is the main motivation of the short (approx. 120 pg) novel. This quest, sparked by a question in catechism class and a taunt after a baseball game, introduces Thomas to his heavenly patron through a series of notes and clues. Aquinas’s five proofs for God’s existence intertwine with Thomas’s daily life at his charter school, and some basic logic concepts from class help Thomas along his journey of discovery.
In the new addition to the series, Detective Thomas and the Mysteriously Perfect Plan, Thomas encounters another source of challenge for his Catholic faith from his Protestant cousin. Thomas finds himself unable to explain why Catholics’ veneration of Mary isn’t “overkill”. Again, Thomas finds himself the recipient of mysterious notes and clues, this time from a new guide, KW (Karol Wojtyła). This journey takes him to many times and places across the world discovering Marian apparitions and the meaning behind some of Our Lady’s titles. Thomas’s quest ends at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, where he and his cousin encounter Mary and Thomas’s brother Charlie leads them to the Saint John Paul II National Shrine.
Both novels include some blank space for students to write their own answers to the questions Thomas is grappling with, and the first also includes discussion questions to be reviewed with a parent or teacher.
Where to buy: Detective Thomas and the Biggest Question and Detective Thomas and the Mysteriously Perfect Plan
Once Upon a Time Saints by Ethel Pochocki from Ignatius Press
Age range: Publisher recommends ages 6-12
Vocabulary: Clear and understandable, but the younger ones might need a few definitions. This will likely be simple, enjoyable reading for 11- or 12-year-olds.
Who should read it: A great book to keep handy for children who are ready to read short stories independently, or for those who enjoy detailed illustrations.
Physical book: A slim paperback, almost square to frame the gorgeous black-and-white illustrations. Font in an easy-to-read size.
Mood: Classic short saint stories with engaging characters and dialogue
This book is a personal favorite of mine. In fact, it was one of my all-time childhood picks, and now as an adult I can see why. The stories of so many saints from all times and places—like St. Alice the Burgundian princess, St. Benedict the Sicilian baker, or St. Barbara from Egypt—really stick with you because of Pochocki’s vivid characterizations.
Each story is only a few pages long, but she makes sure to pick the saint’s most important events to give you an idea of the personality and circumstances that made this hero of God. As she says in the foreword, “These stories were written to disarm rather than alarm. They are meant to show the saints were not marshmallows—pale, sticky, sweet glops of goo that could only be interesting when toasted. They are meant to show human and lovable (most of the time) people whose passion for God led them into preposterous escapades.” And that is exactly what the stories do. They show it, accompanied by intricate, charming line illustrations that highlight the very oddest escapades.
Where to Buy: Once Upon a Time Saints
Mary Fabyan Windeatt Saint Stories from TAN Books
Age range: 7 and up. And by up, I mean I still read these as an adult!
Vocabulary: Rich without being overwhelming—younger readers will likely learn a few new words from these stories
Who should read it: There are so many saints, times, and places—everyone can find one that appeals!
Physical book: Medium-sized paperback with a good-sized font and beautiful pen and ink illustrations
Mood: Classic chapter book with an adventurous tone
These books are the delightful anchors for Homeschool Connections’ Literature with the Saints Series for grade schoolers or middle schoolers, and there are so many saints covered in this series it’s hard to know where to start! Some of these books focus on Our Lady in various apparitions (Fatima, La Salette, Miraculous Medal), while others give the story of a saint’s life (Hyacinth of Poland, Thomas Aquinas, Rose of Lima, Marie of New France, Francis Solano, etc.). In every case, Windeatt brings a relationship with Our Lord to the forefront of the story in a way that is never boring—she has a gift for drawing the connection between great love and great adventure. TAN offers some free reading samples on their website, so you can see the fun for yourself!
Where to buy: You can purchase the 20-book set here. If you’re not that committed, you can also purchase individually from TAN Books.
Matron of Paris: The Story of St. Genevieve by Phillip Campbell from TAN Books
Age range: Publisher recommends age 10 and up (Note: that the story of St. Genevieve includes burning, pillaging, sacking cities, drunkenness and an implied reference to rape as part of a city sacking. These are all presented as evils tied to paganism within context.)
Vocabulary: Even though this is set around the 6th century, the vocabulary is modern, so it makes for an easy independent read for tweens
Who should read it: Tweens and young teens will appreciate the gripping story and the historically accurate touches of setting and place
Physical book: Paperback with black and white illustrations
Mood: Historical novel
This book brings the story of St. Genevieve to life, even though very little is known about her! Mr. Campbell draws on his historical expertise to fill in the gaps in Genevieve’s history with details about the crumbling Roman Empire in Gaul (complete with abandoned villas), the mustaches of Frankish barbarians, and glimpses into the Latin liturgy as Genevieve would have experienced it. Genevieve’s personality comes across as impetuous, yet humble, and the many sufferings of her life are overshadowed by her trust in God. This book will certainly inspire its readers with the spirit that made Genevieve a patron of her people!
Where to buy: https://tanacademics.com/products/books/matron-of-paris-the-story-of-saint-genevieve/
Even More!
If you haven’t found just the right book on this list, we have even more book lists available! Check out this one for books that will interest boys, or the Ultimate Fairy Tale Reading List. Our Dad Reads Aloud column is also filled with free resources to help you and your kids enjoy reading.
What books did I miss? Join other homeschooling parents at the Homeschool Connections Community or Facebook group to continue the discussion!
