Catholic Media
Discover a wealth of resources designed to help parents and caregivers nurture their family's faith. From insightful websites to engaging podcasts and enlightening books, a world of Catholic resources is just a click away. Empower your family's spiritual journey with these valuable tools!
Have some you'd like to share with us? Email cpi@olvcharities.org.
Books for Kids
Audacious Ignatius
Ignatius of Loyola, a valiant soldier, is struck by a cannonball and gravely wounded. His military career is finished. Ignatius responds to this misfortune by listening for and responding to God's call. Follow him through his conversion, the development of the Spiritual Exercises, and the growth of the Society of Jesus. This playful rendition of the biography of St. Ignatius invites readers to encounter Ignatian spirituality and the wisdom of a Catholic spiritual master. Paul is also the author of The Examen Book: Exploring Every Day with God, Sorin Starts a School: The Foundation of Notre Dame, Our Lady of Sorrows: Devotion to Mary’s Seven Sorrows for Children, Courtship of the Saints: How the Saints Met their Spouses, Parents of the Saints: The Hidden Heroes Behind Our Favorite Saints, Nursery of Heaven: Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss In the Lives of the Saints and Today’s Parents, and The Grief of Dads: Support and Hope for Catholic Fathers Navigating Child Loss.
Brother Sun, Sister Moon
In Brother Sun, Sister Moon, award-winning author Katherine Paterson reimagines a hymn of praise originally written by Saint Francis of Assisi in 1224. Illuminated with the exquisite illustrations of cut-paper artist Pamela Dalton, this picture book offers a stunningly beautiful tribute to nature.
Drawing God
Drawing God is a story for children to discover what inspires their very own faith imagination and to realize the contagious faith that lives powerfully within them. Visit www.drawing-god.com. "My hope is that this story brings you continued joy and inspires children to share freely their gifts, their drawings, their light, their bread and their love of God with others. May Drawing God remind them that everyone sees God differently and help them better understand God’s unconditional and endless love." - In friendship, Karen Kiefer Karen is also the author of Growing God.
Giovanni & the Fava Beans
Set in Sicily during the Middle Ages, this inviting picture book shares the origins of the St. Joseph Altar tradition. When young Giovanni’s community suffers a terrible drought, he is upset to find fava beans—what he feeds the pigs—on his dinner plate due to the failure of the crops. An encounter with a starving girl sparks a conversion of heart from ingratitude to generosity, and Giovanni looks to heavenly patron St. Joseph to intercede for his community. When rain arrives the answered prayers are celebrated with building altars in honor of St. Joseph (a tradition still carried on in New Orleans and other communities today). With colorful folk art illustrations and instructions for celebrating the St. Joseph’s Altar tradition, families will read this book every St. Joseph’s Day and all through the year.
God the Father & the Best Day Ever
With beautiful illustrations and memorable rhyme, this book tells the sweeping story of God’s love for us since the beginning of time. Your child will learn how Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection opened heaven, so we can spend eternity with God. Gracie is also author to Jesus and the Miracle of the Mass, When Mary Says Yes, The Holy Spirit and the Great Adventure, and The Night the Saints Saved Christmas.
Jerome Lejeune: the Saintly Geneticist
As a young boy, Jérôme Lejeune wanted to study medicine. When he grew up, not only did he become a doctor, but he made a groundbreaking discovery about Down syndrome and fiercely advocated for every child’s right to life. This picture book biography about a Catholic pediatrician who became a pioneer of scientific research will inspire young readers with its remarkable story and stunning illustrations. Declared venerable by the Catholic Church, Dr. Lejeune is an example of faith, integrity, and courage.
Let's Look at a Masterpiece
The enthralling beauty and effective simplicity of great art can teach us so much. Let's Look at a Masterpiece by author Madeleine Stebbins models for children how to approach art with the eyes of faith and an open heart. Let's Look at a Masterpiece will delight readers of all ages as the author draws attention to the spiritual depth that these artistic treasures illuminate, prompting children to reflect on the world around them. From Vermeer's Little Street to Caravaggio's Conversion of St. Paul, along with other timeless works from a variety of artistic periods, the masterpieces included in this volume will stir the soul of every child. Madeline Stebbins is also the author of Looking at a Masterpiece.
Light of the Sacraments
Light of the Sacraments is an interactive book for readers ages 4–12 about each of the seven Catholic sacraments. It pairs meaningful (and fun!) rhymes with Scripture verses to explain the sacraments and features engaging illustrations and hidden images that are revealed by shining a light on the back of the page. These “hidden” moments reveal truths about the invisible grace of the sacraments. Cory is also the author of Light of the Saints.
Mother Cabrini: Heart for the World
"Mother Cabrini: A Heart for the World" is a beautifully illustrated children's book that introduces young readers to the inspiring life of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini. Through engaging storytelling and vibrant artwork by Richard Cowdrey, children learn about her compassion, bravery, and legacy of establishing orphanages and schools. This captivating tale encourages kids to cultivate faith and virtue in their own lives. Claudia is author to many other Catholic children’s books including The Real Presence, Louie’s Lent, A Miracle for Micah, The Day God’s Helper Came, “E” is for Eucharist: A Catholic ABC, and many more!
My True Love Gave to Me
Enchanting artwork meets one of the most popular Christmas tunes of all time. My True Love Gave to Me teaches children and adults alike about God’s lavishing love for us, and the gifts He bestows on us through His Church. Through memorable rhyme and captivating artwork, numeric symbols help uncover foundational aspects of the Catholic Faith, from the theological virtues to the beatitudes to the twelve doctrines of the Church. Rife with timeless Truths, My True Love Gave to Me will be a unique and beautiful teaching tool in your home or classroom during the holy season of Christmas, or any time of year.
Petook: The Rooster Who Met Jesus
Petook is a snowy white rooster and proud of his wife's new brood of chicks, and quick to protect them from an intruding young stranger named Jesus walking through the garden. But when he sees the child kneeling in wonder and caressing his newborn chicks, Petook is soothed and crows happily. Years later, Petook, whose home is in sight of Calvary's hill, is awaiting another hatching and becomes strangely agitated when he sees men being lifted onto crosses there. He doesn't know that one of the men being crucified is the same boy who visited Petook's family long ago. But three days later on Easter morning, as a new brood of chicks hatches that coincides with the Resurrection of the stranger, Petook is inspired to crow with great joy, celebrating the mystery of new life. Caryll Houselander's artful storytelling and Tomie dePaola's delightful illustrations will invite young readers to enter into a relationship with the One who longs to care for us all. Caryll is most well known for her work, The Reed of God (a spiritual classic) and is also the author of another children’s book, The Shepherd’s Coat.
Princesses of Heaven: The Flowers
Princesses of Heaven is a picture book for young girls ages 3–8 written and illustrated by Disney artist Fabiola Garza. This breathtaking book shares the stories of St. Joan of Arc, St. Josephine Bakhita, St. Kateri Tekakwitha, St. Narcisa de Jesus, St. Lucy Yi Zhenmei, and St. Thérèse of Lisieux, presenting them each as a princess in heaven with a shining crown. Their stories of faith, hope, and love will inspire every girl to become a saint!
Saintly Creatures
Discover the exciting tales of God’s creatures and the holy men and women they encountered! You’ll read about an enormous dog who protected a priest from an ambush, a tiger who shared his cave with persecuted Korean Christians, a dangerous wolf who was tamed by an Italian friar, a boar who was rescued from hunters by a wise Irish abbess, and many more. Each of these fourteen tales shows the heroic virtue of the saints and inspires young readers to faithfully follow Jesus. With breathtaking full-color illustrations, this storybook will become a beloved family read-aloud. It is a perfect gift from parents, grandparents, or godparents to introduce the young reader to the saints!
Saints Around the World
Saints Around the World introduces over 100 saints from more than 60 countries, highlighting their unique challenges and triumphs. Accompanied by stunning illustrations, it captivates both children and adults, showing God's universal love and inspiring readers towards holiness. Authored by Meg Hunter-Kilmer and illustrated by Lindsey Sanders, this compelling narrative encourages a deeper connection with Jesus through relatable saintly stories. Meg is also the author of Pray for Us: 75 Saints Who Sinned, Suffered, and Struggled on Their Way to Holiness and the Saints Around the World for Little Ones Collection.
Seek & Find: The Life of Jesus
This first of the Seek and Find series is an enjoyable way for young children to learn about memorable moments of Jesus' earthly ministry, as they search for Sarah, Simon, and other recurring characters. Geert is also the author of Sarah and Simon Seek and Find: The Lives of the Saints, Sarah and Simon Seek and Find: On the Way to Santiago de Compostela, and Sarah and Simon Seek and Find: The Twelve Apostles.
Sister Clare Gets Ready for Prayer
Sister Clare needs your help getting ready for prayer! Open the cover of this book, and you and your child will explore a cloistered monastery together and a day in the life of a Dominican nun. Dance your fingers across the pages, sing, count, move around, and pray; we dare you not to smile. Sister Clare Gets Ready for Prayer is the most creative way to introduce your little one to the joy of vocation and the gift of the religious life! Katie is also author to many other children’s books such as One Holy Marriage: The Story of Louis and Zelie Martin, The Tiny Seed: A Parable, Listening for God: Silence Practice for Little Ones, Jack Giorgio: Future Priest, and This is the Church.
The Lady of Guadalupe
Juan Diego's encounter with Our Lady of Guadalupe in 1531 is one of the most important events in the history of Mexico and North America. Acclaimed children's author and artist Tomie dePaola tenderly brings the story to life with words and pictures based on original sources. His beautiful retelling of the miraculous image left on a poor man's cloak will enchant young and old alike. Tomie is the author of many other Catholic Children’s books such as Patrick - Patron Saint of Ireland, David and Goliath, Joy to the World, Mary, the Mother of Jesus, The Little Friar Who Flew, The Clown of God, Christopher, the Holy Giant, The Miracles of Jesus, The Night of Los Posadas, Noah and the Ark, The Story of the Three Wise Kings, Quiet, Tomie dePaola’s Book of Bible Stories, The Songs of Francis, Brother Francis of Assisi, Through the Year with Tomie dePaola, Queen Esther and many more!
The Mass & the Manger
Now, children can rejoice in Christ’s birth at midnight Mass and every Mass. From the author of the bestselling My First Interactive Mass Book, Jennifer Sharpe, comes a creative Christmas story designed to guide children ages 6–10 in discovering the profound meaning of Christmas and how this connects to the wonders of the Mass. Featuring child-friendly rhyming text, vibrant illustrations, and full-page, open-out flaps, The Mass and the Manger: My Interactive Christmas Story helps parents make Christmas spiritually meaningful for children. Jennifer is also the author of My First Interactive Mass Book and The Story of Blessed Stanley Rother for Children.
The Monks (3-Book Set)
Introduce your children to the delightful world of Archangel Monastery with Sylvia Dorham's "The Monks" 3-book set. Each charmingly illustrated book combines fun rhymes with heartwarming tales about trusting God and handling emotions. Perfect for family story time, these stories teach valuable lessons on forgiveness, trust, and reliance on divine providence. A lovely collection to inspire and entertain both kids and adults. Sylvia is also the author of Our Lady Undoer of Knots.
The Treasure of St. Tarcisius
"The Treasure of Saint Tarcisius: Hero of the Eucharist" is an inspiring children's book that tells the captivating story of Saint Tarcisius, a courageous young martyr from ancient Rome. This beautifully illustrated tale teaches the value of the Blessed Sacrament and the richness of faith. Ideal for your family's library, it offers a powerful model of devotion and bravery. Authored by Caroline McDonald, the book is a 36-page hardcover.