“You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book.” – Dr. Seuss
Reading level
Grades 1 – 2
AR 3.8
Interest level
Pre-K – 2
Review and Comments
Miss Smith’s rather ordinary looking storybook is truly quite amazing. Zach, a student in her class, quickly recognizes its unique nature after the very first story time of the new school year. Miss Smith’s stories are mind blowing! The first tale she reads is about pirates. It’s a good story, but this time Zach can actually see the characters come to life right before his eyes and feel the atmosphere of each setting as if he is in the middle of the action. And he also sees the characters promptly return to the book when the story ends. After that first experience, Zach’s excitement does not wane. He has so much curiosity about the adventures of each new story that it makes him want to go to school. Continue reading Something Very Magical: A Review of ‘Miss Smith’s Incredible Storybook’ →
“My Immaculate Heart will triumph.” – The Blessed Mother
Interest Level
Ages 8+
Review and Comments
There are many books available about Fatima, especially during the 100th year anniversary. Our Lady’s Message to Three Shepherd Children and the World is written in such an excellent way that it is my choice for teaching children about Mary’s appearance in Portugal during WWI, whether in a classroom situation or in a family setting. The author’s voice is relaxed and engaging as if a parent or grandparent is telling the story. Intertwined in the retelling are: Bible references, lessons every Catholic should understand, and questions to prompt deeper reflection about Mary’s message. At times the author emphasizes the important points of a section by restating the facts as a summary, which helps the reader focus on the main idea. Continue reading Enveloped in Heavenly Grace: A Review of ‘Our Lady’s Message to Three Shepherd Children and the World’ →
“There is no problem, I tell you no matter how difficult it is, that we cannot solve by the prayer of the Holy Rosary.” – Sister Lucia of Fatima
Interest Level
Pre-K – Grade 5
Review and Comments
Mary and the Little Shepherds of Fatima is a very good introduction to the story of Mary’s appearances to young children in Portugal during WW1 for those who have never heard it before.
The three shepherd children, Francisco, Jacinta, and Lucia, actually experienced two phases of miraculous appearances. First, there were three visits from the Angel of Peace (the Angel of Portugal) during which the children were prepared for the Blessed Mother. During these visits, the Angel taught the children how to pray and make sacrifices because they loved God. There were promises made also. Continue reading Heaven in our Hearts: A Review of ‘Mary and the Little Shepherds of Fatima’ →
Literature reviews from the Catholic side
