Sacramental Books That Are Good Reads for Catholic Kids
CHILDREN’S BOOK PICKS
Written by Cory Heimann
Illustrated by Tricia Dugat
Word on Fire Votive, 2024
66 pages, $24.95
Shine the light on the sacraments! This fun, interactive book lets kids do just that. The rhyming text introduces each of the seven sacraments (“Over our heads holy water is poured, / Washing us clean with the grace of our Lord / White garments show that God cleansed us of sin. / Candles are lit and Christ shines deep within.”). Each sacrament is paired with a full-page illustration that comes with a surprise. By placing a flashlight, phone light, or even a sunny window behind it, hidden images appear, rounding out readers’ understanding of these special gifts of faith. Engaging in every way. Ages: 4-12.
Written by Scott Hahn and Emily Stimpson Chapman
Illustrated by Tricia Dugat
Emmaus Road Publishing, 2024
48 pages, $17.95
Who can fathom the depth of God’s mercy? Young readers can probe this wonderful mystery through the pages of the newest offering by Scott Hahn and Emily Stimpson Chapman. Through a lyrical rhyming text and striking illustrations, Lord Have Mercy presents the salvation story, beginning in Eden (“You know the story of Adam and Eve / and how in the Garden, they were deceived”) through Christ’s sacrifice (“That one holy death robbed death of its sting / and to the lost world salvation did bring”). With applications to everyday life, the book offers support and gently nudges readers toward the sacrament of reconciliation (“Confess all your sins, from greatest to least, / and mercy receive from God through his priest”). This meaty text will be enjoyed by children and adults alike and is a great springboard for discussion between parents and children who are making their first confessions. Ages: 7 years and up.
Written by John R. Wood and Hannah Wood
Illustrated by Hannah Wood
Extraordinary Mission, 2024
128 pages, $12.99
Join the quest to become a Knight of Light! Venture with young Sir Rolland as he trains at the hidden Woodshire Academy of Dragon Slaying … A Place for Squire Learning. Father Thomas, guild master and class spiritual director, teaches his young second-grade charges to face, fight and defeat the seven deadly dragons: the sins, temptations and obstacles to becoming saints. After a serious meetup with the dragon of pride, Rolland finds healing and strength as he makes his first reconciliation and, on the next day, receives his first Communion. “Try your best,” Rolland learns, “and trust in God’s grace to do the rest.” The first chronicle in the series, this chapter book promises more exciting adventures ahead. Ages: 7-10.
From Bread and Wine to Saints Divine
Written by Anthony DeStefano
Illustrated by James Madsen
Sophia Institute Press, 2025
40 pages, $17.95
From the beginning of time, there was change. “With just a Word from God the King / from nothingness came everything!” Changes abound and transform our world, from one season to another, from egg to chick, from caterpillar to butterfly, from crayons to art. These observed changes, explained in rhyme, gently set the stage for children to learn about a special, divine transformation. “But awesome as these changes are, one outshines them all by far,” the author writes. Of course, that is the miracle at Mass: changing bread and wine into Jesus Christ, who “has the power to exist — present in the Eucharist.” The children, shown dressed in their first Communion finest, will be changed too as they grow in faith in the days and years to come. Ages: 4 -12.
Jesus and the Miracle of the Mass
Written by Gracie Jagla
Illustrated by Randy Friemel
OSV Kids, 2023
36 pages, $17.95
“My child, I am Jesus / And I love you so. / I have a great story / I’d like you to know.” That great story, told from the perspective of Jesus himself, is none other than the miracle of the Mass. “Look up to the altar / And what do you see? / What seems like plain bread / In the priest’s hand is me.” Jesus guides two young children and readers, too, in understanding the Mass and the loving gift of his Real Presence. As he recalls the night before he died, a priest echoes his words and actions. The holy moment during which the children receive Our Lord in the Eucharist gives way to time for talking with their friend, Jesus. Vibrant illustrations. Ages: 3-7.
The Holy Mass: On Earth as It Is in Heaven
Written by Kevin and Mary O’Neill
Designed and constructed settings by O’Neill Family
Sophia Institute, 2022
240 pages, $34.95
This colorful comic book, a hardback, will open the eyes of kids and grown-ups alike as they journey through salvation history. Guided by two young Catholic friends, Fulton and Cynthia, readers discover the treasures of the Holy Mass in its roots and role in the Old Testament and New Testament, respectively. What sets this guide apart are its more than 500 comic panels, each a photograph of creative settings constructed of Lego® blocks and building toys. While the unique visual approach will capture attention, the fascinating content will sustain it. Profiles of saints of the Eucharist and Eucharistic miracles are interspersed. Appended glossary. Ages: 6-10.
One Holy Marriage: The Story of Louis and Zélie Martin
Written by Katie Warner
Illustrated by Leah Pumfrey
TAN, 2023
40 pages, $18.95
Many years ago in Alençon, France, “an ordinary man met an ordinary woman, and they fell extraordinarily in love.” The watchmaker and the lacemaker, Louis and Zélie, soon became one in holy matrimony. As a couple, they loved deeply, came to know God better, and rejoiced in the blessings of parenthood, accepting both the joys and crosses that came their way. The holy example of Louis and Zélie, the first married saints to be canonized together by Pope Francis in 2015, inspired their children, including St. Thérèse of Lisieux, to set their eyes on heaven. Charming text and artwork celebrate the sacramental marriage of this not-so-ordinary couple. Ages: 4-13.
BONUS PICK
Written by Rebecca W. Martin
Illustrated by Steliyana Doneva
OSV Kids, 2025
36 pages, $18.95
When Father Drew was a kid, he thought about being a firefighter, an astronomer, or even a dad, just like his own dad. God called him, though, to a different life — a life as a parish priest; he celebrates Mass and administers the sacraments. In simple language, Father Drew explains each of these “amazing gifts that make us his children and bring us closer to him.” Readers learn too how Father Drew ministers to those who need help, takes time to pray the Liturgy of the Hours and to visit his best friend, Jesus, in the tabernacle. He invites children to think about their own vocation: how God asks them to love and serve others. Ages: 3-8.
The Crawford sisters write from Pittsburgh.
