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The First Communion Card Kit Thank You Cards come in packs of five, ten or twenty cards. The front of the card has a lattice work window with a design underneath. This card is unique in that the kit includes pieces of colored cellophane for the window panes to create a stained glass effect. Inserts for under the window include the words “Thank You” along with an inspirational picture of wheat, grapes, and a host for the child to color. This insert works as both a backdrop for the window and a blank inside for the card. Once completed, the child will have a beautiful personal gift he or she can send as a thank you. Instructions, translucent vellum envelopes, and tiny metal brads to open the windows are also included.

Companion to First Communion from Our Lady's Catechists.

In twelve lessons, this little book teaches everything that an elementary-school-aged child needs to know to prepare for a holy First Confession. The text is written in the second person, for the teacher to read to the student, and assumes no exceptional degree of teaching experience. Most of the lessons use short stories to illustrate the point being made. A homeschooling parent can simply pick up the book, sit down with their student, and spend their lesson time comfortably and profitably.

Lessons describe what sin is, how sins are taken away, how to stir up contrition, how to tell our sins and make satisfaction for them, how to identify our sins, as well as how to avoid sin. Also included is the correct manner in which to confess and short prayers for before and after confession. The prayer pages are designed for the student to read and are printed in a larger font with a simpler vocabulary. The penultimate page is titled "Revision", but the more familiar American term is "Review". This page contains a complete review with answers that is more concise and direct than memorizing lengthy catechism questions. The inside back cover includes teaching notes for several of the lessons. In use for nearly fifty years, the information and teaching style of this book is timeless and applies equally well to our modern times. Charming full-color illustrations appear throughout the book.

It’s back in print! One of my favorite series for young children, the Latsch Valley Farm series (formerly called Polish American Girls series), is being reprinted. The first in the series, First Farm in the Valley: Anna’s Story is now available from Bethlehem Books with lovely new illustrations.

Enter into the world of six-year-old Anna and her large Polish family as she grows up in rural Wisconsin during the 1870s. A true story, very close in time and location to Little House in the Big Woods, First Farm in the Valley offers a different perspective, the adventures of a little girl growing up in a large Catholic family that joyfully welcomes newcomers to the valley and actively supports their growing community.

The story is filled with the warmth and humor of family life as well as the reality of sadness and death that was so very present to children living in that time and place. The unique customs and traditions (and the fact that Anna herself speaks Polish!) are quite fascinating.

Anna is a happy little girl who chooses to do what is right, even when it's difficult. When she fears they will be attacked by wolves, she bravely helps her brother take the sheep to the pasture. Along with her sisters, she selflessly and generously plans a special name day surprise for her mother. With a grateful heart, she expresses joy and wonder at the simply joys in life - like sparklers and ice cream.

Anna is not the only character who exhibits admirable qualities worth emulating. Her father is also a wonderful example of goodness and virtue. For example, when an argument erupts among all the fathers about where to build the new school after the schoolhouse burns down and her father is insulted, he holds his temper. A hardworking, industrious man, he likes to share in the simple joys of life with his children, like playing games with them or buying sparklers from them even if he thinks they are “a little foolishness.”

One lovely aspect of the story are the many examples of the family living their Catholic faith. Even if the family does not always understand it, they see the hand of God behind the many events in their lives - from the neighbor’s field that is spared during a hailstorm to the overwhelming grief of the many loved ones lost to diphtheria.

Not just a little girls' story, this compelling story would be of interest to all ages.

Editor's Note: It's quite interesting that we have available to us three true stories for children that take place within about 50 miles and 15 years of each other: Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink (1864-1865, Downsville, Wisconsin), Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder (early 1870s, Pepin, Wisconsin) and First Farm in the Valley by Anne Pellowski (1876, Trempealeau County, Wisconsin). These stories would make great reading together and if you ever find yourself visiting this very lovely, largely undeveloped area of Wisconsin, there are a number of related historic sites worth visiting.

I learned to speak French YEARS ago. I was blessed to go to a bi-lingual Catholic grammar school where French was a large part of the day. I didn't take French in high school, college or graduate school; that said, I still remember songs and rhymes and simple vocabulary learned many years ago.

First Start French is a wonderful, gentle start to teaching and learning this lovely language. The author, Danielle Schultz, wrote the 36 lessons for her daughter when she couldn't find a suitable language program. This one has all the aspects -- in a broad-brushstroke way -- necessary for gently introducing French to anyone grade 3-6 or so. Each lesson includes a quote (perfect for copywork practice), 10-15 vocabulary words, grammar, dialogue and exercises. The exercises in the student book include a translation from English to French, grammar practice (conjugations and form changes), and other activities that reinforce the lessons-to-date.

There is a CD available that includes pronunciation of the words in each lesson as well as six French songs (I still remember these songs from grammar school). A teacher's manual completes the set. Memoria Press sells the pieces bundled together or individually (which is nice if you have more than one student and therefore need more than one workbook).

At the end of this first book, the author includes the French versions of the Sign of the Cross, Glory Be, Our Father and Hail Mary. I really like that!

My plan is to introduce French to my rising 6th grader this next Fall using this program and supplementing with simple French picture books, movies with the language choice set to French, and on-line help. I don't expect him to know French by the end of the year, but by doing a lesson each week, he should have a start on appreciating both French and the need to understand English grammar.