Catholic Stories | love2learn.net

Marguerite

Author(s):

Sr. St. Stephen, G.N.S.H.

Subject(s):

Catholic Stories

Grade / Age level:

Preschool

Grades K-2

1955

Review:

First copyrighted in 1955, this cute booklet tells the story of St. Marguerite d'Youville, of Canada, founder of the Grey Nuns. The chapters portray brief vignettes of her childhood and growing ups years brushing through the many, many sorrows and crosses of her life. This will serve as a delightful read-aloud as the language is very suitable for young children.
On a personal (and artistic) note, I would have preferred if the the new edition had left the original illustrations intact. By adding shading, they lost the freshness of the originals they also are no longer suitable for coloring-- a very favorite activity in our homeschool.

Perspective:

Catholic

Additional notes:

These are reprints from 1947-1955. The pictures and text are very "old-fashioned". For members of a Tridentine Mass community, these can be very handy. All of the references to the Holy Mass and liturgical season refer to the Tridentine rite and the old liturgical calendar.

Review Date:

2-24-2007

Reviewed by:

Ana Braga-Henebry

TitleSort:

Marguerite

Rare Catholic Stories and Poems

Subject(s):

Reading Comprehension

Catholic Stories

Resource Type:

Supplement

1999

Review:

Make sure you have a hankie close by when you read these books. These faith inspiring stories surely must have contributed to the steadfastness that Catholic children displayed years ago. The stories in both volumes include main characters that are young and old, male and female thus appealing to everyone. Each story is short enough to be read by an average 4th grader in five to ten minutes. Follow up comprehension questions range from simple recall to more the more thought provoking type that would open the door to many wonderful parent child discussions. We had our children read this book straight through as their spiritual reading and at a later time had them read some of the stories again and work through the comprehension questions. This book would also serve well as a source for bedtime stories or for poetry memorization. Volume 1, which is suitable for grade 3 and up, is a small softcover book 5½" x 8½" and includes several illustrations for each story.

Publisher:

Catholic Heritage Curricula

Binding:

Softcover

Perspective:

Catholic

Number of pages:

123 pages

Review Date:

3-9-01

Sample Pages

Reviewed by:

Andrea Chen

TitleSort:

Rare Catholic Stories and Poems

Take it to the Queen

A Tale of Hope

Author(s):

Josephine Nobisso

Subject(s):

The Blessed Mother

Catholic Stories

Illustrator(s):

Katalin Szegedi

Grade / Age level:

Preschool

Elementary

ISBN:

940 112 191

Resource Type:

Picture Books

2008

Review:

The long awaited companion to The Weight of a Mass (Nobisso, Gingerbread House Books) is finally available. In her new story Take it to the Queen, a Tale of Hope, Josephine Nobisso tells a fable that draws upon the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary and her material and mystical participation in our salvation. The villagers of a once favored city rebel against the goodness of the King, bringing famine and desolation. Eventually they seek the intervention of their queen, who was once of their village. It’s allegorical on several levels, and according to the author’s notes, the allegory “spans three salvific eras: Old Testament, God the Father, Creation; New Testament, God the Son, Redemption; and Coming Era of Peace, God the Holy Spirit, Sanctification.”

In her story, Mrs. Nobisso has created a thoughtful excursion through the role of Mary in time and eternity, and yet the story is engaging and uplifting even if you don’t consider the allegory.

The lush illustrations by Katalin Szegedi continue and deepen the allegory. In one picture the queen is standing in a doorway handing bread to a little girl. It looks like there is a halo behind her head, just as the saints and Mary are painted with halos. But if you look more carefully, you see that it’s part of the background; there is a series of round windows in her house, and the queen happens to be standing in front of one that makes her look like she has a halo.

The inside flaps of the book cover contain explanations of the allegories and what is included in the paintings, but it’s much more fun to look, and ponder, and try to discover them yourself.

Publisher:

Gingerbread House Books

Binding:

Sewn Hardcover

Perspective:

Catholic

Number of pages:

32 pages

Review Date:

10-3-2008

Reviewed by:

Margot Davidson

TitleSort:

Take it to the Queen

The Little Apostle on Crutches

Author(s):

H.E. Delamare

Subject(s):

Reading Comprehension

Catholic Stories

Resource Type:

Supplement

1911

Review:

The Little Apostle on Crutches by H. E. Delamare is the story of young Willie-- almost nine--whose cheerful goodness touches the lives of everyone he meets.

Through his many adventures, he always strives to do what is right, making him an excellent role model for younger children. For example, he faces persecution from another boy who covets his newspaper corner. Yet, he treats the other boy with continual kindness.

Willie is unique in that he is not afraid to share his faith. When asked about the family's financial difficulties, he replies..."'We're Catholics and that helps one so much, doesn't it? It keeps one contented and happy--and teaches one to bear one's troubles.'"

Because the book was originally published in 1911, there is a quaint old-fashioned flavor to some of the language. However, this never interferes with the meaning of the story. For example, as a complement, another boy says of Willie, "'You're a bully little chap, anyhow!'"

A short 86 pages long, The Little Apostle on Crutches is republished by Catholic Heritage Curricula. Although the story would be a great a read aloud for any age, the reading level is 3-6 grade. This paperback has no illustrations, but you do not miss them.

Publisher:

Catholic Heritage Curricula

Binding:

Stapled Softcover

Perspective:

Catholic

Number of pages:

86 pages

Review Date:

1999

Reviewed by:

Elizabeth Yank

TitleSort:

Little Apostle on Crutches

The Weight of a Mass

Author(s):

Josephine Nobisso

Subject(s):

Catholic Stories

Illustrator(s):

Katalin Szegedi

Resource Type:

Supplement

Picture Books

2002

Review:

The best and most memorable lessons are taught through stories, and this gorgeous picture book will teach an unforgettable one. The Weight of a Mass is written in a fairy-tale style and enhanced by rich watercolor illustrations. It will appeal equally well to both boys and girls through countless re-readings.

Said to be based on a true event, the story unfolds as a poor, elderly woman begs for a crust of bread in a bakery. The baker scoffs at her request and demands to know what she will pay. Penniless, the woman offers to hear Mass for the giver of the bread in exchange. To prove that her offer is worthless, the baker writes "One Mass" on a slip of paper and places it on one side of a balance. As more and more delicacies are added to try to balance the scale, the slip of paper demonstrates miraculously that there is nothing on earth of greater value than the Mass.

This book is the perfect gift for a First Communicant, an adult who needs a gentle reminder of the value of their Faith, or anyone who enjoys reading to a child. Our children each have a "treasure chest" of things that they will take with them when they are grown and begin their own homes and families. I am purchasing a copy of this book for each of my children to place in their treasure chests. It deserves all of the awards that it has earned!

Publisher:

Gingerbread House

Binding:

Sewn Hardcover

Perspective:

Catholic

Number of pages:

36 pages

Review Date:

2-23-05

Reviewed by:

Susan Kalis

TitleSort:

Weight of a Mass