When I started compiling this post a couple months ago, while gathering books for our children as well as some books to giveaway here on the blog, I had no idea just how much all of our lives were going to change this spring… It is all so surreal.
I’m really struggling to picture Holy Week and Easter without access to the sacraments and without being able to assist at Holy Mass, which we had already missed so much this winter due to multiple viruses. I’m grateful we can at least watch live streams on the internet, but it’s just not the same!
The books that I’ll be filling our children’s baskets with this Easter will be perfect to help fill some of the extra time we’ve had while staying at home during this pandemic, especially now that the president has extended his recommendations through the end of April.
I know many families are struggling right now and small businesses are really struggling too…. If you are in a position to order gifts for Easter please consider searching out the small businesses, and if you are looking for books, perhaps go straight to the publisher’s websites and order direct.
Sacred Heart Books & Gifts, one of my very first advertisers here on the blog, will be permanently closing at the end of April. Be sure to check out their remaining inventory. You can save an additional 15% (in addition to their everyday 10% off) with coupon code: roses15
My job has been affected, so I’m glad that I happened to plan ahead and have a whole bunch of great books for my younger children’s baskets again this year, as well as some Easter Candy stashed in my closet (including some favorite’s from See’s that I had happened to pick up at the end of February!), along with some various gifts ordered from small Catholic businesses. I wasn’t expecting to have our college boys home for Easter (what a special unexpected gift for me to have the whole family home for our newest addition’s first Easter!) so I’m going to have to be creative when it comes to filling their baskets!
Below you will find the list of books we’ve picked out this year for our children. As I have shared before, I’m always collecting books to give our children on their birthdays, Easter, and Christmas and Epiphany. Some of the books I have purchased from Amazon, Sacred Heart Books and Gifts, or St. Augustine Academy Press, some have been purchased on sale online or at local bookstores, and some have been given to me as review copies from the authors or publishers.
Note: Before I share the book list, I do want to remind you all that I haven’t read all of these books yet. I made my decisions based on recommendations, reviews, publishers, and the past work of some of the authors/illustrators. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
7 Secrets of the Eucharist
Pope John Paul II referred to the Holy Eucharist as “the greatest treasure of the Church,” and yet even many devoted Catholics have a very limited understanding of this powerful sacrament. This book will change all that. The reader will come away with a completely new awareness that the Eucharist is not just about receiving Communion; it’s about transforming your daily life.
Deeply based on the Scriptures, the writings of the Saints, and the teachings of our two most recent Popes, this profound and remarkably readable book will introduce you to some of the “hidden” truths of the Eucharist — truths that have always been embraced by theologians, saints, and mystics, but have rarely been passed on to the average person in a meaningful way. In 7 Secrets of the Eucharist, these truths are finally made accessible to all, as author Vinny Flynn shows how each reception of Holy Communion can be a life-changing experience.
The early Roman virgin-martyr whose bones were discovered in 1802. She immediately began answering prayers, with so many favors and miracles being granted that she was raised to sainthood by Pope Gregory XVI—becoming the only person recognized by the Church as a saint solely on the basis of her powerful intercession, since nothing is known of her except her name and the evidence of her martyrdom. A great intercessor for all needs!
She’s planning to choose St. Philomena as her Confirmation Saint this year, so I think she’ll love reading this book published by TAN.
Saint Clare and Her Cat
On the road to San Damiano, Grandma Nonna shares with her grandson Antonio a once-upon-a-time story about Saint Clare. Full-color illustrations and a delightful tale capture the beauty and faith of Saint Clare as she pursues her vocation and embraces the joyful and simple Franciscan spirituality. Ever-appreciative of the little things, Clare’s happiness blossoms even more with her wonderful discovery of a tiny kitten.
I know it’s a picture book, but it’s about one of her patron saints so she’ll love adding it to her collection. We also own and have enjoyed all the other books by author Dessi Jackson including: Roses in the Snow: A Tale of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Saint Felix and the Spider, The Saint and His Bees, and Nikola and the Monk.
The Illustrated Emily Dickinson Nature Sketchbook: A Poetry-Inspired Drawing Journal
Become inspired by beautiful full-color illustrations, partial drawings, and small sketches based on Emily Dickinson’s brilliant poems! Emily Dickinson had fewer than a dozen of her 1,800 poems published during her lifetime. But her talent for writing and passion for love, language, and nature has contributed to her reputation as one of the most innovative poets of her time. The Illustrated Emily Dickinson Nature Sketchbook relies on the joys of verse to inpsire drawing and sketching. Gorgeous illustrations from Lilla Roger’s 2014 Global Talent Search winner Tara Lilly will prompt further drawing and literary exploration throughout the pages. This beautiful, embossed interactive sketchbook is the perfect gift for the artist or poetry lover in your life.
Ember’s End
The end is here. Heather and Picket face off for the last time with their tyrannical foes in this final installment of the Green Ember Series. The Mended Wood flickers dimly in the vision of the rabbits of Natalia, as they battle bravely for their survival and a hopeful future beyond.
My place beside you,
my blood for yours,
till the Green Ember
. . . ends.
I pre-ordered this book months ago and the release date was recently moved up… If it arrives in time for Easter, it will go in her basket, otherwise I’ll save it for her birthday.
Sword and Serpent
Every Legend Has A Beginning. The year is A.D. 299. Diocletian rules the Roman Empire. And the gods have suddenly fallen silent.17-year-old Jurian doesn’t have time for the gods. He’s trying to hold his family together after his father died in disgrace, and piety — even to the Christ — just isn’t practical. But then a ruthless enemy targets his family, forcing Jurian to make a choice: will he pursue the glory he’s always wanted, or will he sacrifice everything to protect a faith that was never really his own?On the other side of the Empire, the young priestess Sabra shields her people from the terrible vengeance of the old god she serves. But even as she offers the dark and bloody sacrifices the god demands, visions of desolation haunt her dreams. As suspicion tightens its stranglehold on her city, Sabra must unravel the mystery of the god’s portents before everything she’s ever loved is destroyed.Fear of the gods’ silence sparks a bloody persecution that will soon consume the Empire. As the fires of suspicion and hatred ignite around them, Jurian and Sabra are drawn together by a mysterious prophecy…one that will set them on a journey to battle an evil beyond imagining. Saints aren’t born. They are forged.
My Side of the Mountain
Sam Gribley is terribly unhappy living in New York City with his family, so he runs away to the Catskill Mountains to live in the woods – all by himself. With only a penknife, a ball of cord, 40 dollars, and some flint and steel, he intends to survive on his own. Sam learns about courage, danger, and independence during his year in the wilderness, a year that changes his life forever.
Stowaway
It is known that in the summer of 1768, Captain James Cook sailed from England on H.M.S Endeavour,beginning a three-year voyage around the world on a secret mission to discover an unknown continent at the bottom of the globe. What is less known is that a boy by the name of Nicholas Young was a stowaway on that ship.
Newbery winner Karen Hesse re-creates Cook’s momentous voyage through the eyes of this remarkable boy, creating a fictional journal filled with fierce hurricanes, warring natives, and disease, as Nick discovers new lands, incredible creatures, and lifelong friends.
**This book sounded very interesting and I ordered it from a Catholic website, but was just warned about some of the content which may be historically accurate, but this son of ours won’t be reading it unless I edit out a few things. (see comments for details)
Cupid of Campion
All is sunshine and roses for Clarence Esmond as he saunters down the streets of McGregor, searching for the bright-eyed goddess of adventure. Little does he know he is about to suffer one misadventure after another at her hands! But another good Lady is watching over him from heaven, and with the help of some of her most unlikely devotees, much good is brought out of evil for all involved.
Other books in the series include:
Bobby in Movieland
His Luckiest Year
Lucky Bob
Sunshine and Freckles
That Office Boy
You can find them all here
This one hasn’t been published yet, but it’s on the list for either his birthday or next Epiphany:
Be Yourself: A Journal for Catholic Boys
“You are a thought of God, you are a heartbeat of God. To say this is like saying that you have a value which in a sense is infinite, that you matter to God in your completely unique individuality.” – Pope Saint John Paul II
Be Yourself: A Journal for Catholic Boys was designed for boys to understand their identity and individuality, with the help of their Catholic faith.
Packed full of great art, quizzes, journaling questions, quotes from the saints, Scripture verses, and passages from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Be Yourself journal helps boys become the men God created them to be. Ages 9 and up.
Be Yourself! A Journal for Catholic Girls
“Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire!” Those words are at the heart of Be Yourself! A Journal for Catholic Girls, which is designed to help girls explore their identity and purpose in life in light of the wisdom of the Catholic Church, including half a dozen female saints.
Packed with gorgeous, full-color line art, quizzes, journaling questions, and inspirational quotes from the saints, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and Scripture, the Be Yourself! journal is a fun way to help girls discover that they are beautifully and wonderfully made by God.
Ages 9 and up.
I have given copies of this fun journal to both of her older sisters… Now it’s her turn for a copy!
Saintly Rhymes for Modern Times
Filled with colorful illustrations and catchy rhymes, Saintly Rhymes for Modern Times teaches your child that everyone is called to be a saint.
These kid-friendly rhymes allow children to see the beauty of Christian holiness through the lives of our more recent saints. With these sixteen poems, nineteen holy men, women, and children will become your child’s friends in heaven!
I’ve had this book for quite awhile now and it’s time to finally pull it out of my closet and give it to Rose. I especially love the pages featuring St. Therese and her dear parents.
The delightful classic by E. B. White, author of Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little, about overcoming obstacles and the joy of music. Now featuring gorgeous illustrations by Fred Marcellino!
Like the rest of his family, Louis is a trumpeter swan. But unlike his four brothers and sisters, Louis can’t trumpet joyfully. In fact, he can’t even make a sound. And since he can’t trumpet his love, the beautiful swan Serena pays absolutely no attention to him.
Louis tries everything he can think of to win Serena’s affection—he even goes to school to learn to read and write. But nothing seems to work. Then his father steals him a real brass trumpet. Is a musical instrument the key to winning Louis his love?
Sisters of the Last Straw Vol 6: The Case of the Easter Egg Escapades (Volume 6)
Who has Mr. Lemon’s priceless coin?
Why are there baby bunnies all over the backyard?
Will the Sisters be able to save their home in time?
Meet the Sisters of the Last Straw, a community of Sisters working hard to overcome their bad habits. Join these lovable misfit nuns as they learn to love God and forgive one another. Can a leaking roof be the end of the Sisters of the Last Straw? Who stole the eggs for the Easter Egg Hunt? Will the Sisters solve the mystery of the missing coin in time for Easter?
Conrad of Piacenza was a nobleman, living in a medieval castle in Italy. One day, he went out hunting with his servants, and a fire broke out in the forest. What happened next would change his life forever.
In St. Conrad and the Wildfire, children of all ages will discover the power of truth and forgiveness. Introduce children to St. Conrad through Maura Roan McKeegan’s moving retelling and Patty Borgman’s magnificent illustrations that bring the saint to life.
Check out this brand new release by Maura Roan McKeegan! You all know how much I LOVE the other books (The Old and New Series) she has written. So excited to add this new release to our home library too!
Finding Narnia: The Story of C.S. Lewis and His Brother
Finding Narnia is Caroline McAlister and Jessica Lanan’s captivating picture book biography of two brothers, Jack and Warnie Lewis, whose rich imaginations led to the creation of the magical world of Narnia. Before C.S. Lewis wrote The Chronicles of Narnia, he was a young boy named Jack who spent his days dreaming up stories of other worlds filled with knights, castles, and talking animals. His brother, Warnie, spent his days imagining worlds filled with trains, boats, and technology. One rainy day, they found a wardrobe in a little room next to the attic, and they wondered, What if the wardrobe had no end?
From the author of John Ronald’s Dragons: The Story of J. R. R. Tolkien!
The Hobbit: Illustrated Edition
A beautiful gift edition of J.R.R. Tolkien’s enchanting tale, fully illustrated by Jemima Catlin.
Bilbo Baggins enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely traveling farther than the pantry of his hobbit-hole in Bag End. But his contentment is disturbed when the wizard Gandalf and a company of thirteen dwarves arrive on his doorstep to whisk him away on a journey to raid the treasure hoard of Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon. . .
Apparently four years ago he had hoped to have his very own copy of this by Leap Day 2019… better late than never!
Our Sacraments: Instructions in Story Form for Use in the Primary Grades
Follow Tom and Ann as they learn about the Sacraments from their Uncle John.
What is grace, and how do we get it? And how do the Sacraments help us? What are the outward signs of each Sacrament?
Find the answers to these questions and more in Our Sacraments.
Also available directly from St. Augustine Academy Press!
The splendor of God’s world comes alive in this simple retelling of the biblical creation story for young children. As a master Artist, God paints the new canvas of earth and sky, beginning with the black of silent, empty space, then adding color after color with the creation of stars, oceans, land, plants, animals, and all the rest.
Colors of Creation will help your child see the world all around in a new light — as the beautiful handiwork of a loving Creator. Each color displayed is yet another reflection of his glory and another pleasure to enjoy. In the end, God’s masterpiece on earth is revealed in the people he creates, who can work and play, love and pray — and who come in every hue. Bestselling author Paul Thigpen tells the story in lively verse, with whimsical illustrations by artist John Folley that your little one will long remember.
This one is on it’s way from TAN and I can’t wait to take a closer look at it. It looks lovely from what I’ve seen so far!
Avid gardener and poet Emily Dickinson collected 424 pressed flower specimens and wrote nearly 1800 poems in her lifetime, with nature and plants inspiring many of her beloved works.
Lines and couplets from Dickinson’s poems paired with Carme Lemniscates’ gorgeous illustrations bring In Emily’s Garden to life, letting toddlers take a stroll in Emily’s garden of verses.
See the flowers, birds, butterflies, and bees through Emily’s eyes, and foster a love of gardens and poems alike.
Introduce your toddler to the ABCs with this illustrated primer about many of the animals they’ll find in the zoo.
An engaging collection of 26 illustrations featuring every child’s favorite zoo animals from around the world, from apes to zebras, all shown in their natural habitats.
Illustrator Greg Paprocki’s popular BabyLit alphabet board books feature his classically retro midcentury art style that’s proven to be a hit with both toddlers and adults alike.
Have fun discovering new details in each illustration with every successive reading.
BabyLit Storybooks are a great way to introduce young readers to the classics, with easy to read storylines and bright illustrations. They are part of the bestselling BabyLit series, which provides a literary education for your brilliant children.
In Great Expectations: A BabyLit Storybook, preschoolers follow Pip’s story, learning about the value of family and friends, fortune and loss, and love. Easy-to-follow, engaging text combined with original quotes and beautiful artwork create a book to be treasured through childhood and beyond.
I bought a whole bunch of BabyLit books when the publisher ran a 50% off sale!
Introduce your brilliant baby to the ABCs with this colorfully illustrated primer about the joys of Easter.
In the latest alphabet primer from artist Greg Paprocki, Easter and the rites of spring are celebrated with Paprocki’s wonderful colorful and vintage-looking illustrations. Your toddlers can enjoy illustrations of such things as the Easter Bunny, baskets overflowing with candy, children decorating Easter eggs, an Easter egg hunt, and beautiful springtime flowers.
Part of the BabyLit Alphabet Series.
Ordinary Extraordinary Jane Austen
A gorgeous and inspiring picture book biography of Jane Austen, one of the most beloved writers of all time, from award-winning author Deborah Hopkinson.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that Jane Austen is one of our greatest writers. But before that, she was just an ordinary girl. In fact, young Jane was a bit quiet and shy; if you had met her back then, you might not have noticed her at all. But she would have noticed you. Jane watched and listened to all the things people around her did and said, and locked those observations away for safekeeping. Jane also loved to read. She devoured everything in her father’s massive library and before long, she began creating her own stories. In her time, the most popular books were grand adventures and romances, but Jane wanted to go her own way…and went on to invent an entirely new kind of novel..
Goodnight Mr. Darcy: A BabyLit® Parody Board Book
The adored children’s classic Goodnight Moon gets a classic lit makeover in this charming parody of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice novel. All of Austen’s much-loved characters are at the Netherfield Ball-
In the great ballroom, there was a country dance, and a well-played tune, and Elizabeth Bennett; and Mr. Darcy surprised, by a pair of fine eyes … And don’t forget Jane with a blush and Mr. Bingley turned to mush, and a gossiping mother and father saying hush.
Little Naturalists: John James Audubon Painted Birds
John James Audubon was an ornithologist, naturalist, and painter. He is known for his stunning illustrations and paintings of North American birds in their natural habitats, painting over 700 species discovering 25 new kinds of birds during his lifetime.
John James Audubon Painted Birds shares his legacy and his love of nature with budding bird-watchers through a clever poem and gorgeous illustrations. As Audubon said, “the world is not given by [our] fathers, but borrowed from [our] children.”
Celebrating a Holy Catholic Easter: A Guide to the Customs and Devotions of Lent and the Season of Christ’s Resurrection
Alleluia! Christ is Risen! Celebrating a Holy Catholic Lent and Easter provides individuals and families with a valuable resource for understanding and celebrating Lent and Easter as a Catholic. The book not only provides the historical roots of traditions, such as the 40 days of Lent, Fasting, and Stations of the Cross, but also has spiritual reflections and suggestions for practices. All of the major events of Holy Week are included. Finally, explanations of traditions and practices are included, like the St. Joseph’s Table, the blessing of food on Easter Saturday Morning, Lady’s Day, and hot cross buns, so that families can better appreciate the significance of these traditions.
Theology of Home: Finding the Eternal in the Everyday
Home. It is an elegant word, at once both simple and far-reaching. Home is a place to live in and feel comfortable, but it is much more than that. Home is where we are nurtured, where we live, and where we love. The language of Home is universal. It is where we find the eternal in the everyday. But the Home has been neglected. To millions of women today, there is nothing worse than being a “homemaker.” If only they knew the supreme value (and reward) of giving loved ones a place to call Home. Written by three wives and mothers, Theology of Home is a simple guide to help reorient all of us toward our true home, allowing us to think purposefully about how to make our own homes on earth better equipped to get all those living in them to the Father’s house. Featuring more than 100 beautiful (and inspiring) photographs from homes around the country, profound words from the saints and other literary figures, and in depth commentary on the theological and spiritual underpinnings of our love for Home, Theology of Home offers readers a tour of the both the Home and the human heart…. Read more.
Cooking with the Saints
For the Love of Food, the Church, and Her Saints!
From traditional Cottage Pie on St. Patrick’s Day to Basque Lamb Stew on the feast of St. Ignatius Loyola, the delicious recipes in this unique cookbook will excite your senses, awaken in you greater love for the saints, and bring Catholic festivity into your home.
Here you’ll find brief saints biographies and ideal accompanying dishes tied to the liturgical feasts of the Church. From this exceptional cookbook, your family will receive triple nourishment: for body, mind, and spirit.
Congratulations, Brian P!
“Great books….as always!”
Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter box below:
There are many great books! Celebrating a holy Catholic Easter, Our Sacraments and Theology at home and also the boy journal sounds wonderful!
2020-03-31 00:04:35
In Emily's Garden looks so adorable! My children cant wait to plant a garden soon it would be such a joy to have a good book go with the hobby they love.
2020-03-31 00:06:00
This is so awesome! Thank you for the opportunity.
2020-03-31 00:07:54
Wonderful selection! Happy early Easter!
2020-03-31 00:08:21
Often there are so many books that catch my eye in your posts that it is hard to pick just one. This time is no exception, BUT there is a clear winner. I've been hoping for a Be Yourself journal for boys ever since the girl version came out. I'm definitely most excited about that! The BabyLit and Carrie Gress' books are high on my list too. It is hard this year (you just can't replace Mass with a screen or a Chaplet), but wishing you a very holy Holy Week coming up.
2020-03-31 00:08:47
I've had my eye on The Colors of Creation. We also like the Sisters of the Last Straw!
2020-03-31 00:17:35
Thank you so much for this wonderful giveaway.
2020-03-31 00:20:23
Looks like another great giveaway. Bright spot in harder times.
2020-03-31 00:20:33
Such an inspiring blog post! Thanks for keeping my home library fresh! 😉
2020-03-31 00:22:15
Thank you for the great books and ideas!
2020-03-31 00:22:37
Wonderful selections! I definitely see some things I would love to share with my 3 year old.
2020-03-31 00:23:13
What a wonderful giveaway! I'd love to check out the Cooking with the Saints book..sounds so interesting. And I'm so glad I've got some things tucked away for Easter too! My husband is a musician and all gigs are cancelled. We are praying that his summer library tour can happen as normal!
2020-03-31 00:26:11
It will be bitter, joyful to celebrate Easter from our living rooms. Praying for peace and joy as we approach Holy Tridiuum. As always, thank you for offering such lovely giveaways!!
2020-03-31 00:28:01
I love your book posts! Thank you for the wonderful ideas. And thanks for the chance to win!
2020-03-31 00:28:31
Just realized I was supposed to tell you what book I like best. Sorry about that! I am most interested in the Saint Conrad book for my boys. Thanks again for the chance to win!
2020-03-31 00:30:36
Thank you for all these wonderful ideas!
2020-03-31 00:30:58
These are such great books! Thanks for the ideas!
2020-03-31 00:37:36
I enjoyed reading about books I didn't know were out there! The one about St. Clare and her Cat sounds adorable!
2020-03-31 00:37:52
I think my 3rd grader would enjoy the book about St. Conrad.
2020-03-31 00:39:48
That’s so sad about Sacred Heart!
2020-03-31 00:41:31
I love the recommendations by age
2020-03-31 00:44:26
We've been slowing building our Sisters of the Last Straw set – the last one we got was #3. But I most like the St. Clare and her cats books – that is right up my daughter's alley
2020-03-31 00:47:21
I love your book reviews! I have purchased several of your recommendations for my baby granddaughter, and have bookmarked others for when she is older. I also gave my daughter Maria von Trapp’s book on your recommendation. Thank you for offering this giveaway. And I hope you will still experience Jesus in a special way this Easter. Perhaps he will be even closer to us in the sacrifice we make in no receiving the sacrament in order to keep our brothers and sisters safe.
2020-03-31 00:49:08
We read that version of The Hobbit last year as a family and all the kids loved it. Looking forward to using these suggestions to add some books to our Easter baskets this year! Thank you Jessica!
2020-03-31 00:50:30
Definitely have my eye on St. Conrad and the Wildfire. My son loves hero Saints and it would be a great addition for my bookworm. I love that our Catholic faith has so much depth and that authors help us to explore the beauty of Catholicism through their publications. It is such a wonderful time to be Catholic and such a challenging time to not be able to share in Holy Mass that literature is needed more than ever!
2020-03-31 00:51:16
So many great books….I'd love to see the one coming with the Saints and the sisters of the last straw!!
2020-03-31 00:51:25
St Conrad and the Wildfire looks great!
2020-03-31 00:51:51
Looks like a great list of books!
2020-03-31 00:52:18
Oh, I forgot to say the book that interests me most is Celebrating a Holy Catholic Easter. My daughter would love it for her family.
2020-03-31 00:52:28
New books to add to my wishlist!!
2020-03-31 00:54:33
Thanks for all of these wonderful book recommendations! I think my girls would especially like the Be Yourself journal and Finding Narnia!
2020-03-31 00:55:12
St. Conrad is hiding in my closet now – can't wait to read it with my boys after Easter!
2020-03-31 00:55:45
I always love these posts! I'm planning to buy the Be Yourself Journals. I also like the Goodnight Mr. Darcy.
2020-03-31 01:04:34
would be an amazing gift for this easter
2020-03-31 01:05:39
Thank you! I'm about to go stimulate the economy with all these books!
2020-03-31 01:06:50
Ooh, my kids would love the painted birds one! So many good picks on here!
2020-03-31 01:12:37
Great recommendations!
2020-03-31 01:15:02
Thanks for the amazing chance to win!
2020-03-31 01:16:13
Cooking with the saints sounds like the perfect book for quarantine! I’d love to make delicious food and learn more about Saints!
2020-03-31 01:21:55
What an amazing list of books. I love that you include selections for all ages, as I have children ranging in age from 21-1. It is awesome to find books each of them might love all here in one place! Thanks and God Bless!
2020-03-31 01:35:11
The only one I have read is Saintly Rhymes for Modern Times and I give it 2 big Thumbs Ups! I read it to the kids in my religious education classes as part of our saint celebrations in October.
2020-03-31 01:39:27
Awesome books!
2020-03-31 01:41:04
Thanks this huge selection of titles! Stay safe and many blessings
2020-03-31 01:47:31
These are fantastic books – definitely adding many of them to my wishlist!
2020-03-31 01:48:02
They all look wonderful! I would love to win this for my sister in law who is home with three littles. I think Z is for Zoo would be one of the most prized! Thank you for the opportunity!
2020-03-31 01:49:42
Thank you for such beautiful book suggestions, it’s so wonderful to have your reviews and pictures of the inside of the books too! I really appreciate all you do! Have a blessed Easter Jessica.
2020-03-31 01:54:44
Cooking with the Saints would be fun to do together as a family!
2020-03-31 01:56:27
Thank you for the book ideas! I love the book suggestions that you put together… especially appreciated in this difficult time…
2020-03-31 02:01:47
Thank u for posting these and bringing some anticipation of Easter joy into a uniquely difficult Lent! We a have a number of favorites we share with u, and plenty of new ideas for my 2 to 8 yo kiddos! I have recently discovered Augustone Academy press and am a big fan too 😊
2020-03-31 02:11:07
Thank you for this wonderful giveaway. You have recommended wonderful books; I can't choose a favorite.! 🙂
2020-03-31 02:13:13
Thank you for continuing to put a list out there in this crazy time, I really love following your books each year!
2020-03-31 02:16:12
Wonderful books! Thanks for sharing so many beautiful things and ideas!
2020-03-31 02:22:41
Thank you for the suggestions.
2020-03-31 02:37:30
Yay! Another book list! We are waiting excitedly for "Ember's End" and also hoping for it to arrive by Easter! St. Conrad and the Wildfire and the Beatitales look fantastic!
2020-03-31 02:51:39
Thank you for your lovely posts and give-away!
2020-03-31 02:57:39
Such a fabulous selection!
2020-03-31 03:25:23
Thanks for sharing these new titles that are out. Can’t wait to read and add them to our collection! Blessed Lent and Easter to your family!
2020-03-31 03:27:44
These lists are brilliant and have inspired myself and so many with raising children in the Catholic faith. Thank you for sharing all these wonderful ideas. What a truly blessed family you have.
2020-03-31 03:28:28
Wow such a wonderful giveaway. Thank you!
2020-03-31 03:49:56
I can’t wait to buy the Be Yourself journal for boys when it comes out! Thanks for sharing your list!
2020-03-31 03:56:06
I love these book recommendations! Hoping to get some ordered and here by Easter! Thank you!
2020-03-31 03:59:56
I always love seeing what you've picked out. I was just on your blog earlier looking at previous Easter basket posts, knowing you probably had this one in the works. Thank you!
2020-03-31 04:01:04
As always some wonderful ideas to grow the faith with our domestic church. Thank you.
2020-03-31 04:03:59
Love your book lists! There are so many that look wonderful! I would love The Hobbitt as our next family read aloud! 😊
2020-03-31 04:18:18
Always the best recommendations! Thanks Jessica!
2020-03-31 04:20:26
I would most like to get St. Clare and her Cat, Stowaway, Be Yourself! A Journal for Catholic Girls, Sisters of the Last Straw The Case of the Easter Egg Escapades, and Ordinary Extraordinary Jane Austin. What a fantastic book list! Thank you. Jayne especially wants to read Saint Clare and her Cat.
2020-03-31 04:30:51
7 Secrets of the Eucharist, the sisters book, the sacraments book, the girl journals and the books about celebrating at home.
2020-03-31 04:31:43
Most excited about Maura Roan Keegan’s new book. Honestly the best gift though would be the restoration of Mass for Holy Week 🙁
2020-03-31 04:52:01
Another amazing give away! Thank you!
2020-03-31 05:01:29
Thanks for the wonderful ideas! I especially love the look of the Saintly Rhymes and the BabyLit books. God bless you and your family!
2020-03-31 05:08:42
Oh I LOVE your lists! If I had to choose, TOH, Finding Narnia, Sisters of the Last Straw, or the Boys Journal would be at the top of my list. Thanks for the inspiration!
2020-03-31 05:39:03
I've had my eye on sisters of the last straw for my daughters. You have many on here that sound wonderful though!
2020-03-31 06:10:53
Ooh, that St. Conrad book looks great for my son! Thanks for the recommendations!
2020-03-31 09:05:56
I love the St Conrad book and have heard great things about cooking with the saints!
2020-03-31 10:39:24
Thank you for this giveaway and praying you all are well!
2020-03-31 11:19:17
I look forward to your gift lists every season! Such a help and honestly so fun and a great distraction in these days of stress. I was able to forget about the stress of the hospital for an hour as I perused! Thank you.
2020-03-31 11:51:18
Thank you for this post!
2020-03-31 12:06:07
Thank you so much for all these wonderful recommendations and this generous giveaway. I would love to read the story of St Conrad and the lessons from the Beatitudes to my girls!
2020-03-31 12:22:02
I always look forward to Easter and Christmas book lists!
2020-03-31 12:43:45
Great list of Easter recommendations! Thank you!
2020-03-31 12:47:57
Theology of the Home looks interesting. Have you implemented any of the suggestions? Thanks for showing all the books. I wish our library were open and I could check some of these out.
2020-03-31 13:02:15
Hi Jessica, It says I have two entries, but I only left a comment here. I am not sure why that should make two entries . . . Eva
2020-03-31 13:04:54
Honestly, I'd love to own all of these! I have a few of them (of course) but these all look great.
2020-03-31 13:19:37
Another great list! Thank you!
2020-03-31 13:26:31
Thanks for the suggestions.
2020-03-31 13:29:34
Thank you for offering another fun giveaway! Great choices…the journals look awesome! Prayers for your family!
2020-03-31 13:35:11
You always have great book suggestions!
2020-03-31 13:38:17
Always so nice to find books on this site! Great site, Jessica!
2020-03-31 13:38:52
I look forward to each and everyone of you gift and book list! So many great options! Thank you!
2020-03-31 14:06:20
I know the kids would enjoy the The Last Straw book. Thank you!
2020-03-31 14:16:03
Thank You!
2020-03-31 14:30:54
Thanks for the great ideas!! and Giveaway @!
2020-03-31 14:37:22
My son will be so excited to learn there is an ending to the Green Ember series. He thought it was a cliff hanger and was so upset!
2020-03-31 14:52:49
Thank you so much for the recommendations! Our family has received many of the recommendations you've made over the years, and we've loved them!
2020-03-31 14:53:10
So many books!!!! I love books!!! As do most of our kids!! Thanks for sharing your Easter Basket books. I would be interested in Prize 2 then Prize 1. We don't have any of the books in either prize.
2020-03-31 14:55:28
I'm always amazed at how many new books you're able to come up with. Thank you for all the good ideas!
2020-03-31 15:01:50
You find the best recommendations! Thank you.,
2020-03-31 16:05:45
Celebrating a Holy Catholic Easter has been on my wish list for a while. So sad to hear that Sacred Heart Books and Gifts will be closing permanently. I have ordered from them many times in the past and just loved the variety.
2020-03-31 16:08:53
Thanks for the give away!
2020-03-31 16:40:11
I appreciate these book posts! And I especially like getting to see the inside of some of the books you can only otherwise see the cover of online. Thank you! 🙂
2020-03-31 17:07:22
I like the "Sisters of the Last Straw". I will try to get all of the volumns but would enjoy receiving one free.
2020-03-31 18:03:45
Thank you for the delightful book lists. There are always such amazing recommendations.
2020-03-31 18:46:08
Another great book list and giveaway!!!
2020-03-31 18:46:16
It's awesome that you build your library like this. You must have a lot of bookshelves!
2020-03-31 19:38:13
I’m most interested in the book called Our Sacraments. All of them look good and I don’t own any of them. Thanks for the chance to win!
2020-03-31 20:09:05
Jessica Thank You so much for this generous giveaway. I would like St,Conrad and the Wildfire ,St. Claire and her Cat,Ordinary,Extraordinary Jane Austen and you can't go wrong with the Religious books. Sorry about Sacred Heart closing. We will look into purchasing something from the store. Marion
2020-03-31 20:36:22
All these books look wonderful. Thank you for another great post!
2020-03-31 20:56:39
Thank you for the book recommendations!
2020-03-31 21:49:40
thank you for putting this together
2020-03-31 23:01:24
I have been waiting for your book recommendations!! Thank you so much! I am going to order the "Goodnight, Mr. Darcy" board book for my older daughter, a college graduate in English, who loves Jane Austen… she is going to enjoy this parody!! Thank you for the give-away. We are all united in prayer and in the live mass website with all of our wonderful FSSP priests… wishing you and your beautiful family a beautiful Triduum and a Blessed Easter. Stay safe and healthy. This, too, will end and we will all look back and be grateful for all the graces we received during this difficult time. God bless you.
2020-03-31 23:22:19
Thanks for sharing your list of books. I look forward to checking some of them out for my family.
2020-03-31 23:34:31
So many wonderful and beautiful books. Many I have never heard of. Thank you for all the lovely recommendations!
2020-04-01 00:22:02
When I want to buy books for the kids I can never temper all of the great recommendations. If I win some I won’t have too😉
2020-04-01 01:06:13
Thank you for your wonderful book recommendations. I am most looking forward to reading St. Clare and the Cat. My daughter not only likes to learn about St. Clare, but we also have a cat named Clare. 😊.
2020-04-01 01:27:05
I love books! I’m excited for my kids to read Sisters of the Last Straw and I’m thankful for more ideas.
2020-04-01 02:05:09
Thanks for scoping these out for all of us! Saintly Rhymes is one of our very favorites. Even our two-year-old has memorized some of the biographes. We give it for birthday presents and godchild gifts. Highly recommended!
2020-04-01 02:21:13
Wonderful ideas for baskets this year! Thank you!
2020-04-01 02:38:41
I've had Theology of home on my wish list, and this blog post has introduced me to several titles that look intriguing!
2020-04-01 03:12:16
God bless you and your family as we all prepare for a very different Easter this year. Thank you for all your recommendations and your giveaway.
2020-04-01 03:12:51
I came here specifically looking for a book for my oldest, found books for everyone! My Clare will be receiving St Clare and Her Cat!
2020-04-01 03:29:24
My sons are big fans of the Sisters of the Last Straw series, though we have not yet read this most recent book. I'm saving the St. Conrad title in my youngest son's wishlist. He will be making his First Confession and First Holy Communion next year.
2020-04-01 05:09:38
Those board books look really sweet.
2020-04-01 06:40:37
Thank you for all of the wonderful ideas.
2020-04-01 10:13:03
Thank you for all of these wonderful books ideas!
2020-04-01 13:08:31
So many great recommendations here! Thank you! I love that there is going to be a boy’s version of the Be Yourself journal.
2020-04-01 15:18:41
Great books.😊
2020-04-01 16:03:33
Thank you for posting your book lists. They are always so helpful and easy to refer to! I look forward to purchasing the sword and the serpent.
2020-04-01 17:51:35
I always look forward to your book lists. Love seeing the Far Side of the Mountain on there, it is one of my son's favorite books.
2020-04-01 19:36:05
Thanks for the giveaway!
2020-04-01 19:57:11
Love these ideas! Thank you
2020-04-01 20:02:48
Thank you, as always for sharing lists of books! They are always looked forward to!
2020-04-01 21:56:02
I always love these posts. So many good ideas. Unfortunately this year our Easter gifts will be very very limited. Only what I put away at Christmas and decided to wait on will we have. That pretty much means the older kids won't get much unless I can figure out something worthwhile to make them. But there is so much to be thankful for and I'm trying to cling to that. Also Jesus I trust in you, over and over again.
2020-04-01 22:11:46
I love your booklists! Thank you so much!!
2020-04-01 22:13:12
How do you do it! Thanks for all you do to inspire the Domestic Church! Blessings…
2020-04-01 23:05:13
Thank you for this! I'm looking forward to reading more from you
2020-04-01 23:21:44
St. Conrad & the Wildfire sounds like a good book for my 6 year old son! You always have such good suggestions!
2020-04-02 05:45:10
Wonderful book selection. Thank you
2020-04-02 11:33:17
We enjoy Saintly Rhymes for Modern Times. It's a great Baptism gift book.
2020-04-02 12:20:14
Thank you for always keeping us freshly inspired with great books. Praying for you and your family during these crazy times.
2020-04-02 12:40:40
Awesome list of books! God bless!
2020-04-02 16:20:59
I’ve been waiting for this post! I’ll be washing a number of these books to my Feast Day library wishlist!
2020-04-03 00:55:59
I love the Jane Austen picture book. I'm curious about the sisters of the last straw books – my girls enjoy mysteries.
2020-04-03 01:32:15
Another incredible collection! Thank you!
2020-04-03 03:08:48
St. Conrad and the wildfire looks great!
2020-04-03 04:52:29
I suspect this giveaway is for US citicens only. I enterde anyway. The book that caught m was St. Conrad and the Wildfire. We "met" St. Conrad many years ago, quite literally, as I bumped my head againts his statue in Sicily. Now my youngest boy is named for him. The book looks just wonderful, as all I have are in Italian, which I do not read as well as English – and my poor son not at all.
2020-04-03 07:14:48
Looks great! Several new books I’ve not yet seen! Adding them to my list!
2020-04-03 12:10:45
Thank you for the book ideas!
2020-04-03 12:47:28
I always look forward to seeing your book ideas! So fun.
2020-04-03 12:49:56
I love the theology of home book! Looking forward to checking out many of the others too!
2020-04-03 12:55:24
Thanks for another great list of books!
2020-04-03 12:57:55
What a nice thing to do right now! I love the look of the books in the 2nd giveaway.
2020-04-03 14:53:37
Such great book recommendations! Thanks for this!
2020-04-03 17:04:09
Thanks for letting us know about these books!
2020-04-03 17:39:21
Hope you and your family are doing well! Celebrating a Holy and Catholic Easter and the book about St. Conrad look really good! May you all have a blessed Holy Week and Easter!
2020-04-03 20:18:55
Books in the basket- great idea! I would love to cook with those Saints!!
2020-04-04 00:40:28
Beautiful books, thank you!
2020-04-04 01:46:52
I have always looked forward to your book lists and recommendations. Thank you!
2020-04-04 03:21:38
Books do make the best Easter gifts! For your next book giveaway, I would love to provide a copy of my children's picture book, Goodnight Prayer by Gail Ann Gross Please let me know how to get it to you.
2020-04-04 03:28:00
Have a blessed Holy Week.
2020-04-04 04:35:54
Thanks for sharing!
2020-04-04 04:45:51
What a good list, there are a few new ones I hadn't seen yet though. Love it!
2020-04-04 13:34:59
Thank you! I always enjoy your book recommendations. Blessings to you and your family.💗
2020-04-04 13:53:11
Wow, all of these books look enjoyable – for adults and children alike! Prize #2 would suit our family of 8 so well (kids ages and preferences). God bless you – your family is in my prayers!
2020-04-04 14:43:35
Thank you for this opportunity. Your husband's review of St. Conrad and the Wildfire makes it sound like one my kids would like. 🙂 God bless!
2020-04-04 14:43:39
I am so grateful for your booklists!!! Thank you for all the time you put into your blog!
2020-04-04 14:51:47
You always have the BEST book recommendations! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
2020-04-04 15:45:30
I'm super excited about St. Conrad and the Wildfire. My boys would love it!
2020-04-04 18:18:26
Thank you for your recommendations. I look them up whenever I need a gift… and after reading the review of st Conrad and the wildfire, I want to order it! The illustrations got me 😉
2020-04-04 19:32:35
Every Easter, Christmas and Birthday I look to for gift recommendations. Thank you.
2020-04-04 21:30:42
Love this list of books. I did place an order with Sacred Heart Books and Gifts. Marilyn
2020-04-04 23:45:04
These lists and the fact that you organize them by age are invaluable! Thank you for your tireless efforts. I'm sure it feels thankless at times, but it does not go unnoticed!
2020-04-05 03:20:31
Thank you for the ideas
2020-04-05 16:49:11
That St Conrad book looks amazing, my kids would love that one!
2020-04-07 01:13:08
J.M.J. Another wonderful giveaway! At a time when stability needs to be embraced you come through again! Thank you and God bless you and your family Jessica!!!
2020-04-07 04:03:59
We are studying the Middle Ages and would love to add "St. Conrad and the Wildfire" to the list of books this year! Thanks for sharing it with us!
2020-04-07 17:18:05
Great book choices.
2020-04-07 19:42:38
These look like wonderful books and many I hadn’t heard of before! Thanks for sharing!
2020-04-08 02:26:21
Great books…as always!
2020-04-08 16:44:16
Thank you for the awesome list! Looking forward to seeing as many as we can go out collection!
2020-04-08 20:02:42
I always come away happy with your book lists! I am so sorry to hear about Sacred Heart, I will certainly try to place an order before months end.
2020-04-09 01:42:32
These look like beautiful books!! Blessed Holy Triduum to you all!
2020-04-10 05:06:41
I always enjoy seeing your posts and love your book lists. They make getting gifts for children so easy for me.
2020-04-13 19:35:13
Happy Easter!! Thank you for all of the wonderful book ideas!
2020-04-13 19:35:42
Thank you for your inspiring book lists!
2020-04-13 19:40:36
I always look forward to seeing what's in your kids Easter baskets. What wonderful books!
2020-04-13 19:42:55
What an awesome list!!
2020-04-13 19:50:19
This is a wonderful giveaway— perfect for any Catholic family! Thanks so much for your generosity. Resurrexit sicut dixit, alleluia!
2020-04-13 19:51:11
Amazing selection! Thank you for the opportunity!
2020-04-13 19:53:29
What a great list of books. Thank you, Jessica, for compiling it into one a Place.
2020-04-13 19:55:03
Thank you for the recs!!
2020-04-13 19:57:05
All these books look amazing! I'm sorry to hear Sacred Heart Books & Gifts will be permanently closing. Thanks for the coupon code.
2020-04-13 20:00:35
We love Stowaway!
2020-04-13 20:02:03
This is such a great list, thank you. Happy Easter!
2020-04-13 20:09:38
Just love a giveaway! A Blessed Easter season to you!
2020-04-13 20:14:31
So many great recommendations! Thank you for your generous give away! Happy Easter!
2020-04-13 20:21:56
Wow another nice list of books!
2020-04-13 20:23:55
This collection of books looks wonderful!
2020-04-13 20:26:32
I am always intrigued with your book baskets. I often refer to them when buying books for my own kids. The Theology of Home is what I would love for myself!
2020-04-13 20:26:58
Your ministry has been a life line throughout the past 13 years which is when we began our homeschooling journey. We've had some bumps and this set would be a blessing for our 6 growing little flowers. Thanks. God bless you.
2020-04-13 20:30:03
I’ve been hearing great things about the St. Conrad book!
2020-04-13 20:37:34
Love your book recommendations! Thank you!
2020-04-13 20:50:09
Happy Easter! My all of these books look wonderful.
2020-04-13 20:54:10
Jessica, you are always such an inspiration. All the books look lovely, but "Celebrating a Holy Catholic Easter" especially caught my eye because as an old school type mom I love having a book in my hands with new ways of celebrating old traditions 🙏❤
2020-04-13 21:02:58
Looks like some great books. Adding to my wish list.
2020-04-13 21:19:03
I always look forward to your book basket posts! St. Clare and Her Cat looks adorable!!
2020-04-13 21:29:51
I am most interested in Sisters of the Last Straw and Saint Conrad and the Wildfire. I love using your blog to help build my collection of picture books about Saints!
2020-04-13 21:50:08
Sisters is the last straw was my oldest daughter’s favorite series for a long time. Love all these recommendations.
2020-04-13 22:47:51
We’d love to win! My daughter attends Catholic school and altar serves so she is very interested in learning more.
2020-04-13 23:04:25
My daughter loves the Sisters of the Last Straw books. Your blog posts are always so informative; thanks for taking the time to post these resources 🙂
2020-04-14 00:10:43
I would be interested in the St Clare and the cat book.
2020-04-14 00:52:57
You always have such great recommendations for books! Thank you for sharing!
2020-04-14 00:58:37
The book about St. Conrad looks great! Definitely going to check it out for my boys.
2020-04-14 02:03:53
The Hobbit illustrated edition would be perfect for my 7 year old
2020-04-14 02:27:49
I love this idea! We just finished Embers end and it is a really fitting book for this time!
2020-04-14 02:51:36
What a great variety of books to add to our family collection!
2020-04-14 03:48:23
Beautiful recommendations – as always!
2020-04-14 03:48:46
You always have such great giveaways! God bless you!
2020-04-14 04:08:16
Hola, me llamo Karlotta y te escribo desde Moquegua (Perú). No entiendo bien lo del sorteo, pero no importa quería decirte que me encanta tu página, es muy linda e inspiradora para mí. ¡Gracias!
2020-04-14 05:00:06
What a great list of books to giveaway! Thank you so much for doing this!
2020-04-14 06:35:53
Thank you for all the ideas and the wonderful giveaway!
2020-04-14 14:27:09
***PLEASE BE AWARE***I bought "Stowaway" for my son for Easter. His older brother was reading it aloud in their room at night. It contains violence (lashings, a man who whips his children) which may be disturbing to young readers. It also contains a suicide. Further, there is a scene in which a native woman is taken aboard the ship and dances NAKED (dropping her native robes) for the sailors. This may be historically accurate, and mature readers may be able to handle it, but we deemed it inappropriate for our sons.
2020-04-22 16:33:33
Oh no! I ordered it from a Catholic website and didn't scour the Amazon reviews like I usually do… sigh… I'm so sorry if I was the cause of it ending in your son's Easter basket. Thank you for the warning. I've updated the post and will be pulling it from the bookshelf and at the very least editing out some of that content… with so many other good options though I probably won't even keep it…
2020-04-22 17:31:54
WOW You really did some good recommendations.
2020-06-13 14:43:29
Bookmarking this list!!! Thanks for all the great ideas!
2020-03-31 01:41:30