Editor’s Note: Today, I am thrilled to share the following original children’s story from renowned author Katherine Valentine. This precious story is Katherine’s gift to our CatholicMom.com family of readers.  We hope you enjoy sharing this story with the children in your life and that you will visit Katherine at www.KatherineValentine.com to enjoy more of her writing.  Lisa

It was almost Christmas Eve and all the Christmas trees on Mr. Stilton’s Tree Farm had been taken home. All except the four trees that stood on a small hill behind the barn—Blue Spruce, Basil Balsam, Southern Pine and Tiny Tree.

As night slowly descended, the trees found it hard not to grow discouraged. Each one wanted more than anything to be taken home and to wear a Christmas Star, but now it looked as though their dream would never come true.

“Mr. Stilton said that if we’re not sold this Christmas, he’s turning us into firewood,” said Blue Spruce fearfully.

“Now, Blue, there’s still plenty of time left before Christmas Day arrives,” Tiny Tree said, trying hard to keep everyone’s spirits up. “I’m sure someone will come along and take us all home.”

“No one will want me,” said Blue, his branches sagging as they did under the weight of a heavy snow. “Just look at the empty space along my back. Who wants a Christmas tree that’s missing so many limbs?”

Southern Pine leaned over in the wind and sighed. “I dare say, Mr. Spruce that you have a far better chance of being chosen than I do,” she said in a soft southern voice. “Just look at me. All these branches and not one pine needle.”

It was true. Southern Pine hadn’t a one.

“Why, I’m as naked as a Jay Bird,” she said sadly. “No one wants a Christmas tree without pine needles.”

“Now, let’s not give up hope,” encouraged Tiny Tree. He couldn’t bear to see everyone so sad. “Why, I bet there are plenty of folks still left who haven’t chosen their Christmas tree.”

Basil Balsam forced back a tear. “It’s hard to have hope when everything seems so…so…hopeless.”

Basil had been passed over several times this week.  Folks said that he had too much trunk and too few limbs.

“Blue Spruce is right. We’ll probably all end up as firewood.”

With everyone growing so sad, it was hard for Tiny Tree to keep up a brave face. He, too, had hoped to be chosen this Christmas to wear a Christmas Star. It was the highest honor a Christmas tree could hope for. But Tiny Tree was just 41½ inches tall. Too big to sit on a table, yet too small to be placed on the floor which was why everyone that had visited the farm in search of a perfect Christmas tree had passed him by.

Folks just shook their heads and said, “He’s just too tall.” Or “He’s just too small.” And then they would wind their way along the paths that lead to another tree that was just right.

Just as his branches were about to sag, an old woodsman came crashing out of the forest, dragging a large, empty sleigh. A pack of dogs nipped at his heals.

“Get back, you mongrels!” he shouted. “Smelly brutes.”

A large black and white Great Dane, the size of a small pony began to sniff at the edges of Southern Pine’s branches.

“Dear me!” she exclaimed, drawing them aside.

The woodsman ignored Southern Pine’s protests, walking right past her to pause in front of the Tiny Tree.

“Now what do we have here?” he asked, rubbing a chin full of whiskers as he looked Tiny Tree up and down.

Tiny Tree felt his branches quiver with excitement. Maybe he was going to get to wear a Christmas Star after all.

“I need a Christmas tree for my cabin,” the woodsman explained. “Something small that the dogs can’t knock over.”

He eyed the dogs darkly then stepped back and titled his head to one side.

“I bet if I strung a rope around your middle and hoisted you up over the rafters, these mongrels wouldn’t be able to knock you over.”

Tiny Tree had often imagined himself dressed in gold and silver balls that dangled from his limbs and small white lights peeking out from among his pine needles. But he’d always pictured himself standing straight and tall on a brightly polished floor. He had never thought about being hung from the ceiling.

“Stand back,” the woodsman told the dogs as he pulled the sleigh around, parking it right in front of Tiny Tree.

“Just jump aboard,” he instructed.

Tiny Tree gathered his branches and was about to take a giant leap, when he happened to glance at Blue whose branches drooped sadly towards the ground.

He and Blue had been friends since seedlings, and he hated to see him so sad, but what could he do?  The woodsman couldn’t use two trees.

Then suddenly he had a wonderful idea!

“Mr. Woodsman,” he began. “Have you taken a look  at Blue Spruce? I think he would make a much better choice.”

“You do?” asked the woodsman.

“I would?” echoed Blue Spruce in great surprise.

“Yes, you would.” Tiny Tree explained. “Blue Spruce hasn’t any back branches which means he would fit perfectly in the corner of your cabin, safely out of the way of your racing dogs. And besides, it’s awful hard to decorate a Christmas tree when it’s hanging from the rafters.”

“You do have a point there, Tiny Tree,” the woodsman walking over to Blue Spruce and examining him more closely.

“He would fit nicely in the corner next to the fireplace. And it’s true that my dogs couldn’t knock over a tree that was tucked neatly into a corner. By golly…I’ll take him!”

So, the woodsman did as Tiny Tree suggested and asked Blue Spruce to hop onto his sleigh. Then he threw thick, brown rope over his shoulder and started up the hill towards home, dragging the sleigh behind as the dogs once again nipped at his heels.

“Well, at least one of us will get to wear a Christmas Star,” Basil Balsam said with a sad wistful note, watching his friend disappear into the woods.

Southern Pine agreed, heaving a mournful sigh.

Several moments later, an elderly couple came tottering up the path.

“Watch you step, Ma,” the man told his wife, carefully leading her up the steep hill.

Tiny Tree straightened his trunk and shook out his branches to display them as their finest. The couple was headed their way.

“What do you think, Ma?” the old man asked, walking right past Southern Pine to study the Tiny Tree.

“It’s certainly a nice little tree,” the old woman said thoughtfully. “But we have so many ornaments. I don’t think they’ll all fit.”

Southern Pine sniffled, watching her chance at wearing a Christmas Star fade. The sound filled Tiny Tree with a deep sadness and he knew at that moment, he just couldn’t let himself be chosen over Southern Pine.

So, he asked the old couple. “How many ornaments do you have?”

“We have too many to count,” the old man confessed. “Some were given us by friends and others by our children and then our grandchildren. Why, we’ve been collecting them ever since we got married. That was fifty years ago.”

The old woman sadly shook her head. “But we only use a few because no tree can hold them all.”

“Southern Pine could!” exclaimed Tiny Tree. “Her branches have lots of room, especially since she doesn’t have any pine needles to get in the way.”

The couple turned to examine Southern Pine more closely.

“Tiny Tree does have a point, Ma,” the old man said, looking over Southern Pine’s bare limbs. He took a measuring tape out from his back pocket and began to measure her from top to bottom.

“Why, it just might work, Ma,” he said with a note of excitement in his voice. “Without pine needles, I bet we could fit them all.”

“Oh, Pa, the children and grandchildren would be so pleased to see all of their ornaments displayed,” the old woman said, clapping her hands with glee.

And so, the old man and the old woman took Southern Pine to their home at the edge of town. That year, the couple took down all the ornaments they had stored in their attic and found every one fit along Southern Pine’s bare branches.

Back on the farm, it was growing dark. There were no other trees to help stop the cold winter wind that blew over the fields. Basil Balsam and Tiny Tree shivered.

“Well, I guess it’s just you and me,” Basil Balsam said, feeling as hopeless as a Christmas tree without a Christmas Star could be.

Tiny Tree searched his brain for something cheerful to say, when a young boy and girl came bounding up the hill.

“Look, Basil!” he shouted, pointing a quivering branch in their direction. “There’s still hope that one of us might wear a Christmas Star.”

“They’re probably going to pick you, and I’ll be firewood by tomorrow,” Basil said, forlornly.

“Hurry up, Johnny,” the girl told her brother.

The sun had just slipped over the hills and the lights from the village hadn’t yet been turned on. Shadows hid the path.

“It’s almost Christmas Eve,” she said. “We need to find a tree before it gets too dark.”

Their mother was in the hospital and the children wanted to surprise her with a Christmas tree. They thought it would help to cheer her up.

The children stopped in front of Tiny Tree.

“This one will do nicely,” the girl said.

“I think so, too” agreed the boy. “It would fit perfectly in our mother’s hospital room.”

Basil Balsam’s deep, mournful sigh echoed across the farm.

“Passed over again,” he lamented.

Tiny Tree’s heart nearly broke. He couldn’t bear to see his friend so sad. So, although Tiny Tree knew that this was his last chance to wear a Christmas Star, he decided to give it away to his friend.

“Is your mother in a hospital bed?” Tiny Tree asked the children.

They nodded.

Tiny Tree shook his head sadly. “I’m afraid that she would never be able to see me if I were placed on the floor, and I’m much too big to sit on a table.”

“He’s right,” the boy said, turning to leave. “Come on. Let’s go. We’ll have to think of something else to cheer her up.”

“You can’t celebrate Christmas without a Christmas tree,” the girl sobbed.

“”You can still surprise your mother with a Christmas tree,” Tiny Tree said, waving a branch in Basil’s direction. “He would be the perfect tree. He has a long truck and high branches just right for viewing form a hospital bed.”

“Why, yes!” the boy exclaimed, taking a step back.

“”Why didn’t we see that before?” the girl asked, as she envisioned how beautiful Basil Balsam would look with his branches reaching up over he mother’s bed, decorated with stands of tiny white lights, gaily colored glass ornaments and a string of popcorn laced around his branches.

And so the boy and girl gently laid Basil Balsam on their red wagon and started down the hill.

Night was quickly falling. Shadows thickened across the snowy hills that encircled the village, and the night sky grew as dark as black ink.  Stars appeared and shown like a thousand polished diamonds.

Tiny Tree looked out over the empty tree farm, his pine needles chattering in the winter night’s breeze. He was the only tree left on Mr. Stilton’s Tree Farm. Everyone else had been taken home.

He thought about Blue Spruce tucked in a corner of the woodman’s cabin; his branches covered in tinsel and bright colored lights. And the sound of the dogs racing happily about as the woodsman smoked a pipe, the smoke curling up the chimney.

Then he pictured Southern Pine with her branches gaily colored with hundreds of cherished ornaments, displaying them proudly to all of Ma and Pa’s children and grandchildren.

As he pictured Basil Balsam, beside the hospital bed, decorated with paper chains and strings of popcorn, smiling at the way the mother’s eyes lit up with joy as she gathered her children close to her side.

But mostly, Tiny Tree pictured each of his friends with their top branch held high and a Christmas Star perched on their heads. And, although he was glad for his friends, he was a little sad, knowing that he would never get to wear a Christmas star.

….And tomorrow, Mr. Stilton would chop him up for firewood.

“I hope I make for a warm fire,” he said, gazing down at his trunk.

Just then the sound of church bells rang out in the distance. It was Christmas Eve. Christmas carolers joined the church bells and drifted up from the village down below.

Tiny Tree watched as colored lights twinkled gaily over doorways and lampposts, and when he leaned just a little to the left, he could see around the corner of the big red barn at the bottom of the hill to spy the twelve foot Christmas tree that stood on the town’s green, a giant red star poised on its head.

Slowly, his spirit began to lift as the wonder of Christmas, like fairy dust, softly fell across his heart. He closed his eyes and drank in its magic.

“Tiny Tree,” a voice echoed from the night’s sky.

He looked up and what he saw made him quiver all over. Why, an angel was slowly drifting down from among the stars. He was as tall as Mr. Stilton’s barn and was dressed in a robe that sparked with jewels.

“My name is Gabriel,” the angel told him and when he spoke, his voice sounded like the tinkling of hundreds of tiny bells. “God has sent me with a gift for you.”

“A gift? For me?” Tiny Tree stammered.

“God has seen how you gave away that which you treasured the most, the chance to wear a Christmas Star. By your compassion for others, you have shown that you possess the real spirit of Christmas.”

“I did?” Tiny Tree’s voice shook.

“You put the love of others before yourself and in doing so, you allowed God to share His love through you.”

“But I only did it because I didn’t want them to be sad. And I knew how much it meant for them to wear a Christmas Star,” Tiny Tree explained.

Gabriel smiled. “And wasn’t that your dream as well?”

“Yes, well….”

Gabriel’s smile broadened as he removed a golden trumpet from the folds of his robe. Putting it to his lips, he blew. At the sound of the trumpet, the heavens opened and the night sky flooded with a brilliant ray of golden light.

“Wow!” Tiny Tree shouted as hundreds of angels appeared.

“These are the angels who announced the birth of a Savior to the field full of shepherds,” Gabriel explained. Then he bent closer to Tiny Tree and whispered, “Look, they carry a star.”

It was unlike any Christmas Star that Tiny Tree had ever seen and filled the valley with a dazzling white light.

“This is the star that once pointed the way to a manger,” Gabriel said.

“It’s so bright!” Tiny Tree said, shading his eyes.

“That’s because it carries the light of God’s love,” Gabriel said. “The same love that you showed when you gave away what you treasured most. It is the love you displayed for your friends that has earned you the honor of wearing the brightest Christmas Star of all, the Bethlehem Star.”

Gabriel beckoned the angels to gather around and to place the star upon Tiny Tree’s highest branch. Tiny Tree could hardly contain his joy as golden rays of light blazed out from the star, illuminating the dark night.

The angels began to sing, their voice sweetly washing over the night skies….

O Holy Night…a star was brightly shining…

Tiny Tree stood straight and tall, as the Bethlehem Star shown out over the world. And at that moment, he knew that Christmas wasn’t about wearing a star or the gaily wrapped packages tucked beneath branches.

The true spirit of Christmas was knowing that we are loved by God.

The End

Copyright 2010 Katherine Valentine

You can obtain information on the book and order a copy for yourself or a friend through The Catholic Company, Amazon, Aquinas and More, or Barnes & Noble.

• Reviews of The Handbook for Catholic Moms
• Catholic Bookstores selling The Handbook for Catholic Moms

As we near the holiday season, I want to share a few “book news” updates with you:

• Free Reading Discussion Guide - My wonderful publisher, Ave Maria Press, has worked with me to create a free companion to the book.  The downloadable Reading Discussion Guide offers discussion and reflection questions for every chapter of the book.  You may use these for your own private journaling or prayer time, or share them with friends, a bible study group, a moms group, or even your own family members.  Click here to download the Free Reading Discussion Guide and please share it with friends and family.
• Kindle Version – The Handbook for Catholic Moms – As a Kindle user, I’m thrilled to share the good news that you can now read the “e” version of The Handbook for Catholic Moms.   This also enables readers to obtain a free sample chapter of the book – and you don’t need to own a Kindle to read the e book.  Simply download the free Kindle app for your phone or computer and get started reading today.  Find the Kindle Version of The Handbook for Catholic Moms here.
  
• Chat with me online! I’ve been lucky enough to meet several of our readers in person during the past few months, but if you have a small group of women reading the book together and would like to “meet” me to lead a discussion or simply have a “girls night out” online with you, we can arrange to have meet join your group online via Skype.  Contact me about this opportunity – I’m always thrilled to chat with women who share our vocation to motherhood.

As we near the holidays, I hope you’ll consider purchasing The Handbook for Catholic Moms: Nurturing Your Heart, Mind, Body and Soul as a gift for special friends in your life.  It makes a fun and economical idea for a teacher’s present, a “gift exchange” or secret santa swap, a gift for your parish volunteers, or something to share with a friend or sister.  If you have any questions about the book or if you’d like to share your feedback, I welcome your comments below or feel free to contact me by email any time.  Thanks again for all of your support!

You can obtain information on the book and order a copy for yourself or a friend through The Catholic Company, Amazon, Aquinas and More, or Barnes & Noble.

• Reviews of The Handbook for Catholic Moms
• Catholic Bookstores selling The Handbook for Catholic Moms

Please join me in thanking our Catholic Moments contributors by visiting their sites:  Deacon Tom Fox, Lisa Mladnich, Avery, Sarah Reinhard.

This episode of Catholic Moments is sponsored by CatholicMatch.com, the Leading Catholic Singles Community.  Share your feedback at 206-339-9272, comment here on the blog or email lisa@catholicmom.com.

Links for this Episode:

• Amy Bonaccorso – Book, Blog
• Saint Solutions
• Catholic Moments Podcast Facebook Page
• Catholic Moments at SQPN
• Current CatholicMom.com Contests
• CatholicMom.com Book Club
• The Handbook for Catholic Moms:  The Catholic Company, Amazon, Aquinas and More or Barnes & Noble
• Lisa’s Facebook Profile, Twitter

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Fr. Ron Raab, CSC ministers among the vulnerable and marginalized of society and the Church. From his experiences in living the Gospel among the poor, Fr. Ron speaks about prayer and service and knowing the love of God through our common poverty. Fr. Ron offers a weekly radio reflection on the Gospel and writes for several liturgical magazines. His first book, The Unsheltered Heart, published by Ave Maria Press is an Advent at- home retreat. He serves as Associate Pastor at the Downtown Chapel, Portland, Oregon.

Please join me in thanking our Catholic Moments contributors by visiting their sites:  Deacon Tom Fox, Lisa Mladnich, Avery, Sarah Reinhard.

This episode of Catholic Moments is sponsored by CatholicMatch.com, the Leading Catholic Singles Community.  Share your feedback at 206-339-9272, comment here on the blog or emaillisa@catholicmom.com.

Links for this Episode:

• Fr. Ronald Raab – Blog, Downtown Chapel
• USCCB Top Movies of 2009
• Catholic Moments Podcast Facebook Page
• Catholic Moments at SQPN
• Current CatholicMom.com Contests
• CatholicMom.com Book Club
• The Catholic Company
• The Handbook for Catholic Moms:  The Catholic Company, Amazon, Aquinas and More or Barnes & Noble
• Lisa’s Facebook Profile, Twitter

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Join little Anna and her brother, Joe, as they learn the best way to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary. Walk home from school with them as they learn a lesson about sharing with others. The last day of school is coming soon. What should they do with the rest of their flowers? This charming new story for early readers will help your child learn to read and love the Mother of God. Every other page features a beautiful hand-drawn illustration. The simple vocabulary and short sentences encourage children to read by themselves. The story and illustrations are a completely orthodox presentation of the Catholic Faith for young readers.

This book was recently reviewed here by The Catholic Sun.  The book will definitely encourage young readers towards a lasting devotion to our Blessed Mother.  During October, the month of the Rosary, why not share this new little treasure with the special children in your life?

Oder Violets for Mary and support CatholicMom.com with your purchase.

For years, the book

has sat on my nightstand, ready whenever I need a boost of motherly inspiration.  This summer, I had the amazing pleasuring of meeting author Julie Cragon, who is not only a talented writer but who also runs St. Mary’s Bookstore in Nashville, Tennessee.  Julie and I hit it off immediately — I wish we lived closer so that I could spend a few hours each week lounging in her store!  Now, Julie has two brand new books out and a third on the way.  These new titles are simply so beautiful that you’ll need to pick up at least two copies:  one for yourself and another as a gift.  I’ll share the descriptions below, but PLEASE take time to check these out and add them to your library.  I’m using both in my current writing project and simply can’t praise them highly enough!

Illustrated Lives of the Saints

From St. Agatha to St. Vincent de Paul, the lives of these 107 Saints are both informative and enlightening. Stories are told of men and women who emulate the love of Christ and the holiness of the Church. From the simple to the complex, these saints have walked the path of Jesus. Their stories are filled with examples many of us can follow.

Illustrated Lives of the Saints includes a page and a half on the life of a Saint, their Feast Day, their Patronage and the meaning of their name along with a beautiful picture of the saint from the Bonella line of Italian art.

How does one become a saint? In official Church procedures there are three steps to sainthood: one becomes Venerable, Blessed and then a Saint. Venerable is the title given to a deceased person recognized as having lived heroic virtues. To be recognized as a blessed, and therefore beatified, in addition to personal attributes of charity and heroic virtue, one miracle, acquired through the individual’s intercession, is required. Canonization requires two, though a Pope may waive these requirements. Martyrdom does not usually require a miracle. VATICAN CITY, JUL 29, 1997 (VIS)

“God our Father, source of all holiness, the work of Your hands is manifest in Your saints, the beauty of Your truth is reflected in their faith. May we who aspire to have part in their joy be filled with the spirit that blessed their lives, so that having shared their faith on earth may we also know their peace in Your Kingdom. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Purchase Illustrated Lives of the Saints

Illustrated Book of Mary

“It is pleasing to God that we honor Mary. Her many different titles have developed from her personal life, her places of honor in the life of the Church, her role in the plan of our salvation and her intercession to God on our behalf. Devotion to her has not just come about because of the writings of the saints and the Church fathers but also due to the belief in Marian apparitions and the reports of miracles and healings. Because of her special role in union with God, when we honor Mary, when we pray the rosary and the stations and the many other prayers associated with her, we honor God.”

Illustrated Book of Mary includes a page with a prayer and a page and a half of the history of Marian Apparitions and devotions from Our Lady of Grace to Our Lady of Altagracia. There are 30 different Marian stories along with popular Marian prayers including the Rosary, the Litany, the 54 day novena, first Saturday devotion and a list of the feast days of Mary. The Illustrations included in this book are from the Bonella line of Italian art.

This book would be a wonderful gift for anyone who wants to know more about Mary, for new Catholics, for young people and for anyone who has a devotion to Our Blessed Mother. It is a beautiful book for Our Lady.

Purchase Illustrated Book of Mary

.

I’m looking to share more frugal living resources here on the site, so if you have a favorite, please share it in the comments!

For years, I have recommended the terrific website Goal Setting for Students by John Bishop.  John recently informed me about a new ebook he’s offering through the site. I’ve had a chance to download and read a review copy of the book and would definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a little motivation in their lives. Here are the details:

Life is an ever-changing journey.

Our goal for the GREAT ADVICE – No Lectures™ book is to make your journey a little easier, a little less fearful, and a lot more interesting.

We asked over 100,000 people on question:

What is the BEST ADVICE you ever received?

This ebook is a collection of 500+ two – three sentence responses to this compelling question plus much, much more.

The GREAT ADVICE – No Lectures Book Includes:

· Answers to the question: What is the BEST ADVICE you ever received?
· License plates reminders
· Advice from other cultures (Native American, Chinese, Indian, etc.)
· You Are Not Alone
· Discussion topics: Short 250 – 300 word life skills essays
· Quotes to Discussion
· Questions to Ponder

Buy the Book

We Have A Pope!

Q:  Please briefly introduce us to yourself and your family.

A:  I grew up second oldest in a family of eleven children. My uncle, my father’s twin brother, and my aunt lived next door. They also had eleven children. Twenty-two children in two houses. It was wonderful!  I am married to Joe and we have six children, ages eleven to twenty-one.

Q:  What prompted you to begin New Springtime Press and to enter the call to the New Evangelization?

A: Though always a practicing Catholic, about 15-20 years ago, two things happened that caused me to fall deeply in love with my Catholic faith. First, my father gave me a copy of the Conversion Testimony of Scott Hahn. Second, I heard of Medjugorje and started to take prayer seriously. Starting with the recommended seven our Fathers, seven Hail Marys and seven Glory Bes, I learned of the power of prayer. I was so smitten by the way Our Lord began working in my life, in mini-miracles and powerful answers that I kept thinking, “I should write this down.” Over and over in my head, every time I got another powerful answer to prayer, “I should write this down.” Then one day, out of the blue, I got a phone call from a friend who was part of a prayer group to which my husband and I had belonged at our former parish , but whom I had not seen or spoken to in several years. She was a deeply prayerful women. I picked up the phone and she said, “Karen, this is Darlene. I feel very strongly that I need to tell you that you need to write it down. Write it down.” I thanked her and that was it. I knew exactly what she meant. (It’s funny now when I think that I didn’t even ask how she was doing or anything, I was so blown away by her message!)

So about this time, my husband and I had small children, and I felt a sudden, serious need to pass on our wonderful Catholic Faith with fidelity to my small children. Though I knew some of the teachings (especially regarding the Gospel of Life), there was much I didn’t know. Moreover, there were so many lovely Catholic prayer traditions that had fallen into disuse. And I wanted my children to know them all. I began searching for picture books to help pass on the faith and all I could find were prayer books, Bible stories, stories of the saints and lovely books written with a general Christian, but not specifically Catholic, theme. While these were all wonderful books, there seemed to be a need for children’s books written with a Catholic worldview. This was reinforced as each new child was born and we would hear negative comments from the checkout person at the grocery store to parents of our children’s friends. I knew if my husband and I didn’t pass on the Faith to our children, they would learn some sort of “faith” from the world around them. Moreover, as a former elementary teacher and collector of children’s books, I became keenly aware of the subversive message trend in children’s books. There was no problem finding a book on Heather and her two mommies, but just try to find a children’s book with a Catholic theme. This, in a country with 70 million Catholics!

So as part of a “Prayer Moms” group at my children’s school, we started praying in earnest that God would send faithful Catholic children’s publishers. We prayed particularly through the intercession of Archbishop Fulton Sheen, but also, of course, through the intercession of Our Lady and later, Pope John Paul II, as well as others.

Over the years of prayer, I began to discern that maybe our Lord was preparing me to publish. Reading Raymond Arroyo’s book on Mother Angelica sealed the decision to give it a try.

Q:  Please introduce our readers to We Have A Pope!.  What makes this lovely picture book special and unique?

The one belief of our Faith that is ours alone is our understanding of authority.  So I thought it best to start with a book about the papacy, because it will help our children understand that we have a living, breathing authority that Jesus so lovingly gave us to pass on the Faith with integrity. What a gift this is! Think about it, two thousand years and God’s teachings are still the same! To my knowledge, there is no other book out there that teaches this most basic belief in a simple way that young children can understand.

Q:  Please share a bit of information about the lovely photos in We Have A Pope!

A few of the images are stock images. About half the photos in the book are from the Vatican archives. The rest of the photos are from various places. My daughter took the photo of the rock. The fish photo came from a photographer in Israel who generously allowed its use in the book. I searched for images, then my dear friend and neighbor, formerly a photography professor at the college level, helped me choose just the right ones. He masterfully saw things—subject orientation, common elements, etc.—I couldn’t begin to see.

Q:  How have families who have read this book reacted to it?

Those who have experienced the same dearth of Catholic children’s literature have been most appreciative. Sometimes people I don’t know will come up to me and say, “I read your book. Thank you.” And there’s a recognition that we both know the need…

It’s funny. Now that I’m older, I see many younger moms who are right where I was 15 years ago. They have young children, they have fallen in love with their Faith, and they are eager to pass it on. On young mom, in particular, loved the book so much she sold 21 of them to other moms in her family life prayer group.

Q:  What future plans do you have for New Springtime Press?

There are many stories in various stages of being written. At least four are completely written and edited and waiting for illustrations/photos. The first books written were  fiction stories with Catholic themes, but the cost of professional illustration made me realize they’ll have to wait until the company can grow. So I started with nonfiction, and there is no end to ideas. My next book, When God Calls a Priest, is a story of how a boy hears a call to the priesthood. It was conceived and written during the Year of the Priest. Several priests and a seminarian have helped with feedback since I can’t write from experience. It will hopefully be published this year. We are photo-searching now.

Another note, several people have asked if New Springtime Press will publish other authors’ works, as well. My answer is that I will see where the Lord leads.  As the company grows, I am open to whatever He wants.

Q:  Are there any additional comments you’d like to share with our readers?

I am convinced that God can use anyone for anything. Prayer is key, and a willingness to go where He will lead.

Visit http://www.newspringtimepress.com/

Order We Have A Pope! and support CatholicMom.com with your purchase.

Q:  Thanks so much Lori for joining us for this Spotlight interview!  Please tell us a bit about yourself and your family.

To start, I would like to credit my husband of 25 years, Randy, for making it possible for me to be a stay at home mother- which will always be my greatest achievement.  We have three wonderful, hardworking children, ages 23, 19 &11, without them all,  I would not have had the experiences, time or support needed to write the story.

Q:  What motivated you to write this book?

My children have been in Catholic Schools for 19 consecutive years now and the lack of a fun, Catholic centered, chapter book for them to read is what inspired me to write, Angel or Not? Angel for Sure.  I wanted our daughter to have a book that was centered on her school and her faith. At the same time, I wanted her to have a book that she could connect with and relate to as a young girl in Catholic school.

Q:  How did you enjoy the writing process?

Although I am a dental hygienist by profession and most of my education was geared toward the sciences, I’ve always enjoyed writing.  I started by putting the words down and the story seemed to develop before me.  It has been a wonderful experience.

Q:  For those who have not yet read Angel or Not? Angel for Sure could you please give us a brief overview of the book’s plot?

The story is about a young girl named Angel, who is entering the 4^th grade at Sacred Heart Catholic School.  It is the end of summer and she has been excitedly awaiting school to start; but from the moment the bell rings she finds that nothing goes as she had expected.  To start with, there is a new teacher in the school named Sister Rita that ends up being Angel’s teacher.  Then, Angel is confronted with a bully from second grade and has to make the decision to be an Angel or Not? The choice to- do the right thing or not, keeps Angel on her toes.   Like every child, at times, she doesn’t choose wisely and must pay the consequences for her choices.  The story has a strong family presence as Angel often turns to her Mother, Father and siblings for advice and support.  It is a fiction story but the characters are depicted in real life circumstances making it easy for the reader to connect with Angel or any of the characters.

I have incorporated saints, sisters and priests in a variety of ways throughout the story to support our Catholic faith, morals and teachings.  There are bolded words within the story that are defined in a “word bank” in the back of the book for teachers to encourage their students to use in order to increase their vocabulary skills.

Q:  I fell in love with Angel, the main character in this book.  Does she resemble anyone special in your life?

Oh yes.   Angel was patterned after my daughter, Alexis.   But the experiences that Angel has are more of a combination of events from my own childhood and from those of all my children.  How does her faith help her through the challenges she encounters? I believe our faith helps us in every aspect of our life, just as it does for Angel.  It gives us the strength to do the right thing, even when it might be difficult. Angel makes the decision, of right or wrong, often in her daily life – just like all children and adults.  Life is full of choices and your faith undoubtedly is an influence.   At times, we make poor decisions and Angel is no exception.  Her choices are not always the best choice, but she learns that with every decision or choice she makes, there is a consequence.  Our faith guides us, just as it does Angel, during our moral decisions and it is important in building firm values.

Q:  I’ve read on your website that you intend to give a large portion of your proceeds to The Heart Gallery.

Please tell us about this non-profit organization and what has motivated you to assist them with your writing. The Heart Gallery is a photographic gallery of children in the foster care system that are available for adoption.  The gallery is displayed in churches, malls and public venues and is instrumental in increasing the placement of children into loving, permanent families.

Although I was never in foster care, I was an adopted child.   I was very fortunate and always felt extremely blessed to have two, amazing people that chose to be my parents.  I was loved and cared for, and most importantly, I was a member of a family.  One year, during Lent when we were trying to fill our rice bowls with money, I told my parents ‘If I get a dime from everyone I meet I will be able to feed all the hungry children.”  It was a big vision, but since it began, I have hoped to one day make a profound difference in the lives of children.

Once the book was written, I knew that it was the opportunity that would allow my childhood dream to come true.  I have decided to donate 75% of the profits from the sales of the book to the Children of the Heart Gallery, of Tampa.  With the monies generated, I will be helping the children in foster care to have a better childhood, while they await adoption.

Q:  You’ve written a book that is overtly Catholic in its perspective.  Was this a conscious decision and how has the book been received by the Catholic schools in your area?

It was definitely a conscious decision.  I intentionally wrote the book in a Catholic school setting so that all Catholic children can associate with the characters.   When they read the book I want them to find a level of comfort and familiarity that they don’t find when reading a secular story. Catholic children need to know that there are other children all across the world that pray in school, read about saints, go to mass or say the rosary during school time.

The book was published in April and available in May 2010.  I took it to my daughter’s school to have the children, teachers and principal review and critique the story.    To say I was very worried, was an understatement, I was extremely nervous about how it would be received.  Then, after the first week I started having children come up to me around the school just to tell me how much they liked the book and how they couldn’t wait until the next one comes out.  I do not think I can convey in words how touched I was then, and still am, every time a child tells me they love the story.  The principal and teachers at St. Lawrence Catholic School have all been very complimentary. They are as excited as I am to have a book for our students to read, that relates to their daily lives.

Q:  I know that the artwork in the book was created by a very talented illustrator.  Please share this artists’ background with us.

The illustrator is our middle son, Michael “Mickey” Diez.  Although he doesn’t feel that he is very talented we believe otherwise.  He sketched the pictures for my book over his Christmas holiday and in between his college semesters.  Mickey went to Jesuit High School in Tampa where he was honored as the first junior to receive the schools “Best of Show” for his art work, a title usually given to more experienced senior students.  He still draws and sketches for fun and relaxation.  Like all of our children, he continues to make us proud.

Q:  You’ve left the door open for a sequel – what are your plans for Angel in the future?  Oh yes, in the back of the book you will find a “teaser” for the next book.

The second book is presently titled, Angel or Not?  Ohhh so Not! I have completed one third of the story and hope to have it out in the spring of 2011.  As with the first book I believe the moral lessons Angel learns will benefit all children.  I have been asked how many books I am planning to write.  I do leave that door open but would like to have four books with Angel being in fourth grade.

Q:  You’re currently hosting a writing contest to encourage young readers.  Could you tell our readers about how they might get their children involved in this contest?

I really do believe that if we are going to read we should learn more than just a story, we should learn a lesson.

The “Story Contest” is about anti-bulling and is an educational tool for teachers (or parents) to help open discussion about bulling and to get their students involved in putting an end to this national epidemic.  Writing a story about how to handle or stop a bully from being a bully, just as Angel did, will hopefully increase awareness among the children that -bulling is not an option.  Our children know right from wrong and the more open we are that bulling exists the better chance we have of helping our children stop it.

So, the contest is for any child interested in writing their own Anti-Bulling story. Their teacher or parent can submit their story to me at: ContactUs@AngelforSure.com .  They can visit the website: www.AngelforSure.com, for more contest rules, timeline and prize information.  The winning stories will be published on the website.

Q:  Lori, thank you for your time and for Angel or Not? Angel for Sure Are there any closing thoughts you’d like to share with our readers?

When my children were young, I would remind them to “do the right thing” and “Be the best you can be” – The choice must be theirs to make, just as the consequences will be theirs to live with.

At the end of my story I have written what I believe any child would benefit from reading, and just in case you are reading this interview, but choose not to read the book,  I would like to include it here:

Life is full of lessons.  Just like Angel, you can help yourself by taking responsibility for your actions.  Ask yourself if you are doing the right thing… and listen to the angel inside you, before you act.   Thank you for having me it has been a true pleasure.

Order Angel or Not? Angel for Sure and support CatholicMom.com with your purchase.

Here’s a brief description of Ginny’s book:

How does Mary, the Mother of God, speak to the modern female experience? Does she comfort, challenge or inspire?

Ginny Moyer wanted to know how women today would answer those questions, so she invited women of all ages, some cradle Catholics and some converts, some lay and some religious, to share their thoughts on Mary. In the process of collecting women’s stories, Moyer learned that the answers to these questions are as diverse as the women themselves.

In Mary and Me you will discover:

* An eating disorder activist who describes how Mary helped her overcome her struggles with anorexia.
* An attorney who reveals how a trip to the Holy Land inspired her to see Mary not as a passive figure but as a tough and resilient woman.
* A religious sister who shares how the Visitation inspires her work with recovering drug addicts and prostitutes.
* A music teacher and mother who explains her difficulty in relating to Mary’s perfection, but how she still treasures Mary as a personal friend and ally.

Woven with commentary and Scripture references, Mary and Me offers a fresh, compelling look at the depth and breadth of Mary’s influence on women today.

Good luck and Happy (early) Birthday Mary!

Please join me in thanking our Catholic Moments contributors by visiting their sites:  Deacon Tom Fox, Lisa Mladnich, Avery, Sarah Reinhard.

This episode of Catholic Moments is sponsored by CatholicMatch.com, the Leading Catholic Singles Community.  Share your feedback at 206-339-9272, comment here on the blog or email lisa@catholicmom.com.

Links for this Episode:

• PurelyCatholic.com – a take on the Sunday Readings
• USCCB Top Movies of 2009
• Catholic Moments Podcast Facebook Page
• Catholic Moments at SQPN
• Current CatholicMom.com Contests
• CatholicMom.com Book Club
• The Catholic Company
• The Handbook for Catholic Moms:  The Catholic Company, Amazon, Aquinas and More or Barnes & Noble
• Lisa’s Facebook Profile, Twitter

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Thanks to the following authors, publishers, and donors who made this possible: Bezalel Books, The Christophers, Pauline Books & Media, Sophia Institute Press, Tribute Books, Alex Basile, Laraine Bennett, Michele Bondi, Peggy Bowes, Judy Dudich, Meredith Gould, Joe Hanneman, Lisa Hendey, Ginny Moyer, Mary DeTurris Poust, Heidi Schlumpf, Amy Welborn. Note: CatholicMom.com receives a small percentage if you purchase any of these books using the links provided below to Amazon.

To enter: Leave a comment by midnight PT, September 30, 2010. One entry per person, please. We’ll randomly select winners and contact you for your mailing address.

ADULT NONFICTION

Finding Faith In A Godless World: A Catholic Path To God

Alex Basile

“How do I know for real if God exists?” “How does a person come to believe in God?” “What if I still continue to have doubts?” These are just a few of the questions we all have asked ourselves at one time or another. This book takes the unique approach of finding answers – and ultimately God – through a variety of creative approaches: such as a visit to Las Vegas with the French philosopher and mathematician, Blaise Pascal, and journeying the yellow brick road to meet the Wizard. For anyone looking to strengthen their faith and relationship with God.

The Gentle Road To Jesus: Bringing Christ To Every Classroom and Home

Alex Basile

This book is a remarkable down-to-earth resource for anyone with privilege of passing the Catholic faith. Basile points out how those who are troubled and confused can be identified and helped in a compassionate and understanding way. He insists on the need for creating a fruitful environment in which the young can grow in their faith. Basile shows ways in which parents, teachers and lay leaders can make Christ real in the classroom and home, while sharing his enthusiasm and love for leading others down the gentle road to Jesus.

Lessons from the Master: Living Like Jesus

Alex Basile

Basile takes an existential look at the teachings of Jesus and invites the reader to journey with the Master from the carpentry shop, to the Sermon on the Mount, to the Resurrection, as He unlocks the key to living a happy and fruitful life. He offers a number of beautiful reflections on the Scriptures and takes a fresh look at the life of Jesus that will leave the reader with solid answers to their questions about what Jesus really taught.

Mom to Mom, Day to Day: Advice & Support for Catholic Living

Danielle Bean

Packed with common-sense suggestions, spiritual musings, and hilarious tales of Danielle’s own gang of eight kids, “Mom to Mom, Day to Day” is sure to keep any mother reading, reflecting—and laughing! She writes about the joys and trials of being a Catholic mother and wife today. In this hilarious and touching account, Danielle reaches out to mothers on an intimate level. Ideal for any woman who wishes to benefit from Danielle’s lived wisdom and heartfelt advice. Especially helpful for new moms!

My Cup of Tea: Musing of a Catholic Mom

Danielle Bean

Share the happiness—as well as the challenges—of Danielle Bean’s sometimes chaotic, often inspiring, always blessed life as the mother of six (when this book was written!) young children. Thirty short essays deliciously brewed with love, spiced with wit, and steeped in faith. Every Catholic mother will delight in discovering these beautifully-written stories.

The Temperament God Gave You

Art & Laraine Bennett

Unlock the secret of your personality and become a better spouse, parent, and Christian! Learn how to identify your own temperament and use it to become what God is calling you to be. This rich Catholic understanding of the four classic temperaments will draw you closer to God and help you find the path to holiness that’s right for you.

The Temperament God Gave Your Spouse

Art & Laraine Bennett

Love, honor, cherish … and understand. Temperament wisdom designed especially for couples and guaranteed to improve your marital communication, intimacy, and happiness. In no other kind of human relationship is knowledge of the temperaments — fundamental personality traits, hard-wired into us that affect how we respond to the world around us — so critical, and so fruitful, as in a Christian marriage. It’s only through mutual understanding of our own patterns of reaction, and those of our spouse, that we can motivate, nurture, respect, and above all, love each other with the selfless patience to which Christ calls us in the sacrament.

Your Personal Apostolate:  Accepting and Sharing the Love of God

Michele Elena Bondi

Each of us has a personal apostolate that we fulfill throughout our lives.  Our mission does not begin when we reach a certain age or accomplish a specific goal, nor does it reach its pinnacle when we attain a certain objective.  Rather, an apostolate begins the moment a person is created and comes to fruition over time, through all the circumstances of life.  Our mission is fulfilled in every moment, through every day.  Critical to our success is our willingness to accept, return, and share the Love of God.

The Rosary Workout

Peggy Bowes

“The Rosary Workout” is a means to care for body and soul together. It is a goal-centered program focused on the integration of exercise, prayer and meditation to work the muscles of the spirit in harmony with the muscles of the body.  The ultimate aim of the program is to lead you to become more Christ-like.  By reflecting on the mysteries of the Gospels through the mind-clearing effect of rhythmic exercise, you will learn to imitate the virtues portrayed in the examples of Jesus and Mary.  Learn more at www.rosaryworkout.com

Three Minutes a Day

The Christophers

This annual favorite offers brief stories and meditations that offer a positive perspective every day and reflect the Christopher motto, “It’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.”

How to Handle Worry: A Catholic Approach

Marshall J. Cook

Today’s world is busy and non-stop—one filled with eighty-hour-work weeks and too little time left over. Author Marshall Cook offers a practical approach to deal with the worries and anxieties that creep into our chaotic lives. He explains how we can create and maintain harmony in our lives through faith and prayer. Begin your own journey toward serenity today.

Let Me Go to the Father’s House: John Paul II’s Strength in Weakness

Stanislaw Dziwisz and Czeslaw Drazek, SJ; Renato Buzzonetti; Angelo Comastri

John Paul II’s private secretary, his personal physician, and others nearest him during his last days share memories of that precious time in a story of courage, gratitude, and love. Incorporates previously unpublished details on the dramatic events of the 1981 assassination attempt. A remarkable tribute to the life of an “untiring prophet of hope.” A full-color photo insert included.

St. Monica: The Power of a Mother’s Love

Giovanni Falbo

Using extensive excerpts from the writings of St. Augustine, notably from his Confessions, Giovanni Falbo sheds new light on Monica’s patience, sweetness, and unwavering determination. This mother never yielded in her efforts to see her beloved son find comfort and peace in God, and she endured countless sacrifices to help Augustine embrace the faith.

The Catholic Home: Celebrations and Traditions for Holidays, Feast Days, and Every Day

Meredith Gould

A single sourcebook that details home-based celebrations and rituals for every season of the Roman Church calendar. With good humor, Gould explains the importance of each special season, feast day, and sacrament, inviting readers to dissolve boundaries between parish and home.

The Journey Home: My Father’s Story of Cancer, Faith and Life-Changing Miracles

Joseph M. Hanneman

The inspiring story of a father’s battle with cancer, and the miraculous parting message he left for his family. Despite crippling symptoms from cancer, David Hanneman finished his life with renewed Catholic faith. His example and the miracles witnessed by his family give compelling witness to how each life has an incredible destination – in eternity. From the foreword: “This is the story of how Dad lived with his lung cancer. But it is much more. Through his illness and the miracles we experienced, I came to see that Dad’s was not just a journey. It was a journey home. Home to God.”

The Handbook for Catholic Moms

Lisa M. Hendey

Drawing from the deep tradition of the Catholic faith, Hendey coaches Catholic moms how to care for themselves–heart, mind, body, and soul–so that they can better love and care for their families, their neighbors, and their Church.  With warmth and wisdom, Hendey creates an environment where Catholic moms can reflect peacefully upon often-competitive topics like parenting style, types of schooling, and working outside the home. By sharing her own story, Hendey inspires readers to better balance their own needs with the demands of family life and faith commitment.

Paths Through Grief

Helen Jaeger

Grief comes to us in different ways, whether through bereavement, loss of a friendship, or emotional or physical pain. Yet however it visits us, we are not alone in our pain, for grief is a part of the universal human experience. Helen Jaeger has lived through her own dark valley of suffering; in this book, she shares the wisdom she has learned.

You Can Change the World

Father James Keller

Dynamic, thought-provoking, and intensely practical, this book by the founder of The Christophers (which means Christ-bearers) demonstrates how one’s role in life, though it may be a humble one, can be a vital force in creating a better world.

Bless Me, Father, For I Have Kids

Susie Lloyd

As she did in her beloved first book, Please Don’t Drink the Holy Water, in these pages Susie Lloyd will charm and edify you with her offbeat — but always pitch-perfect — take on the joys and challenges of raising a Catholic family in today’s world.

Please Don’t Drink the Holy Water

Susie Lloyd

Homeschool days, Rosary nights, and other near occasions of sin. Come along as wry homeschooler Susie Lloyd faces the trials of Family Rosary, and tangles with snide education experts, gruff confessors, and pushy relatives who tell her it’s time to wake up and join the “real world.” Lots of humor here!

Mary and Me: Catholic Women Reflect on the Mother of God

Ginny Kubitz Moyer

“Mary and Me: Catholic Women Reflect on the Mother of God” shares the stories of forty-six women, from their twenties to their nineties. They are laywomen and religious sisters, cradle Catholics and converts; they are single, married, and widowed, teachers and lawyers and musicians, mothers and grandmothers. All of them share their candid thoughts on Mary, reflecting on the often-surprising ways that she speaks to their lives. Woven with commentary and scripture references, Mary and Me offers a fresh, compelling look at the depth and breadth of Mary’s influence on women today.

The Nativity Story: A Film Study Guide for Catholics

Rose Pacatte, FSP

The Nativity Story invites us to explore our faith and listen for God’s word in our daily lives, and this film study guide is a wonderful road map for the journey. Complete with sections for personal study, for group study, and for whole community catechesis, this booklet is a practical guide for delving prayerfully into the mystery of our Savior’s birth.

Into Great Silence: A Film Study Guide

Rose Pacatte, FSP, and Ron Schmidt, SJ

Best-selling author and media educator Rose Pacatte, FSP, combines her writing and teaching talents with those of Jesuit priest and documentary filmmaker Ron Schmidt. Together they have created a comprehensive film study guide that offers audiences an immersion experience into the Carthusians’ ancient way of life, bringing it to bear on today’s busy working world.

A Mother’s Rule of Life

Holly Pierlot

How to bring order to your home and peace to your soul. With your own Mother’s Rule of Life, you’ll transform motherhood and its burdens into the joyful vocation it’s meant to be. Learn from Holly Pierlot how to craft a Rule that’s right for you and your family.

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to the Catholic Catechism

Mary DeTurris Poust

This study guide to the Catechism of the Catholic Church takes the teachings of the faith — Creed, sacraments, Ten Commandments, and prayer — and puts them into plain English so that any reader, Catholic or not, can understand and appreciate the beauty of the faith. Every paragraph is numbered and cross-referenced to the official Catechism, making this book the perfect side-by-side companion for those studying the full Catechism of the Catholic Church. This book, which carries an imprimatur, offers readers a chance to understand the theological and moral teachings of the Church within the context of Scripture and Tradition.

Parenting a Grieving Child: Helping Children Find Faith, Hope and Healing after the Loss of a Loved One

Mary DeTurris Poust

This practical, faith-based guide for parents of grieving children — as well as teachers, caretakers, neighbors and friends — uses personal stories, advice from professionals, and wisdom from seasoned parents to help lead children of any age successfully through the grieving process toward healing and happiness. Looking at how children may view death and experience grief at various ages and stages, the book seeks to help parents and others understand and recognize signs of grief, whether the loss is that of a beloved pet, an elderly next door neighbor, a grandparent, parent, sibling or friend. Each chapter includes practical activities.

Marriage As Gift: A Catholic Approach

Josephine Robinson

Looking for the secret of a happy marriage? Marriage As Gift offers solid wisdom on how to build a lifelong marriage. Based on John Paul II’s theology of the body, this volume is perfect for couples seeking to deepen their understanding of sex, love, and the meaning of a life lived together. Includes stories of married saints and questions for personal reflection and group discussion.

While We Wait: Spiritual Reflections for Those Trying to Adopt

Heidi Schlumpf

“While We Wait: Spiritual Reflections for Those Trying to Adopt” is a collection of reflections that detail how author Heidi Schlumpf found God in the process of adopting her children. A valuable resource for anyone adopting or thinking of adopting, it also is helpful for those who know someone adopting a child. I draw upon elements of my Catholic faith as well as other spiritual traditions.

Saint Edith Stein: A Spiritual Portrait

Dianne Marie Traflet

This is no ordinary saint biography! Pulling from Edith Stein’s own writings, Traflet infuses this biography with Stein’s spirituality: carrying light into the world and understanding human suffering. The result is a deeply moving and readable book that is sure to inspire those familiar with Edith Stein’s life and work and new readers alike.

A Catholic Woman’s Book of Days

Amy Welborn

“A Catholic Woman’s Book of Days” is a 365-day devotional for any Catholic woman, and all Catholic women. The brief daily entries are loosely tied to the liturgical year, the book is a very handy size, and features special devotions for several saints.

ELECTRONIC BOOKS

I Surrender

Judy Dudich

Making Christ the center of daily life is key to a happy marriage, joyful friendships, personal enrichment and a healthy family life! “I Surrender” is an e-book focusing on Joshua 24:15: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”! Apply this to your daily life as wife, mom, teacher, employee, friend, etc… Each chapter ends with questions to ponder to help you make Christ your daily center!

Why God Matters: How to Recognize Him in Your Daily Life

Deacon Steven Lumbert & Karina Lumbert Fabian

Do you feel distant from God? Do you want a closer relationship with him? God is with us always, sometimes in ways we don’t even realize. Deacon Steven Lumbert and his daughter, Karina Lumbert Fabian, share personal stories & simple tips for learning to find God in the day-to-day of Catholic living. Great for the casual or converting Catholic longing for something more in their relationship with God, or the “advanced” Catholic wanting light spiritual exercise.

YOUTH & CHILDREN’S BOOKS

Make Your Own Noah’s Ark

Clare Beaton

Kids can create their very own Noah’s ark with this activity book. Just fold out the ark on the cover and add the press-out background pieces. Then count on hours of fun, coloring and cutting out figures of people and animals to complete the scene! Includes a simple glossary.

Your Preteen Apostolate:  Accepting and Sharing the Love of God

Nicholas Joseph Bottesi and Michele Elena Bondi

Every person has a  mission that is accomplished throughout our lives, beginning the moment we are created.  Accepting, returning, and sharing the Love of God are an important part of every apostolate. ìYour Preteen Apostolate:  Accepting and Sharing the Love of Godî helps preteens understand that their efforts and contributions are important and necessary.

Your Teen Apostolate:  Accepting and Sharing the Love of God

Andre Joseph Bottesi and Michele Elena Bondi

Every person has an apostolate begins the moment a person is created and is accomplished over time, through all the events of our lives, in good times and during hardships.  Our mission does not begin when we  reach a certain age or achieve a certain goal;  it is  fulfilled in every moment, through every day.  Our success depends upon our willingness to accept, return, and share the Love of God.  “Your Teen Apostolate:  Accepting and Sharing the Love of God” reminds teens that their efforts and contributions are vital.

Saint Martin de Porres: Humble Healer

Elizabeth Marie DeDomenico, FSP

Brother Martin was “only a humble friar in Peru”—but this gentle saint used his healing skills to care for people of all races and nationalities. Discover why the story of Saint Martin is still so relevant today!

God’s Wonderful World

Jan Godfrey; illustrated by Peter Adderley

God made a wonderful world and filled it with beautiful, glorious, strange, and peculiar trees and flowers, stars and planets, and creatures of every kind. Then he gave it to us to take care of. Bright, colorful illustrations accompany rhythmic text that retells the story of God’s creation of the world. God’s Wonderful World is sure to become a family favorite! Ages 6–12.

The Road to Christmas Day

Jan Godfrey & Marcin Piwowarski

The story of the first Christmas is recounted through lyrical text and vibrant illustrations. The Road to Christmas Day is a fun, faith-filled way to highlight the Advent and Christmas seasons. A lovely gift for children and families that will be cherished year after year. Perfect for children ages 5–8.

57 Stories of Saints (Revised)

Anne Eileen Heffernan, FSP; illustrated by Jerry Rizzo

Some of the best-loved saints of the Church are featured in a revised and updated edition of a classic collection. Wonderfully written biographies and illustrations of Saints Lucy, Monica, Augustine, Benedict, Francis Xavier, Edith Stein, Juan Diego, Katharine Drexel, and many others. Perfect for intermediate readers and school or church libraries.

Saint Paul: The Thirteenth Apostle

Mary Lea Hill, FSP

From a persecutor of the early Christians, St. Paul was changed forever when he met Christ on the way to Damascus. Although he was not one of the original twelve apostles, he became known as the “thirteenth apostle.” He traveled great distances, preaching and writing as he went along, to bring the Gospel of Jesus to everyone. His great love for the Lord and for all people will inspire young readers to follow his example!

Saints of Note: The Comic Collection

Diana R. Jenkins; art by Patricia Storms

This comic collection takes children on a journey with time-travelers Paul and Cecilia as they travel to the past and meet saints from around the world and throughout history. Their exciting adventures bring the saints to life and make them meaningful for children today. Saints of Note is packed with biographical information, facts, quotes, prayers, and more! Great for kids ages 8–10.

Saint Nicholas: The Story of the Real Santa Claus

Mary Joslin; illustrated by Helen Cann

Here’s the story of the real Santa Claus, St. Nicholas, whose unfailing kindness and generosity led to many of the gift-giving traditions of Christmas. This beautifully retold legend features highly detailed and decorative illustrations. Ages 6–8.

My Muslim Friend: A Young Catholic Learns about Islam

Donna Jean Kemmetmueller, FSP; illustrated by Laura Jacobsen

“How are our beliefs different? How are they the same?” Mary, a Catholic girl, and Aisha, a Muslim, seek answers to these questions as each learns about the religion of the other. Catholic children, parents, and teachers will gain a new understanding, respect, and appreciation of Islam—and, in doing so, will come to deepen their own faith.

Who Is Jesus?

Lois Rock; illustrated by Gail Newey

Kids learn why Jesus’ message of love and forgiveness is so important and inspired so many people to follow him, both in his own time and to this very day. includes an index, a table of contents, and a “look it up” feature that encourages children to look up passages in their own Bibles, maps, pictures, artwork, cultural lessons, and more! Ages 9–12.

Isabel’s Sister

Harriet Sabatini

“Isabel’s Sister” is a beautiful story of life and promise in the Resurrection. Once again, author Harriet Sabatini captures the beauty of faith in this, her second book. For everyone who loved “Josephís Hands,” this book is sure to please. For those not yet familiar with Harrietís prose, or Marieís magnificent art work, ìIsabelís Sisterî will be a newfound treasure in books that every Christian family should have!

Joseph’s Hands

Harriet Sabatini

This book has received Apostolic Blessings from the Vatican and is endorsed by Archbishop Foley of Alabama and Catholic author Bert Ghezzi, “Joseph’s Hands” is the beautiful story of a young child’s understanding how God has made each person unique and how these unique gifts can serve God. The ideal book for vocation awareness!

Adventures of Saint Paul

Oldrich Selucky; illustrated by Zdenka Krejcova

Vivid full-color illustrations highlight the life of St. Paul in this exciting biography. Adventures of Saint Paul is an engaging, educational, and action-packed novel for young readers, ages 7-9, that accurately tells the story of this inspiring saint’s life. Encourage children to learn from the best examples – the saints!

Saint Bakhita of Sudan: Forever Free

Susan Helen Wallace, FSP

Kidnapped into slavery at the age of seven and brought to Italy as a teenager, the indomitable Bakhita eventually became a Catholic nun and spent over fifty years joyously serving her Lord as a Canossian Sister. In 2000, Pope John Paul II canonized her. This Aftican saint’s engrossing life story, heroic choices, and forgiving heart make her a wonderful role model!

Saint Faustina Kowalska: Messenger of Mercy

Susan Helen Wallace, FSP

Here is the inspiring story of Saint Faustina, apostle of Jesus’ mercy, who was canonized in 1993 by Pope John Paul II. Growing up in war-torn Poland, she felt called to give her life to God as a religious sister. Jesus revealed the devotion to Divine Mercy through Faustina—and with prayers and faith, she was able to bring the wonderful message of the Lord’s mercy to the whole world!

Friendship With Jesus: Pope Benedict XVI Speaks to Children on their First Holy Communion

Amy Welborn

Based on a dialogue the Holy Father had with children in 2005, this beautifully illustrated children’s book is published by the Catholic Truth Society in England, and has not yet been published in the United States. Ann Engelhart’s watercolors bring out the innocence and hope of young faith and the Holy Father’s words offer profound, yet simple wisdom directing that faith towards deeper, lifelong intimacy with Christ through the Eucharist.

The Loyola Kids’ Book of Saints

Amy Welborn

“The Loyola Kids’ Book of Saints” offers several dozen lives of the saints, from ancient to modern, written for the upper-elementary and middle-school level child. The sections are organized thematically: “Saints are People Who Love Their Families” “Saints Are People Who Tell The Truth” “Saints Are People Who Travel Far From Home” “Saints Are People Who Help in Ordinary Ways” are some of the sections.

To enter: Leave a comment by midnight PT, September 30, 2010. One entry per person, please. We’ll randomly select winners and contact you for your mailing address.
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I want to congratulate my friend and our CatholicMom.com contributor Elizabeth Ficocelli on the release of yet another wonderful new book!  Elizabeth’s latest is Bleeding Hands, Weeping Stone: True Stories of Divine Wonders, Miracles and Messages and it is being met with wonderful reviews. Here is some basic information on Bleeding Hands, Weeping Stone.

Product Description

Miracles are real! And the history of the Church, from ancient times to the modern day, is full of them. God in His mercy has not only given us the revealed truths of Scripture and Tradition, but in all times and places has exercised his power on earth in extraordinary ways: to teach, correct, warn, and inspire His people according to the needs of the age. In Bleeding Hands, Weeping Stone, popular Catholic author and speaker Elizabeth Ficocelli reveals history’s most magnificent miracles. Some of them are quiet and simple, some of them are dramatic bordering on outrageous but all of them are signs of God’s loving, providential hand at work in the world, continually inflaming our hearts to greater faith and more ardent love. In brisk, easy-to-read accounts, perfect for bedtime or the break room, Bleeding Hands, Weeping Stone relates the amazing (but true) stories of: -The woman who stole a Host from church and hid it at home, only to find that it had turned to real human flesh. -The apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary that put an end to human sacrifice in Mexico and the miraculous image she left for us there. -The pious farm girl who prayed to share in Christ’s Passion, and received miraculous wounds on her head, hands, feet, and side. For twelve years until her death she lived on nothing but the Eucharist. -The arrogant knight who demanded the largest Host at Communion and was swallowed up by the stone floor of the church! (You can still see the holes today.) -Saints who could levitate, glow with inner light, or appear in two places at once, and whose bodies did not decompose even hundreds of years after death. -And many more miracles, from the obscure and near-forgotten to the most significant apparitions and prophecies of our faith. You’re sure to enjoy reading and sharing these stories of God’s miraculous workings in history. But Bleeding Hands, Weeping Stone does more than tell stories: it explains why God performs miracles, and what our disposition should be towards them. So let these pages deepen your faith in God’s ever-present love and care.

Bleeding Hands, Weeping Stone: True Stories of Divine Wonders, Miracles, and Messages, introduces its readers to phenomena such as

• Eucharistic Miracles
• The Stigmata
• Incorrupt Bodies
• Amazing Abilities of Saints
  • Apparitions
  • Weeping Statues and Icons

About the Author

A convert to the Catholic faith, Elizabeth Ficocelli has written copiously about the Catholic Faith for both young people and adults. She, her husband, and their four children currently reside in Ohio.

Reviews:

“Bleeding Hands, Weeping Stone is a fun read, as Ficocelli canvasses Christian history for weird, surprising, and hard-to-believe supernatural events, including bilocation, luminosity, levitation, the odor of sanctity, incorruption, and apparitions. The Church, and the faith of the people, grow through such heavenly works.” Brian Welter, Catholic San Francisco

“This book is very inspiring and a worthy teaching tool about the Catholic faith.”  Br. Benet Exton, O.S.B., St. Gregory’s University, Catholic Exchange.com

Order Bleeding Hands, Weeping Stone: True Stories of Divine Wonders, Miracles and Messages and support CatholicMom.com with your purchase.

Please join me in thanking our Catholic Moments contributors by visiting their sites:  Deacon Tom Fox, Lisa Mladnich, Avery, Sarah Reinhard.

This episode of Catholic Moments is sponsored by CatholicMatch.com, the Leading Catholic Singles Community.  Share your feedback at 206-339-9272, comment here on the blog or email lisa@catholicmom.com.

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Our good friend and CatholicMom.com contributor Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle recently shared the great news that she will be a guest at an upcoming celebration of the life and work of Blessed Mother Teresa.  Donna-Marie has shared the following details:

Donna Marie Cooper-O’Boyle, EWTN TV host and author of Mother Teresa and Me Ten Years of Friendship, will be the guest speaker at the Knights of Columbus celebration in honor of Mother Teresa’s 100th birthday. The celebration will take place on August 26 at the Knights of Columbus Museum, One Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT.

Schedule for the day is as follows:

10:00 am Exhibition opens

11:30 am Unveiling of Mother Teresa postage stamp by New Haven postmaster

12:15 pm Birthday celebration (cake)

2:00 pm Meet Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle, TV host and author of Mother Teresa and Me: Ten Years of Friendship

4:30 pm Light reception and book signing by Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle. Autographed copies of Mother Teresa and Me: Ten Years of Friendship will be available for purchase.

5:30 pm Presentation: “Discovering Calcutta in Our Midst: Mother Teresa’s Lessons of Love” by Donna Marie Cooper-O’Boyle

7:00 pm Exhibition closes

The Knights of Columbus Museum is hosting the American premiere of the exhibition, Mother Teresa: Life, Spirituality and Message, which runs from March 25 – Oct. 4, 2010. It is an historical presentation, chronicling Mother Teresa’s life from childhood to beatification by the Catholic Church. It includes biographical information, artifacts such as her sari and other religious and personal articles, as well as a full-scale replica of Mother Teresa’s convent cell (room) in her Calcutta convent.

Call 203-865-0400 or visit kofcmuseum.org for directions or more information.

“We can do no great things, only small things with great love.”~Bl. Mother Teresa of Calcutta

This week, I am happy to share the following interview with Pat Casiello and Kathie Clare, the authors of the wonderful books Jewel Of The Adriatic and the new Rose of the Adriatic. I hope you enjoy our conversation, and that you will check out these wonderful books.

Q:  Pat and Kathie, I know you write together as a team under the pen name “K.M. Daughters”.  Please introduce yourselves to our readers and let us know how you began writing together.

KMD: While attending a Romance Writers of America conference five years ago, we discussed the plot line for a title Kathie had conceived: Reunion For The First Time (since published in Ebook formats by Sapphire Blue Publishing as Past, Present & Forever by K.M. Daughters). We had a wonderful time tossing around ideas for this contemporary romance – so much so, that Kathie proposed that we write the book together. By the end of the four day conference we had a plot outline in hand. And a penname to christen our author team. Our parents names were Katherine and Michael – the “K” and “M” in K.M. Daughters.  But our major ah-ha moment occurred while on a sister trip to a remote village in Croatia where six visionaries have experienced Marian apparitions for more than two decades. After quiet contemplation in a little chapel, Kathie emerged from that prayer session, alive in the Spirit, and declared that we had to write inspirational romance based on our experiences there. Jewel Of The Adriatic was the heavenly inspired result.

Q. Rose of the Adriatic is a sequel to your wonderful novel Jewel Of The Adriatic.  Could you please acquaint our readers with the storyline and plot of this novel?

KMD: Rose Of The Adriatic tells Anna Babic’s story. Anna is one of three visionaries introduced in Jewel Of The Adriatic who experiences daily visitations with the Mother of God. A gentle soul and ordinary woman in every way, except for her contact with the supernatural, Anna longs for a family of her own. Dr. Matthew Robbins arrives in Valselo, the Adriatic village setting for the book, armed with scientific equipment and objective zeal to disprove Anna’s claims to speak with Mary of Nazareth. Deeply wounded and faithless, Matt’s motives run deeper than just ferreting out scientific proof that the apparitions are a scam. His mentor has abandoned the research project that means so much to Matt to run a clinic in Valselo to accommodate the infirm who travel to the village seeking healing. Treating Anna like a lab rat pricks Matt’s conscience, but he’s bound to continue with his unpopular testing despite his utter failure to debunk the apparitions. Frustrated and confused, Matt finds himself falling for the beautiful visionary.

Q.  How do you conceive of the stories and characters in your books?

KMD: We truly believe that these two stories were God-given. We were profoundly affected by the innumerable conversions of the heart we witnessed on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and during similar trips to other Marian sites around the world (Fatima, Portugal; Lourdes, France). We’re story tellers by nature and creating yarns and envisioning the people who inhabit our fictional worlds comes to us naturally.

Q.  Why is inspirational fiction such a wonderful way to share your faith and gently evangelize?

KMD: We do view these stories as a form of humble discipleship. Writing inspirational fiction is an elevating, prayerful experience for us. We were able to weave several verbatim, documented messages to the visionaries of Medjugorge (six villagers) from the Mother of God into our fictional story-line. We were very hesitant to put words in Our Lady’s mouth. These loving messages are the essence of gentle evangelizing.

Q.  How have readers responded to the story of Anna Babic and Dr. Matthew Robbins?

KMD: Oh the response is such a blessing! Men and women have embraced the story and have been so kind to us – book reviewers, also. We are so thankful. Pat’s associate pastor read Rose of the Adriatic and left a lovely message for us expressing his desire to shower us with white roses in thanks for the reading experience.

Q.  What’s next?  Do you have any future projects in the works?

KMD: We’re very excited about a project proposed to us by Nicola Martinez, head of our publishing house, White Rose Publishing. Over the next two years we plan to write a total of six shorter inspirational romance stories about tour group members who arrive in Valselo for diverse reasons.

Order Jewel Of The Adriatic and the Rose of the Adriatic and support CatholicMom.com with your purchase.

Thanks to the following authors, publishers, and donors who made this possible: Bezalel Books, Pauline Books & Media, Sophia Institute Press, Nancy Belanger, Regina Doman, Anne Faye, Carol Grund, Ellen Gable Hrkach, Mark Sebanc, and Gerard Webster. Note: CatholicMom.com receives a small percentage if you purchase any of these books using the links provided below to Amazon.

To enter: Leave a comment by midnight PT, August 31, 2010. One entry per person, please. We’ll randomly select winners and contact you for your mailing address.

ADULT FICTION

The Stoneholding AND Darkling Fields of Arvon (package of 2 books)

Jim Anderson & Mark Sebanc

“The Stoneholding” is the first installment in a major new epic fantasy series. It is the tale of Kalaquinn Wright, who is called to assume the mantle of leadership during a time of unprecedented upheaval. In the second book, “Darkling Fields of Arvon,” his adventures continue, as he passes through many dire perils. Reminiscent of the stories of King David, Frodo Baggins, and the mythical realm of Narnia, fantasy fans will recognize the many classic influences that inform the series. As the co-authors explain, however, they do not write Christian fantasy, but they are Christians who write fantasy.

Bleeder

John Desjarlais

When professor Reed Stubblefield is disabled in a school shooting, he retreats to a rural cabin to recover and write a book. Oddly, in the chill of early March, the campgrounds and motels are filled with the ill and infirm seeking the healing touch of the town’s new parish priest, reputed to be a stigmatic. Skeptical about religion, Reed is drawn into a friendship with the cleric. The priest collapses and bleeds to death right in front of his parishioners. Discovering he’s the prime suspect, Reed races to find the truth before he gets arrested . . . or killed.

The Story of Peace

Miriam Ezeh

A truly astonishing and engaging story of what it means to live responsibly in a time of love, war, and peace. Should be required reading for every teenager and adult, wherever they live, whatever their situation. I could not put it down. Would make a great movie. – Stanley D. Williams, Ph.D. Author, Producer, and Distributor Nineveh’s Crossing

Through the Open Window

Anne Faye

Lucy Lyons is trying to escape her past. Content to work as a librarian and live with her dog, all she wants is a simple life with no complications. When she decides to take the plunge and write a novel during National Novel Writing Month, she gets more than she bargained for. Her writing will not only force her to face secrets, but will also put her in the path of a handsome artist who shares her love of the written word. “Through the Open Window” is an engaging novel about the secrets we keep and hopes for second chances.

Emily’s Hope

Ellen Gable

The gripping story of one young woman’s spiritual journey from high school to adulthood. Interspersed throughout the story are flashbacks to Emily’s great-grandmother’s troubled life, with a climax culminating in the surprising revelation that Emily and her great- grandmother are connected more deeply than by ancestral ties alone. Based on a true story.

In Name Only

Ellen Gable

Caroline Martin’s life has finally taken a turn for the better. After years of hard work, she has met a virtuous and wealthy man whose love seems to promise the kind of life realized only within the comforting novels she keeps on her night table. Tragedy, however, will teach Caroline of the complexity with which God Himself authors the lives of those who turn towards him.

Sand and Water

Anabelle Hazard

Innocent idealist and devout Catholic Alana O’Keefe prayed three Hail Mary’s everyday for her future husband from six years old. Heaven answers her prayers in a most unexpected manner by sending her charming Atheist Lukas Swenson. Heaven intervenes and orchestrates a surprising meeting with a woman he cannot forget. What follows is a series of twists and turns, of hits and misses, of discovering God’s will and one’s destiny and finding true love in a romance that can only be written by the Mother of God.

The Green Coat: A Tale from the Dust Bowl Years

Rosemary McDunn

It’s amazing how naturally McDunn weaves God’s sovereignty into the story to explain why God allows hurt, death and disappointment into our lives. The story has a lot to say about how, in the midst of tragedy, God is at work through the silent, selfless works of sacrifice and love, which are paid back one hundred fold. [It] is the type of historical fiction that is at once both educational and morally sound. – Pam Williams, Public Middle School Teacher, Catholic Religious Education Instructor

Joey’s Journey

Brad Thomas

“Joey’s Journey” follows one man’s path to the papacy. Electing an American pope won’t come easy but God’s will certainly prevails amidst drama and deception. Filled with inspiration and hope, “Joey’s Journey” is a “must read” that will keep the reader engrossed until the very end where the words “Habemus Papam” will bring a joyful leap to the reader’s heart!

The Song at the Scaffold

Gertrud Von Le Fort

“One of the great Christian classics of all time.” — Michael O’Brien. Blanche de la Force enters a Carmelite convent during the French Revolution — but is she strong enough to take the crown of martyrdom that awaits the Carmelites? An enthralling spiritual novel.

In-Sight

Gerard D. Webster

Ward McNulty had it all: successful career, beautiful girlfriend, and rich and powerful friends.  But he gained it at the cost of his faith…a story of fall, forgiveness, and redemption…of family values against a worldly culture…and of a lost son coming home.

Murder in the Vatican: The Church Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes

Ann Margaret Lewis

A sudden death in the Vatican. An international incident over stolen artifacts. A priest’s wrongful imprisonment for murder. Follow the greatest detective ever as he investigates three baffling cases at the “express desire of his Holiness, the Pope.” Stories include: “The Death of Cardinal Tosca,” “The Vatican Cameos,” and “The Second Coptic Patriarch.” You’ll encounter baffling crimes, rich, historical settings, and a fateful encounter with Father Brown! These thrilling tales of murder and intrigue vividly bring to life three of Watson’s “untold tales!”

YOUNG ADULT, MIDDLE GRADE, & CHILDREN’S FICTION

Dear God, I Don’t Get It!

Patti Maguire Armstrong

This is the perfect story for 3rd through 6th grade Catholic kids and classrooms with excellent writing, vocabulary and thinking activities incorporated at the end of the book. It combines a great story with age-appropriate apologetics and is endorsed by best-selling authors Emily and Jeff Cavins as well as Bishop Zipfel.

Olivia and the Little Way

Nancy Carabio Belanger

Fifth-grader Olivia has moved to a new school and is eager to make friends.  Her best friend quickly becomes someone she has never seen-St. Therese of Lisieux.  With the help of her grandma, Olivia learns about the Little Way of serving God and how it can change everything! This beautifully illustrated novel celebrates the life of St. Therese and will inspire children to follow her example and discover their own Little Way miracles.

Little Rainbow Rosary

Rose Maria Dennis

Beautiful story of a young girl’s quest to learn about the beauty of the Rosary.

Alex O’Donnell and the Forty CyberThieves

Regina Doman

In this high-tech thriller, Alex returns from college to find that his dad has inadvertently discovered a mysterious website which leads to sudden wealth. But at what cost? Mayhem, martial arts, and murder ensue even as Alex pursues marriage with Kateri who wonders why she’s letting herself be a part of the madness. But in the end, it just might be the anti-technological Kateri who saves the day…

Catholic, Reluctantly (John Paul 2 High series, Book One)

Christian M. Frank

George Peterson would rather wrestle at a big high school, but he has to go to a new school run by Catholic parents: John Paul 2 High. Only seven kids in the whole school! The building is falling apart. Weird things keep happening. And then there’s Allie Weaver, drop-dead gorgeous, barely Catholic. Why did her parents suddenly transfer her to John Paul 2 High? And what is she so afraid of?

Trespasses Against Us (John Paul 2 High series, Book Two)

Christian M. Frank

Celia Costain finds it tough being thought of as the perfect principal’s daughter at John Paul 2 High. Being Catholic has never been easy, but now Celia’s friends are all dating and say she’s uptight. Celia can deal with that, but how can she relax with someone stalking her friend Allie? And no one will tell her what’s really going on!

Anna Mei: Cartoon Girl

Carol A. Grund

Sixth-grader Anna Mei Anderson is not only the new kid at school—she’s the new kid who’s Chinese and adopted. But when she starts transforming herself into someone less unusual, she soon realizes there’s a price to pay for her deception. God must have a plan for her—but how will she figure it all out? The answers only come when Anna Mei starts listening to her own voice, and the voices of the people who’ve cared about her all along. Humorous and poignant, wholesome but not preachy, it’s a story for anyone who has ever worried about fitting in.

Hiding the Stranger in Hickory Valley

Joan L. Kelly

The adventure begins when a young farm girl, Katie, finds an unconscious teenager in a meadow. When she and her siblings try to help him discover answers, they find themselves involved in intrigue and possible danger. Who is this mysterious stranger who suddenly shows up on a small Illinois farm? Where did he come from? Where is he going? This first book in the trilogy takes the reader on an adventure filled quest!

Hiding the Stranger on Baker Street

Joan L. Kelly

The adventure, which began in “Hiding the Stranger in Hickory Valley,” continues as our hero is followed by vicious kidnappers. While the teen waits at the house of a new friend, he finds adventure and narrowly escapes recapture in the town of Bedford. As our young stranger continues the quest to find his identity and reach home, his memory begins to return. He has the courage to run through fire and the wisdom to help Chris with a secret. This is the second book of the ‘Hiding the Stranger’ trilogy that takes the reader on an adventure filled journey!

Hiding the Stranger: The Journey Home

Joan L. Kelly

The adventure that began on a small Illinois farm comes to a conclusion in the active city of Chicago. Our teenaged hero’s quest to find his identity and reach home culminates at the historic Union Station. See how one boy’s fate will be changed by another’s act of total self-sacrifice. This is the third book in the trilogy (Hiding the Stranger on Baker Street and Hiding the Stranger in Hickory Valley) that takes the reader on an adventure filled journey! See why Mrs. Kelly’s work has been called “highly recommended for community libraries.”

My Big Feet

Joan L. Kelly

Becoming a part of a group and having friends can be a lot of fun; however, we have all gone through times when we didn’t quite seem to fit in. Rob Sanderson and his friends knew that they weren’t part of the ‘popular’ kids, but that didn’t stop them from accepting each other and facing life’s challenges. Join this group of misfits as they combine forces to find a way to outwit dangerous spies and save their new classmate and her family. Each copy includes a student resource section in back with reading comprehension questions, word searches, and writing assignments.

Friend 2 Friend: Twelve Short Stories

Diane M. Lynch (Ed.)

This collection of twelve short fiction stories includes a page of reflection and discussion questions after each story. Each story features a different aspect of the ups and downs of friendship and how the friends confront and resolve their problems and misunderstandings through faith and good humor. Perfect for classroom use as well as by middle-grade readers ages 8–12.

Awakening

Claudia Cangilla McAdam

Fear drives me forward as I rush down a rocky path in Jerusalem, trying to sort things out even as dusk makes it harder to hurry. Am I really an American girl, cast back to the time of Jesus? I don’t know anymore. But I do know that something awful is about to happen to my Jesus: they’re going to arrest him tonight, and kill him. It’s up to me to save him, hurrying down this dark path toward Gethsemane, toward the turning point of all history, the attempt to kill Jesus . . .

To enter: Leave a comment by midnight PT, August 31, 2010. One entry per person, please. We’ll randomly select winners and contact you for your mailing address.
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