"Where’s the book about God?" my 4-year-old son, John, asked me recently as he rifled through a tote bag filled with his favorite children’s titles.
I wasn’t surprised that he wanted to get his hands on the beautifully illustrated children’s book of Bible stories he was searching for. It’s been a big hit with both John and his 6-year-old brother, Joey, since I purchased it last year. They both are drawn to the vibrant colors in the illustrations, which serve to pique their interests in hearing the stories within and learning more about God and Jesus. They especially enjoy the short prayer that follows each story, and proudly make the sign of the cross and shout an exuberant "Amen!" at the end.
This enthusiasm was on display over the summer at the local ice cream shop in our community. My husband, Joe, had taken the boys out for a treat, and, while waiting in line, they struck up a conversation with an elderly couple. When the boys’ eagle eyes spotted the cross necklace the wife was wearing, they furiously began making the sign of the cross and shouted in unison, "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit! Amen!"
The adults were impressed, and so was I when Joe shared the story with me.
As the Lenten season gets into full swing, I’ve decided to continue building on the boys’ enthusiasm for their faith by reading to them the 50 stories in their children’s Bible over the next 40 days. At Lent’s end, we’ll be on the lookout for more illustrated Catholic books for kids.
Any suggestions out there?
