Certain books hold a special place in the heart of any parent, and on the family bookshelf - The Jesus Garden: An Easter Legend (Pauline Books & Media, February 2004, hardcover, 44 pages) is destined to join the ranks of these precious few. Antoinette Bosco's wonderful book for children examines the passion of Jesus Christ from the perspective of the plants and animals who fill his favorite garden. The opening pages of the book enable this love story to play out, introducing us to the dogwoods, the robin, the heart-shaped flowers, and of course their special friend Jesus.
As the story plays out, we follow the Passion story from the moment of the agony in the Garden, through the Crucifixion, and ultimately Jesus' Resurrection. Most children's books that I've seen on this topic can be rather frightening, but Bosco and illustrator Patricia Mattozzi have managed to relay the story of Jesus' death in a manner which is gentle and not frightening. Mattozzi's illustrations are wonderful, luminescent depictions that warm the beautiful tale Bosco has crafted.The book's subtitle rightly calls this "An Easter Legend", for there are indeed some imaginary aspects to the story, but its main theme of Jesus Christ's transcendent love for each of us shines through. Don't save this one for Easter - it's a story to be loved all year through!For more information visit http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0819839795/catholicmomcom
The Story of One Soul...So Far...
O.K., I’ll admit it…he had me with title. Before I even cracked the cover of Matthew Lickona’s new book Swimming With Scapulars: True Confessions Of A Young Catholic (Loyola Press, April 2005, hardcover, 278 pages), I found myself intrigued. Gratefully, having now read and re-read the book in its entirety, I’ll say I was not disappointed. As a matter of fact, this book is among my favorites for the year – not because I agree 100% with everything Lickona writes in this memoir, but because of his stunningly gifted delivery and the honesty with which he shares his soul.
Living With and Loving Our Teens
One recent morning, as my thirteen year old son slumped sleepily into the kitchen for breakfast, I took a good look at him and realized that I now have a “teenager” living in my house. Up until this moment, I hadn’t really accepted the fact – although he’d reach the chronological age, he still seemed like my little boy. Suddenly now, in the middle of his thirteenth year, I’m back to reading parenting manuals and seeking helpful advice in manner that I haven’t done since my youngest was in the throes of the terrible twos.
Grace-full Parenting – Committing to Nurturing the Souls of our Children
... ... – ... to ... the Souls of our ... ... with Thomas B. Haller, M.Div., MSW, DST, The 10 ... ... with ... Lisa M. ... to th
