Books published by publisher Paulist Press, 2005

Although we often think of fables as intended for the enlightenment and entertainment of children, here is one that adults will want to read. Mary Fahy has written a tale aimed at persons who find themselves in a period of transition, or who are experiencing loss or new birth in their lives. She tells the story of a tree that awakens one spring morning to discover that she has survived the winter, but with many changes in her being and appearance. Overcoming feelings of anger, fear and abandonment, the tree comes to appreciate the abundance she has been given and finds ways to share this mystery with others. Finally, the tree understands the mystery of love and fidelity. In the tradition of Hope for the Flowers, this beautifully illustrated, sensitively written book has become a classic in its own right. Readers will recognize their own story in it--a story of affirmation, indomitable spirit and love.

Best selling writer Elizabeth Ficocelli, with her special gift of making religion fun and understandable to children, now brings this ageless classic The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas à Kempis, to a whole new audience--children. Writing in a kid-friendly and kid-relevant style, the author instills in children the same principal messages of the adult version. It teaches young people how and why to make Jesus our leader, provides practical ways to help the child become a better follower, and deepens the child's appreciation for the most intimate way we come in union with Jesus--the Holy Eucharist. This is the first book to capture the primary teachings of this timeless spiritual classic and present them in a manner that children can understand, appreciate, and apply. Aimed at children 8-12 who have made their First Holy Communion and who are preparing for Confirmation, it will be a wonderful spiritual addition to religion classes whether in parochial school or in church religious education classes.

A completely revised edition of the book that has sold more than 70,000 copies for use in Catholic high schools. It tackles the "God problem" in terms that high school students can understand in their language and from the perspective of their culture. Witty, provocative and thoughtful, this book has been extremely successful as well in adult ed/parish education programs.

NOW IN PAPERBACKThe Miracle of the Poinsettia is a retelling of a traditional Mexican legend a small girl has no gift to give the Christ child at the Christmas Eve procession. She gathers up weeds from the roadside and because she give them from her heart, they are miraculously topped with glorious red flowers.Vividly illustrated in full color, and now in paperback, this charming bilingual book will capture the hearts of children, as well as adults who read it to them. It is also a splendid resource for children's and family ministry, ESL programs, and schools with Spanish-speaking children.

Jennifer Galvin's activity books for children have been enormously popular because, unlike other activity books, these are designed specifically to teach children about their Catholic faith. And her latest one does just that. She has put together entertaining word finds, crossword puzzles, color-by-number puzzles, and crack-the-code puzzles that will teach children about Advent and Christmas, all the while emphasizing the real meaning of the holiday. An added advantage is that the activities are tied to the lectionary for all three cycles. The activities are clever and challenging and are illustrated with charming, inviting art work. The sheets themselves are reproducible and are aimed at children from kindergarten through third grade. Highlights: --an attractive, reasonably priced book --reproducible pages --perfect for home, school, or church use --tied to all three cycles of the lectionary

From the artist of the popular Hail Mary/The Lord's Prayer comes a brand new illustrated version of the Apostles' Creed for children ages five to eight. Each phrase is depicted in colorful, cut-paper illustrations. Younger children will be able to grasp the difficult concepts of the Creed through the bold yet simple and child-friendly pictures. Older children will bring to the pictures their further understanding, as well as use the phrase-by-phrase text for memorization of the creed, which is recommended for this older age group. This is a beautiful representation of the Christian faith in a warm and loving God. Highlights: --uses just the prayer and instead of words uses simple images to convey the Creed's sometimes difficult messages --bold, bright colors --unusual art medium--cut-paper illustrations

This bright and cheerful interactive explanation of the Mass will keep children occupied Sunday after Sunday. Little Sarah invites readers to join her and her family for a special Children's Mass. She explains everything in child-friendly terms, both the key parts of the Mass and the different roles of the laity. Many prayers and responses are given in full. Along the way Sarah asks questions that prompt the reader to point out people, actions, and items and that also gently encourage appropriate behaviors and thoughts. Searching the appealing art for the answers yields surprises as the typical congregation whispers, drops bulletins, and hunts for runaway babies. Above all, this book's message is that Mass is a loving place that has room for everyone. Child's Guide to the Mass holds up to multiple readings week after week after week. The playful full-color illustrations show a diverse congregation that embraces the young and the old, the well and the disabled, plus a wide range of ethnic groups. The book's unique interactive features will entertain young readers as well as gently teach them and encourage them into a joyful attentive presence at Mass. Written for kids aged five to eight, this title is recommended for parents, grandparents, home schoolers, and caretakers; Sunday school teachers, CCD teachers, and parochial school teachers; children's liturgy committees; parish offices; directors of religious education; Catholic daycare centers and Catholic hospitals; and gift givers everywhere.

Written in the spirit of the other best selling titles in the Child's Guide series, this volume explains in child-friendly language the sacrament of baptism. We meet Anthony, a young boy whose baby brother is about to be baptized. Anthony eagerly invites the reader into his church and explains the importance of this once-in-a-lifetime sacrament. He leads readers through the baptismal ceremony step-by-step, describing the events through his own eyes. Throughout the book are interactive questions encouraging discussion between the child and parent or teacher: "Do you know why you have the name you do?"; "Do you know the name of your godparents?" When the time finally comes to baptize little James, Anthony proudly joins in the responses with the rest of the group. Written in clear, simple language, this book: --has vivid full-color illustrations throughout --can be either read to children or used by beginning readers --is a meaningful gift from parents and other family members --is the perfect teaching tool for use in Catholic schools or parish CCD classes Ages 5-9.