Books published by publisher Paulist Press, 2005

This book of stories examines the broad map of human love and friendship from the perspective of the Bible to conclude that love's often difficult path can be smoothed with God's help, if we muster the courage and the faith to ask. In support, the author offers classical stories from Hebrew and Christian scriptures, among many--Boaz and Ruth, Tobias and Sarah, Jonathan and David, Peter and Jesus, Joseph and his brothers, Jacob and Rachel and Leah--stories of emotional relationships both constant and supportive, faithful and content, envious and vengeful, sensuous and pure, those of families, friends, siblings, husbands and wives, and disciples. Students of the Bible, and the general public, will find this an instructive and compelling work, which comes complete with reflection questions, suitable for individual and group study, at the end of each chapter.

In 2013, following the shock resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, a little-known cardinal from Argentina was elected pope. Jorge Bergoglio became the first Jesuit pope, the first pope from the Americas, the first pope from the southern hemisphere and the first non-European pope in over one thousand years. But what is the background of this extraordinary man? And how did he go from Argentinian nightclub bouncer to Pope Francis, the leader of one of the most widely-practiced religions in the world?The Pope looks at his remarkable story, and how, as Pope Francis, he has become such a popular and widely celebrated leader. His humility and his concern for the poor are examined, along with his views on the issues facing the Catholic Church.The Catholic faith, and the role it plays in the lives of people around the world, is explained, as is the church s place in the twenty-first century. Some of the more complex terms and processes of the church, for example the way in which a pope is elected, are explained in separate boxes on each spread.

The essential goodness of creation What if everyone's favorite saint were to step out of the world of history and legend, break free from his statue-like pose at the edge of the birdbath, and visit modern-day San Francisco? Why, he'd have an adventure, of course! When St. Francis comes to visit, there to greet him are Johnny and his dog, Sunpatch, who become the saint's personal tour guides through the city named after him. St. Francis blesses the animals of Golden Gate Park, visits landmarks, and even rides the famous cable cars. Along the way, he embraces everyone in that vibrant multicultural city as brothers and sisters with the same loving Father. This contemporary approach to Francis makes him fresh and meaningful to today's readers. The book celebrates all of creation's diversity as part of the same family and shows how Francis approached creation with a deep spirit of joy. Imbued with Franciscan spirituality throughout, the book also gently introduces the idea that Jesus' incarnation gives value to all humans, animals, and the entire created world. Illustrated in a bright and cheerful palette, this is perfect reading for all children aged four to eight, animal lovers of all ages, Franciscans and lay Franciscans, devotees of Francis, parents and grandparents, grade school teachers, catechists, school and public libraries, veterinarians, gift buyers, and anyone who's ever lived in, visited, or wanted to see San Francisco.

Sure to pull readers in from the very first page, this book introduces Whitney Bickham as she's trying to handle--all at once--her beloved grandmother's death, the family move from Michigan to Chicago, and a brand new school. Whitney's solution? She'll run away. Before she does, she opens the Emerald Bible for the first time since her grandmother died, hoping to recapture some of the wisdom Nana always found there for her. With the turn of a page, Whitney is thrust into the real-life adventure of Jonah, who's trying to run away from his duties as a preacher. Whitney and her dog Bailey accompany Jonah on his journey--from the storm-tossed ship, to the belly of the whale, to the sinful city of Nineveh. She learns it's impossible to run away but that God will always be with her, even during the most frightening hours. Illustrated throughout with lively black-and-white drawings, these two exciting, fun-filled books and the Emerald Collection titles to follow: --present the best-loved Bible stories with immediacy and impact --show the relevancy of Biblical lessons to today's situations --encourage family values, tradition, and intergenerational dialogue --tap the large and profitable middle-grade market --can be enjoyed by kids 8 to 12 of all Christian denominations --will have snowballing sales as later readers eagerly seek out the earlier Whitney adventures, as well as clamor for what happens next Recommend this series to-- o parents and grandparents o parochial school teachers o home schools o CCD teachers o directors of religious ed o parishes o gift buyers o girls aged 8 to 12

How can any of us, but especially children, know God? Using the phrase from the Psalm as a jumping-off point -- "Taste and see the goodness of the Lord" -- this color-drenched book answers the question with a celebration of the senses. In poetic language, the author summons up richly evocative scenes that children are experiencing for the first time and that adults will recall with great pleasure -- cotton candy from a carnival, crickets at night, brownies fresh from the oven, the tickle of snowflakes on eyelashes. For each of the five senses, there are several scenes illustrated with lush images that immediately summon up the sensation.

Time-traveling Whitney's latest adventure is triggered, as always, by something in her present. Yielding to pressure, she joins the class in making fun of Pat Chan, or PC as the kids mockingly call the computer whiz who takes diligent notes on his laptop. When a test is called, Whitney finds herself both unprepared and regretful of her actions. Using her grandmother's Emerald Bible, Whitney travels back to ancient Israel just as Noah is finishing up the ark to the jeers and ridicule of his neighbors. When the heavens open, Whitney becomes a stowaway to survive the flood. In the ark she learns about resisting the pressure of others, a lesson she brings with her back to school. Each novel in The Emerald Bible Collection shows middle graders how the Bible is relevant to their lives. The series presents family values and traditions in an engaging way that leads readers to think, What would I do in this situation? The books are an ideal springboard for both entertaining reading and serious intergenerational discussion. Written for all Christian denominations, The Emerald Bible Collection is perfect for home, school, and church use. Young readers of the Cooper Kids adventures will be naturally attracted to the series. It's also the perfect resource for parents, grandparents, home-school parents, directors of religious ed, and teachers of parochial school, Sunday school, CCD, and vacation Bible school. For gift buyers who want to purchase something more meaningful than yet another rock-music CD, the series is a much-welcomed alternative.