10 Beautiful Catholic Picture Books for Preschooler (Links included!)

It's important to instill Catholic values and beliefs in children at an early age. This is because childhood is a crucial period for character development and moral formation. By teaching preschoolers about Catholicism, parents and caregivers can help to establish a strong foundation for their faith that will guide them throughout their lives.

Picture books are a great way to introduce young children to the concepts and teachings of Catholicism. With their colorful illustrations and simple language, they can help to make learning about the faith fun and engaging for preschoolers. Additionally, picture books can help to foster a love of reading, which is an essential skill that children will need as they grow older.

In this blog post, we will be discussing 8 beautiful Catholic picture books that are perfect for preschoolers. These books are

1. This is the Church by Katie Warner

2. Our Lady's Picture Book by Anthony DeStefano

3. Our Lady's Wardrobe by Anthony DeStefano

4. My Catholic Children’s Bible by St. Benedict Press

5. I Went to Mass by Meg Whalen

6. Father Ben Gets Ready for Mass by Meg Whalen

7. ABC Get to Know the Saints with Me by Caroline Perkins

8. Mysteries of the Holy Rosary by Heather Lean

9. How the Angels Got Their Wings by Anthony DeStefano

10. Saints Rhymes for Modern Times by Meghan Bausch

Each of these books is unique and offers a different perspective on Catholic teachings, making them great additions to any family's bookshelf.

This is the Church by Katie Warner

This enchanting picture book, This is the Church by Katie Warner, is a must-have for any Catholic family. It tells the story of salvation history in a beautiful and engaging way that captures both children and adults' hearts. The book is adorned with stunning illustrations that resemble stained-glass windows and complement the rhythmic story.

Through This is the Church, young readers will learn about Jesus Christ, Our Savior and King, and how he founded the Catholic Church to spread God's love to the world. The book teaches themes such as love, forgiveness, and redemption and shows how the Church has evolved throughout history and continues to guide and support its followers today.

The illustrations in This is the Church are beautiful and help children understand the story. They are filled with intricate details that will spark young readers' imaginations and inspire them to learn more about the Catholic faith. This book is an excellent tool for introducing young children to the story of salvation history and encouraging them to develop a strong relationship with Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church.

Our Lady's Wardrobe & Our Lady’s Picture Book by Anthony DeStefano

In Anthony DeStefano's two delightful books, Our Lady's Wardrobe and Our Lady's Picture Book, he introduces young Catholic children to the Blessed Virgin Mary in a fun and engaging way.

In Our Lady's Wardrobe, DeStefano uses the concept of Mary's clothes to teach children about the Mother of God. The book tells the story of some of Mary's most famous apparitions and highlights the clothes she wore during each visit. From the plain dress of her visit to St. Bernadette in Lourdes to the golden crown of Our Lady of Guadalupe, children will learn about the different clothes Mary wore to bring her message of love and hope to the world.

Similarly, Our Lady's Picture Book showcases Mary's unique role in salvation history by explaining some of her most famous titles of honor. The book features exquisite images of Mary as Our Lady of Sorrows, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and Our Lady, Queen of Peace, among others. Through the pages of this book, children will not only be captivated by the illustrations but also learn to ask Our Lady to intercede for them with Jesus in all circumstances.

By reading these books, children will not only learn about the Mother of God but also the main purpose of her life, which is to love and serve her son, Jesus Christ, and to lead others to do the same. Parents and caregivers will appreciate the way these books teach children about the faith in a way that is both fun and meaningful, making them an excellent addition to any Catholic family's book collection.

My Catholic Children’s Bible by St. Benedict Press

ABC Get to Know the Saints With Me by Caroline Perkins

ABC Get to Know the Saints with Me is a children's book that introduces young readers to various Saints of the Catholic Church. The book uses the alphabet to highlight each Saint and their unique story, along with a simple rhyme that describes their life in a relatable way.

The main theme of the book is to introduce children to the Saints and inspire them to learn about their lives and emulate their virtues. It teaches that Saints are ordinary people who have done extraordinary things by following the path of Jesus. The book encourages children to learn about the Saints and strive to become like them.

The illustrations in the book are friendly and approachable, with each Saint depicted in a colorful and appealing way. The illustrations help to bring the Saints to life and make them more relatable to young readers. The book's use of simple rhymes and bright illustrations makes it an engaging and entertaining way for children to learn about the Saints and their inspiring lives.

Father Ben Goes to Mass by Katie Warner

Father Ben Gets Ready for Mass is an interactive children's book that takes readers on a journey with Fr. Ben, a holy priest, as he prepares for Mass. The book invites children to participate in the story by gliding their fingers across the pages, tilting the book, counting, and singing. B. The book teaches children about the joy of the liturgy and the gift of the priesthood. It shows them the important role that priests play in preparing for Mass and leading the congregation in worship. It also teaches children about the different parts of the Mass and the importance of being attentive and reverent during Mass. C. The illustrations in Father Ben Gets Ready for Mass are bright, colorful, and playful, with a cartoon-like style that is sure to capture children's attention. The interactive elements of the book make the illustrations even more engaging, encouraging children to explore and interact with the story in a fun and meaningful way.

Mysteries of the Rosary by Jane Morrone and Heather Lean

The Mysteries of the Holy Rosary is a wonderful guide for children to learn about the life of Jesus and Mary through the prayer of the Rosary. The book contains vibrant illustrations by Yorris Handoko and a guide on how to pray the Rosary. It is suitable for children of all ages and is a great gift for various occasions, including communion, baptism, and Christmas.

The book teaches children about the four sets of mysteries: Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious. By praying the Rosary, children are able to reflect on the life of Jesus and Mary and learn more about their faith. The book's simple reflections and engaging artwork make it an excellent tool for introducing young children to the beauty of the Rosary.

Overall, The Mysteries of the Holy Rosary is a valuable addition to any child's faith education, and it can help them develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Catholic faith.

How the Angels Got Their Wings by Anthony DeStefano

Saints Rhymes for Modern Times by Meghan Bausch

Saintly Rhymes for Modern Times is a book filled with catchy rhymes and colorful illustrations that introduce young readers to the lives of 19 holy men, women, and children who became saints. The book's poems focus on the modern saints and teach children that everyone can aspire to be a saint and live a holy life.

Themes and lessons taught: The book's primary theme is that anyone can be a saint, and living a holy life is achievable. The book introduces modern saints, their lives, and their stories, demonstrating that sanctity is a possibility for all. By reading these rhymes, children can learn about the virtues and values that the saints exemplified, such as love, humility, charity, kindness, and sacrifice. The book encourages children to pray and seek guidance from the saints for help in living a virtuous life.

Discussion of the illustrations: The illustrations in Saintly Rhymes for Modern Times are colorful, engaging, and kid-friendly, making the book an excellent addition to a child's library. The illustrations showcase the saints' lives, showing them in their daily lives, praying, helping others, and doing good deeds. The use of bright colors and relatable depictions of the saints can help children relate to them and inspire them to follow in their footsteps. The illustrations also include details that capture the spirit and essence of each saint, making them memorable to young readers.

I Went to Mass by Katie Warner

I Went to Mass by Meg Whalen is a charming story that takes children on a tour of a Catholic church, from the perspective of a little boy who is fascinated by everything he sees and experiences at Mass. The sing-song rhyming nature of the book is catchy and makes it easy for children to memorize and recite, helping them to remember the different parts of the church and what they encounter during Mass.

The book is filled with adorable illustrations that capture the attention of young readers and provide a wonderful catechesis. It introduces children to the holy water font, the altar, the priest, statues, and other important elements of a Catholic church. By reading this book, children will not only learn about the different parts of the church but also about the significance of each part and how it contributes to the beauty of the Mass.

I Went to Mass is a perfect gift for any occasion, and it is an excellent tool for parents and educators who want to teach children about the Catholic faith in a fun and engaging way. The book's rhythm is reminiscent of the famous "Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?" by Eric Carle, making it both enjoyable and familiar for young readers. Overall, I Went to Mass is a lovely book that will help children develop a deeper appreciation for the beauty and significance of the Catholic Mass.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Catholic picture books play a vital role in teaching children about the Catholic faith and inspiring them to live a life of holiness. By introducing children to the lives of saints, the mysteries of the Holy Rosary, and the teachings of the Catholic Church, these books provide a foundation for a lifelong journey of faith. Through colorful illustrations and engaging stories, children can learn about the beauty of the Catholic faith in a way that is accessible and relatable to them. Incorporating these books into your child's faith education can have a profound impact on their spiritual development and help them grow closer to God.