Summer is the perfect season to head to the library or bookstore and pick up some new books to read. Reading is a wonderful way to pass the time during hot summer days. Here are some suggestions for moms and children of various ages.
For Moms:
Alyssa Maxwell “Gilded Newport” Mystery series
There are currently 12 books in this series which feature Ms. Emmaline Cross, a Newport native, relative of the Vanderbilts, reporter and heroine. Set in the late 19th century, the books are considered a cozy mystery with enough suspense to keep the reader intrigued but not enough to keep you up at night; unless that is, you can’t put the book down. Each book is based on a murder which takes place in Newport at or near one of the mansions. Plus, Alyssa’s book 13 for the Gilded Newport Mystery series is due to be released in August 2025!
“Mother to Mother: Spiritual and Practical Wisdom from the Cloister to the Home,” Mary Elizabeth Cuff, Ph.D.
I’ve often wondered how nuns would respond to the challenges that I have faced as a mother. This book has allowed me to wonder no longer. The book shares wisdom and guidance from contemplative nuns for the difficulties that mothers face. The topics range from household chores, silence, attending the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass with children and more. There are numerous questions asked from a lay mother’s perspective which are then answered from various religious mothers. Both new and seasoned, lay and religious would benefit from reading this book.
For Children 8-12
“The 7 Deadly Dragons” Book series
It has been a joy to watch my oldest develop a love of reading. I believe the love of reading has come, in part, thanks to reading good books. A wonderful book series that our oldest has loved are the 7 Deadly Dragons books. The books feature a young man named Rolland who faces dragons that embody the Seven Deadly Sins. He is guided by Father Thomas and joins other young men to fight these dragons with virtue. When I first got these books for our oldest, each book was finished from cover to cover within two hours, and our little reader has read the books over and over again.
“The Prince Martin Epic Series” by Brandon Hale
This series of books was written by Brandon Hale, who was deployed overseas with the miliary and wrote stories about a brave and courageous “Prince Martin” to keep his bond strong with his young son. Each time Brandon spoke with his son while overseas, he would tell him a story about Prince Martin and subsequently began developing characters and exciting scenarios. After returning home and with the encouragement of his wife, Brandon turned his stories into children’s books. Brandon has since written two picture books which are based on Prince Martin and geared towards younger children.
Children Ages 4-7
“Pudge” by Joann Luke
Pudge is a heartwarming and fun story that our family has enjoyed reading together. The book is about a family of mice that live in a barren cottage when their home receives new inhabitants, a human family. With four children, the mice try to go unnoticed but begin to mix in with their new roommates. The story is whimsical and adventurous. Since the book is a bit longer, it is one that can be read as a read aloud over several days or even a couple of weeks. It is the perfect book to read bit by bit at bedtime.
“The Snail and the King” and “My Name is Philomena” by Father Peregrine Fletcher O.PRAEM.
With younger children, it is sometimes difficult to explain what some of the Saints endured without terrifying them. The captivating book My Name is Philomena perfectly explains what St. Philomena endured for the love of God in a gentle and beautiful way. The book The Snail and the King is a sweet story about our goal in life; to get to heaven, which we can successfully do through the graces we receive from the Catholic church.
Young Children
“Saints Come in All Shapes and Sizes” by Patrick O’Hearn
We are all “fearfully and wonderfully made” and uniquely created in the image and likeness of God. We, like the Saints, are all vastly different; however, we must all have the same quality in common as the Saints did: holiness. This is a delightful picture book which features some wonderful Saints and their various attributes, with beautiful illustrations by Elizabeth Blair, which offer encouragement for little ones to aspire to Sainthood.
“You Are Special” by Max Lucado
Speaking of being “fearfully and wonderfully made,” children need to learn from an early age the immense and unwavering love that God has for them. As the lead character in the book learns, it does not matter what anyone else thinks of us, we must play for an audience of one: God. Family, friendships, community and relationships are important; however, God is first and foremost. This is a great book to help “bully-proof” children.
Christina Frye is a lifelong Rhode Islander, wife, mother and founder of Catholic Mom Rhode Island,
www.CatholicMomRI.com.
