Pamela Love
John Joseph (Illustrator)
Pauline Books and Media
ISBN 9780819890979
This book arrived in the mail quite unexpectantly, but it was an instance hit. As soon as the package was opened the youngest two children wanted to read this book. They both loved it, and my youngest daughter has carried the book around for a week now. At first getting people to read it to her, like Nana and Auntie, and then reading it to friends and family who have visited.
A new church is built for the nuns next to a small school. But the architect and builders made a big mistake. They forgot the stair case to the choir loft for the nuns. The builder said it could not be fixed. Other builders said it could only be done by removing pews or altering the outside wall. The first solution was not acceptable because the pews were needed for students, and the other was not because of the cost involved. So the nuns prayed a novena to Saint Joseph, on the final day a man showed up with tools, a donkey and a promise that he could add stairs but he had to work while no one watched him.
It is wonderful to see this true story retold in a picture book for children. And to see how much the children loved the book. The chapters in the book are:
The Story
The Staircase Today
About Saint Joseph
What is a Novena?
Novena to Saint Joseph
My kids were fascinated that the story is true. The loved the photos of the real staircase at the end of the book. My youngest asked a lot of questions about Novena's after we read this book and asked if we could pray a novena for her brother who is having spine surgery later this year. So, we are now praying the novena at the end of the book.
The illustrations in this book are wonderful. In fact, my daughter wants a copy of one of the pictures of the carpenter to have on her wall in her prayer corner. The pallet used fits perfectly with the Spanish mission's story. John Joseph has done an amazing job with the illustrations and the accentuate the written story wonderfully.
This is an excellent book for young readers, and those who read and pray with them!
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan!
Reviews of other books by Pamela Love:
Brigid and the Butter: A Legend about St. Brigid of Ireland
Staircase for the Sisters
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