OAPCE Book Nook

Lego Catechesis—Building Blocks of Faith Series If you have a child who loves Legos, these Building Blocks of Faith Series of guides by Kevin and Mary O’ Neill are sure to please! Set in an easy-to-read comic-book format,  various Lego figures help kids understand Catholic catechism in a way that educates and entertains. In this series, kids can learn about the seven sacraments and their biblical roots, the significance and prayers of the Holy Mass, explore a pocket guide to the Stations of the Cross, and more! These books are full of rock-solid catechesis that give kids a sturdy foundation for building their Catholic faith.

Today, children face tremendous challenges and pressures from social media, crammed schedules, and a greater awareness of the world’s problems, resulting in loneliness, anxiety, and fear. Aimed at tweens and teens, this book helps them take control of their feelings and develop emotional understanding by focusing on God’s love. Download

Inspector Smart and the Case of the Empty Tomb: Case File (by Time Chester) is a great way to get tweens consider the evidence of the resurrection and ask more questions about who Jesus is and why he died.

The Power of Thank You delves into the many benefits of thankfulness, gratitude, generosity, and contentment, all from a faith-based perspective. The author, Joyce Meyer, frequently draws from the Bible, simplifying these concepts and showing how they were valued in Biblical times and should still be today. She explains how embracing gratitude and generosity, or neglecting them, can impact daily life, emphasizing the power of these traits. She acknowledges that life can be tough and that it’s sometimes hard to feel thankful, but she approaches these challenges with compassion and practical wisdom.

God Gave Us Thankful Hearts is a cozy read-aloud story that teaches an important lesson about gratitude. As kids follow the conversation between Little Pup and his mama, they come to understand that there’s always something to be thankful for, no matter the season or situation. When Pup only sees the negatives, Mama helps him focus on the lessons he’s learned and reminds him of God’s presence during tough times. By the end of the story, all three members of the wolf family are embracing the thankful hearts God gave them.

My Thanksgiving Blessings is filled with fun rhymes, that highlight the thankful spirit of the holiday. Young readers can follow along as the narrator gives thanks for the many gifts from God: cheerful friends, cozy clothes, delicious food, and a caring family; as well as pets, toys, and more. Although it’s focused on Thanksgiving Day, this heartwarming book teaches the importance of being grateful all year long.

Summer is the perfect time to challenge kids to unplug from video games and focus on reading. But how can parents create a summer experience that is meaningful and fun (and not seen as work)? Make reading kid-driven! 1- Create incentives: Create a reading list with your child, and keep track of the titles and pages read. If they meet a goal set, consider a reward such as extra time on tech, a  special outing for an ice-cream treat or to a favorite restaurant or play centre. 2- Have your child choose from a pre-organized list of books: There are many websites out there that arrange books into categories for summer reading. By having your child choose from one of these lists, you are encouraging their sense of independence. Check out Brightly, which has a list of suggestions for children from pre-K to 13+! Faithward has a 30-day summer Bible reading program for kids and families. 3- Make reading a family activity: Encourage everyone in your family to take up the summer reading challenge. It can include members as young as preschool to elementary school age,  older siblings, parents, and even grandparents! Reading can be a great bonding experience while at home or even on vacation! 4- Join up for summer reading challenges online and in person: Some children really enjoy the concept of reading and receiving prizes or joining a summer reading club. Visit your local library for summer reading programs or your church. Consider getting together with a few parents to host a summer reading program in your neighbourhood. Check out faithgateway for some great ideas on how to start. Reading a book with friends could be just the thing that changes a child’s mind about reading. The Ontario Library Association has also designed a Summer Reading Toolkit that lists many summer reading programs for kids to join. Everyday Family Faith by Sandy Swartzentruber is a pocket-sized resource guide for families looking to focus on daily faith formation. The guide provides activities for discussion about Bible verses, prayer life, how to integrate faith in a fun-filled way with your children, and more from Monday to Sunday!