We all know the benefits of reading to babies and toddlers in terms of their brain development, language development, etc. But what about books that are also good for their spiritual development? Enter Catholic board books: published in every parent’s favorite book format (for those little years, at least) and featuring authentic Catholic content. It’s a win-win!
Below are our top favorite Catholic board books (they definitely come highly recommended by my two-year-old, that’s for sure) – Catholic board books we personally own, love, and read over and over again.
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1. Cloud of Witnesses
This book published by TAN is a wonderful introduction to some fantastic saints – like St. Patrick, St. John Paul II, and St. Theresa of Avila, just to name a few – and includes quotes from each saint featured. Reading these saint quotes to little ones from a young age will inspire them to want to follow the witness of the saints, and become saints themselves! Shop this book here.
2. The Word of the Lord
Another TAN book for the win (honestly, they have so many amazing Catholic board books and otherwise!) This one is simply full of Bible verses! Nothing else – just straight Word of the Lord (hence its apt title). My Scripture scholar husband would agree that it’s so important to immerse children in Scripture even from the youngest of ages, so that they grow up knowing who God is through His Word. So this book is definitely a must-have for us! Shop this book here.
3-6. Saints Like Me
These books from Catholic Sprouts are so uniquely wonderful! The “Saints Like Me” series includes four board books about saints from different parts of the world and ethnic backgrounds: American, Black, Asian, and Latin saints. I loved this idea, as I am white/American but my husband is from Malaysia – thus our kids are half caucasian, half south Asian. So we own the book of American saints as well as the book of Asian saints. These incredible books really open your children’s eyes to the universality of the Church – plus, it’s fascinating to learn about these amazing saints, many of whom I had never heard of before! Shop these books here.
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7-8. God's Brave Boy and God's Glorious Girl
Emily Wilson Hussem is a well-known Catholic speaker who has also published these two amazing Catholic board books, one for little boys and one for little girls. Both books are full of value-affirming truths that children ought to hear from a young age – including that God created them intentionally and has wonderful plans for their lives. Each book also highlights positive attributes of each gender to encourage children to grow into strong young men or strong young women. You can find these books on Amazon here and here, or you can order directly from Emily Wilson Hussem’s website here.
9. Liturgical Colors
I love this fun, Catholic spin on your typical children’s book on colors. Published by Holy Heroes, this book introduces children to the different liturgical colors worn and highlighted by the Church through the different liturgical seasons. Not only that, but it also tells children the significance of the colors – for example, that red is for the Holy Spirit, and that’s why it is used on Pentecost. This book is a frequent feature in our Mass bag! Shop this book on Holy Heroes website here or on Amazon here.
10. Bedtime on Noah's Ark
While this book isn’t strictly Catholic, it’s certainly Biblical, and it’s written by a sweet father-son duo. It’s all about the different animals on Noah’s Ark getting ready for bed, and it’s interactive. For example, one page reads, “Hop into your pajamas like a kangaroo!” Or another says, “We can’t forget to brush – so show your tiger teeth!” I know my son loves seeing all the illustrations of animals and sticking his tongue out like a giraffe. This book is truly such a cute one! Shop this book here.
11. Mary Mother of Jesus
This book is published by the Daughters of St. Paul and is a delightfully simple yet authentic theology of Mary for little ones. It walks children through all the details of who Mary is, her life on earth, and what she does for us even now, in short sentences and language that even toddlers can understand. My son has had a sweet love for “Mama Mary” from babyhood and so this book is a staple in our house! Shop this book here.
12. Catholic Mass Quiet Book
This lovely little book is handmade by Raquel from The Little Rose Shop (which is hands-down one of my favorite Catholic small shops). It is truly perfect for babies and toddlers: it’s soft, it’s interactive, and it helps facilitate little ones following along with the parts of the Mass. Plus, the artistry and quality that comes with it being handmade cannot be beat. This book is always in our Mass bag every Sunday and my babies love it! Check it out here and get a peek for yourself at the inside pages! (Not an affiliate – I just really love this book!)
Does your family have any of these Catholic board books? What books would you add to this list?
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