Without spoiling the book, St. Patrick's Summer is a story about two children who are preparing to receive their first Holy Communion. The boy and girl in this story remind me an awful lot of the children in the Magic Tree House series of books, only the children in this book are older than the Magic Tree House children. The adventures the children go on with St. Patrick and the other visitors the children encounter also remind me of the Magic Tree House books. My daughter thoroughly enjoys books where the past comes alive for modern day children, and this is just the sort of book that appeals to her.
Through the adventures and encounters the children have with St. Patrick and the other visitors they receive solid catechesis in areas that many people (children and adult alike) may have trouble wrapping their mind around. For example, there is a wonderful explanation of the Blessed Trinity that will give your child a better understanding of this mystery than I've managed to find in any religious education text book.
It's worth noting that this book was originally published in 1950 and makes reference to the Mass being in Latin and not English. Because of this your child may be slightly confused, but it's something I feel is easily explained to a child who is old enough to read this book.
As far as the reading level of this book is concerned, I'd say it's best suited to children in grades 4-7. The book will easily appeal to both boys and girls. I found the book to be well written. The story line will keep young readers wanting to know what will happen to the story's main characters next while they receive solid catechesis at the same time.
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher, Sophia Institute Press, in exchange for my honest review.
No comments:
Post a Comment