Lego Catechesis
Raise your coffee mug if you have a kid who loves Legos! My bunch sure do, so when I first happened across Kevin and Mary O’Neill’s Building Blocks of Faith Series I knew I had struck gold. These innovative books combine detailed Lego scenes with rock solid Catholic catechism lessons in a way that both educates and entertains today’s kids. The latest additions to the series is a trio of “Pocket Guides.”
Our Favorite?
It’s hard to pick! My kids enjoy them all!
This post contains Amazon affiliate links which means that if you make a purchase through my link I receive a small fee at no additional cost to you.
The Catechism of the Seven Sacraments is an old favorite at our house; you’ve probably already seen or bought it. In this first groundbreaking Building Blocks book, kids learn about the seven Sacraments and their Biblical roots.
In the second full-length volume of Building Blocks of Faith, kids join guides Fulton and Cynthia on an in-depth exploration of the Mass. The Holy Mass: On Earth as it is in Heaven explores Old Testament typology, the significance of the prayers and elements of the Mass, transubstantiation, how Mary is the New Eve, what the priest’s vestments represent, and so much more! This book is chock-full of rock solid catechesis that gives your kids a sturdy foundation for building their Catholic faith.
Sophia Press recently published updated versions of a trio of “Pocket Guides” in the Building Blocks of Faith Series. These short books are great for kids who might be intimidated by the hefty full length volumes or are looking for a fun way to pray a particular devotion. A Pocket Guide to Sacramental Reconciliation helps kids prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and includes an examination of conscience. A Pocket Guide to the Holy Rosary has a picture for each decade to guide kids as they pray. A Pocket Guide to the Stations of the Cross is particularly exciting to see at this time of year: Lent. What a great incentive for kids to get excited about the Stations!
Any of the Building Block of Faith series makes a great Easter basket gift!
For more Easter book ideas, check out my list Good Picture Books about Lent and Easter for Catholic Kids!
I received the “Pocket Guides” from Sophia Institute Press in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
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is a heart-warming story of a community coming together to rebuild a kind but poor neighbor’s house. 
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and all its sequels.
wants to make the world a more beautiful place. So, apparently, does author and illustrator Barbara Cooney, whose delicate depictions of coastal New England make me want to visit. 
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features a sweet, very young Red Riding Hood and rich woodland scenes. Warning for littler readers: this retelling includes the wolf swallowing both Red and Grandma, and then the Woodsman cutting up the wolf to rescue them. 
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provide a richness and depth seldom found in picture books. In this fairy tale, a mother must rescue her 7 children from an evil witch. 
is the story of a miracle for a lonely old woman. Patricia Polacco captures the Russian flavor of this story with intricate, colorful illustrations. 
A simple description of an American girl’s impressions of the vibrant everyday life in a traditional Italian village. 
, the pictures themselves tell the classic fable. Other beautifully executed Pinkney books include 
. Hughes’ style lends itself well to the detailed beach scenes depicting a family’s day at the seaside. 
is a whimsical dream story with appropriately dreamy, luminous watercolors throughout.
is rich and compelling. 
, and have two favorite versions. I appreciate the colorful slavic style in Feodor Rojankovsky’s illustrations. 
. These animals could leap right off the page!
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: This lovely storybook collection has six stories of farm life with delicate, detailed illustrations inspired by life on a sheep farm. 
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is a classic Margaret Wise Brown story paired with gorgeous bright illustrations in sunset shades. 
: This beautiful poem blessing creation is paired with Ashley Wolff’s detailed illustrations. 
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is a new height in alphabet books. Abundant alliteration, vibrant illustrations, and a unique meshing of fantasy and reality make this book memorable. 
depicts a day in the life of a turtle with vibrant, realistic pictures. 
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are perfect for nurturing an appreciation for nature and wildlife. 
