April showers bring May flowers! With Easter and warm weather just around the corner, 'spring' into spring with these Catholic picture books for April!
Catholic Picture Books for April
We offer recommendations for feast days, but any of these would be appropriate to read throughout the month.
Bernadette: The Little Girl from Lourdes by Sophie Maraval-Hutin
April 16
Born in France, Bernadette was a young girl who had a miraculous encounter with Our Lady of Lourdes. Enjoy this read for her feast day!
Saint George and the Dragon by Jim Forest
April 23
Saint George was one of the first martyrs of the early Church. He is usually regarded as almost a mythical man. Jim Forest writes of the legend of Saint George, a brave Christian soldier who staunchly defends the princess and the villagers, while also addressing the symbolism behind the legend.
Saint George and the Dragon by Margaret Hodges
April 23
Saint George and the Dragon is a Caldecott Medal Winner and on top of that an altogether beautiful read.
The Tale of Three Trees: A Traditional Folktale by Angela Elwell Hunt
This folk tale follows three trees as they dream of their destinies. See how each one's desire is fulfilled through service to a King.
Brother Giovanni's Little Reward: How the Pretzel Was Born by Anna Egan Smucker
Pretzels are a Lenten tradition. This tale is an ideal tea time read during Lent while your family enjoys, you guessed it, pretzels!
The Thornbush by Michael Laughlin
Watch as a tiny thornbush witnesses Jesus' crucifixion, Death, and Resurrection unfold. Our thornbush has an up-close experience with the Precious Blood of Jesus, making this story a great read for the month of the Precious Blood.
Into the Sea, Out of the Tomb by Maura Roan McKeegan
Allow children to dive into the typology by comparing Jonah's three days in the belly of a whale and Jesus' three days in the tomb!
Saved by the Lamb by Maura Roan McKeegan
Pull this book out on Holy Thursday, as it draws comparisons between Moses and the Exodus and Jesus and His saving work during Holy Week!
The Thief Who Stole Heaven by Raymond Arroyo
An historical fiction account of Saint Dismas, the "Good Thief" who was crucified alongside Jesus. This is a beautiful read for Good Friday.
'Twas the Morning of Easter by Glenys Nellist
"'Twas the morning of Easter, before the sun rose, Two guards on a hillside were trying to doze. Now Jesus had died, only three days before, A huge stone was in place, sealed over the door." Written with a catchy rhythm, 'Twas the Morning of Easter is the perfect Easter basket gift.
God Gave Us Easter by Lisa Tawn Bergren
This board book is a sweet read while still providing thoughtful insight. Follow Papa Bear and Little Bear as they discuss Easter.
That Grand Easter Day! by Jill Roman Lord
That Grand Easter Day! takes us to that day Mary came to the tomb and Jesus' Body was not there.
Looking for more picture books and traditions for the Easter season? Download our family guide to the Easter Octave here!
Cloud of Witnesses: A Child's First Book of Saints by Katie Warner
With simple, short quotes from each saint and an illustration to accompany it, Cloud of Witnesses is the perfect book for introducing saints to littles.
Queen Esther by Tomie dePaola
This book tells of a Jewish queen who not only loved her people and the Lord but stood by her Faith in times of distress.
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What are YOUR favorite picture books for the month of April? Drop in the comments!
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