During the long, cold days of January, there is nothing better than a warm blanket, fuzzy socks, and some Catholic picture books! We have selected some of our favorite titles for this month that feature excellent writing and compelling illustrations.
Catholic Picture Books for January
January still finds us amidst the Christmas season and offers us several feast days surrounding the life of Our Lord! We offer recommendations for feast days, but any of these would be appropriate to read throughout the month.
Mary, the Mother of Jesus by Tomie DePaola
January 1
The life of Mary is depicted in this touching picture book, filled with beautiful illustrations and written by beloved children's author Tomie DePaola. A wonderful read for the feast of Mary, Mother of God!
Take it to the Queen by Josephine Nobisso
January 1
Take it to the Queen depicts an allegorical representation of Mary. No matter the problem, we can always take it to our Queen!
The Life of Mary Inos Biffi
January 1
In The Life of Mary, Biffi walks us through the life of Mary accompanied by beautiful illustrations that bring each event to life.
Saving Name of God the Son by Jean Ann Sharpe
January 3
Journey through some of the titles of Jesus in this moving picture book that is ideal for the feast of the Holy Name of Jesus.
Matron of Paris: The Story of Saint Genevieve by Phillip Campbell
January 3
Meet the magnificent Saint Genevieve and celebrate her feast day with this beautifully-illustrated picture book!
Elizabeth Ann Seton: Mother for Many by Barbara Yoffie
January 4
Elizabeth Ann Seton was a teacher, mother of seven, and the first US native-born citizen to be canonized. Follow Elizabeth Ann Seton in this story on her journey to sainthood.
Saint John Neumann: Missionary to Immigrants by Laura Brown
January 5
Saint John Neumann traveled from England to America, became bishop of Philadelphia, and built 30 churches. Join him on his journey to sainthood!
Baptized in the Water: Becoming a Member of God’s Family by Glenys Nellist
January 9
On January 9th we celebrate the Baptism of Our Lord! Read this book for a touching story on the beauty of baptism.
Saint Felix and the Spider by Dessi Jackson
January 14
A little spider has no home but takes shelter in a cold, lonely place. But one day, she is joined by a friend whose feast is celebrated in January!
Saint Anthony the Great by John Chryssavgis
January 17
Saint Anthony was a man with many questions. He moved into the desert, listened to the silence, and found God. *Note: the mention of demons makes this picture book more suitable for older children and teens.
The Tree Planted in the Sea: A Journey with the Apostle Paul by Judith Bouilloc
January 25
A journey through some of the most famous writings of Saint Paul, this delightful picture book is a perfect read for the feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul.
St. John Bosco and His Big Gray Dog by Hayley Medeiros
January 31
Saint John Bosco was a beloved man, but not everyone was so kind to him. When he was in danger, a special guardian sent by God protected him from harm.
A Saint a Day by Meredith Hinds
This great go-to for all things Saints, this book will have your kids looking forward to the Saint of the Day! A wonderful way to start the new year.
Pascual and the Kitchen Angels by Tomie dePaola
Pascual is a cook...who doesn't know how to cook. So, what does he do? Who can help him? Find out in Pascual and the Kitchen Angels!
The Last Straw by Fredrick Thury
The Last Straw is a beautiful retelling of the Christmas story from a camel's point of view.
The Legend of Old Befana by Tomie dePaola
The Legend of Old Befana is an Italian retelling of Christmas written by Tomie dePaola.
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What are your favorite Catholic Picture books for January? Drop them in the comments below!
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