www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Books Ideas for children's books

I am always looking for good children's books, explaining the faith and the lives of Saints. I am a Traditionalist Catholic but find that most traditional Roman Catholic books tend to be very sentimental with sugary and "pious" illustrations (1950s style). I have found many glorious Orthodox books for children with handsome and dignified (not always Icons)illustrations.
Does anyone have any recommendations for either Orthodox or Eastern rite Catholic books for children ? Thank you.

This isn't Eastern, but you might like it.

http://www.amazon.com/A-Childs-Miss..._1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336967114&sr=8-1

My 8 year old daughter and I were invited to attend a First Communion yesterday at a Traditional Roman Catholic parish. It was my daughter's first extraordinary form Mass and a friend gave us this beautiful book to help her follow it. It is no longer in print, but it can be found (for a hefty price). The amazon link lets you look at a few pages inside.

Thanks very much for this. In fact I have it. I think that it is one of the best, but the pages are complicated with many different styles. For the Traditional Roman Mass, I think that the best is one called The Missal Step by step, by the distinguished Dominican spiritual writer Fr Gerald Vann O.P.. I have never been able to track down a copy not even in the O.P. archives in England, but I have a photocopy,black and white, from the British Library.
There is a lovely Orthodox children's book (Conciliar Press) Letters From heaven, small poems and pictures.

The books illustrated by Niko Chocheli [amazon.com] are gorgeous.

Also, look for the books illustrated by Dorrie Papademetriou [amazon.com].

Edmundia, I agree. While there are thousands of Christian books for children, not many foster a true spiritual inspiration. I'm amazed that Old Testament themes greatly outnumber New Testament themes. Perhaps that is a reflection of a lack of spiritual inspiration and originality.

I don't understand why there is a lack of emphasis on the spirit of the teaching of Christ. My daughter bought lots of books but the grandchildren seem to prefer other reading.

Also, The Visual Catechism of the Orthodox Church [archangelsbooks.com] is an amazing work. The first half is simple, interesting drawings with one-line statements about our faith. My children would page through this endlessly. The second half is an exposition of the various teachings suitable for adults to study. I highly recommend this book!

At 111 pages, I think to be promoted as a childrens' book it should be greatly condensed, probably using the longer teachings as a second volume. $31????

This is one of the reasons parents buy simple vague western storybooks at $1.99 at a dollar store.