In a world where children’s literature is dominated by secular themes and ideologies, a growing number of Catholic authors are stepping up to fill the void with books that reflect their faith and values. One such author is Karen Kiefer, who was inspired to write the children’s book „Drawing God“ after realizing the lack of Christian titles in mainstream bookstores. Grounded in St. Ignatius of Loyola’s teaching that God can be found in all things, the book follows the story of a young artist named Emma who explores different ways to depict God, inspiring her peers to share their own experiences.
The success of „Drawing God“ has sparked a renaissance in Catholic children’s literature, with authors like Haley Stewart and Claire Swinarski joining the movement. Stewart, who heads the children’s imprint of Bishop Robert Barron’s Word on Fire apostolate, believes that children need stories that inspire them to transcend challenges and find meaning in a world filled with materialism and scientism. She aims to create high-quality, beautiful books that help children develop a taste for beauty, goodness, and the Gospel.
Similarly, Swinarski, a mother of three and author of middle-grade fiction, is passionate about creating books that resonate with children from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. She believes that children don’t need grandiose stories to shape their hearts, but rather relatable narratives that reflect their everyday struggles and triumphs. By focusing on normal kids facing normal problems, Swinarski hopes to provide young readers with stories that inspire and uplift.
The push for Catholic children’s literature extends beyond individual authors to organizations like the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, which has partnered with writer Emily Stimpson Chapman to adapt Scott Hahn’s scholarly works for children. Chapman emphasizes the importance of creating books that not only look and feel like mainstream literature but also convey the truths of the faith in a memorable and engaging way. With titles like „Mary, Mother of All“ and „The Supper of the Lamb,“ the project aims to make biblical stories accessible and exciting for young readers.
Inspiration for children’s books can come from unexpected sources, as seen in the collaboration between illustrator Meg Whalen and author Katie Warner. Their joint titles, such as „The Tiny Seed: A Parable“ and „Father Ben Gets Ready for Mass,“ aim to introduce children to Scripture, the liturgy, vocations, and saints in a visually appealing and engaging manner. Warner’s book „Listening for God: Silence Practice for Little Ones“ reflects her desire to help children cultivate a foundation for silent prayer from a young age.
As these Catholic authors and organizations continue to create meaningful and impactful children’s literature, the hope is that their books will not only entertain but also educate and inspire young readers. By providing stories that reflect the beauty, goodness, and truth of the Catholic faith, these authors are helping to shape the hearts and minds of the next generation. Ultimately, as Kiefer and Chapman affirm, children’s literature is not just for kids but for the child within each of us, reminding us of the timeless truths that resonate across generations.