The Weight of a Mass: A Tale of Faith

The Weight of a Mass: A Tale of Faith
by Josephine Nobisso, Gingerbread House

This is a story about a kingdom whose inhabitants had grown cold in their faith. One day an old woman entered the bakery and asked for a crust of bread. In exchange she would offer a Mass for the baker. He mocked her, wrote the words, "One Mass" on a delicate piece of tissue paper and dropped it on his scale. On the other side he placed a piece of bread. The whole town was amazed at what happened next!

Shared by Marty W.

The Squire and the Scroll

The Squire and the Scroll: A Tale of the Rewards of a Pure Heart by Jennie Bishop, Warner Press

This is a tale of the rewards of a pure heart. It is a story for everyone, young and old. It tells of the last knight who could save the kingdom and his wise young squire not yet hardened by the notion that his manly strength and battle experience were more powerful than the lessons learned from a scroll in childhood. Which of the two would be the hero who saves the kingdom and gains the hand of the princess in marriage?

 

Shared by Marty W.

Barry, the Bravest St. Bernard

Barry: The Bravest Saint Bernardby Lynn Hall, Random House Step into Reading, Step 5

This is a wonderful true-life story about the St. Bernards at the Great St. Bernard Monastery in the Pennine Alps (located between the valley of Aosta and the Swiss canton of Valais). The story focuses on a dog named Barry, who rescued more than 40 people from avalanches. My children (ages 3, 5, and 6) listened intently as they learned of the relationship between Barry, the boy who trained him, and the Augustinian monks.

Mirette on the High Wire

Mirette on the Highwire (Caldecott Medal Book) by Emily Arnold McCully

This story takes place in Paris. The main characters are Mirette (a girl) and Bellini (a high wire walker). People come to Mirette’s mother’s boardinghouse. One night a stranger named Bellini comes to Mirette’s house. Mirette sees Bellini walking on the high wire. She wants to walk on it too. She practices walking on the high wire. Bellini sees her practicing. Mirette wants to walk the high wire with Bellini. Eventually, they walk the high wire together.

I liked the story because it shows that if we practice, then we can do things we thought we couldn’t do. (Catherine, age 6)

A Child's Rule of Life

A Child's Rule of Life, by Robert Hugh Benson, Neumann Press.

Shared by Mary L.

Island Boy

Island Boyby Barbara Cooney

Matthias grows from a young (homeschooled) boy to a grandfather on an island in New England.

Father Phillip tells a Ghost Story

Father Phillip Tells a Ghost Storyby Joan Andrews Bell, Susan Andrews Brindle, & Miriam Andrews Lademan; Precious Life Books.

This is a good book to read on All Hallow's Eve.

Shared by Peggy Gh.