UPDATE: This is still in the works but moving very slowly. Sorry!
If you’re a parent or a godparent, the most important thing you can do for your children is to introduce them to Jesus and help them learn to love him. But while you parents are the primary catechists of your children, you aren’t meant to do it alone, especially not in the midst of a hostile and noisy culture. With everything this world has to offer your kids, it’s no great surprise that most of them are drawn to licensed characters more than to the things of God.
I know dozens of little girls who love Elsa and Sofia the First and little boys who’d give their right arms to spend the day with lycra-clad superheroes or smiling trains. They hunger for heroes and long for stories of glory and beauty and triumph over evil. And all we give them is absent parents and petulant mermaids, vigilantes and vapid cartoons. We whose lives are fixed on the greatest story ever told, whose heritage is a host of heroes and heroines, we have forgotten how to tell stories and we settle for fictional heroes when the real ones leave even Atticus Finch and Samwise Gamgee coughing in their dust. And this Church of Dante and Michelangelo, having forgotten how to make sacred art, has even forgotten how to tell stories. It’s no wonder our children are drifting away–we aren’t proposing the Gospel to them as an adventure and a romance but as a dull board book with saccharine pictures. Most of us probably see it that way ourselves.
Now I’ve seen a few beautiful Christian children’s books, and even a handful that were both beautiful and interesting, but the majority I’ve encountered leave a lot to be desired. For years I’ve been lamenting the dull Saint books I’ve found, wondering how you can make a story as riveting as the life of St. Josephine Bakhita into something humdrum. So instead of reading the books, I tell the stories to children who stare, mouth agape, as they listen to the lives of the lovers of God. And I wonder why people don’t just write the books this way.
A few weeks ago I realized: I am people. I could write those books. And I have a friend who is a brilliant illustrator. Five hundred emails later, we’re working on a first draft.
This first book is going to be about Princess Saints. I figure most little girls love princesses. And since we have plenty of princesses who are far more worthy of emulation than even Belle or Anna, why not capitalize on it? When our little ones want to play dress-up, why not teach them virtues along with it? And our princess Saints are just as diverse as Disney’s. The book’s current cast of characters includes an archaeologist, a hermit, a philosopher, a nun, a mom, a head of state, and a social worker–talk about girl power! No waiting around to be rescued by some man here, unless you’re talking about the God-Man. There’s an Egyptian, a Byzantine, a Moor, an Ancient Roman, two eastern Europeans and a Western. Two converted from paganism, one from Islam. Four were virgins, three mothers. Only one martyr in this bunch, but plenty of white martyrdom.
Lindsey and I have been researching like crazy to try to get the pictures right with the right clothes and races and architecture. We’re throwing in subtle Biblical imagery and allusions to other Saints, all in images that are even more striking than the ones on her blocks. Our hope is that the stories and the pictures are interesting enough that your children will begin to love these Saints the way they used to love imaginary heroes. We want them emulating St. Casilda instead of Jasmine, adventuring with St. Damien instead of Iron Man. And in each story, we’re trying above all else to show how the Saints point you to Jesus. So many Christian books tell the story and miss the point–we’re trying to avoid that.
Because these books aren’t just for your kids. They’re for you. I’m writing them in a way that reading them aloud will (hopefully) challenge you to reflect on your own life. Each story is teaching you how to love Jesus better and they’re all followed by some questions to discuss with your kids (or pray about on your own) about how you can better imitate these far-away Saints. I know a lot of parents whose only devotion time might be with their kids, and “Thank you God for flowers so sweet, thank you for the food we eat” isn’t making you a saint. My prayer is that these books will at least nudge you that direction.
So we want to share the first draft of one chapter of the princess book–with rough sketches that will be brought to life with watercolors. Read it (to yourself or to your kids) and if you’re still interested in this project, read on to see what you can do to help.
St. Catherine of Alexandria (November 25)
(280-305)
Princess Catherine loved to read. She had so many questions: where the world came from and why it existed and what her whole life was about–Catherine wanted to know everything. Lucky for her, she lived by the biggest library in the whole world where she could read all day long. She read so much that she didn’t have time for anything else. Not clothes, not friends, and not princes. That was all fine when she was little, but as she got older people began to talk. “She’s going to be our Queen!” they said. “And a Queen needs a King.” “Besides,” they said, “how are we supposed to get new princes and princesses if she doesn’t get married?” “That settles it!” they said. “Princess Catherine must marry.”
Catherine wasn’t interested in marriage, but she couldn’t exactly tell the whole country no. So she got a little tricky. “Oh, I’ll marry,” she said. “But I could never marry a man who didn’t deserve me. He must be richer than I and smarter than I and stronger and nobler and wiser than I. Much, much wiser.” Well, that was a tall order indeed! Catherine was rich and smart and strong and noble and the wisest woman in the land. Where could they ever find a prince who was good enough for her? Day after day, men came to seek her hand, and day after day she refused them. “Not handsome enough.” “Not kind enough.” “Not clever enough.” Until her people nearly despaired.
But one day, a hermit came to the castle gates. “I know a man who is stronger and kinder and better than any other man in the world,” he said, and the guards waited. “And he knows more than the most learned men,” he finished, and was led to the Princess. There, he told her about Jesus. Princess Catherine was a pagan, a person who worships false gods. In all the time she had been looking for truth she had never even heard of Jesus! The holy man told her that Jesus was King of heaven and earth, that He was merciful and loving and was the true answer to the question Catherine had been asking her whole life. Catherine knew then and there that she could marry nobody but Jesus. Away went her scrolls of history and science and philosophy and out came the Gospels and the writings of the Saints. The more she studied, the more the world made sense. Finally, she understood what her life was all about: to be loved and to love Him back. And the more she loved Jesus, the more she wanted to be His.
With all her study, though, Catherine wasn’t ready yet. One night, she had a dream. The Virgin Mary, Queen of angels and Saints, took Catherine to her Son and offered her to Him as His bride! But Jesus took one look at her and said just what she’d said about all her suitors: “Not beautiful enough. Not kind enough. Not wise enough.”
Catherine was heartbroken! She sent for the hermit who had told her about Jesus to ask him what it meant. “My dear,” he answered, “You must be baptized and your sins washed away.” That very day she was baptized and that very night she dreamed again. This time, Jesus came to her as her bridegroom, putting a ring on her finger and making her His own. At last, Catherine had found a Prince worthy of her—and been made worthy of Him.
But Catherine’s people were not pleased. This was a long time ago, before people were allowed to be Christians, and they reported her to the Emperor. “Well,” he thought, “it must be a very silly religion to say that God could be a man. We’ll just have to show her how silly it is.” So the Emperor called the smartest men in the city to explain to Catherine that Jesus couldn’t possibly be God. One by one, fifty philosophers argued against Jesus and one by one fifty philosophers found themselves convinced by Catherine. One by one they cried out that Jesus is God, the Savior of the world, and one by one they were put to death for their faith, glorious martyrs given heavenly crowns.
You would think the Emperor would think twice once all the smartest men in the smartest city in the world turned to Jesus, but it just made him mad. He decided to punish Catherine for her faith by starving her. But angels fed the bride of Christ, and she came out twelve days later, stronger and healthier than she had been. The people were amazed by this miracle—so amazed that many of them became Christians, even the Empress!
The Emperor hadn’t been able to argue Catherine away from Jesus and he hadn’t been able to threaten her away from Jesus, so he made one last attempt to bribe her away from Jesus. “Marry me,” he said, “and be Empress of all of Rome.” “I belong to Jesus,” Catherine declared, “And will have no other groom.” Oh, the Emperor was furious at that! He ordered Catherine to be killed. And so the brilliant and beautiful bride of Christ, who had searched for truth and found Him, went home to heaven where she prays that all those who love truth will find Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
The End
When St. Catherine met Jesus, she wanted to learn everything she could about Him. What can you do to learn more about Jesus? How can you tell other people about His love?
Ask St. Catherine to pray for people who teach the faith, for people who seek the truth, and for all unmarried women.
“Deep waters cannot quench love, nor floods sweep it away. Were one to offer all he owns to purchase love, he would be roundly mocked.” (Song of Songs 8:7)
What do you think? Are you as excited about this as I am? And do you want to help support us? Obviously, what we need most is your support in prayer. Please pray for God’s will to be done in our work. All either of us wants is for people to love Jesus better because of these books.
Then there’s the material support. Because we’ve gone about as far as we can on our own. You see, I have all the time in the world–or rather, I can if I want to. But Lindsey has 5 young children, with 3 who are still home all day. If she wants to work on these illustrations, she needs a babysitter to give her some time. So if you feel led to make a donation to support the illustrations, you can do that here.
One of the most challenging thing about this whole business is our attempt to make the details as accurate as possible. So if you happen to be a historical expert (particularly on clothes and ethnic makeup), we sure could use your input.
Finally, we expect the hardest thing about all this will be finding a publisher. Neither of us has any desire to try to self-publish. We know too well how valuable a good publisher can be, especially in terms of guidance as to word count and page layout and all that. So if you know a Catholic children’s publisher and want to pass this along, that’d be amazing!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you do for the Kingdom! If I didn’t have such an incredible group of supporters (both online and in real life), I couldn’t do anything that I do and I certainly wouldn’t have dreamed this project could come to fruition. But I know you all are prayer warriors and I know that God’s Providence works through you. I’m so excited to see what God has planned for this project and I’m so glad you’ll all be coming along for the ride!
Best idea ever! Totally will share! Maybe start a kickstarter for this??
Maria
We loved the blocks and will look forward to ordering books. I already know they will be just wonderfilled.
I dig it!!! I’m currently in college and have had a desire to write a Christian Children’s book surrounding bullying for some time–let me know how the process goes for you (publishing and logistics). You and Lindsey are in my prayers, this is such a great and worthy idea.
This is fantastic! And by the by I love to listen to your podcasts while on my 12 hour shifts-and invariably either by my laughing or crying I am put in a perfect position to witness when asked why. 😉 Keep up the amazing work and know that my prayers are with you!
What a great way to evangelize! Glad I can play a part in the good work you’re doing 🙂
meg,
Do you remember the email response from Br. Francis de Sales Wagner, OSB that Abbey Press might be interested in such a project.
Please contact him at fwagner@saintmeinrad.edu for more information.
Good luck and God bless your work,
Linda
I actually never got a reply from him. Did you?
I would love this book for my little princess! Actually, I think I would gift it to all the little girls I know!
Much needed Meg. I will think on this and send you some ideas.
Love it, I am so excited to show this to my girls and even plant the seed of a good way creative writing and artistic gifts can be used to glorify God.
One question on this: “Away went her scrolls of history and science and philosophy and out came the Gospels and the writings of the …”
Did her history and science learning go away? Or were they integrated with the Gospels? It just sounded funny to throw out history and science without more detail on what made those particular books not useful… Especially for girls who like history or science.
Ooh, good point. I think they did go away, but only because she was so excited to learn so much about Jesus. If she had lived to be old, she would certainly have brought out history and science again. I’ll see if I can figure out a way to make that sound temporary 🙂
I had the same thought! I would think saying something like “alongside her scrolls of history and science and philosophy she read the Gospels and the writings of the Saints and everything became clearer…” or something along those lines, like the disciples on the road to Emmaus whose hearts burned at the clarity. But either way I love this idea and this project so much. I’ll do what I can to chip in 🙂
Now I see it! Thank you 😀
Yes, that is such an important question. I would like very much to know what is meant. Y this, because there were saints who were scholars
Another point, when children read such a statement, they may feel that, now that they are pursuing sainthood, they no longer need to pursue learning of any other kind. They don’t need to do their homework. I am not kidding. I can think of a very young and very bright relative who might just do that if sainthood as he understands it is his first goal.
Absolutely brilliant. I homeschooled my two kids and I would have loved to have books like this. Love the illustrations also. I have an MA in fine art, and always wanted to write and illustrate children’s books, so I will be praying for this project to skyrocket to success! Blessings to you Meagan, I absolutely love your passion and enthusiasm for our Lord!
This is amazing!! I will pray like mad that you get all the support you need! xx
This is a fantastic idea and I cannot wait for it. It isn’t really a “good” to have to dive in to the mainstream cartoon princesses to pull out virtues… that doesn’t make a heroine!! Excited to have this way to introduce our daughters to princesses they can admire wholeheartedly! Thanks for doing this… what is the eta?
Thanks! We have no Idea on the timeline. It really all depends on finding a publisher. So say a prayer for that 🙂
What a beautiful and brilliant project!!
This is an inspired idea! I pray that you get everything you need to get it into production and circulated. God bless this project and both of you!
Love, love, LOVE!!! I think the idea of a Kickstarter campaign is genius. I also may be able to help on the fashion end…let me talk to a few people and see what I can find.
Any plans for a superhero book for boys? Or builders, construction, whatever. I have a godson who would go crazy for this!
And what are these blocks of which you speak??
All love and prayers!
We’re going to try to follow this with a book for boys. Possibly warrior Saints with Moses the Black and Saint Sebastian (and maybe also Joan of Arc). But there will definitely be less gendered books to follow. As far as blocks, check out AlmondRod Toys on Facebook 🙂
Hi Meg, We met recently at the CWBN conference, think fudge. Any way I contacted someone I know at Ave Maria Press and they don’t do children’s books. That made me think of Chesterton Press because they do have a few picture books in their line up. You could contact Regina Doman there. She is located in Front Royal, VA. I think this is a great project! I will keep it in my prayers.
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Emily, thank you so much for checking with Ave Maria! I’ll definitely look into Chesterton Press 🙂
I also vote for a Kickstarter campaign! And I’m a mom of 3, two of whom are little girls. I LOVE this idea!! Brilliant! I would get one for each of my girls and for my goddaughter!
May God continue to bless you. Thanks for being a soldier for him. Great idea!!! God Bless!!!
Your sister in Christ
Tori
Gah. I seriously cannot wait. Also, I feel kinda super special that I am in the know on this! ha! But for reals, you are a saint for doing this!!!
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Can. not. wait!!
Have you checked into Pauline Books? They are run by the Pauline sisters. This seems up their alley.
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I was going to suggest that, too! This looks wonderful!!
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That’s who I’m hoping for, but we haven’t yet started contacting publishers. Just putting it out there in case they want to find us 🙂
Hi Meg! This is my first time commenting here—I am a fellow ND grad 🙂
This is a fantastic idea, and I love the story and images you have here! I work as an editorial assistant for a secular publisher, and I especially love working on children’s books. If you have any questions about the publishing process, feel free to reach out to me—I am relatively new to the field, but I have a few contacts at Catholic presses. I also have experience in copyediting, so if you’re looking for a copyeditor I would love to help!
Thank you so much, Erin! I’m emailing you now 🙂
Are the illustrations done by the same artist who has been making the wonderful blocks? I only scanned the article. If so, may I suggest that you have a link to her pictures of her blocks? I know she may get overwhelming requests, but the Lord will provide.
Her shop’s Facebook page is linked right next to the picture of Gianna. Thanks!
Have you considered a coloring book companion? I’ve shared this on social media and the overwhelming response I’ve seen is that little girls would love to be able to color these images, too!
Meg, I would suggest trying Bethlehem Books, a publishing company in Bathgate, North Dakota. They publish children’s historical fiction, an occasional saints book, and are a division of Ignatius Press.
What a wonderful idea!! Put me down on the pre-order list (I suppose that has to come after “find a publisher”). I also like the Kickstarter idea, it would allow for spreading the word in a very established fashion.
I feel there is definitely a niche for exactly this book (and its sequel for boys). We have the Heroes of God and Heroines of God books, which is the closest I could find in this category, but they’re more like vignettes/mini-bios and have less of a storyline. Plus, Lindsey’s illustrations are fantastic.
Ooooo Sally, I love this and so look forward to seeing how it unfolds. We will definitely donate now and pray pray pray. And hopefully maybe can see you when you’re in MA? Though we really aren’t gonna be at all between Hartford and Springfield.
Howdy Meg,
I heard you on Spirit Radio in Lincoln, NE. All I can say I your life bears the image of God, Jesus Christ! Every human being is a divine work of God but most people live their lives not grasping that fact, as do I when I loose sight of Jesus! The Spirit of God has opened your heart to this and so much more! I’m the director of operations at Catholic Social Services in Lincoln. If Lord willing you would like to talk of visit with me about whatever God would want us to collaborate on call or email me. My cell is 402-730-0084, email is bdahlberg@cssisus.org (work email).
May our Lord hear our prayers,
Bryan Dahlberg
I just made a small donation in honor of my friends’ daughter Isla Rose, who was just baptized yesterday. I would suggest putting a small donation option of $5 or $10 on the donation page (currently the smallest option is $25), in return for which the donor would get an emailed certificate saying a donation has been made in the name of X, so that the donor could print that out and use it as a gift/card for such events.
I also recommend running a Kickstarter, through which backers would essentially pre-order copies of the book, giving you upfront cash to work on the book. I don’t know how publishers honor such pre-orders, though; probably best to talk to one of the publishing contacts who’s commented above. A film I worked on did run a Kickstarter and sent copies of the finished film out to backers before being picked up for distribution by a national distributor.
Blessings on this project!
-Cole
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Hi Meg,
Do you have these books available? I know it’s a process! I do know several people who are very interested in buying them (including me) when they are available. Thanks and what a great idea.
Did anything ever come of this? Would love to purchase if available.
Hi Meg!
Just wanted to leave a note since I brought this up with some coworkers and friends today. I hope this serves as some encouragement if you needed some on this project. The books can’t come off the presses soon enough for me and my kids!
Thank you for the many ways you bring others to Christ!
Hi Meg,
Any update on this project? I had the exact same idea to write a book about princess Saints but did a quick google search to see if someone has already done it. I very interested to know how this project is coming along.
You are successful because you share all the Knowledge you know with others. That’s a Great sign! Good Luck
to the Future and thanks.
HI,
Thanks for your beautiful help. Your article helped me a lot. Your writing style is awesome. Thanks for sharing.
I agree with every factor that you have pointed out. Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts on this.
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