Children's Book Notes: "Jesus, I Love You"

As a former teacher, catechist and religious education director books have always felt like friends to me. As a mom, I enjoyed reading to my children and now I read to my grandchildren. Often, I read the very same books I read to their parents, because, yes, I saved them along with the blocks, Duplos, and Legos.

But it is fun to find new books, especially those that teach about our faith. I read the board book, Jesus, I Love You by Augustine Gadient, illustrated by Mizuho Fujisawa, and thought it would be a great addition to a toddler’s bookshelf or for that special bag moms bring to Mass to keep kids quiet.

It hits all the right points for a board book: a sentence or two on each page, bright, clear illustrations, repetition, and a lift the flap feature. Its aim is to teach children to pray so each page starts off with a hello, thank you, please, or help me to Jesus.

I read it via FaceTime (because, you know, physical distancing) and my daughter and I thought it was sweet. My grandson listened and got excited when he saw his favorite things: birds and planes. I’ll count that as a stamp of approval from a 2-year-old, which is the target audience. Of course, I can’t wait to read it to my grandchildren in person and will, as soon as I can.

Take a look at this book for a little one you love or as a baby shower gift. It’s published by Ignatius Press.

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Copyright 2020 Deanna Bartalini