Audacious Ignatius: Delightful for the Whole Family

Three generations of Ellen Gable Hrkach's family enjoyed Paul Mitchell's children's book about Saint Ignatius of Loyola.

Audacious Ignatius is a delightful new children’s book for the whole family about the life of Saint Ignatius of Loyola.  

Ignatius of Loyola, a valiant soldier, is struck by a cannonball and gravely wounded. His military career is finished. Ignatius responds to this misfortune by listening for and responding to God's call. Follow him through his conversion, the development of the Spiritual Exercises, and the growth of the Society of Jesus. This playful rendition of the biography of St. Ignatius invites readers to encounter Ignatian spirituality and the wisdom of a Catholic spiritual master.  (from the publisher)

This book taught me more about the life of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. It is geared towards kids ages six to nine and reminds me of a few Dr. Suess books. I first read it out loud myself and had fun with the rhymes. I then read it to my grandson (who is four and a half and not quite in the age range), and when I was finished, he said, “I liked that story, Grammy.” My son (his dad) was present when I was reading the story, and asked my grandson whether he would read it again, and he said a resounding, “Yes, I would love to!”

My son (age 34) thoroughly enjoyed the story as well. He said, “The rhyming is fun, there’s great use of color, and it’s a wonderful story. I give it a thumbs up!”  

Some of the words are probably too hard for kids to understand, (especially those that rhyme with Ignatius!), even children ages six to nine. It’s theologically rich in meaning, but the beauty of Audacious Ignatius is that what kids don’t understand, parents will, and hopefully, this book will also help to teach adults. 

The illustrations are nicely done, and the vibrant colors are very eye-catching. It tells in an easy-to-understand way much about Saint Ignatius and Ignatian spirituality. And … I couldn’t believe there were so many words that rhymed with “Ignatius!” 

I love the line, “For if, like our hero, you learn how to pray, plans to live with deep love will come right your way.” This book will provide a loving reminder to both children and adults of the importance of prayer in our lives. 

I highly recommend this beautiful children’s book for any child in your life (and any adult too).  

Ask for Audacious Ignatius at your local Catholic bookseller, or order online from Amazon.com or the publisher, Loyola Press.

Copyright 2023 Ellen Gable Hrkach
Images: Canva
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