Board Book: Joseph's Workshop

Betty Vertin and her toddler enjoyed reading and rereading a new board book about Saint Joseph and his work as a carpenter.

The Feast of Saint Joseph holds a special place in my heart. Over the years, I have celebrated it in many ways, including holding special Masses with my children and husband. This year, I volunteered to write a book review and was blessed to receive a copy of Joseph’s Workshop by Julia Wade the week of March 19, St. Joseph’s feast day.

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It’s a sturdy board book with beautiful illustrations by Matthew Bartula. It's perfect for the very young in your life. I immediately cuddled up with my 2-year-old daughter Callie and read it with her.

We loved watching the progression of Joseph’s work as a carpenter as we turned the book's pages. He makes a toy for a young boy that you and your children will surely recognize as Jesus. My daughter saw Joesph give the toy to Jesus in the last illustration and called out “JiJi,” her adorable way of saying his name.

The words on each page are poetic, simple descriptions of Joseph’s tools and work. As a mom of four boys, I know that many conversations about hammering and carving would have come from each page when they were young. The language includes repetition and rhymes that tell the beautiful story of a father and worker for young readers and their adults.

This book has already become my youngest child's favorite, and I will soon be able to recite it from memory as she examines every page.

It would make a great Baptism gift, a birthday present for the young Josephs in your life, or a perfect addition to any child’s library. The children in your lives will love it. You can order a copy in time for the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker, which we celebrate on May 1.

Ask for Joseph's Workshop at your local Catholic bookseller, or order online from Amazon.com or the publisher, Sophia Institute Press.

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