Joseph, Keeper of the King

Alex Resch loved the rhymes and illustrations in this charming new picture book about the life of Saint Joseph.  

Joseph, Keeper of the King

By Scott Hahn and Emily Stimpson Chapman; illustrated by Tricia Dugat  

Published by Emmaus Road Publishing

Saint Joseph is one of the most powerful intercessors that our families can call upon for assistance. He is also a wonderful example of humility, obedience, and loyalty. He is definitely a saint that we want our children to know well. In the new book, Joseph, Keeper of the King, Scott Hahn and Emily Stimpson Chapman tell the beautiful story of Saint Joseph’s life in an engaging and colorful way for children.

The Story of Saint Joseph’s Life

The story begins by introducing Saint Joseph as a humble man from Galilee. The book is written in charming and creative rhyme. The story goes on to describe how, even though he was a humble man, Saint Joseph came from a line of royal kings from Israel. We hear the story of salvation history as the authors describe the birth of King David to his father, Jesse. The writers tell how the Savior will come from this very lineage.

We then hear about Joseph’s life as a carpenter in Galilee and how he was loyal and obedient to God. Then, Joseph marries Mary. I love this page because the illustrator, Tricia Dugat, includes a picture of lilies growing from Saint Joseph’s staff, and lilies symbolize Saint Joseph and Mary’s purity and chastity.

The story continues with the Annunciation, and Joseph’s confusion about Mary’s news. When an angel appears to Joseph in a dream, he knows that Mary is telling the truth, and he decides to say “yes” to God’s invitation to raise the Son of God.

The Quiet Life of the Holy Family and St. Joseph’s Death

The rhymes continue to tell the quiet life of the Holy Family as Joseph and Mary raises Jesus together. I love Tricia Dugat’s illustrations of St. Joseph helping Jesus walk as a toddler and giving Jesus a piggy-back ride.

In the end, we see Saint Joseph dying in the presence of Mary and Jesus: the ultimate example of a holy death. This page is followed by a little boy calling on Saint Joseph because he feels scared and is asking St. Joseph for his protection. This is a great example and message for our children.

Saint Joseph, Pray for Us!

This is the perfect picture book to teach children ages 5 and up about Saint Joseph. The story can be used to tell children about the life of the foster father of Jesus and how we can call on him in our times of need. This book can be read all year — especially during March (the month of Saint Joseph), for the Solemnity of Saint Joseph on March 19, and for the feast of Saint Joseph the worker on May 1.

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Copyright 2026 Alex Resch
Images: (top) detail from cover