My ABC's with Jesus

Kathie Scott-Avery shares her (and her grandchildren’s) appreciation for a lovely, very Catholic ABC book of rhyming verse.      

By Mary Josephine with illustrations by Dona Fischer 

Published by Marian Press

Using colorful drawings and rhyming verse, My ABC’s with Jesus by Mary Josephine with illustrations by Dona Fischer introduces young children to key aspects of the Catholic faith. And it delights them in the process.

Authentically Catholic

What is particularly striking about the book is that it immediately dives into the mysteries and majesty of the Catholic faith, yet it does so in a way that young children can both absorb and appreciate. The writer, who has decades of experience teaching religious education to young children, introduces engaging lessons of substance using only a few short lines of rhyming text on each page spread. The result is something akin to an age-appropriate primer for the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Anchored by the alphabet, the range of topics reinforce basics of the faith as well as introduce more complex aspects such as the Trinity, Mary, the Eucharist, Scapulars, and the Crucifixion. In addition, there are a few bonus pages that delve into Divine Mercy.

The accessibility and abundance of material also lend themselves to further exploration for curious minds. In fact, the adult reader may want to look through the book before the first read-aloud in anticipation of terms that may be unfamiliar to the child. For me, it was the Marian apparition in Champion, Wisconsin, that sent me scrambling for a little more background information to have at-the-ready!

Another reason to preview My ABC’s with Jesus is that some of the rhymes are not as lightly sing-song as we sometimes expect from rhyming books that focus on cadence more than substance. However, I didn’t do that — and my brief pauses to capture the rhythm of the verse before saying it aloud seemed to be imperceptible to my young audience. It could be partly because, at each turn of the page, they were instantly captivated by the pictures!

Relatable Artwork

Complementing the text, each page spread includes a prominent display of the letter being highlighted as well as illustrations that depict and honor the concept being described. The artist uses familiar scenes, often yielding declarations of “That’s me!” or “That’s Baby Jesus!” as little ones identify with the representations. In addition, details such as sacred items and symbols are embedded in the drawings. The hues are rich, with a texture that incorporates qualities of both crayon and watercolors. Even the featured letter is deliberately child-friendly, with lines that match the width of a small child’s finger and which seem to invite them to trace its outline as the letter is introduced.

Right-Sized

And finally, measuring about 5” x 7” x ¼”, the book is a light and tote-able fit for toddlers and preschoolers. Its paper pages give it a grown-up feel, yet they are sturdy enough for little hands to manage.

My ABC’s with Jesus is a charming book that covers a lot of spiritual ground for little Catholics. Its format has high appeal for readers and listeners alike.

Ask for this book at your local Catholic bookseller, or order online from the publisher, Marian Press. 

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Copyright 2026 Kathie Scott-Avery
Images:  Canva