St. Dominic And the Rosary: A Graphic Novel

Suzanne Beck reviews an engaging approach to teaching children about the history of the Rosary.

St. Dominic And the Rosary: A Graphic Novel

By Father Donald Callowway, MIC; illustrated by Sam Estrada

Published by Marian Press

Graphic novels are all the rage right now and it’s easy to see why! They are so engaging to read, usually with bright, fun artwork — comic-book style — that adds so much to the story. This portrayal of the story of St. Dominic and the Rosary by Father Donald Calloway and illustrator Sam Estrada is sure to be a winner with kids young and old.

The book begins with the Bianco family traveling on pilgrimage to the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, where they meet Father Calloway and ask him to explain the history of the Rosary. In delightful, age-appropriate text, along with colorful and captivating illustrations, Father Calloway details the Mysteries of the Rosary and goes on to describe how Saint Dominic challenged heretics and Our Lady answered! 

The Bianco children ask intriguing questions which Father Calloway answers thoughtfully and which lead to great discussions about battles, such as Muret and Lepanto, and Marian apparitions — in Lourdes and Fatima, and also Belgium, Japan, Rwanda, and Argentina. Each is fully explained (many of them even I didn’t know about!) and again, depicted with beautiful illustrations. 

Father Calloway continues the history explaining that after Saint Dominic died, God prompted others to continue to urge praying the Rosary. In the 16th century Dominican missionaries brought the Rosary to South America and Asia. Continuing to highlight those who found power in the Rosary into the 19th and 20th centuries, Father Calloway describes the stories of Saint Bartolo Longo and Saint Pier Georgio Frassati: all taught again with memorable text with incredible, captivating comic-style illustrations! 

The children then ask about the Luminous Mysteries, and Father Calloway explains how Saint John Paul II gave those to the Church to help counter attacks against the faith in our current day: a great description. 

Devotion to the Rosary has spread across the world and down through time to the present day, thanks to many saints, popes, and ordinary people. I would highly recommend this book as a great addition to your library! It’s so fun to read, and the illustrations are a huge addition to the dialogue and information that’s presented, making it easy to remember. It will help your family harness that same power. Our Lady of the Rosary and Saint Dominic, pray for us!

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Copyright 2026 Suzanne Beck
Images: Canva