The Martins: The Extraordinary Family of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux

Just in time for the feast of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, Jennifer Thomas shares her thoughts on a new children’s book about the Martin family .

The Martins: The Extraordinary Family of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux 

By Sophie de Mullenheim; illustrated by Laura Hommay

Published by Ignatius Press

I’ve been rediscovering my love of children’s books lately, especially ones that are about the saints. My children and I have been journeying with the saints for over a year now and when an opportunity presents itself for us to read a children’s book about one of their beloved saints, I try to take advantage of it. The Martins: The Extraordinary Family of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux by Sophie de Mullenheim is the latest that has become part of our family library. While it is recommended for ages 7 and up, I do think there is value in reading it to a younger audience, especially because of the way it is written. 

I was immediately struck by the beauty of the cover, especially the smiles that illuminate each of the family members’ faces. I imagine this was no accident on the part of illustrator Laura Hommay. The Contents page initially seemed a bit overwhelming but once I flipped through the pages of the book and understood how the book was written, it made it less daunting. The Foreword written by Father Thierry Hénault-Morel Rector of the Shrine of Alençon provides a beautiful introduction to the theme of the book, “God is Served First!” It also intrigues the reader to read the book in order to learn the meaning of being a “Tombi-Carabi.”  

The comic-style writing makes the book engaging for children to read on their own or for parents and children to read together. It easily lends itself to be an interactive experience between parents and children to role-play with the different voices of each character. My daughter and I actually read some of it together using this role-playing method and it was truly an enjoyable experience for both of us.  

Pieces of History 

Reading through the pages, I loved and appreciated the attention to important details like significant dates throughout the book. This provides a timeline for the reader that helps readers understand not only what was going on in the lives of the Martins but also events that influenced their lives like France declaring war on Prussia as well as more personal life events including Zelie’s diagnosis and death.

In addition to the useful timeline in which the book is written, I also found the book full of endearing moments the family shared together. From the love story of how Zelie and Louis Martin first met to Christmastime and playtime, the book beautifully brings the reader into the life of the family. I especially love how the family’s faith is incorporated throughout the entire book including prayer, Leonie preparing for and receiving her First Communion, and Thérèse receiving her first holy Communion.   

Remembering Those Who Have Gone Before Us 

An aspect of the book that I appreciated is how the author wove in the little ways the family remembers those who have passed. Within the first few pages of the book, we learn that four of the Martins’ children sadly passed away and, in a gentle nod to honor them, a black sash appears over the corner of a picture of each of them. At one point, Zelie even calls on her “little angels in Heaven” to intercede when one of their daughters, Marie, falls ill. This beautifully demonstrates the ways in which we can ask for the intercession of the saints who have gone before us. 

Final Thoughts 

Overall, I found the book to be a beautiful and simple way to share the story of the life of the Martin Family. I enjoyed reading about the many ways their faith played a vital role throughout their lives and learning more about the family of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. While the book does seem a bit choppy from an adult perspective, my 11-year-old daughter was easily able to follow along with the storyline. I highly recommend this book for families who desire to learn more about the saints along with their children.  

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

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Copyright 2025 Jennifer Thomas
Images: (top) detail from cover