--- title: The Thief Who Stole Heaven description: Lisa Hendey reviews the second book in the new 'Legend' series by Raymond Arroyo. image: https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/booknotes-kids.jpg --- [![catholic-mom-logo-v2](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/images/catholic-mom-logo-v2.svg "catholic-mom-logo-v2")](https://www.catholicmom.com/) [![facebook](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-facebook.svg)](http://www.facebook.com/CatholicMomCommunity) [![twitter](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-twitter.svg)](http://twitter.com/CatholicMomCom) [![instagram](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-instagram.svg)](http://instagram.com/catholicmomcommunity) [![youtube](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-youtube.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAuUqHCVPDzyMgSMaMZxxug?view_as=subscriber) [![search-icon](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/search-icon.svg)](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/the-thief-who-stole-heaven#) [BOOKS](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/tag/books) # The Thief Who Stole Heaven Mar 11, 2021 8:30:00 AM  |  by [Lisa M. Hendey](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/author/lisa-m-hendey) ![featured image](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/booknotes-kids.jpg) *Lisa Hendey reviews the second book in the new 'Legend' series by Raymond Arroyo.* New for this Lenten season in full-color hardcover is *[The Thief Who Stole Heaven](https://amzn.to/2NB6MyR)*, the second in a new “Legend” series from Sophia Institute Press. Written by author Raymond Arroyo, whose inaugural “Legend” book *[The Spider Who Saved Christmas](https://amzn.to/3ayj8Rr)* hit the New York Times bestseller list before Christmas, the book features lavish illustrations by Randy Gallegos. ![Thief-Who-Stole-Heaven_Cover](https://www.catholicmom.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Thief-Who-Stole-Heaven_Cover.jpg?width=1350&name=Thief-Who-Stole-Heaven_Cover.jpg) ## Synopsis: > Raymond Arroyo provides readers with a cinematic, adventurous holiday story based on ancient legends filled with deeper themes. The Thief Who Stole Heaven introduces audiences to the largely hidden character of The Good Thief. Bridging the gap between Christmas and Easter, this unique story brings to life a compelling redemption story that is destined to be treasured and revisited year after year. > > *Source: [Sophia Institute Press](https://www.sophiainstitute.com/products/item/the-thief-who-stole-heaven)* ![Raymond Arroyo](https://www.catholicmom.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Raymond%20Arroyo.jpg?width=319&name=Raymond%20Arroyo.jpg)In an author’s note following the main text of the book, Raymond Arroyo shares his inspiration for the creation of the story he shares, citing works by Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich, early Church Fathers, and St. Augustine as sources of legendary narratives about Dismas, the “Good Thief” who is briefly mentioned in Luke’s Gospel. Arroyo’s work here is an interesting continuation of the trend of art which has been inspired by sacred Scripture. While obviously not literal in its retelling of an account mentioned in the Gospel connected to Christ’s crucifixion, this story invites us to ponder what might have transpired in Dismas’ journey that would cause his personal conversion so late in life. More deeply, Raymond Arroyo uses children’s literature to speak to the virtue of **mercy **and the capacity for our hearts to change when mercy is extended. Timed to coincide with the season of Lent, Arroyo’s story might be used in homes, classrooms and parishes to open a conversation about God’s unconditional love and our universal calling to extend that love to the world around us.   > [Check out Lisa Hendey's early look at The Thief Who Stole Heaven by Raymond Arroyo, just released from Sophia Press #catholicmom](https://ctt.ac/s25Fq) While *[The Thief Who Stole Heaven](https://amzn.to/2NB6MyR)* is a children’s book, this is a story that parents will want to read themselves and pray over before sharing with young ones. The book includes some imagery that may be frightening for sensitive young minds, including robbery, killing, and the torture of a kitten. The reading level for the book is listed as appropriate for 6- to 12-year-olds. But as is the case with any children’s work, a broad audience will benefit from Arroyo’s invitation to extend and be open to receiving God’s mercy in our lives. Released March 9, 2021, *[The Thief Who Stole Heaven](https://amzn.to/3pAUy6I)* is now available on [Amazon](https://amzn.to/3pAUy6I). --- Copyright 2021 Lisa M. Hendey This article contains Amazon affiliate links; your purchases through these links benefit the author. ### Share this article [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2Fthe-thief-who-stole-heaven%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2Fthe-thief-who-stole-heaven%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2Fthe-thief-who-stole-heaven%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=The%20Thief%20Who%20Stole%20Heaven) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2Fthe-thief-who-stole-heaven%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2Fthe-thief-who-stole-heaven%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ** #### About the Author ![Lisa M. Hendey](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/Lisa%20M%20Hendey%202024.png) ### [Lisa M. Hendey](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/author/lisa-m-hendey) Lisa M. Hendey is the founder of CatholicMom.com, a bestselling author and an international speaker. A frequent radio and television guest, Hendey travels internationally giving workshops on faith, family, and communications. Visit Lisa at [LisaHendey.com](http://lisahendey.com), on her Substack at [LisaHendey.Substack.com](http://lisahendey.substack.com/), or on social media @LisaHendey for information on her speaking schedule or to invite her to visit your group, parish, school or organization. [Find Lisa’s books on her Amazon author page](https://www.amazon.com/Lisa-M-Hendey/e/B002ZM9FH0). [**](http://facebook.com/lisamhendey) [**](http://twitter.com/lisahendey) ## Related Blog Articles [ Journey to the Manger with Pope Francis’s Book Christmas at the Nativity Read ](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/journey-to-the-manger-with-pope-franciss-book-christmas-at-the-nativity) [ Announcing Our "Saints in 16" Book Club for the New Year Read ](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/2015/11/16/announcing-our-saints-in-16-book-club-for-the-new-year) [ 10 Hidden Heroes: In Conversation with Mark Shriver Read ](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/10-hidden-heroes-in-conversation-with-mark-shriver) ## Comments ## Donate now [![Support Catholic Mom](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/275132/10016573-1c5c-4aa5-baba-c2ac91fe7545.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/275132/10016573-1c5c-4aa5-baba-c2ac91fe7545) [![CatholicMom_hcfm_logo1_pos_871c_2728c (002)](https://www.catholicmom.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CatholicMom_hcfm_logo1_pos_871c_2728c%20(002).png?width=1806&height=731&name=CatholicMom_hcfm_logo1_pos_871c_2728c%20(002).png "CatholicMom_hcfm_logo1_pos_871c_2728c (002)")](https://www.catholicmom.com/) ##### Subscribe to Catholic Momcast on iTunes or Spotify [![itunes-logo-black](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/logos/itunes-logo-black.svg)](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catholic-momcast/id1362352357)[![spotify-logo-black](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/logos/spotify-logo-black.svg)](https://open.spotify.com/show/15CoipHL7z61IDcYErV0b8?si=hqaQJSxDQgq7S1hxCwsoxQ) ##### CatholicMom on Social Networks [![facebook](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-facebook.svg)](http://www.facebook.com/CatholicMomCommunity) [![twitter](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-twitter.svg)](http://twitter.com/CatholicMomCom) [![instagram](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-instagram.svg)](http://instagram.com/catholicmomcommunity) [![youtube](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-youtube.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAuUqHCVPDzyMgSMaMZxxug?view_as=subscriber) ##### About Catholic Mom [Who We Are](https://www.catholicmom.com/about-us) [Contact Us](https://www.catholicmom.com/contact) [Support CatholicMom.com](https://www.catholicmom.com/support-us)   ##### Associated Links [Holy Cross Family Ministries](https://www.hcfm.org/) [Family Rosary](https://www.familyrosary.org/) [Family Theater Productions](https://www.familytheater.org/) [Congregation of the Holy Cross](https://www.holycrossusa.org/) [Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C.](https://www.fatherpeyton.org/) [The Peyton Institute for Domestic Church Life](https://www.peytonfamilyinstitute.org/) ### **Stay connected!** Don’t miss a thing! 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