Three Books from Ascension Press Introduce Children to Prayer

Cassidy Van Slyke Blenke reviews three books that help children learn to pray the Rosary and Hail Mary through interactive stories and colorful pictures.

I was immediately delighted to review a collection of three Ascension Kids books on behalf of CatholicMom.com, because my children have been longtime fans of children's books from Ascension, thanks to their interactive flaps, pictures, engaging stories, and easy-to-read formats. Our family will bring these interactive books to Mass and also read along together at home.

Learn to Pray My First Hail Mary 

The first book, Learn to Pray My First Hail Mary, written by Meredith Wilson and illustrated by Candace Camling, is a smaller board book (perfect for the little ones and really all ages) that introduces us to talking to Blessed Mary, the angel Gabriel, and Our Lord Jesus. The simplicity of the messages, imagery, and text makes this the perfect book to accompany Mass, travel, or even an easy good-night read.  

Pray and Think Imaginative Rosary Book

Pray and Think Imaginative Rosary Book, written and illustrated by Candace Camling recommended for ages 6+ is a 94-page children’s book that introduces readers to the Rosary and helps them engage in praying the Rosary through colorful pictures and child-friendly explanations. I specifically love how this book gives parents an opportunity to grow with their children in their faith through reading these books. For me too, as someone who became Catholic later in life, this is the perfect refresher as I continue to grow in my own faith. The author, Candace Camling, is a fellow Catholic mother who wrote these books for the purpose of reading with her children and teaching them the beauty of the Rosary through engaging literature. 

My First Interactive Rosary Book

My First Interactive Rosary Book, also written and illustrated by Candace Camling, is a lift-the-flap, spin-the-wheel, and trace board book for kids (recommended ages 4+), but really all my children ages (7,6,4, and 3) absolutely adore these books.   

A hands-on, interactive journey from praying one decade, to a full Rosary. Designed with young Catholics in mind, this book uses lift-the-flaps, turning wheels, and beautiful visuals to make learning to pray the Rosary joyful, memorable, and engaging. (Ascension Press) 

One of my daughters specifically stated, “I love this book because you can open up the flaps.” As a mom, I couldn’t ask for a better book that thoughtfully introduces topics in a manner that is easy to conceptualize for children, and also adults that are still learning. 

Ask for these books at your local Catholic bookseller, or order online from Amazon.com or the publisher, Ascension Press.

Is this a book you'd like to read? Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2025 Cassidy Van Slyke Blenke
Images: interior photos of each book copyright 2025 Ascension Press, all rights reserved.