Two Charming New Catholic Picture Books

Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur reviews two new charming picture books by Gracie Jagla: stories that are a Catholic twist on a familiar theme.

If the Pope Had a Puppy and If a Saint Had a Song

By Gracie Jagla; illustrated by Sara Ugolotti

Published by OSV Kids

Anyone who has read If You Give a Mouse a Cookie (or any of the similar books) by Laura Numeroff knows how fun this type of story, where characters repeatedly get sidetracked, can be to read over and over again. Writer Gracie Jagla and illustrator Sara Ugolotti take that winning formula and apply it to a new set of Catholic picture books. The enjoyable text and whimsical illustrations combine for a delightful experience. If the Pope had a Puppy and If a Saint Had a Song are sure to become family favorites. 

If the Pope Had a Puppy 

The pope has a puppy who leads him to the Sistine Chapel. He then gets hungry and has a big bowl of spaghetti, takes a nap, climbs a cupola, and joins a street parade. The pope blesses people as he makes his way, kicks a soccer ball with some children, borrows a penny to throw in the Trevi Fountain, gets gelato, teaches some children about Jesus, rides a bike around the city, visits the Colosseum, sees a kitty, and ultimately finds his puppy in his popemobile.  

If a Saint Had a Song 

A saint begins to burst into song, prompting other saints to join in, including Saint Cecilia with the heavenly orchestra. Mary and Joseph, Saints Joachim and Anne, and Saints Louis and Zélie begin to dance. Mary decides to throw a party and sends the apostles to go fishing. They enjoy a swim while in the water, and the angels help them carry their fish. Saint Anthony helps to find decorations and Saint Philip Neri tells jokes. Jesus comes to join them, and all the saints burst into song.  

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Copyright 2025 Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur
Images: Canva
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