10+ Best Catholic Books for 5-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the lookout for engaging Catholic books for 5-year-olds that not only entertain but also instill valuable lessons? Finding the right books can be a delightful adventure into faith for little ones. Whether you're a parent, guardian, or educator, these carefully selected reads are perfect for nurturing young minds. Keep reading to discover our top picks of Catholic books for 5-year-olds, each crafted to spark curiosity and moral growth in your budding reader!

Fun Catholic Books for 5-Year-Olds

• The Weight of a Mass: A Tale of Faith by Josephine Nobisso, illustrated by Katalin Szegedi
  • Genre(s): Religious, Picture Book, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: When a poor widow begs for a scrap of bread from a baker, she promises to trade it for the "weight of a Mass," leading to miraculous events.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates the power of faith and the Mass through a simple yet profound story, engaging young readers with its magical narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young children beginning to explore their faith and anyone who enjoys stories with a touch of magic and wonder.

• Brother Francis of Assisi by Tomie dePaola
  • Genre(s): Biography, Religious
  • Synopsis: This book introduces young readers to the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, telling how he gave up a life of wealth for one of poverty and service.
  • Why we recommend this book: Tomie dePaola’s charming illustrations and accessible storytelling bring the story of this beloved saint to life, making it easy for young children to understand and admire.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in stories of kindness, animals, and nature, as well as those learning about saints.

• The Tale of Three Trees: A Traditional Folktale by Angela Elwell Hunt, illustrated by Tim Jonke
  • Genre(s): Folk Tale, Religious, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This folktale tells the story of three trees on a mountain, each with grand dreams for the future, which are fulfilled in an unexpected way involving key moments in Christian history.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a timeless message about God’s plan for everyone, wrapped in a simple and memorable story that resonates with young hearts.
  • Perfect for: Children who love stories with moral lessons and those beginning to understand the concept of destiny and divine purpose.

• Saintly Rhymes for Modern Times by Meghan Bausch, illustrated by Becky Fawson
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Biography, Religious
  • Synopsis: This book features rhyming poems about modern-day saints, making their extraordinary lives accessible and relatable to young children.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its rhyming verses make learning about saints fun and engaging, helping kids remember and relate to each saint’s story.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy rhymes and those interested in role models who have lived their faith in contemporary times.

• My First Catechism: The Catholic Faith for Little Ones by Christine Pedotti
  • Genre(s): Catechism, Educational, Religious
  • Synopsis: This primer introduces the youngest readers to the basics of the Catholic faith, including prayers, sacraments, and teachings about God.
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks down complex aspects of the Catholic faith into digestible, kid-friendly pieces, encouraging early religious education.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers and kindergarteners who are just starting their religious education and families looking for a gentle introduction to faith concepts.

Educational Catholic Books for 5-Year-Olds

• Loyola Kids Book of Saints by Amy Welborn
  • Genre(s): Biography, Religious, Educational
  • Synopsis: This engaging book introduces young children to the lives and virtues of various saints, explaining how these figures lived out their faith and love for God.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of historical and religious figures, moral and spiritual development
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides relatable stories of saints, making it easier for children to understand and emulate their virtues.
  • Perfect for: Young readers curious about role models in faith and parents seeking to introduce their children to spiritual heroes.

• A Missal for Toddlers by Juliette Levivier, illustrated by Clare Fennell
  • Genre(s): Religious, Interactive, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book simplifies the Mass for young children, explaining its different parts in a clear and accessible way, with interactive elements to keep them engaged.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of the Catholic Mass, early religious rituals, and participation
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great tool for making the Mass understandable and interesting to very young children, helping them to participate more actively.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and young children attending Mass with their families, and those beginning their religious education.

• The Story of Saint Patrick by James A. Janda, illustrated by Christopher Fay
  • Genre(s): Biography, Religious, Historical
  • Synopsis: This colorful book tells the story of Saint Patrick, from his capture by pirates to his mission in Ireland where he spread Christianity.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, understanding of Christian missions, cultural awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines an exciting narrative with vibrant illustrations, making the historical and religious significance of Saint Patrick accessible and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in history and adventure, as well as those celebrating Saint Patrick's Day.

• The Donkey That No One Could Ride by Anthony DeStefano, illustrated by Richard Cowdrey
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Religious, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This heartwarming story tells of a weak, small donkey chosen by Jesus to carry him into Jerusalem, highlighting themes of strength coming from faith.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-esteem, faith, and resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: Its inspiring message encourages children to believe in themselves and their unique importance in God’s plan.
  • Perfect for: Children needing encouragement and a boost in self-confidence, and families seeking a positive, faith-based story.

• The Little Flower: A Parable of Saint Therese of Lisieux by Becky Arganbright, illustrated by Tracey Taylor Arvidson
  • Genre(s): Biography, Picture Book, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: Inspired by the life of Saint Therese, this story uses the metaphor of a little flower to teach about small acts of kindness and loving God.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, kindness, and understanding of Catholic values
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates how small, simple actions can make a big difference, a lesson vital for young hearts.
  • Perfect for: Young children learning about compassion and the impact of their actions in a spiritual context.

Challenging Catholic Books for 5-Year-Olds

• Saints for Young Readers for Every Day, Vol. 1 by Susan Helen Wallace
  • Genre(s): Biography, Religious, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book presents the lives of saints in a daily format, offering a saint for each day of the year, with stories highlighting their virtues and contributions to the faith.
  • Why this book is challenging: The daily format introduces complex historical and religious concepts, requiring young readers to connect with different historical contexts and moral lessons.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a consistent daily reading habit while teaching about the virtues of saints, inspiring young readers to live out those virtues in their own lives.
  • Perfect for: Kids who thrive on routine and parents who want to incorporate daily religious education.

• The Children's Book of Saints by Louis M. Savary
  • Genre(s): Biography, Religious
  • Synopsis: This collection narrates the stories of various saints, focusing on their childhoods and how they found their path to sainthood from a young age.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers a wide range of saints’ lives, offering detailed narratives that require young readers to grasp more complex themes of faith and morality.
  • Why we recommend this book: It shows that even the youngest can live lives of great faith and purpose, providing role models who are relatable to young children.
  • Perfect for: Children interested in history and stories of moral courage.

• The Miracles of Jesus by Tomie dePaola
  • Genre(s): Religious, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This book illustrates the miracles performed by Jesus, from turning water into wine to raising Lazarus from the dead, with engaging and colorful illustrations.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with the concept of miracles, which can be a complex topic for young minds to understand, especially in the context of faith and spirituality.
  • Why we recommend this book: The vivid storytelling and illustrations by Tomie dePaola make the miraculous acts of Jesus accessible and captivating for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories of wonder and those learning about the life and teachings of Jesus.

• Angels for Kids by Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle
  • Genre(s): Religious, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book provides an understanding of angels according to Catholic teachings, explaining their roles and how they interact with humanity.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces theological concepts about celestial beings, which are abstract and complex for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a comforting and enlightening view of angels, helping children understand and appreciate these beings' roles in their spiritual lives.
  • Perfect for: Children curious about angels and families who want to teach their kids about spiritual beings in a religious context.

• The Holy Twins: Benedict and Scholastica by Kathleen Norris, illustrated by Tomie dePaola
  • Genre(s): Biography, Religious, Historical
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Saint Benedict and his twin sister, Scholastica, focusing on their spiritual journey and founding of the Benedictine tradition.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores historical religious practices and the concept of monastic life, which are sophisticated topics for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: The story of these twin saints provides a unique perspective on sibling relationships and spiritual devotion, illustrated beautifully to captivate young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children interested in historical religious figures and those exploring the roots of Christian monastic traditions.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Introducing young children to the joy of reading, especially through Catholic books, can be both fun and educational. Here are some engaging exercises that will help your 5-year-old develop good reading habits while exploring their faith.

• Read Together Daily
  • What it is: Set aside a specific time each day to read a Catholic book together.
  • How it helps: Encourages routine and instills a love for reading.
  • Tips: Choose a quiet and comfortable spot for reading sessions to minimize distractions.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Before reading, flip through the book looking at pictures and discussing what might happen in the story.
  • How it helps: Enhances imagination and prediction skills.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions about the pictures to encourage your child to think and express themselves.

• Role Play
  • What it is: Act out stories or scenes from the Catholic books you read.
  • How it helps: Helps with comprehension and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the role-playing fun and engaging.

• Story Retelling
  • What it is: After reading, have your child retell the story in their own words.
  • How it helps: Improves memory and understanding of the narrative.
  • Tips: Prompt them with questions if they get stuck to keep the story flowing.

• Connect the Story to Life
  • What it is: Discuss how the morals and lessons in the story apply to everyday life.
  • How it helps: Helps children apply religious and ethical teachings in real situations.
  • Tips: Share examples from your own life or ask your child how they might use the lesson themselves.

These exercises are not only fun but also deepen a child's understanding of their faith through reading. By incorporating these activities into your reading routine, you're setting a strong foundation for both spiritual growth and a lifelong love of books. Happy reading!