September/October Children's Book Club Pick

I'm thrilled to be offering Elizabeth Ficocelli's The Imitation of Christ for Children: A Guide to Following Jesus as the September/October Children's Book Club selection for children. I am a big fan of Elizabeth's writing. This book is truly a treasure. I'm slowly working my was through The Imitation of Christ during my morning reading and have found it to be an incredible book. I'm so happy to share the following letter to all our Catholic Mom readers from author Elizabeth Ficocelli. This is one book you'll definitely want to share with your children! Lisa


Dear fellow Catholic Moms:

I am delighted to learn that my latest children's book, The Imitation of Christ for Children: A Guide to Following Jesus, is being featured in the Sept./Oct. Children's Book Selection at CatholicMom.com.

Being invited to write this book by my publisher Paulist Press was truly an honor and a pleasure for me. I have long been a fan of the original classic, The Imitation of Christ by Thomas a' Kempis, a book that is said to be the second most popular piece of Christian literature after the Bible itself. Yet, in six hundred years, no one has ever attempted to present the timeless teachings of this wonderful masterpiece to young readers--until now.

The book is targeted to children between the ages of eight and twelve, a time when most children have received their First Holy Communion and are working toward Confirmation. There is not much written for Catholics in this age group, although it is an impressionable time in their faith formation. I am pleased to have artist Christ Sabatino lend his talent to provide wonderful spot illustrations throughout the book to intice the reader further into the story.

Following the general layout of the original book, this chapter book is also divided into four sections. The first discusses why it is important to make Jesus the leader in our lives, giving practical and kid-friendly ways on how to do that. In this section, I discuss ways to talk to and listen to Jesus and how to apply the concept of loving one another as we are called to do.

The second section talks about ways to become a better follower of Jesus. Children are encouraged to reflect on their purpose in life, how Christianity calls us to positive attitudes and actions, and how to deal with everyday temptations.

The third section discusses ways to keep our faith growing with the rest of our lives through things like religious studies, reading the Bible, and discovering the treasure of the saints. It introduces the idea to the child about Jesus being our best friend.

Finally, the fourth section leads the reader to ultimate union with Jesus through Holy Communion. The book reviews what this sacrament means, how to keep it fresh and meaningful, how to prepare ourselves before, during, and after, and what the Eucharist really is calling us to do.

A special guide is provided at the end to give parents and teachers creative ways to use the book, including lots of activities and discussion questions.

Using contemporary language and situations, The Imitation of Christ for Children helps youngsters live out the gift of the Eucharist and find their unique purpose in life according to God's loving plan, while making them eager to continue in their life of faith.

My hope is that this book will inspire adults to enter into a lively faith exchange with their children and students, and perhaps experience the original classic, The Imitation of Christ, for themselves.

I hope you enjoy the book!

Elizabeth Ficocelli
www.elizabethficocelli.com