Father Drew, What Do You Do?
by Rebecca W. Martin; Illustrated by Steliyana Doneva
Publisher: Our Sunday Visitor
Last year, I started a Mommy and Me group at our parish. The kids’ favorite parts were the puppet shows, songs, and stories, so I am always on the look out for new Catholic picture books to share with the children. Our theme was the Sacraments, and I have never seen a book as perfect as Father Drew, What Do You Do? by Rebecca W. Martin to teach Holy Orders! In fact, this book mentions some of the other Sacraments too. After all, without our amazing priests, none of the Sacraments would be available for us.
A Catholic Picture Book to Teach About Holy Orders
The book is told from the point of view of a priest named Father Drew. Father Drew explains that he thought about being a firefighter or an astronaut as a child, and knew that he wanted to serve God. Father Drew then explains what ordination means and what it means to be a priest. He also touches upon how we each have a vocation that God calls us to. The language is simple enough for a child to understand without dumbing or watering the meanings down. It is an excellent catechetical tool!
He also talks about why he is called “Father” and why he wears his white collar. He also explains his role as a parish priest, and the different duties he does throughout the day in his parish and in his community.
A Book to Learn About the Mass and Sacraments
Father Drew also talks about celebrating Mass as a priest, and briefly talks about the Homily and Consecration. The illustrations are bright and inviting – perfect for little minds and hearts!
Father Drew also talks about the priest’s role in Sacraments such as Baptism, Holy Matrimony, Anointing of the Sick, and Reconciliation.
A Great Book to Encourage Vocations to the Priesthood
Books about doctors, firefighters, dinosaurs, brown bears, and racecar drivers usually fill little boys’ bookshelves. A book about the priesthood should be on their shelves as well! Father Drew, What Do You Do? can easily sit on any child’s bookshelf alongside all of the classic and modern picture books that interest children.
This book is perfect to read to toddlers. It is short and entertaining enough to keep their attention, and is highly informative and accurate. Elementary school-aged children would also enjoy this book. Most of the language is simple enough for them to read on their own. The book also has a Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur.
Helpful Information and Prayer for Parents
The last pages of the book include some helpful background information for parents such as some definitions and why only men can be priests. There is also a beautiful “Prayer for My Child’s Vocation” that I was thrilled and grateful to pray for all of my children.
This article originally appeared on www.amazingcatechists.com.