Genre

Poetry, Children’s Literature

Audience

Ages 2 & Up

Author’s Worldview

Catholic

Year Published

2020

Themes

Glory of God, Beauty, Miracles, Faith, Hope, Disbelief, Destruction, Fairy tales,

 

Reviewed by

Tiffany Buck

Enter to win one of 8 Prize Packages for this this book.

Available only to our newsletter Subscribers (which is also free)

“There once was a spring that could not go dry.”

 The Eternal Spring tells the story of an endless spring of water that not only quenches the thirst of all those that draw from it, but delights all in its presence. A monk, knowing this miraculous spring could only be from God, builds a beautiful fountain over it. The water shoots towards heaven to honor and thank our Creator. The fountain brings joy to all who see it. All is well for a while, until one disbelieving man takes an interest in the endless spring.

 Faith is gift from God. Sadly, there are many disbelieving people. Seeing the joy and faith of others is often hard for them to understand. The disbelieving man can’t understand this endless spring of water. How has it not dried up? Why does no one question it? He takes matters into his own hands causing destruction. Phillip MacArthur both writes and illustrates this poetic story. The illustrations drawn in colored pencils, guide the story well. Drawings of peaceful animals, happy people, and a thoughtful monk are drawn with bright colors. The disbelieving man is drawn in grey.  These color distinctions will help children see the difference between the two. Although this is a somber tale, it ends with hope.

Reading this book, I couldn’t help being reminded of the progress and destruction that is happening in my own neighborhood. I am fortunate to live in the foothills of the southern Appalachian Mountains. There is so much natural beauty surrounding this area. In fact, each Sunday on my way to Mass, I get a glimpse of the Blue Ridge mountains on the horizon. In the name of progress, fields and trails are flattened to make room for businesses that may or may not last in the next ten years.

I recommend this book to all Catholic parents and grandparents. Although Protestants will enjoy the poem, they might not care for the drawings of Catholic images. Parents of very young children will enjoy reading this book and pointing out God’s creation. For slightly older children, parents can discuss faith and hope.  

The Monks’ Daily Bread by Sylvia Dorham

A nursery rhyme for toddlers showing them the daily life in a monastery.

God’s Wonderful Woodland Babies by Linda Etchison, Illustrated by Denise Plumlee Tadlock

Lead your child to prayer through their love of fluffy animals.

The World is Awake By Linsey Davis

An adventure of daily joy, inspired by the Psalm, “This is the day the Lord has made.”

Where to begin with Dorothy L. Sayers?

A Detective novelist who believes in conscience, and in the reality of redemption.

Molly McBride and the Party Invitation by Jean Schoonover-Egolf 

This children’s book teaches compassion for bullies and the courage to act rightly regardless of others.

Kiss Me Goodnight By Maurice Prater, Illustrated by Cecilia Lawrence

A sweet story bedtime story about familial love.

Cinderella by Charles Perrault

The true story of the Catholic saint who inspired the myth of Cinderella

My Name is Philomena By Fr. Peregrine Fletcher, O. Praem

Who was St. Philomena, daughter of light?

The Book of Saints and Heroes By Andrew & Lenora Lang

Ancient tales of Saints and Heroes retold for Victorians, reprinted for us.

Mary, Seat of Wisdom By, J.T. Frodin

A child’s journey with Mary to discover why her heart is pierced.

The Fruit Tree by Mark Restaino, Illustrations by J.P. Alcomendas

This children’s fable will teach the whole family Biblical literacy and the Christian symbolic language.

Extraordinary! by Jacqueline Brown, Illustrated by Katie Anne Ennis

Make your child feel secure and loved by God and their Catholic family.

Sister Aloysius Says, “Pray, Pray, Pray.” By Linda Etchison Illustrated by Denise Plumlee-Tadlock

Sister Aloysius teaches children how to be active in their prayer life.

Books for Lent

Deepen your Lenten reflection with these stories of repentance and forgiveness

There Once Was a Penny by Mark Restaino, Illustrations by J.P. Alcomendas

This nursery rhyme teaches kids the value of faith and how it can help a person to love themselves according to standards not of this world.

Zeal & Zest: Where to Begin with Hillaire Belloc

Belloc was known as a Catholic polemicist with a vicious talent for skewering his opponents. Anyone struggling to persevere as a Christian in the fields of journalism or media should read him. His children’s books have an acerbic humor that will appeal to bored veterans of political correctness, especially teens.

Mary, Mystical Rose By, J.T. Frodin

Why is Mary called the Mystical Rose? An interactive children’s book.

Molly McBride and the Plaid Jumper by Jean Schoonover-Egolf

Molly doesn’t want to take off her purple habit the Children of Mary sisters wear but mom’s says she has to put on the school uniform.

God Made the Moonlight by Erin Broestl, Illustrated by Jean Schoonover-Egolf

A beautifully illustrated bedtime story that helps your child see the beauty of nature as God’s personal love letter to humanity

Books to Pray With, March: For the New Martyrs

Every month in 2024 Pope Francis has a monthly prayer intention. Every month we will release a book list that will draw your heart and soul deeper into prayer on these topics.