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.  

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.

Kiss Me Goodnight By Maurice Prater, Illustrated by Cecilia Lawrence

A sweet story bedtime story about familial love.

Bella’s Beautiful Miracle: A Caterpillar’s Journey by Kimberly Novak

What’s a little caterpillar to do when a storm carries her away? Build your child’s relationship with God and prepare them for first communion.

August & September New Book Releases

Step into Fall with a Good Book

Five Little Angels by Kathleen T. Pelley Illustrated by Dubravka Kolanovic

Children learn how to make angels dance with joy in this dreamy hand-painted bedtime story.

Will You Come to Mass by Susan Joy Bellavance, Illustrations by Sara Tang

This book helps your kids get into the right mindset for Mass.

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

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

Where to begin with Dorothy L. Sayers?

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

Jesus Do You Want to Be My Friend? by Mark Restaino, Illustrations by J.P. Alcomendas

This delightful picture book lets young readers imagine the daily life of the Christ Child while also teaching simple prayers.

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.

Calling All Booklovers! – Editor Positions Open

Do you love reading books and getting other people to read them? Join our team and make your mark on today’s Catholic literary revival.

Best Books of 2022

Our favorite book finds of the year!

The Light of Christmas Morning by Susan Joy Bellavance, Illustrated by Anne Kissanne Engelhart

A cozy Christmas bed time story that puts Catholic traditions front and center

 

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

Who was St. Philomena, daughter of light?

Best of 2020

Yes some good things DID happen this year- Catholic creators have not let turmoil stop their mission.

Good Morning God by Ginger Swift, Illustrated by Pamela Barbieri

This baby book teaches gratitude for God though it’s interactive pages.

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.

Books for Lent

Deepen your Lenten reflection with these stories of repentance and forgiveness

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.

Why Reading Fiction Made Me a Better Catholic

How reading fiction became a crucial step in my conversion to the Catholic Church.