As it is the month of May, I thought it only fitting to begin this book review blog with Colleen Pressprich’s “Marian Consecration for Families with Young Children,” illustrated by Rebecca Górzyńska.
I was blessed to receive a review copy of this book last year, but had been looking forward to it for some time, being Instagram friends with the illustrator and the author. One always hopes to like work done by one’s friends and this did not disappoint! Actually, it was even better than I’d anticipated.
Let’s start with the art. I know it was a marathon for Rebecca, finishing 32 paintings for the 32 days of learning about Our Lady! Some of the paintings were done prior to this project, but the majority were specific for this book. The humanity, grace and emotions of Mary shine through every work of art. And in drawing from various cultural depictions, Rebecca makes Our Mother relatable to each of us. Of course, I must mention how I love the bright colors and patterns she used, as does my young son. He’s a bit too little for this book, but I look forward to the time when we’ll be able to make this consecration together!
Image © 2019 Rebecca Górzyńska.
Now to the text. Ever wish that something existed, and when you couldn’t find it, created it yourself? Well, Colleen did just that and thankfully shared it with the world! What better way to teach your children to know and love Our Lady (and through her, Our Lord), than to do a Marian Consecration with them?
This comprehensive book is broken into several helpful sections to make it easy. The intro explains the ‘why’ and the ‘how,’ the 32 days section is engaging for your whole family, plus there’s a handy parent’s guide in the back to take a deeper dive into each of the days, and give helpful hints like how to do Lectio Divina with children, and how exactly you pronounce Bernadette Soubirous’ last name!
The 32 days are also sectioned into several groups that teach about who Mary was, what we can learn from her life, Mary in scripture, and about a few of the approved Marian apparitions. It’s all very thorough, yet manageable for a busy household.
Our Lady always brings us to her son, Jesus, and this book is a lovely way to lead your family towards Christ, through Our Mother. If you'd like to help your family grow in faith, pick up this book today!
Information:
“Marian Consecration for Families with Young Children”
Publisher: Our Sunday Visitor, 2020
Author: Colleen Pressprich
Illustrator: Rebecca Górzyńska
Suggested age range: 3-7
