Sponsor Introduction & Giveaway: Catholic Child

Are you, like me, looking for the perfect First Communion and Confirmation gifts this week? Ah, the Mary month of May in a Catholic home--our gift and devotional needs are just as predictable in May as they are in December. And that's a good thing! The liturgical calendar blesses us with an awareness of the sacred year 'round.

We are also blessed by shops like Catholic Child, where we can readily find just what we're looking for. Please allow me to introduce you:

Greetings, from our Catholic family to yours! We invite you to visit us at catholicchild.com and browse our collections of books, games, movies & audios, toys, music and Sacramental gifts. We hope you’ll stop by to see all the wonderful resources we offer to help your Catholic child learn about, live and love his or her faith. There’s something for everyone, from board-book toting tots, to college-bound young adults! And if you shop with us during Mary’s Month of May you can use In the Heart of my Home’s special Coupon Code 169051 and get free personalization on all of our Marian Prayer Pillowcases!

I spent some happy moments this morning looking around and discovered m favorite big books of saints' stories: The Kids' Book of Saints and The Kids' Book of Heroes. Those books are used weekly Along the Alphabet Path.

With an eye towards Marian consecration, I made note of a beautiful girl's Miraculous Medal and this lovely 4-way medal.

My favorite First Communion gift, particularly for May celebrations is a two volume set of pictures books, tied with a big, white tulle bow. The books of choice are delightful picture books written by Josephine Nobisso.

The Weight of a Mass was inspired by a true story that took place in Luxemborg. An old woman enters a bakery and begs a crust of stale bread. The baker refuses and she asks if she can offer Mass for him. He jeeringly writes "One Mass" on a scrap of paper and then tries--and fails-- to counterblalance it on his scale with an assortment of baked goods. No matter how many times we read this book, my children love it.

Take it to the Queen is a stunning tapestry of allegory, original fable, and lush illustration which honors the Blessed Mother. In the story, once favored villagers transgress against their king, then seek the intercession of the queen, who is a native of their own village. The book has won multiple awards and thrilled fans of Nobisso's earlier works. It is quite possibly her finest work. The book is a joy to share with others and truly meets the qualifications of a fine picture book: it is a story loved by every generation.

~Giveaway~

What about you? What are your favorite gifts to give during this time of year? Have a few minutes to poke around at Catholic Child? If you tell me what you'd give, you'll be entered to win a pair of Marian Prayer Pillowcases of your choice.