Ancient Faith Publishing has just released two publications for children. The Good Samaritan: A Children’s Catechism by Fr. Michael Shanbour, illustrated by Nicholas Malara; and Beautiful Days: An Orthodox Coloring Book for Children, illustrated by Abigail Holt.
Fr. Michael Shanbour previously self-published The Good Samaritan: A Children’s Catechism, and at that time, he generously allowed the Department of Christian Education to review each of its lessons closely. Read an overview of this beautifully concise catechism here https://orthodoxchristianparenting.wordpress.com/2019/12/11/gleanings-from-a-book-the-good-samaritan-a-childrens-catechism-by-the-very-reverend-fr-michael-shanbour/ and take a closer look at the lessons, beginning here https://orthodoxchristianparenting.wordpress.com/2020/03/11/a-closer-look-at-the-good-samaritan-a-childrens-catechism-by-fr-michael-shanbour-introduction-and-lesson-1/.
Ancient Faith Publishing has slightly reformatted the text and pictures, and has bound it into a beautiful hardcover book. AFP is helping the book to be more widely available to the Orthodox Christian world. Purchase your copies of this very helpful catechism at https://store.ancientfaith.com/the-good-samaritan-a-childrens-catechism/.
Abigail Holt, whose art may be familiar to many (she has illustrated everything from board books to cards, stickers, prints, tea towels, and even mugs – all available in various Orthodox marketplaces) walks her readers/book colorers through the Church year in her 64-page coloring book Beautiful Days. Feasts, fasts, and family are all themes in this coloring book filled with the beautiful experiences in an Orthodox child’s year. Holt’s clean lines and joyful pictures bring the Church year to life. Purchase your own copy here: https://store.ancientfaith.com/beautiful-days-an-orthodox-coloring-book-for-children/.
Reviewed by Kristina Wenger, educator, podcaster, co-author of Tending the Garden of Our Hearts.