The Three Miracle Cats, Part 1: Ichigo’s Story

Written and Illustrated by Danielle Catherine Mesa

TESTIMONIALS

TBA

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Danielle C. Mesa was born in Boston, Massachusetts to a devoted Catholic family. Her father is a deacon serving at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Boston. The desire of her heart is to use the gifts and talents she has received from God to give praise and glory to the Lord. Danielle’s aspiration is that her book will reveal the joy and hope children with special needs bring to their families and those around them. She holds a fine arts degree from the University of Massachusetts Boston and a Post-Bachelor’s degree from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

To learn more about Danielle and her upcoming projects, visit her on the web at www.daniellecoffeetoons.com 

OTHER CHILDREN’S BOOKS

I Talk to God about You

Written by Sr. M. Gianna Casino, LIHM, and Illustrated by Yuna Chan

This timeless rhyming story gently embraces children through the power of prayer. It explores the hopes and wonders that a parent holds for their child and reassures the importance of praying before bedtime. There are little saints throughout the book. See if you can spot them all!

Give this truly thoughtful gift for a special occasion: new baby, baptism, birthday, and more!

Hardback: $19.95 | Paperback: $14.95 | Kindle: $7.99

TESTIMONIALS

“Both of Sister’s books, Puffel and I Talk to God about You, moved me to tears…I will definitely be reading these to my grandchildren!” – Johnette Williams, EWTN radio and TV host, Founder of Women of Grace

“With beautiful, detailed illustrations and a catchy, rhythmic verse, I Talk To God About You is a wonderful introduction to prayer for young children. I am certain that this story will help many children learn about the beauty of prayer and the joy of talking to God, laying a strong foundation for them as they grow in their Faith! Furthermore, Sister Gianna adds another layer of intrigue by including illustrations from the lives of the saints and including a search for the Blessed Virgin Mary in the illustrations, details that are sure to fascinate her audience. With a friendly, approachable tone, I Talk To God About You is sure to become a story that your child will want to hear again and again!” – E. G. Enga, author of The Children of the Chapel and the First Christmas

“This is the perfect book for little Saints in the making! Catholic parents will love reading and praying with this book with their children every night.” – Sarah Michalak, Wife, Mom, and Director of Programs, Students for Life of America

“Sister M. Gianna Casino is one of the most refreshing voices in children’s literature today. In I Talk to God About You, she expertly introduces young readers to the concept of prayer. Along the way, she also teaches youth about saints who have graced the world with their holiness. This book is a pure treasure and an absolute joy to read again and again!” – Maria V. Gallagher, speaker and author of Joyful Encounters with Mary 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sr. Mary Gianna Casino, a missionary of the Leaven of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, desired to become a nun from the age of 5. With a unique blend of perspectives as a Catholic sister, educator, and counseling student, her writings have appeared in Augustine Institute’s FORMED Newsletter, One Voice Magazine, and Columbia Magazine. She holds degrees in Philosophy and Theology from Holy Apostles College & Seminary, currently pursues a M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Divine Mercy University and is a postgraduate trainee of School & Global Mental Health at Harvard Medical School. Sister taught at several schools including Don Manuel Rivera National High School in the Philippines, Sacred Heart Elementary, and St. Bernard College Prep School in Cullman, Alabama. As a member of the Society of Catholic Social Scientists, Sr. Gianna aims to integrate her community’s mission of forming the young, to better address society’s pressing spiritual needs. She and her sisters host a children’s YouTube series “LIHMposts” and the podcast “Young Davids: Change the Trend.” In reaching the hearts of today’s generation, they strive to make the teachings of the Catholic faith accessible and enjoyable.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Yuna Chan, a passionate children’s book illustrator, finds boundless joy in breathing life into stories through her artwork. Boasting an impressive portfolio of over fifty illustrated books, she is the creative force behind FuntiKidbooks, her thriving studio. She has collaborated with dozens of publishing houses including Germany, Vietnam, and the U.S. Her dedication to nurturing young imaginations is evident in every stroke of her brush.

Click either of the images below to download materials you may use with your children.

OTHER CHILDREN’S BOOKS

Puffel

Written by Sr. M. Gianna Casino, LIHM, and Illustrated by Nadia Izotova

A Readers’ Favorite 5-star recipient (2023), Puffel is the tale of an adorable puffin who meets some waddly, new pals! Stunned by their awesomeness, he starts questioning himself, beckoning him on a journey of discovery, imagination, and wonder. Maybe, just maybe, what makes someone special is what makes them shine.

This delightful book, based on the profound wisdom of Pope St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, will captivate young minds and hearts!

Hardback: $19.95 | Paperback: $14.95 | Kindle: $7.99

Reviews

Liley, R.C. (February 2, 2024). “Embracing Uniqueness: A Puffin Bird’s Journey of Self-Discovery.” Going-Dad.com. Click here to read the review. 

TESTIMONIALS

“Both of Sister’s books, Puffel and I Talk to God about You, moved me to tears…I will definitely be reading these to my grandchildren!” – Johnette Williams, EWTN radio and TV host, Founder of Women of Grace

“My class LOVED Puffel!” – Mrs. Grey, 2nd Grade Teacher at Sacred Heart Elementary, AL

“In the midst of our culture of confusion in terms of identity comes a children’s book that provides clarity with sweetness.” – Cristina, Therapist at Holy Family Counseling, GA

“In Puffel, Sister M. Gianna Casino teaches young readers about their individual dignity and unique gifts that make them special. Through this beautifully illustrated, heartwarming story, readers learn about how our differences can make us stronger when we work together. With a special emphasis on these gifts from God, Sister Gianna shares this wisdom in a way that young Catholics can easily understand. Puffel is a story that both parents and children will love! “ – E. G. Enga, author of The Children of the Chapel and the First Christmas

“Puffel’s parents play an important role during his discovery, representing the support and approbation that everyone requires. This book is great for both children and adults because many readers struggle to grasp that what makes people shine is their distinctiveness.” – Laura Imaz, Readers’ Favorite

“At a time when so many of our young people struggle with self-acceptance, this book conveys the beautiful truth that each of us is wondrously made. The book is so skillfully illustrated, I envision young readers returning to it again and again for comfort and consolation.”  – Maria Gallagher, author of Mercy’s Power, Host of Lifelines Radio, Contributor to Catholic Mom Blog

“I so very much enjoyed reading Puffel that I took a trip to the St. Louis Zoo to see the Penguin and Puffin House. Written for younger children, Puffel is an allegory about loving oneself in a world where that’s becoming harder every day. It’s the kind of story that can provide everyone with a little more hope!” – Eva Mahfood, high school student at Montessori Adolescent Program in St. Louis

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sr. Mary Gianna Casino, a missionary of the Leaven of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, desired to become a nun from the age of 5. With a unique blend of perspectives as a Catholic sister, educator, and counseling student, her writings have appeared in Augustine Institute’s FORMED Newsletter, One Voice Magazine, and Columbia Magazine. She holds degrees in Philosophy and Theology from Holy Apostles College & Seminary, currently pursues a M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Divine Mercy University and is a postgraduate trainee of School & Global Mental Health at Harvard Medical School. Sister taught at several schools including Don Manuel Rivera National High School in the Philippines, Sacred Heart Elementary, and St. Bernard College Prep School in Cullman, Alabama. As a member of the Society of Catholic Social Scientists, Sr. Gianna aims to integrate her community’s mission of forming the young, to better address society’s pressing spiritual needs. She and her sisters host a children’s YouTube series “LIHMposts” and the podcast “Young Davids: Change the Trend.” In reaching the hearts of today’s generation, they strive to make the teachings of the Catholic faith accessible and enjoyable.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Nadia Izotova is a children’s book illustrator from Russia and currently resides in Serbia. As a little girl, Nadia was passionate about drawing. At her mother’s house, there is a folder brimming with drawings from kindergarten, school, and art school. Although Nadia graduated from university as an engineer, she never forgot her artistic passion. She rediscovered her love for drawing while reading books to her son. Nadia has spent the past few years realizing her dream of being a children’s book illustrator. She mainly works digitally using Procreate, drawing inspiration from real life to create cute, funny and captivating characters. Beyond her art, Nadia enjoys spending time with her family, savoring moments alone, exploring nature, traveling, and indulging in reading. She firmly believes that a good book not only stays on a shelf but also leaves an indelible impression on the soul.

Click to download the coloring guides and Letter to Puffel below.

OTHER CHILDREN’S BOOKS

Der Bauer, der Bergmann und der Handwerker

Geschrieben von Ben Bongers und illustriert von Courtney Boatwright

BEWERTUNGEN

“Der Bauer, der Minderjährige und der Handwerker haben mir sehr geholfen, mich auf Weihnachten vorzubereiten. Vielen Dank, dass Sie mir diese Gelegenheit gegeben haben! Mögen Jesus und Maria Sie und Ihre Familie auf Ihrer Reise nach Bethlehem begleiten!” — Fr. Michel Legault, MSA, Übersetzer der französischen Ausgabe

“Ich fühle mich geehrt, einer der Ersten zu sein, die lesen, was ein wahrer Kinderklassiker werden wird. The Farmer, the Miner, and the Artisan von Benjamin Bongers ist die herzerwärmende Geschichte von drei Menschen mit unterschiedlichem Hintergrund, die zusammenkommen, um die Menschheit zu unterstützen und einen neuen König zu ehren. Das Buch zeigt, dass wahre Demut und Dienst immer zum einen wahren König führen werden. Das klassische Artwork und die fesselnde Geschichte werden die Fantasie der Kinder anregen und ihre Weihnachtszeit erhellen.“ — Christopher Barker, stellvertretender Schulleiter, Ruskin High School, Kansas City, MO

“The Farmer, the Miner, and the Artisan ist ein Muss für jeden, der Weihnachten und Dreikönigstag feiert! Mit seiner kompliziert gewebten Geschichte und den erstaunlichen Illustrationen wird der Leser die Bedeutung der eigenen Geschenke jeder Person während der Weihnachtszeit erkennen. Die Geschichte führt den Leser durch die Märkte von Petra, nach Jerusalem und weiter nach Bethlehem. Der Leser wird es genießen, wie die Reisenden die Magier treffen und am Ende der Geschichte selbst die ultimativen Geschenke überreichen.” — Mary Orth, Lehrerin der 5. Klasse, All Saints Academy – St. Cloud

“In einer einfachen und eindrucksvollen visuellen Welt, die von Courtney Boatwright geschaffen wurde und an THE BREADWINNER von Cartoon Saloon erinnert, gibt uns Ben eine neue Wendung der Geschichte der Geburt Christi, in der normale Menschen zusammenkommen, einfach leise, und alles geben, was sie können Fremden in Not helfen. Eine charmante und zum Nachdenken anregende Ergänzung zur Weihnachtsliteratur, die Kinder und Erwachsene gleichermaßen ansprechen wird.” — Linda Ade Brand, Bühnenregisseurin

ÜBER DEN AUTOR

Ben Bongers war 30 Jahre lang ein internationaler Operntenor und Sommelier mit Sitz in San Francisco, CA, und Deutschland und ist jetzt Gerontologe. Er hat für Fachzeitschriften über Wein und Gesang geschrieben und in Lehrbüchern für Altenpflege veröffentlicht. Ben studiert derzeit für den Ständigen Diakonat in Kansas City, MO, und ist ein Knight of Magisterial Grace im Malteserorden. Sein erster Roman „The Saint Nicholas Society“ und sein Kurzgeschichtenband „True Love“ wurden 2022 bei En Route Books and Media veröffentlicht.

ÜBER DEN ILLUSTRATOR

Courtney Boatwright ist eine in Chicago lebende Grafikerin und Designerin. Ihre Karriere in der Grafikbranche begann vor 19 Jahren als interne Designerin für ein kleines, von einer Frau geführtes Unternehmen in Fairfax, Kalifornien. 2006 zog sie nach Chicago, um Grafikdesign in der Werbung zu studieren. Geboren und aufgewachsen in Kalifornien, stammt Courtneys Liebe zum visuellen Geschichtenerzählen aus ihrer schrulligen, theatralischen Familie und Kindheit. Fabeln, Folklore und Film, zusammen mit illustrierten und bildhauerischen Erzählungen, beflügeln Courtneys Vorstellungskraft und inspirieren die kreativen Medien, mit denen sie ihre Kunst kommuniziert. Derzeit ist Courtney Senior Creative Manager bei Skender, einem prozessorientierten Bauunternehmen.

The Farmer, the Miner and the Artisan

Written by Ben Bongers and Illustrated by Courtney Boatwright

TESTIMONIALS

“The Farmer, the Minor, and the Artisan helped me a lot to prepare for Christmas. Thank you for giving me this opportunity! May Jesus and Mary accompany you and your family in your journey to Bethlehem!” – Fr. Michel Legault, MSA, translator of the French edition

“I am honored to be one of the first people to read what will become a true children’s classic.  The Farmer, the Miner, and the Artisan by Benjamin Bongers is the heartwarming tale of three people from different backgrounds who come together to support humanity and honor a new king. The book shows that true humility and service will always lead to the one true king. The classic artwork and engaging story will capture children’s imaginations and brighten their holiday season.” — Christopher Barker, Vice-Principal, Ruskin High School, Kansas City, MO

“The Farmer, the Miner, and the Artisan is a must read for anyone who celebrates Christmas and Epiphany! With its an intricately woven tale and amazing illustrations, the reader will see the importance of each person’s own gifts during the holiday season. The story takes the reader through the Markets of Petra, to Jerusalem, and on to Bethlehem. The reader will enjoy how the travelers meet with the Magi and give the ultimate gifts at the conclusion to the story, themselves.” –– Mary Orth, 5th grade teacher, All Saints Academy – St. Cloud

“Set in a simple and evocative visual world created by Courtney Boatwright reminiscent of Cartoon Saloon’s THE BREADWINNER, Ben gives us a new twist on the story of the Nativity in which normal people come together, just quietly, and give all they have in order to help strangers in need. A charming and thought-provoking addition to Christmas literature, this will appeal to children and adults alike.” — Linda Ade Brand, Stage Director

“Kindness is the gift that each of us can afford to give! This story shares that premise through the anticipated arrival of the ultimate gift, Jesus. The vibrant characters help the reader understand how simple, intrinsic kindnesses can motivate feelings of love and well-being toward others via a ‘caring circle’ of events! Goodwill has never been shared more appropriately!” – Linda Steinman, Kindergarten Teacher

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ben Bongers was an international operatic tenor and sommelier for 30 years based in San Francisco, CA, and Germany and is now a Gerontologist. He has written for trade magazines in wine, singing, and is published in eldercare textbooks. Ben is currently studying for the Permanent Diaconate in Kansas City, MO, and is a Knight of Magisterial Grace in the Order of Malta. His first novel, The Saint Nicholas Society, and his book of short stories, True Love, were published by En Route Books and Media in 2022.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

​Courtney Boatwright is a Chicago-based graphic artist and designer. Her career in the graphics industry began 19 years ago as the in-house designer for a small, woman-owned business in Fairfax, California. She relocated to Chicago in 2006 to study graphic design in advertising. Born and raised in California, Courtney’s love of visual storytelling stems from her quirky, theatrical family and childhood. Fables, folklore and film, along with illustrated and sculpted narratives, fuel Courtney’s imagination and inspire the creative media with which she chooses to communicate her art. Currently, Courtney is the Senior Creative Manager for Skender, a process-driven construction firm.

Cardelina: A Story of Joy, Hope and Love

Written and Illustrated by Danielle Catherine Mesa

TESTIMONIALS

“This is a joyful, heart-warming story about a horse, Cardelina, who develops a very special relationship with Billy, a boy with special needs. Cardelina notices that Billy’s behaviors are different than those of the other children who attend the horseback riding center. She makes it her goal to help Billy learn to interact with her and with the other children. This story with its beautiful illustrations captures the essence of God’s love for all His precious children.” – Monsignor Kevin J. O’Leary, Rector of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Boston, Massachusetts

“Pope Francis, in Evangelii Gaudium, calls all of us to… ‘go forth from our own comfort zone in order to reach all the ‘peripheries’ in need of the light of the Gospel.’ In this wonderful story about a child who learns differently and a very perceptive filly named Cardelina, Danielle Mesa shows us how fruitful this vocation to empathy, compassion, and understanding can be… especially with respect to one of the ‘peripheries’ that is all too often overlooked. By way of the innocence, beauty, and humility of the main character, Cardelina, the author has created a powerful and effective witness to the dignity of every person created in the image and likeness of God. And, as Francis reminds us: ‘Jesus, the evangelizer par excellence and the Gospel in person, identifies especially with the little ones.’ (Evangelii Gaudium: Concern for the vulnerable, 209). I hope and pray this gifted author will provide us with more stories featuring the adorable filly… Cardelina; a character that is sure to become a shining star in Christian literature.” – Fr. Lawrence Edward Tucker, SOLT, author of The Prayer of Jesus Crucified; Adventures in the Father’s Joy! (CMA Book Award); To Whom the Heart Decided to Love (CMA Book Award); The Redemption of San Isidro (CMA Book Award); and Masters of Interior Space

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Danielle C. Mesa was born in Boston, Massachusetts to a devoted Catholic family. Her father is a deacon serving at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Boston. The desire of her heart is to use the gifts and talents she has received from God to give praise and glory to the Lord. Danielle’s aspiration is that her book will reveal the joy and hope children with special needs bring to their families and those around them. She holds a fine arts degree from the University of Massachusetts Boston and a Post-Bachelor’s degree from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

To learn more about Danielle and her upcoming projects, visit her on the web at www.daniellecoffeetoons.com 

OTHER CHILDREN’S BOOKS