The Farmer, the Miner and the Artisan
Written by Ben Bongers and Illustrated by Courtney Boatwright
Kindle – Full Color: $9.99
Paperback – Full Color: $14.95
Hardback – Full Color, Case Laminate: $19.95
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.
OTHER CATHOLIC CHILDREN’S BOOKS
Puffel en Espanol
Puffel Escrito por Hna. M. Gianna Casino, LIHM, Illustrado por Nadia Izotova, y Traducción por Hermana Genevieve Diaz-Rivera, LIHM Puffel, galardonado con 5 estrellas por Readers' Favorite (2023), es la historia de un adorable frailecillo que conoce a unos nuevos y...
God’s Creation by Mary E. Grenchus
God's Creation by Mary E. Grenchus God’s Creation is a children’s book about God being the Creator and the creation of the color, the planet, and humanity. It describes how the Word of God and God’s presence is woven throughout all the earth, with fine art by Mary E....
Jimmathy’s Odyssey: A Tale of Unlikely Heroes
Jimmathy's Odyssey: A Tale of Unlikely Heroes by Elsie Schwarz, Isaac Tenholder, Simon Sidorski, and Violet Alton Jimmathy's jackhammer is stolen by Rhino, and to get it back, he has to do a favor for a goblin. Join Jimmathy and his friends as they race around the...
The Three Miracle Cats, Part 1: Ichigo’s Story
The Three Miracle Cats, Part 1: Ichigo's Story Written and Illustrated by Danielle Catherine Mesa A young kitten is adopted. Will he learn the meaning of God's providence? Hardback: $19.95 | Paperback: $14.95 | Kindle: $7.99 TESTIMONIALS TBA ABOUT THE AUTHOR...
I Talk to God about You
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...
Puffel
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...
Der Bauer, der Bergmann und der Handwerker
Der Bauer, der Bergmann und der Handwerker Geschrieben von Ben Bongers und illustriert von Courtney Boatwright Wir alle sind Puzzleteile – manche zu klein, manche zu groß, manche fehlende Teile von uns selbst. Dennoch bringen wir anderen in unserem Leben alle...
Cardelina: A Story of Joy, Hope and Love
Cardelina: A Story of Joy, Hope and Love Written and Illustrated by Danielle Catherine Mesa Preface by Cardinal Sean O'Malley Cardelina, a young horse with a vibrant spirit and an immense curiosity, enjoys seeing the children who visit the family-owned Avon Valley...
The Fourteen Holy Helpers
The Fourteen Holy Helpers Authored by Allison Lunsford and Illustrated by Joan Bennett Saint Acacius, Saint Barbara, Saint Blaise, Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Saint Christopher, Saint Cyriacus, Saint Denis, Saint Erasmus, Saint Eustace, Saint George, Saint Giles,...
Even Today by Fr. Dennis Billy, CSsR, and illustrated by Eileen Cunis
Even Today by Fr. Dennis Billy, C.Ss.R., illustrated by Eileen Cunis In this beautifully illustrated children's story, an elderly person visits the sea and reminisces on time spent there as a child. Paperback: $12.99 | Kindle/Nook: $5.99TESTIMONIALS “A wistful...
The Gospel in Kid Speak authored by TJ Burdick
The Gospel in Kid Speak by T.J. Burdick The most important books in the Bible are the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. They illustrate the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, our Lord, Savior and King. In these three volumes of The Gospel in Kid Speak, we...
Lost and Found, authored by Sarah Jane Faidi
Lost and Found by Sarah Jane Faidi and illustrated by Mary Magdalene Van Slyke Princess Martha Bethany is lost in a storm, and the brave Prince John Andrew, studying his maps and the clues he is able to find, sets out in search of her when all else fails....
Jacob’s Wood, authored by Fr. Dennis Billy, C.Ss.R., and illustrated by Eileen Cunis
Jacob's Wood by Fr. Dennis Billy, C.Ss.R., illustrated by Eileen Cunis Jacob’s Wood takes place in ancient Palestine during the time of Jesus. It is the story about a farmer named Jacob, his fondness for a certain tree that grew on his land, and how, because of an act...
Choosing Joy
Choosing Joy by Nancy Olson Choosing Joy is the charming story of a rescued Golden Retriever named Joy. On a deeper level, the story extends a gentle invitation to readers, both young and grown-up, to “choose joy” in their daily living. Choosing Joy is a...
Hunter Finds a Home
Hunter Finds a Home by Nancy Olson With charming pictures and simple words, Hunter Finds a Home tells the story of a homeless cat that wandered into the backyard and the lives of a family of dog-lovers. At first unwanted and unwelcome, the young cat is...
The Missing Chalice
The Missing Chalice by David C. Hanley and illustrated by Richard E. Hanley In this children’s mystery, an experienced pastor finds his special chalice missing. Senior Server Brian Jacobs has been serving at daily Mass for five years. He understands the importance of...
The Story of Our God and Our Catholic Religion
The Story of Our God and Our Catholic Religion by Dominic Tarquin Catholic children should have a basic understanding of their faith before receiving the sacraments of reconciliation and communion. The goal of this book is to help young children to understand the...
Secrets of Siena
Secrets of Siena by Dianne Ahern Book 4 of the series! Even nuns get to take a holiday! After all the investigations Sister Philomena’s conducted this summer, she needs one. In this adventure, Sister Philomena, her niece, Delaney, and nephew, Riley, are invited to...
Curse of the Coins
Curse of the Coins by Dianne Ahern Book 3 of the series! The 30 pieces of silver that Judas was paid for betraying Jesus were found in Israel. The Franciscan monks of Jerusalem sent the coins to the Vatican Museums for authentication and safekeeping – but then they...
Break-In at the Basilica
Break-In at the Basilica by Dianne Ahern Book 2 of the series! Luigi, a desperately poor man, breaks into the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, Italy, to steal something of great value. He hides behind the wooden choir stalls and waits for nightfall. The howl of a...
Lost in Peter’s Tomb
Lost in Peter’s Tomb by Dianne Ahern Book 1 of the series! Lost in Peter’s Tomb is the first book in a series of mystery adventures designed to present the stories of the saints in an intriguing and educational manner. Set in modern Italy, the stories follow a brother...
Today I Made My First Reconciliation
Today I Made My First Reconciliationby Dianne AhernWonderfully instructional book!Best friends Maria and Riley accidentally break a window then lie to their parents. Their growing discomfort coincides with encounters with their parish priests and teachers and lessons...
Today I Made My First Communion
Today I Made My First Communionby Dianne AhernA favorite gift for First Communion!Join Maria and Riley and their classmates as they offer to help Father Hugo solve the Mystery of the Eucharist. Learn about the Church, the Mass, music and prayer. “Look in the Back of...
Today I Was Baptized
Today I Was Baptized by Dianne Ahern All time best seller! Begins with a children’s story about a baby’s baptism day-told from the baby’s perspective! Includes short essays that explain the sacrament of Baptism. The book becomes a keepsake for this very special day...
The Rosary in Kidspeak
The Rosary in Kidspeak by TJ Burdick This book was designed to help families pray the rosary with their children. Each mystery includes a piece of sacred art, a description of each mystery in “kid speak”, and instructions on how to pray this treasured method of prayer...