Throughout her career as a writer, Elizabeth has garnered praise from multiple sources for the impact and the eloquence of her writing. Her style is warm and inviting, without compromising the values of her faith and the message she wishes to communicate. We have gathered some of the many comments and testimonials related to her writing and have organized them by publication from drop down windows for easy viewing. If you have read one of her books and would like to share your comments about it with her, please Contact Elizabeth.

 

Books for Adults

Thérèse, Faustina, and Bernadette: Three Saints Who Challenged My Faith, Gave Me Hope, and Taught Me How to Love
Tender, honest, introspective, and deeply personal, Thérèse, Faustina, and Bernadette: Three Saints Who Challenged My Faith, Gave Me Hope, and Taught Me How to Love provides beautiful witness to the loveliness and wonder of the feminine genius! Elizabeth Ficocelli, writing from the insightful perspective of a convert to Catholicism – a convert who seeks to understand and unpack the mysteries of her own spiritual journey – reminds us in this gem of a book that we should all seek to acquire friendship with the saints and grow in the theological virtues. I highly recommend this book!

Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, STL, author of Under the Mantle: Marian Thoughts from a 21st Century Priest

Prepare yourself. You’re about to meet three women who are remarkable and accessible. Ficocelli bares her heart, shares her life, and weaves in three of the great women saints of the last 100 years. You’ll learn, you’ll laugh, and you’ll walk away changed, with three new friends.

Sarah Reinhard, author of SnoringScholar.com and A Catholic Mother’s Companion to Pregnancy

Thérèse, Faustina, and Bernadette is more than a simple recounting of the lives of three spiritual giants. With this book, noted author and speaker Elizabeth Ficocelli shares how the companionship of her ‘journey partners’ has impacted her profoundly. For those of us endeavoring daily along the path to heaven, Elizabeth has unveiled some of the major pieces we need in assembling our own spiritual puzzles. An enlightening read!

Lisa M. Hendey, Founder of CatholicMom.com and author of A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms

Elizabeth Ficocelli’s books always engage the reader at once and throughout–and this one is no exception. Here she relates her own coming-of-age story of adult conversion and the vital, active help she’s received along the way from Thérèse, Faustina, and Bernadette, attesting to the reality of the Communion of Saints, and their eagerness to share their graces with us. God’s ongoing plan has led Ficocelli (so far) from being a New York ad exec/control freak, to being a wife, a mother of four boys, and–most unexpectedly–a Catholic apologist. Intertwined with this are short biographies of the three saints, concise readable explanations of each one’s main virtue, and what they have meant and given to her at different times when she’s needed it. She looks at her life, the good and the bad, with both humor and great candor, and at the saints’ lives with unsentimental pragmatism. This is classic Ficocelli–clear, straightforward, and thought-provoking.

Susan Heybour O’Keefe, author of the picture books One Hungry Monster and Hungry Monster ABC, and the Catholic best-selling picture book What Does a Priest Do? What Does a Nun Do?

In openness and candor Elizabeth Ficocelli reveals her personal experiences of living the challenges of her Catholic Faith. Her peace and joy come in meeting these challenges by embracing the cross though the grace of prayer and the Sacraments as well as following the example of new found friends, her favorite saints.  This book will help anyone who also experiences challenges in life by the assistance of some wonderful friends!

Mother Mary Assumpta Long, Prioress General, Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist

Seven from Heaven
An outstanding, practical guide for every Catholic parent! Use Seven from Heaven to give your children the greatest gift of all—joyful participation in Christ’s presence every day.

Matthew Kelly, New York Times bestselling author

The timing for this marvelous book couldn’t be better.  Elizabeth has given Catholics a real gift as we enter into the Year of Faith and do what we can to help the Church’s efforts in the new evangelization. Seven from Heaven is an example of what  Pope Benedict is asking of all believers: to understand our faith more deeply and to proclaim it more effectively from the housetops. The more we know about the Sacraments the more we can all grow in our faith and help others on their journey to heaven.  This book is a great resource that can make a real difference in achieving these spiritual goals.

Teresa Tomeo, syndicated talk show host and bestselling Catholic author

In Seven from Heaven, Elizabeth Ficocelli taps into her experience and wisdom and shares it in a book that’s equal parts guide and reference. Reading it is like having a good friend give you tips, and families are sure to find the ideas within it indispensable and inspiring.

Sarah Reinhard, author of SnoringScholar.com and Welcome Risen Jesus: Lenten & Easter Reflections for Families

Now more than ever, Catholic families need support and encouragement for the tremendous task of bringing the Faith to life in the hearts and souls of their children. With inspired advice on everything from navigating the Cry Room to contemplating the commitment of Confirmation with our teens and beyond, Elizabeth Ficocelli’s Seven from Heaven is the perfect resource for busy parents and teachers who endeavor to instill a love for Christ and His Church with their families, students and parish communities. This book belongs on every parent’s kitchen table, on every catechist’s desk and in every pastor’s library.

Lisa M. Hendey, Founder and Editor of www.CatholicMom.com and author of A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms

Absolutely outstanding! Elizabeth shines light on the essential elements of our Catholic faith, the sacraments, and equips us to more fully integrate them into our family lives. In the pages of this wonderful book, the transformative power of the sacraments is described in practical, relatable terms. A must read for all Catholics family members who need the healing, nurturing and protection the sacraments provide!

Kevin Lowry, husband and father of eight, and author of Faith at Work: Finding Purpose Beyond the Paycheck

Elizabeth’s understanding and unique way of presenting revelational truths from God, concerning the Catholic sacraments, transcends Catholic and Protestant boundaries and differing perspectives and doctrinal views. Any Protestant would be blessed to read this book, setting traditions aside, and asking the Lord to help identify God’s real heart and desire for His people through her wise words that truly help the reader lay hold of His intentions for living relationship with Him and the Body of Christ through encounters that each Catholic sacrament supports.

Robyn L., Georgia

Shower of Heavenly Roses
As a lifelong fan of St. Therese, I offer an enthusiastic ‘Thumbs Up!’ for Shower of Heavenly Roses. The stories of her intercessions range from tender to stunning, and involve such ordinary people that any reader will feel right at home. Author Elizabeth Ficocelli has done a wonderful job helping us get to know this thoroughly modern saint.

Joan Wester Anderson, author of the New York Times bestseller Where Angels Walk and In the Arms of Angels

Shower of Heavenly Roses is a rich collection of stories of the friendship of St. Therese of Lisieux. These modern women and men whose lives have been changed by the Little Flower’s intercession are articulate and fascinating witnesses to the absolute reality of what Catholics call the Communion of Saints: the life-giving power of God’s love, breaking the boundaries of even time and space.

Amy Welborn, author of The Words We Pray:Discovering the Richness of Traditional Catholic Prayers

Wow! I recently came across your book, Shower of Heavenly Roses. Although I’m sure that I’ve heard of her before, I really had no idea who St. Therese of the Little Flower was. WOW!!! What an eye opener!!! Instead of skimming, it’s hard to put it down, so I’m spacing it out each day.

Bill O., California

Solid addition to Theresian literature. There are literally hundreds of books about St. Therese of Lisieux and her spirituality, but I don’t think that in recent times there has been one quite like this one. This book is a lovely compilation of stories relating St. Therese’s “intervention” in the lives of those who love her still. Yet, there is not a trace of saccharine sentimentality or trite ritualism here. The stories, some of them quite simple, are pure reaffirmations of faith. Prayer, St. Therese once noted, is a loving glance towards heaven. This volume recounts Therese’s own loving glances towards earth.

J.C. Marrero, Louisiana

It is difficult not to be touched to the point of tears when reading and rereading this book, which I call ‘The Handbook of Heavenly Guidance’!

Jack W., Missouri

Amazing & breathtaking…so fascinating and peaceful! This book is a testament of God’s Power and Love for ALL OF US and a Saint that truly sends us down roses from Heaven… These stories are real and so inspiring. This book will not only change your life, you will only want to read one story (about 2-3 pages) each at a time, you will never want it to end. Re-read it, pass it on…you will be hooked.

Friend of St. Therese, Amazon

Lourdes: Font of Faith, Hope and Charity
I wish I had this book before my first trip to the Shrine… With the poetic eye of a believer, the balanced sensibility of a journalist, and the deeply moved heart of someone who has touched the wonders of Lourdes, Ficocelli captures the essence of the Shrine. Dive in and be transformed.

Raymond Arroyo, EWTNews Director and author of the New York Times Bestseller 
Mother Angelica

Elizabeth Ficocelli’s book is a superb introduction to the story of Lourdes. Seamlessly mixing personal experience, historical analysis, and spiritual reflection, the author reminds us why the tale of St. Bernadette Soubirous, and what she saw in the Grotto of Massabielle in 1858, has lost none of its power to captivate and inspire even the most skeptical of readers. A beautifully written book about a beautiful story.

James Martin, SJ, author of the bestselling My Life with the Saints

Elizabeth Ficocelli is well-informed: she has read, she has seen, she has listened to the observers, participants, and witnesses of Lourdes. Thus, with the liberty of the journalist, the rigor of the historian, and the sensitivity of the writer she enables us to discover Lourdes.

Fr. Régis-Marie de La Teyssonnière, Chaplain of Honor of Our Lady of Lourdes and world authority on Bernadette

In Lourdes: Font of Faith, Hope, and Charity, Elizabeth Ficocelli tells the story of the shrine of Lourdes through the prism of the three theological virtues. Her description of Bernadette — whom the Church recognizes as a saint, “not because she saw visions, but because of her heroic virtue in responding to God’s mysterious call” — is a powerful reminder that sanctity is for everyone, and that the extraordinary enters the ordinary in order to call us to our true vocations. Genuine conversion, not spectacle, is what visions are for. If you want a good introduction to the history and spirit of Lourdes, Elizabeth Ficocelli’s book is for you.

George Weigel, Columnist, Author, and Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C.

My wife and I will forever be grateful to Ms. Ficocelli for her excellent work on Lourdes. After having read Lourdes: Font of Faith Hope and Charity in our church’s book club, we were inspired to take a pilgrimage to Lourdes and even worked with the North American Volunteers to host a virtual pilgrimage for our parish. This quick, informative, and moving book not only brought a couple from Los Angeles to Lourdes, it brought the Lourdes experience to more than 600 parishioners as well as hundreds of school children, elderly, sick and imprisoned people needing Our Blessed Mother’s healing love and guidance to her Son. This is the very definition of a “good read”

Dan R., California

This is the best book I have ever read on Our Lady of Lourdes. First, the author corrects numerous factual inaccuracies that have been perpetuated over the many years concerning St. Bernadette’s personal history as well as the origin of this miracle itself that took place so long ago. Second, the author refreshingly holds no bias in simply providing her own account in experiencing the still-ongoing miracles of Lourdes among the millions of pilgrims that journey there each year. Third, there is that wonderful Catholic touch of mystery and mysticism in her writing – an intangible one might say that lends both credibility and substance to this definitive analysis of Lourdes.

Katherine G.

I love your books! They are most definitely speaking to my heart. I’m a cradle Catholic coming back after thirty years. I hope you are writing more books for adults.  In the past two weeks I’ve read your books about Lourdes, Medjugorje, and St. Therese. They were so interesting, easy to read, and the words just flowed off the page. I didn’t want them to end!  EXCELLENT books and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!

Irene P., Canada

The Fruits of Medjugorje
This is the best Medjugorje book that I have found, after Janice Connell’s Visions of the Children. The book is a collection of stories that trace how Medjugorje affected a number of visitors — including how they were called on the pilgrimage, their experience, and the choices they have made as a result of the trip. Inspiring book and a worthwhile read.

A Reader, New York

The Fruits of Medjugorje is a must read! It proves how lives change once they are touched by God in this village of Medjugorje. I know many of the people listed in the book. I have been to Medjugorje five times and now lead groups there with my own pilgrimage company. I am proud of Elizabeth’s work and highly recommend this book to everyone.

Carolanne K., New York

I enjoyed this book the most of any I have read about Medjugorje. The stories are well edited and really inspire the reader to live Gospa’s messages. This is not just another book about Medjugorje as a phenomenon. It is fascinating to read about how the people profiled have implemented the teachings that changed them and in effect, made them more Christ-like. They have shared their experiences by helping others. I would recommend this book to people who have any interest in Medjugorje, be they old-timers or newcomers.

Missy F.

I read your book The Fruits of Medjugorje and want to say that it was a terrific read. I was really disappointed as the book came to an end knowing that there were no more inspirational stories to tell. I hope that you will do a follow-up volume — there is a minefield of powerful stories out there. Henry K., Ontario Elizabeth does not attempt to prove or disprove the Medjugorje apparitions as other books do. Rather she has gone to the hearts of a few of the multitude of people whose lives have been deeply touched and converted by the Lord Jesus while at Medjugorje. The book also shows the incredible love that our Blessed Mother has for us and how powerful her intercession can be. Ultimately whether one believes in the apparitions of our Blessed Mother at Medjugorje or not, this book is filled with inspiring stories of the love of God at work in our world and in the lives of those who seek Him with sincere and open hearts.

Daniel T., Illinois

 

Books for Teens & Young Adults

Bleeding Hands, Weeping Stone
Bleeding Hands, Weeping Stone is a fun read, as Ficocelli canvasses Christian history for weird, surprising, and hard-to-believe supernatural events, including bilocation, luminosity, levitation, the odor of sanctity, incorruption and apparitions.

Brian Welter, Catholic News Service

Elizabeth never ceases to amaze me! This is another great book that opened my eyes to so many miraculous happenings. It is inspiring and gives me hope to know that miracles are alive and well in the 21st century. My kids, ages twelve and fourteen are now enjoying this book, and I intend to use it next year in my religious education classes for 9th graders!!

Lynn S., Atlanta

I was looking for a book about signs and wonders in the Catholic Church, for my own enlightenment and also to recommend to friends. Some people are convinced by books on apologetics, and others by personal conversion stories, but some people respond best to miracles. This book fits the bill, was obviously written with this purpose in mind, and is a real eye opener. It’s also very readable and entertaining.

Russell S, Tokyo

I’m fourteen years old, and even if this would seem to be an adult book I was thoroughly captivated. Even though some of the parts mentioned in this book I had already known, it was altogether a good Catholic reading book. Full of miracles, levitation, stigmata, visions, and so many others. We should have many more books like these explaining things in intricate details, outlining the many miracles God bestowed on this lovely earth.

L Chen, USA

Bleeding Hands, Weeping Stone is an engaging book about a topic that interest teenagers.  Many young people today are enthralled with the supernatural and are amazed to find out that our Catholic history is replete with stories better and truer than anything to which the secular media exposes them.  This book is an easy read and the stories are presented in short segments.  I found this book a great help in catching the interest of my seventh and eighth grade students.

Ruth B., Ohio

This is a wonderful book about the mysteries of our Catholic faith. Some of the mysteries I know, many I did not. My teenage son and husband are going to read it next. It was very inspiring and I will recommend it to all my family and friends.

S. McCoy, Amazon

This book is very inspiring and a worthy teaching tool about the Catholic faith. This is a very entertaining book because Ficocelli mixes facts with humor which livens up the story very much. This book is meant to help Catholics and non-Catholics to grow in their faith. It is highly recommended to those interested in miracles and their relationship with the Catholic Church.

Br. Benet Exton, O.S.B., St. Gregory’s University, Shawnee, Oklahoma

 

Books for Youth

The Imitation of Christ for Children

Heartwarming, colorful, compelling children’s book suitable for gift-giving. This illustrated adaptation of Thomas a Kempis’ The Imitation of Christ is child-friendly, with short little lessons of one page or less. Ficocelli gets her message across without seeming preachy, and Sabatino’s humorous illustrations keep the important message in a light vein. Although this book is advertised for children, adults who read it with them might find they learn something, too.

Barb Fraze, Catholic News Service

An incredible resource for families! With her retelling of The Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, Elizabeth Ficocelli has brought the wonders of this wonderful spiritual classic to a new generation (and their parents!). This is a well thought out, extremely well written synopsis of the main points of the original classic, encouraging families to live out the gift of the Eucharist by following Jesus and living lives as closely linked to his as possible.

Lisa Hendey, CatholicMom.com

This book is fantastic, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to encourage their children to follow Christ. It is well written, beautifully illustrated, and fun for the kids. I encourage parents to read the original Imitation of Christ as well. Our children need this!

Lynn S., Maryland

I frequently pick up a classic, The Imitation of Christ, and when I heard about Elizabeth Ficocelli’s The Imitation of Christ: A Guide for Following Jesus, I purchased one for each of my grandchildren. They are eight and ten, and it makes them feel “grown up” to read something their grandmother is reading. I especially like the introduction….it talks about Thomas A’Kempis: who he is, when he lived and why he wrote the book.

Dean B., Maryland

Every family should have this book for each child to read and reflect on as they mature. Elizabeth has done an excellent job at writing a guide for kids on how to follow Jesus. A must have in every home!!!

Mary S., Ohio

Where Do Priests Come From?

A lovely little book explaining a most profound mystery – the priesthood.  I pray this book finds its way into the hands of many young boys so that they can be inspired to ponder the question: “Is God calling me to be a priest?

Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC
Author – No Turning Back: A Witness to Mercy  

A book I can give to my own nieces and nephews on the priesthood.  I plan to read it to them myself.

Rev. W. Shawn McKnight, S.T.D., Executive Director of the Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops  

Where Do Priests Come From? is a great book! It’s a beautiful and inspiring story for today’s Catholic children. The illustrations express the faith, which the book shares and highlights. I would strongly recommend this book to Catholic families, schools, and formation programs.

Fr Jeffrey Kirby, STL Vicar for Vocations, Diocese of Charleston, SC
Author of Becoming Father Bob  

I truly wish I had this book when my sons were younger, so my copy will make the rounds at my local Catholic school. Then, it’ll be going to our diocesan vocations director. I am thrilled to see that they have planned more books for this series, Where do Sisters Come From? and Where Do Deacons Come From?. What a wonderful tool for parents and teachers to introduce the Catholic faith to young learners.

Julie S., Iowa  

Elizabeth Ficocelli’s words and Shannon Wirrenga’s illustrations go together like hand in glove to give children a rich, human, catechetically-sound introduction to the lives of our priests. I also take my hat off at the way Ficocelli was able to weave fifteen kid-friendly definitions into thirteen pages! Now besides being a dad, I’m an educator; and that feat earns her an “A” in my grade book. There’s even a glossary!

Shane Kapler – Evangelist, Catechist, Author, and Columnist  

In my work as Vocation Director, I frequently have questions about resources for young families to help introduce the idea of a priestly vocation among their sons. I finally have that resource in this little book. It is written in a very charming style, walking with a priest through his time in formation and showing the balance in that he is still a real person, called to do something great. Elizabeth answers the title question with simple explanations, when taken with the illustrations, tell the story of the discernment of a vocation in a gentle, accessible way.

Father Schnippel – Vocations Director, Diocese of Cincinnati

Where Do Deacons Come From?

Having lived this wonderful vocation for fifteen years, I was absolutely thrilled with Elizabeth Ficocelli’s beautiful children’s book entitled, Where do Deacons Come From? I give it my highest and most heartfelt recommendation. Elizabeth’s beautifully written and superbly illustrated little book will now open the wonderful world of countless numbers of children to the beauty of the vocation to follow Jesus Christ and serve His Holy Church as a deacon. I recommend that every mom, dad, grandfather, grandmother, sister, brother, uncle, aunt – and anyone who hopes to plant the seed of a vocation in a young boy or to help any child, girl or boy, to understand the calling and vocation of deacons, buy this book and give it as a gift.

Keith A. Fournier, Editor-in-Chief, Catholic Online  

Elizabeth Ficocelli has come up with another winner!  In direct, simple terms, she explains the important role of deacons in the Catholic Church.  This book will be invaluable to people of all ages who have basic questions about their deacons.  Since deacons are part of the ancient tradition of the Church, while also being “new” to the contemporary Church, there is a lot of misunderstanding surrounding them.  This book will help immensely to overcome such misunderstandings and lead to a deeper appreciation of all the ministries of the Church.

Deacon William T. Ditewig, Ph.D., Professor of Theology and diocesan official of the Diocese of Monterey, California  

Where do deacons come from? Reading Elizabeth’s book, it becomes obvious that deacons can come from your home, a best friend’s home… or from your parish. Deacons are plumbers, doctors, government workers — men who recognize a call to serve the Church and the people of God. For parents or grandparents, this book can shine a light into a perhaps dimly lit area of a young man’s heart where a vocation to the diaconate is awaiting an invitation.

Deacon Tom Fox, Podcaster, Columnist, and Commentator  

My friend, Deacon William Ditewig, has said that the diaconate will only become fully accepted as a vocation when young people say, “When I grow up I want to be a deacon.”  This book could help make that a reality.

Deacon Greg Kandra, The Deacon’s Bench  

Elizabeth has written a wonderful book to help explain what a deacon is and does…I use it regularly in my ministry as the Director of the Diaconate and in my visits with little children in the catholic grade schools and parish religious education programs…parents also enjoy it and have told me their son is now thinking of becoming a deacon.

Deacon Frank Iannarino – Director, Office of the Diaconate, Catholic Diocese of Columbus

 This book does a very good job of explaining what a deacon does, but more importantly who he is. I’ve brought it with me to work to show people as a way to better explain what it means to be a deacon. Although it was written for children, it is a very good and concise explanation that answers almost all the question I get.

Deacon Joe Ciaciura

Where Do Sisters Come From?

What a beautiful glimpse into religious life for young children! I think parents and teachers would be delighted to have it on hand. Only God knows how many religious vocations might be encouraged by this lovely little book!

Sister Mary David Klocek, O.P., Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist and Host, Truth in the Heart (EWTN)  

In this charming book, Elizabeth Ficocelli describes the call to religious life with clarity and simplicity. This book can begin to help every young girl discover God’s beautiful plan for her life.

Sister Mary Emily Knapp, O.P. – Vocation Director, Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia, Nashville, Tennessee

This book is fantastic, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to encourage their children to follow Christ. It is well written, beautifully illustrated, and fun for the kids. I encourage parents to read the original Imitation of Christ as well. Our children need this!

Lynn S., Maryland  

Young girls today need a clear understanding of religious life so that from earliest years it can be a genuine consideration in answer to the proverbial question:  What do you want to be when you grow up?  A little book like this can be used by God to speak to young hearts in words they can understand.  Come, Holy Spirit!

Sister Ann Shields, SGL – Host, Food for the Journey (Renewal Ministries)  

What a delightful presentation of religious life for children, beautifully, simply, and colorfully illustrated Where Do Sisters Come From? is a welcome, refreshing introduction that can encourage young girls to dream BIG of being a Sister!

Sister Mary Joanna Ruhland, R.S.M. – Associate Director, Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations, USCCB  

My church, St. Germaine in Prescott Valley, AZ, purchased 100 of your excellent books, Where Do Priests Come From? and Where Do Sisters Come From? and gave them to all the children that participated in our All Saint’s Festival in October. The children and their parents were so happy to receive them! We’ve also started a vocations committee at our church and are taking many steps to make sure that religious vocations and the information needed concerning them is made available to anyone who asks. The children and youth ministries are also getting on board, and soon we will be having Eucharistic Adoration for vocations and a traveling statue of Mary that can be taken home and the family will pray with her for vocations. Your little books have started an avalanche of activity at our church! Thank you for writing what the Holy Spirit puts on your heart!

Vicki H, Arizona

A Child's Guide to First Holy Communion

Child’s Guide to First Holy Communion is a fantastic book for parents to read with their children in preparation for receiving their First Holy Communion.  Not only is the book an engaging way to explain the importance and significance of receiving the sacrament, but it features contemplative questions to discuss with your child and allows them to express their own thoughts and feelings about this major milestone in a young Catholic’s life. My husband and I give the entire Child’s Guide series as gifts to new parents as an excellent supplement to learning about our rich Catholic faith.

Talia F., mother and CCD teacher, Pennsylvania  

Concise and perfect! I bought this book for the fifteen kids who are getting prepared for Holy Communion in my catechism course. I found the book child friendly. As catechists we can develop from what is written in the book, and speak about own personal Holy Communion experience, etc. Very colorful; the kids love it.

Corinne, Amazon  

I was raised Catholic and wanted to get my daughter a book that would help her understand the importance of Holy Communion. I felt the book was creative, simple, and got the point across about God’s Love. I even enjoyed it. It brought memories of my own Holy Communion!!

Ann W., Texas  

Wonderful book that explains the true meaning of Holy Communion in a fun, simple, and captivating way. Great for the children and the parents. Warm, loving, and includes everyone in the experience. For Communion preparation or renewal of understanding, this book is fabulous for all.

A Customer, Amazon

A Child's Guide to Reconciliation

Just a great book for a child to read before his/her Reconciliation. Great for any Catholic child to read.

Patricia O., Australia  

Highly Recommended! I just recently purchased the First Communion book By Elizabeth Ficocelli and I would highly recommend it for anyone who is making their First Reconciliation. I found it very informative and comforting for the reader. My son was quite nervous before he made his and after reading book he was able to understand what was going to happen. The book showed the child how special and important they were to God. As a parent I enjoyed the questions the book asked. It gave my son and I an opportunity to talk about how he was feeling and also brought back memories of the day I made mine. If you know of anyone who is making their First Communion, consider buying this book. It will be a great addition to your library.

Ann, Pennsylvania  

This book is fantastic, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to encourage their children to follow Christ. It is well written, beautifully illustrated, and fun for the kids. I encourage parents to read the original Imitation of Christ as well. Our children need this!

Lynn S., Maryland  

Amen for Child’s Guide to Reconciliation! As a Catholic, and a father of six children; it is important to me to provide my children with books that will reinforce their faith. My daughter, who is currently attending second grade in catholic school, was studying to make her Confession. Child’s Guide to Reconciliation reinforced what she had learned in school and helped her to have a greater understanding of the importance of the day. My daughter loves to read this book as it is well written and beautifully illustrated. The author provided examples to clarify the topics of both sin and repentance. The questions encouraged discussion between my daughter and I. This helped her prepare for the ceremony. The book is presented in such a way that it relieved and reduced the nervousness and anxiety my daughter was feeling. Next I will be looking for the child’s guide to Confirmation!

Rob M., Haverstraw  

I am a 2nd grade teacher and use this book to calm some of the fears my class has about Reconciliation. It is very kid-friendly as well as multicultural. The book walks the reader(s) through one child’s experience of Reconciliation. I highly recommend this to parents and teachers! I’m so glad I found it and will use it for years to come!

rr20, Amazon  

My daughter was preparing for her first confession and this book was great. It helped her understand the difference between a sin and an accident. It describes the 10 Commandments in terms a young child can comprehend. The book is interactive with questions at the bottom of each page for the parents to ask. This helps reinforce the concepts and opens dialog between the parent and child.

Jam Maker, Amazon

A Child's Guide to the Rosary

The beauty of the Rosary has always been in its ability to join us in prayer and meditation with the Blessed Mother through story-telling. Elizabeth Ficocelli’s latest children’s book, Child’s Guide to the Rosary, does that with simplicity, beauty and reverence. The instructions on the mechanics of praying the Rosary are simple and easy for a child to follow. This guide is a wonderful tool for introducing our children to a devotion that will serve them throughout their lives. 

David Garick, Editor, The Catholic Times

Hands down, this book was the most well written I have ever come across for young people. Even though it suggests the best ages of readers is four to eight, I have no problem reading it to my eighth grade catechism class as well. Our younger generation is no longer satisfied with having “blind faith.” They want more explanations in terms they can understand. I initially ordered this book for my young niece and nephew, but I will order more and plan to have them on hand all the time. After seeing this one, I will also be ordering the complete collection. God Bless you, Elizabeth Ficocelli and Anne Catharine Blake!

Kathy, Louisiana  

Great for all ages! I loved it at first sight, and my granddaughter expressed the same sentiments. One must be a child at heart, I guess, and this book was refreshing to me as a grandparent. It makes the point without beating anyone over the head.

Kathleen G.  

As an Episcopalian, I can now better explain the use of the prayer beads our children made as a class project, and why we use them as a devotion to Mary, God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

Edith J., North Carolina  

I purchased this book along with a set of rosary beads for my nephew’s First Holy Communion. It was easy to read & explained how to pray with rosary beads along with different prayers. It was a really nice book & made a nice gift.

Karen, Milford, CT

A Child's Guide to the Seven Sacraments

Understanding Catholicism for Kids! I bought this as a gift for my nine-year-old who was making First Holy Communion. He read it right away and the next thing I knew, my six year old had read it too. Both found it very easy to digest. It also makes a great gift from a Godparent to a Catholic child.

Chris Cash, The Catholic Company  

This book just won First Place in the children’s book category in the annual awards from the Catholic Press Association. As Elizabeth’s editor, I’m naturally biased and love the book, but I thought potential readers would like to know about this objective, third-party proof of her talents.

Susan O., New Jersey  

My children read this book several times each, and now it has become, along with Child’s Guide to First Holy Communion and Child’s Guide to Reconciliation, our family’s gift to anyone preparing for their sacraments! All three are fabulous and should be part of all elementary religious education programs.

Lynn S., Georgia

Kid Tea
I stumbled across this book at the library when my daughter was about four. She absolutely loved it so I bought a copy. She’s now eight, but since then, I have read it to hundreds of children when I substitute teach for kinder, first, & second graders. They ask me to read it over and over and can’t get enough! I love seeing the joy on their faces when they chant along “Dunk me in the tub, please, for ……. kid tea.” This book has made me a “rock star” sub at my children’s school. There’s something truly magical about it for young children.

Lisa C., Texas  

Our favorite kid book….We love this book! You will love this book! I have 4 1/2 year old twins and they cannot get enough. It is also a great resource for teaching them the “color” and “days of the week” sight words. Inspired! Go get it now!

Lindsey P., Louisiana

Bath time has never been such fun! My three-year-old daughter LOVES this book! We have read it so many times that she has it memorized and can ‘read’ it to me. Bath time is now a blast in our house because each time she takes a ‘tubby’ she makes her own “kid tea” by adding different bath fizzies to create different colors. Depending on the color of the water, she will recite the appropriate poem for the day of the week and color from the book. This book is an outstanding tool to reinforce colors, spark an increased interest in bathing and teach the days of the week. I highly recommend it to all parents of toddlers and preschoolers. I now give a copy of this book, along with a container of colored bath tablets, as birthday gifts to all of my daughters’ young friends!

Christy D., Ohio

My 2-year-old LOVES this book! After having it checked out of the library for two straight months, I finally caved in and bought it. The rhyming text is so much fun, and lends itself to your child ‘filling in the blanks’ as you read. We also love the color and days of the week review the book provides. Very vibrant and adorable illustrations make this book irresistible. Now we guess what color kid tea we will get at bath time each night!

Dills Mama, Amazon

Dear Mrs. Ficocelli, Our teacher, Mrs. May, just read us Kid Tea. We love it ! We think it is true. We are going to write other Kid Tea possibilities. We hope you write another funny book like Kid Tea.

Your new friends in Mrs. May’s Second Grade, Ohio

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