‘Tis the season for cold nights and warm pajamas – the perfect time to snuggle up with your kids and enjoy some heartwarming stories together. I’ve compiled a list of my family’s favourites, all available at EWTN Religious Directory.

1. Christmas in heavenby Anthony DeStefano

Anthony DeStefano provides readers with another great story that the whole family will enjoy. By weaving truths about our faith (death, holy souls, and the triumph of the Church) with the nostalgia of Christmas traditions here on earth, DeStefano encourages readers to lean into our Christian hope that we may see our loved ones again in heaven one day. As someone who misses grandma, especially during the holidays, I highly recommend this book. Be sure to check out other great books by Anthony DeStefano at EWTNRC.com.

2. The spider that saved Christmasby Raymond Arroyo

Before reading this book, I couldn’t imagine that there would be a place in the Christmas story for a spider, but I’m happy to report that Raymond Arroyo proved me wrong. Now this is one of my children’s favorite Christmas stories of all time. When King Herod’s men set out to kill all Jewish boys under the age of 2, the Holy Family, on their way to Egypt, takes refuge in a cave occupied by Nephila and her cubs. Watch as the eight-legged heroine and her spider babies spring into action and risk their own lives to save the holy visitors. And if this story inspires you to hide a little spider in your Christmas tree from now on, let me know!

3. Go and Fear Nothing: The Story of Our Lady of Championby Patrick O’Hearn

There has only been one official Marian apparition in the United States, and this is the story. Patrick O’Hearn brings to life the story of Adele Brise and her encounter with the Blessed Mother in Champion, Wisconsin, in 1859. Not only does this book share another miraculous appearance of the Blessed Mother, but it also reminds children and their parents to pray repentance for poor sinners, to receive the sacraments often and to always ask for Mary’s intercession at the feet of her Son, Jesus.

4. ABC Get to know the saints with meby Caroline Perkins

Since this book was released a couple of years ago, I have made it my mission to use the charming rhymes and colorful illustrations to teach my children the alphabet and the saints. I’m happy to report that, with our fourth child recently turning 1, we’re on a winning streak with incorporating this book into our regular reading routine. My three older children love using this book to tell our youngest about the saints and teach her letters along the way. Every Catholic family should have this colorful book in their library.

5. The snail and the kingof Norbertine Father Peregrine Fletcher

This spring, Norbertine Father Peregrine Fletcher introduced me to his latest book, and my children and I immediately became huge fans. For children who think they are too young or too small or too insignificant to be chosen by God, this book settles the point – God has called each of us, great and small, to holiness! Papa Peregrine invites us all on Snail’s adventure, with dangers and discouragements along the way. Does Snigel continue on his quest called by the prince? Why is the pigeon so adamant about helping him? Will he ever meet the king? Find out as you read The snail and the king.

6. Mother Cabrini: A Heart for the Worldby Claudia Cangilla McAdam

As you may have guessed, I love stories with an underdog (and I believe God, in his magnificence and mercy, loves them too), and Mother Frances Cabrini’s story seems to have a successful underdog story. Born with such frailty that she was immediately baptized for fear of death, Cabrini spent her life with health problems that seemed to hold her back. But God had a plan for this little soul, who went on to found a religious order, travel across the Atlantic, and radically improve the lives of countless Italian immigrants in the New World. Her faith and fiat making her an excellent role model for children – and adults – who wonder what they can do to build God’s kingdom on earth.

7. Puffleby Sr. M. Gianna Casino, of the leaven from the Immaculate Heart of Mary

As a Catholic mom, I’m always looking for age-appropriate ways to share the theology of the body with my kids, and Puffel has become a fun and accessible way to do that. Puffel is a puffin who lives in Norway, and one cold winter day he meets some new friends who don’t look like him. He begins to question his own abilities and identity, but this book guides Puffel and readers through the work of self-acceptance, being made in God’s image, and appreciating the differences that make each of us special in our own way. This book is offered by itself or as a set with a Puffel plush.

8. New friends, now and foreverby Susan Tassone

At one point or another, our children will experience the death of family and family friends, and it can be difficult to have discussions with our children when someone close to them dies. Susan Tassone, affectionately known as “The Purgatory Lady”, brings clarity to the conversation with this touching story of twins Ben and Hope, whose budding friendship with an elderly parishioner paves the way for them to learn about purgatory, the benefits of pray for souls in purgatory, and the rich traditions of our Catholic faith. Our children are happy to pray for souls in purgatory, and yours can be too.

9. St. Chaste Heart of Josephof Marian Father Donald Calloway,

Marian Father Calloway, known for his Inauguration to St. Josephhave one fantastic graphic novel to help children learn about their spiritual father, St. Joseph, miracle. Sam Estrada’s vivid illustrations guide readers through the origins of devotion to St. Joseph, saint who loved him and various titles of the great saint, such as “Terror of Demons”. I guess little boys have a natural attraction to comic books and graphic novels, as my 5 year old son often opens the book just to stare at the pages.

10. Therese of Lisieux, by Coline Dupuy, Davide Perconti and Francesco Rizzato

In another impressive graphic novel, readers delve into the daily life of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, her interactions with her family, and the suffering she endured during her final years in Carmel. Readers will get to know St. Thérèse in a unique way, as she faces difficulties head on and overcomes trials with love. Our 8 year old daughter recommends this book to her peers.

11. The Light in You: Little Convent in the Big Cityby Mother Clare of the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal

This is the second book in Mother Clare’s series, Little monastery in the big cityand I have a deep appreciation for how she and illustrator Michael Corsini depict the important work done by the Franciscans of the Renewal. The light in you is a perfect story for Christmas, as its setting in New York City at Christmas time sets the mood for sharing the true meaning of our existence and our call as Christians to bring the light of Christ to others. It’s a big conversation, and Mother Clare’s stories about the “Little Convent” show how it’s possible!

12. Goodnight, Jesus: A Children’s Bedtime Storyby Kate Sydnor

Rounding out the list is this precious board book from EWTN Publishing, which we received just before our youngest child was born. Good night, Jesus is an ideal book for new parents to read to their new babies, but also for children who want to read to their younger siblings. It has a soothing cadence and illustrations, as children are guided through thanking God for their favorite people and favorite parts of the day. It’s a wonderful way to teach children prayer at the earliest ages!

All these books – and more — is available on EWTN Religious Directory for your family’s bookshelves.