Book Reviews

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Legacies and Adventures Teach the Importance of Pursuing Your Dreams
Book Review – Saint Brendan and the Voyage Before Columbus by Mike McGrew
Reviewed by Lisa M. Hendey

Many parents want to teach their children the importance of identifying and pursuing their dreams and the value of a strong faith in God. In the new book Saint Brendan and the Voyage Before Columbus (Paulist Press, December 2004, paperback, 32 pages) author Dr. Mike McGrew and illustrator Marnie Saenz Litz share the story of St. Brendan and his legendary voyage to North America.

Through lyrical prose and vivid illustrations, this book recounts the life history of Saint Brendan, the Irish monk who spread the message of Jesus Christ in his own land of Ireland and, legend states, beyond to the land of Tir-na-n-Og and to its native “painted saints”, a thousand years before Columbus set sail for North America. Whether fact or fiction, Brendan’s voyage has sparked the enthusiasm and adventurous spirit of many, including sailors who count him as their patron saint.

The great value in providing children with the images of concrete role models is that it helps them see that they too can capture their dreams. McGrew shares Saint Brendan’s story with zeal and energy, stressing the saint’s reliance on God’s protection and his appreciation for God’s hand in the nature surrounding him and in his brother monks. Children who might not sit still for a dry recitation of the facts of a saint’s life will be drawn in and inspired by this book and its message to trust in God and pursue your dreams. Aimed at children ages four through eight, the book will also be enjoyed by older adventurers and those interested in the lives of the saints.

For additional information on Saint Brendan and the Voyage Before Columbus visit http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0809167050/digitalcropper-20

Lisa M. Hendey is a mother of two sons, webmaster of http://www.catholicmom.com and http://www.christiancoloring.com, and an avid reader of Catholic literature. Visit her at http://www.lisahendey.com

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