EWTN news anchor Raymond Arroyo debuts his “Legend Series” of self-contained episodic children’s stories with “The Spider Who Saved Christmas.” Based on the Eastern European legend of the Christmas spider, Arroyo places the titular arachnid in Israel shortly after Christ’s birth. The book provides an origin to the practice of the Nephila spider basking in the sun. The spider, also known as a “golden silk … Continue reading Story based on legend highlights overlooked Biblical passage, forces heavy conversations

As we approach the Christmas season, Catholic children’s author Anthony DeStefano offers a voice to a character in the Nativity of Our Lord through whom we can witness the birth of Jesus through new eyes. The titular, yet nameless, ox is, as the title suggests, both grumpy and old, as well as blind and lame. His master mistreats him, which adds to the grumpiness. His … Continue reading Children’s Christmas tale offers parents catechetical opportunities

Coming four years after “The Vatican Cookbook” became a best-seller by revealing the secrets of the papal palette, authors David Geisser and Thomas Kelly have a sequel geared specifically for the holiday season in “The Vatican Christmas Cookbook.” The cookbook is full of historical tidbits mixed in with recipes ranging from the sweet to the savory … for those that can afford them. The authors … Continue reading Christmas cookbook shares easy recipes, others with ingredients difficult to find