Discover the exciting tales of God’s creatures and the holy men and women they encountered!
Read 14 beautifully illustrated stories of extraordinary animals that introduce young readers to the saints and inspire them to faithfully follow Jesus.
Saintly Creatures:
14 Tales of Animals and Their Holy Companions
Written by Alexi Sargeant
Illustrated by Anita Barghigiani
Word on Fire Votive | September 18, 2023
Hardcover | 64 Pages | 8.5” x 11”
Suggested Age Range: 6 - 12
Retail Price: $24.95 $19.96 (20% OFF and FREE U.S. SHIPPING)
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14 Charming Stories of Virtue - All in One Book
14 Charming Stories of Virtue - All in One Book
The Boar and Saint Brigid
Who is Saint Brigid? Saint Brigid founded Kildare Abbey in Ireland during the fifth century where she was a religious sister and abbess. Read the touching story of Saint Brigid and the wild boar she protected out of love for God's creation!
The Mice and Saint Martin de Porres
Who is Saint Martin de Porres? Saint Martin was a humble friar at Holy Rosary Priory in Lima, Peru in the 1600s. Read the story of how Saint Martin, instead of trapping some pesky mice in the priory, decided to care for them and feed them daily–just like everyone else he encountered!
The Wolf and Saint Francis of Assisi
Who is Saint Francis of Assisi? Many people know Saint Francis as the friar who befriended animals and viewed all of God's creation with love and respect. Read one such story in Saintly Creatures of how he once saved his town from a wild wolf.
The Horse and Saint José Sánchez del Río
Who is Saint José Sánchez del Río? Saint José was a young boy who fought for God and his country in Mexico—where he became a martyr for his Catholic faith. Read the heroic story of this brave saint and his horse companion.
The Sheep and Saint Germaine Cousin
Who is Saint Germain Cousin? Saint Germaine lived in France during the late 1500s who, though she faced many challenges in her short life, always had great faith in God. Read the story of this kindhearted saint, her simple but influential life and her sheep!
The Tiger and Blessed James Heo In-baek
Who is Blessed James Heo In-baek? Blessed James Heo In-baek was a Catholic who lived in Korea during the religious persecution of the mid-1800s. Read the shocking story of Blessed James and the tiger he encountered while hiding from those who persecuted him!
The Geese and Saint Werburgh
Who is Saint Werburgh? Saint Werburgh was an English abbess who, though born into royalty as a princess, wanted to become a nun and serve God more humbly. Read the miraculous story of the goose Saint Werburgh once saved–even after it had already been eaten!
The Great Gray Dog and Saint John Bosco
Who is Saint John Bosco? Saint John Bosco was an Italian priest born in 1815 who served the poor boys and young men in Turin and helped them live good lives. Read the story of the great gray dog that often protected Don Bosco from anti-Catholic attackers!
The Bees and Saint Rita
Who is Saint Rita? Saint Rita lived in Italy during the 1300s and endured many hardships in her life–particularly with her family. Read the story of Saint Rita's challenging life but also the early signs that God would bee by her side through it all.
The Hyena and Saint Macarius
Who is Saint Macarius? Saint Macarius was a monk from Alexandria in Egypt who was born around the year 300. He lived as a hermit in a cave where he prayed and fasted in solitude. Read the amazing story of the persistent hyena who came to Saint Macarius–who was known to perform miracles–for help with her blind cubs.
The Ravens and Saint Meinrad
Who is Saint Meinrad? Saint Meinrad was Benedictine priest and hermit in Germany during the 700s. He lived in the woods to pray quietly with God, but always welcomed travelers with great hospitality. Read the story of the ravens that Saint Meinrad befriended and who defended him from robbers in his old age.
The Lion and Saint Mary of Egypt
Who is Saint Mary of Egypt? Saint Mary of Egypt was born in Alexandria during the 300s and lived a life of sin for many years. She traveled to Jerusalem where she experienced a great conversion before returning to Egypt to live a holy life in the desert. Read the story of the priest–and lion!–that accompanied Saint Mary at her death in Saintly Creatures.
The Whale and Saint Brendan
Who is Saint Brendan? Saint Brendan was an abbot from Ireland in the fifth century. Saint Brendan and his fellow monks traveled around Ireland and other neighboring countries preaching about God and founding monasteries. Read the story of one of Saint Brendan's wildest stories in which he encountered a huge whale!
The Pets of Saint Carlo Acutis
Who is Saint Carlo Acutis? Saint Carlo Acutis was born in 1991 and, despite his parents' lukewarm feelings towards the Church, was very devoted to his Catholic faith. Read the story of Saint Carlo's life, marked by: his talent with computers which he used to evangelize, his outgoing kindness for bullied classmates and the poor, and his love for the Eucharist. . . and his pets!
Here’s What People Are Saying...
“What could be better than a picture book about saints and their animal friends? With stunning illustrations by Anita Barghigiani and the captivating storytelling of Alexi Sargeant, Saintly Creatures will be a favorite in your home.”
— Meg Hunter-Kilmer, author of Saints Around the World
“What a treasure Saintly Creatures is for the imagination! The beauty of the lives and the animals shines forth not merely in the glowing illustrations but in the light of Christ displayed by each saint here. Adults will enjoy this book as much as their children will, always a sign of a great children’s book.”
— Jessica Hooten Wilson, Fletcher Jones Chair of Great Books at Pepperdine University
“This is an absolutely delightful book that introduces children to the lives of the saints in a fresh and unique way. A must-have for every Catholic family bookshelf.”
— Jen Fulwiler, standup comic and bestselling author
“Saintly Creatures has quickly risen to the top of our ‘favorite books’ list, with both my kindergartener and preschooler begging to hear the stories while they look at the gorgeous illustrations. The prose is lovely, the artwork is captivating, and the stories are helping my kids think about striving for holiness in their everyday lives. This book is a remarkable triumph—I don’t think I've ever seen anything else like it. It is essential for your Catholic family library.”
— Katie Prejean McGrady, author and host of The Katie McGrady Show on Sirius XM's The Catholic Channel
“Gorgeous art and captivating storytelling fill the pages of Saintly Creatures, but it will hold a place on my shelf because it allows my children to encounter more of our universal Church. A young Mexican martyr, a biracial saint from Peru, and Korean Catholics hiding in a tiger's cave are among stories tucked into a collection tied together by the charming theme of animals and saints.”
— Sarah Hoyoung Ku, creator of Asian Catholic Woman
“These touching tales and lovely illustrations will teach our little ones that the love of God touches each of his creatures, whether they walk on two legs or four!”
— Matthew Mehan, author of The Handsome Little Cygnet and Mr. Mehan’s Mildly Amusing Mythical Mammals
About the Author
Alexi Sargeant
Alexi Sargeant is a Catholic teacher, writer, and game maker. He has worked at publications such as First Things and Magnificat. Alexi lives in Hyattsville, MD, with his wife, Leah, and their daughters, Beatrice and Thalia.
About the Illustrator
Anita Barghigiani
Anita Barghigiani graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts of Florence. She currently lives in the woods between Florence and Bologna, where she works, plays the guitar, and actively helps animals as a volunteer.
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WordOnFire.org | Privacy | Contact
1-866-928-1237 | support@wordonfire.org
Word on Fire Catholic Ministries is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry.