picture books - Mercy for Marthas

Around the Year Picture Books with Beautiful Illustrations

Published on January 6, 2026January 6, 2026 by Mary CooneyLeave a comment

Reading picture books with beautiful illustrations is a wonderful way to draw our kids into reading and help them appreciate that which is objectively good and beautiful. Illustrations play an important role in the development of our children’s imaginations, so we want to make sure we give our children lots of beautiful books.

Here are twelve of my favorite illustrators (some classic, some contemporary) for around-the-year picture books with beautiful pictures.

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Our Favorite Catholic Picture Books

Published on December 4, 2024February 23, 2026 by Mary CooneyLeave a comment

This year, for our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Atrium, I wanted to create a little library of Catholic picture books. So I reached out to some authors and publishers and invited them to donate picture books to our Extra-Special Atrium (for children with Down Syndrome). I was touched by the generous responses as boxes of books promptly showed up at our door.

Reading a beautifully written and illustrated picture book with your children is one of the most memorable ways to pass on the faith. So with Christmas quickly approaching, I’d like to share with you our favorite Catholic picture books: books my kids and the children in our atrium have really enjoyed!

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Luna’s Magical Trip to the Moon

Published on October 11, 2020April 14, 2022 by Mary Cooney1 Comment

Here’s a sweet and delightful picture book for your little ones! My teenage daughter and her friends collaborated on it over the spring and summer.

Luna has always dreamed of going to the moon. One day, the opportunity arises in an unexpected way. At first, Luna is afraid to embark on her adventure, but she realizes that this is a once in a lifetime chance. On a daring quest to save the moon from Ash the fire-breathing dragon, Luna meets amazing friends and grows in self-discovery. With beautiful illustrations, this book will capture the imagination of young readers, while teaching important life lessons on kindness and courage.

Just look at some of these beautiful illustrations by Grace Gunther:

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