Every Child a Light: The Pope's Message to Young People

Every Child a Light: The Pope’s Message to Young People, written by Pope John Paul II, is not your usual children’s picture book as it does not tell a story. Instead, it is a beautiful collection of his thoughts on faith, life and God’s love in relation to children. Almost all the excerpts in the book come from his talks to children and young adults over the years. He offers words of encouragement, love and hope to children and adults of all ethnic backgrounds and faiths.

Although this isn’t considered a book of poetry, John Paul’s words flow like poetry across the pages. One such excerpt, titled “All Children Are Important,” reads as follows:

What is beautiful about you
is that each of you looks at other children and offers a hand
with no regard to color,
social condition, or religion.
You offer your hand to one another. . .
All children are important.
All of them!

What I Like: The book is filled with color photos of the Pope with a child or a group of children. The photos radiate with his love for them. Also, the excerpts are short and easy-to-read.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: The reading level is for ages 9-12. However, younger children would probably enjoy sitting on Mom or Dad’s lap, looking at the beautiful photos filled with children.

Publishing Info: Boyds Mills Press, 2002 ; ISBN: 1563970902; Hardcover, $16.95.

Buy now at Amazon $11.53.

Special Info: This book was, of course, written by a former Catholic Pope. Even though it was written by a Catholic, the texts used in the book do not preach Catholic doctrine; rather, the ideas and thoughts presented reflect a generally Christian viewpoint. Christian ideals, such as Baptism, the Trinity, Faith, family prayer, and the hope for the future through our children, are all expressed in the text. This book reaches out to people, especially children and families, of all races and religions.