Permit Me to Introduce You to Leo’s Gift!

Leo's Gift book cover

Leo peeking around corner
Who is this good-looking young man peeking around the corner of Catechist’s Journey? Why, it’s none other than Leo, the star of the new children’s book Leo’s Gift, written by Susan Blackaby and my friend and colleague (actually, she’s my boss!) Joellyn Cicciarelli and beautifully illustrated by my colleague Carrie Schuler.

Leo is creative, shy, and in search of a special talent he can share with the world. He wonders how he’ll know what his unique gift might be…and then, with the unknowing help of his sister, he discovers music. Leo may seem quiet, but the piano gives him a big voice, helps his confidence soar, and propels him to embrace—in the words of Pope Francis—“the treasure inside” him and share it with the world.

Filled with heart and hope, Leo’s Gift is a perfect story for parents, children, and siblings to read together. Leo will inspire kids everywhere to explore their passions, believe in themselves, and learn that not all gifts come wrapped in a box.

As they say in TV commercials, however, “But wait, there’s more!”—especially for catechists!

Leo’s Gift also comes with a lesson plan to bring the story’s themes to life; a bulletin board idea and activity sheets; and a video that highlights teachable moments.

I hope you enjoy using this wonderful book with the children you teach!

About Joe Paprocki 2758 Articles
Joe Paprocki, DMin, is National Consultant for Faith Formation at Loyola Press, where, in addition to his traveling/speaking responsibilities, he works on the development team for faith formation curriculum resources including Finding God: Our Response to God’s Gifts and God’s Gift: Reconciliation and Eucharist. Joe has more than 35 years of experience in ministry and has presented keynotes, presentations, and workshops in more than 100 dioceses in North America. Joe is a frequent presenter at national conferences including the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, the Mid-Atlantic Congress, and the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership. He is the author of numerous books, including the best seller The Catechist’s Toolbox, A Church on the Move, Under the Influence of Jesus, and Called to Be Catholic—a bilingual, foundational supplemental program that helps young people know their faith and grow in their relationship with God. Joe is also the series editor for the Effective Catechetical Leader and blogs about his experiences in faith formation at www.catechistsjourney.com.

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