Saint Therese and the Roses

by Helen Walker Homan

Illustrated This story from the Vision Books series for youth 9 -15 years old is a beautiful story about the most popular saint of modern times, St. Therese of Lisieux, the "Little Flower." Growing up in Lisieux, France was occasionally painful but usually delightful for Therese and her four sisters. For practical Marie, studious Pauline, hot-tempered Leonie, mischievous Celine, and beautiful, lovable Therese, growing up meant growing closer to God. The Little Flower found her pathway to holiness right in her own back yard. With their disagreements, secrets, visits to the convent, school adventures, and romances, these five girls are an enjoyable handful for their kindly, widowed father. But Therese, because she loves her family, discovers that one of her sisters might unwittingly prevent her dearest wish from coming true. In this Vision book, Helen Walker Homan, who writes in the tradition of Louisa Mae Alcott, has created another classic of delightful family life among five sisters, one of whom became a saint. Cover art by Chris Pelicano This book is now part of Renaissance Learning's Accelerated Reader program . Quizzes are currently available.

Genres: Biography, Childrens, Catholic, Religion, Faith, Christian

149 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1955

Reviews

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this slowly with my daughter. And even though the intended audience was young I still found many powerful reminders that acting on our faith doesn’t require big actions but little daily ones that often go unseen We both loved the book.

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very sweet read. I have read adult books about Saint Therese and it was nice to read a children's approach to the story. It was a bit syrupy in a few places but that is not bad, to my way of thinking, for a children's book.

Two quotes/stories that I appreciated:

"Sometimes in life, it happens that way. Sometimes there are two who need us at the same moment, and it is not always easy to know which one must come first. But if we do our best, God understands, even if we make mistakes."

"'Surely you are not afraid of spiders?' asked the Novice-Mistress. 'Why, they won't hurt you. They are God's creatures too, and are useful. Think of Saint Francis. He loved all living things, and in return they loved him. Were he here now, he would speak kindly to that creature and call him 'Brother Spider.'
'Oh,' said Therese, still shivering.
'Now this will be a good way for you to imitate Saint Francis. You shall have charge of this pantry. Keep it in good order,' she said as she closed the door.
'Yes, Mother,' murmured Therese weakly, wondering how she would ever find the courage to clean those shelves. She remembered how Celine had teased her about the spiders in her bed, should she be disobedient. How had Celine known there would be spiders in the convent?
Troubled, again, she took herself to the Infant Jesus.
'Little Jesus, I know Your Heavenly Father made the spiders. But they do frighten me. I never had a brother. And I wouldn't like to have a spider for one. Please help me not to scream in the pantry. Perhaps if I said Sister Spider it would not be so hard.'
Then she went straight back to the pantry, opened the door, and walked in alone. She was shaking all over, but she managed to move all the jars and clean each shelf. As she did so, many spiders ran out, but she noticed that they ran away from her. They were more afraid of her than she was of them. She did not want to kill them. THey were God's creatures. But how should she send them away?
Then she noticed a window in the pantry, and threw it open. Taking an empty box, she caught the spiders in it, one by one, and tossed each out of the window. After that, she was not afraid of the pantry any more."

[Melanie]

Read aloud with Bella. Bella absolutely loved this biography of St Therese, who has now become one of her favorite saints. After reading this she began to incorporate incidents from the book in her imaginative play. The focus is very much on Therese's girlhood. Her life in Carmel is summarized in the last chapter or two.

This was such a success we decided to read a bunch of other saints biographies.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book as a girl. Saint Therese was almost an idol to me. I wanted to be like her. This book is great for Roman Catholic kids, as it makes the life of a saint interesting and enjoyable to read about. At the same time, though, my love of this book may've almost been a pre-cursor to the Scrupulosity I later developed....

[Klara Rawdanowicz · Rating 4 out of 5]

My younger sister and I were reading this together over the last couple months and it’s been so beautiful! Written in a simple yet warm language that is captivating for all ages. St Therese’s life and childhood inspired us so much that we started a novena to her straightaway in fervour! Highly recommend for any girls but especially those aged 8-14 xx

[irenii · Rating 5 out of 5]

The novel was written in such simplicity that I was quick to believe in its truth, and through this fashion I was able to realise or rather recollect lessons which are valuable forever.♡🐰🎀 God will guide us, and we must accept His will.

[Rebecca Burmesch · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars I think I was expecting something more moving and educational but it is a nice story of a beloved saint written for children.

[Diana M. Caruthers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story of the life of St. Therese of the Child Jesus. It starts with her childhood and growing up with her siblings and ends with her death.

[Anne Temprendola · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books ever

[Mollie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet introduction to the life of St. Therese, especially perfect for grade school girls.

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read 11/25/24

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I read Heidi to fulfill the 2015 reading challenge as a book from my childhood, I started thinking about other books I read as a child. Our small Catholic school in the country had a very small library, but I do remember reading a number of "Vision Books." These were lives of the saints written for children. Mostly out of curiosity, I decided te re-read one. Of course I chose my patron saint, Theresa, the Little Flower. I obtained a copy through OhioLink from Franciscan University (where else?).
As I expected, it was very simply written - short sentences, short paragraphs and much emphasis on being good so you can go to heaven. For a young Catholic in the late 1950's, it was probably perfect. Now I give it three stars based on nostalgia. Otherwise it would merit only four.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 8 year old daughter and I really enjoyed reading this books together. Saint Therese had such a simple, tender and deep spirituality that can connect with anyone, especially kids. Highly recommended.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

My grandmother really loved Saint Therese, so of course I had to read this book. The child was too perfect and too religious -- in other words, very "syrupy." Then again, maybe it's a fair description of a child who becomes a saint.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

First real book I remember reading as a child. Passed from my Grandma to my Mom and now to me. I am not a Catholic, but this book was very meaningful to me as a child.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story about a child who just wanted to offer her life to Jesus in Little Ways.

[Maeve · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book on the life of St Therese.

[emma grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

On an old reading list...estimated to have been read in 2006.

St. Therese has always been my favorite saint. Love all the vision books.

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good