Bernadette: The Little Girl from Lourdes

by Sophie Maraval-Hutin

“Perhaps you have already heard about Lourdes, a little town in the French Pyrenees Mountains famous all over the world. Thousands of Christians go there every year to pray. Sick people from all countries come in the hope of being cured. And yet, a hundred and fifty years ago, Lourdes was a very little village, and Bernadette, the one who started it all, was just a very simple girl of fourteen.” So begins the story of Bernadette and her amazing encounters with the Blessed Virgin Mary. Young readers will enjoy the lovely watercolors and lively text, as they are introduced to the simple girl whose visions of a “beautiful Lady” resulted in the discovery of a miraculous spring. Illustrated.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2010

Reviews

[Holly Walling · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations and the story were so good! This little book told the story of Lourdes accurately and beautifully. Perfect for little eyes and minds. Love.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A kid-friendly story of young St Bernadette and Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book children are introduced to the story of St. Bernadette, who saw visions of Mary as the Immaculate Conception at Lourdes, France. It tells how she continued to go see Mary even when people thought she was crazy and how slowly, by constant prayer and love, she brought others closer to Mary and through Mary to Jesus. She also discovered a miraculous spring which is still bringing about healing miracles today. Our Lady of Lourdes is a popular apparition so this book would be a fun way to introduce children to the story. It could be used during October to celebrate the month of the rosary or on April 16, the feast of St. Bernadette to introduce the saint and her story. After reading the book the class could talk about how Bernadette became a saint because of something that happened to her when she was young like they are. This would be a good introduction to talking about how the universal call to holiness is meant for children too.

Maraval-Hutin, S. (2010). Bernadette: The little girl from Lourdes. San Francisco, CA: Ignatius Press.

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Love the story of Bernadette but somehow found this version less inspiring.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving account of the life of St Bernadette, this series would be a special one to read to children.