Hail Mary

by Xavier Deneux, Xavier Deneux

With clear, simple language and sweet illustrations, this board book explains the meaning of one of the best-loved Christian prayers, the Hail Mary. Brief explanatory text relates the words of the prayer to young children’s everyday lives and teaches them how to talk to Mary like a mother.

Rounded corners, padded covers, and sturdy board book pages ensure that youngsters can enjoy this book over and over.

Genres: Religion, Childrens

12 pages, Board Book

First published September 15, 2006

About the author

Xavier Deneux studied at Beaux-Arts de Paris. He has worked as a graphic artist, creating posters and decorations for various industries, and has illustrated more than forty children's books. He lives and works in Paris, France.

Reviews

[Jacob · Rating 2 out of 5]

The cover art is great.

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is done in three parts. The first is the Hail Mary Prayer done in script across the top of the pages, the second is the illustrations, and the third is the text at the bottom of the pages explaining that specific line in the prayer.

This book has wonderful illustrations as seen from the example page spread below. It can be used to teach the Hail Mary Prayer but also to go deeper into the meaning of the words. It is a fun and engaging book.

We have had two books by Sabrina Bus in our house for over a decade, since our oldest was very young. We have both this one and its companion volume the Our Father. They were a gift from a friend of the family. Even though they are simple board books , that have been read hundreds of times, they are still often read and are treasured by our three children. I even enjoy going back and reading them which after so many years and so many readings cannot be said about many books.

I highly recommend this book and the author. Give it a try.

(Note: in doing researching for this review I found that there are number of other books by the author and illustrator available in French, it is a pity they are not available in English.)

Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by the authors.

(Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)

[Maggie Rogers · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like this book was geared toward younger children who are learning their prayers, specifically the Hail Mary. The text in the book has parts of the prayer listed in the illustrations. It also has simple, easy explanations for what each section means. The prayer is not the traditional version, but it allows children to gain a deeper understanding as opposed to rote memorization of a prayer. It does not provide a variety of cultures or perspectives. It is representative of the Catholic faith as this is a staple prayer. There are no problems presented in the story. One quote that sums up the goal is, “You open your heart to us, you understand us and pray for us”. It allows the children to feel safe in confiding with Mary when they have a problem in their life. It helps reiterate some teachings of the Catholic faith to model after Mary and to ask for her help when we need it.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very short board book which explains the Christian prayer "Hail Mary", in a way that can be explained to young children. The illustrations are simple but effective in further breaking down the text. I am very interested in checking out the author's second book on the "Our Father" prayer as I think both of these books would be excellent to have in the Nursery at the church where I work. Recommended for ages 1-5, 3 stars.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful! My kids loved this book!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet little board book for helping little ones learn the Hail Mary.