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Dearest Children: A Message Inspired by Father Edward J. Flanagan
Father Edward J. Flanagan, the founder of Boys Town, was a true visionary because he wanted to transform America’s entire child care system, doing away with the reform schools, orphanages and workhouses where children were abused and mistreated, and replacing them with communities of homes where troubled kids could grow up as part of a loving family.
A century after Boys Town’s founding, this first-of-its-kind book for children channels the defining principles of Father Flanagan, encouraging children to reflect on their blessings and challenging them to find their purpose as they lead lives of compassion.
Beautifully illustrated and written for children in grades K-5, the text echoes the words of Father Flanagan, presented in his quotes under each historically informed image. The title, Dearest Children, pays homage to the beloved priest, borrowing the very way he addressed the children in his care, often calling them “my dears” or “dearest children.”
Collaborating with the Boys Town Hall of History and experts in the Boys Town Model of Care, author and illustrator Eli Hernandez has captured Father Flanagan’s true character and made his most valuable wisdom accessible to the youngest of readers.
Following the main text, parents will find interactive activities and discussion topics developed by Laura Buddenberg, Director of Pastoral Affairs at Boys Town and a former Boys Town trainer specializing in spirituality issues. This section provides opportunities for families to further connect through Father Flanagan’s inspirational messages and put his principles into practice.
A century after Boys Town’s founding, this first-of-its-kind book for children channels the defining principles of Father Flanagan, encouraging children to reflect on their blessings and challenging them to find their purpose as they lead lives of compassion.
Beautifully illustrated and written for children in grades K-5, the text echoes the words of Father Flanagan, presented in his quotes under each historically informed image. The title, Dearest Children, pays homage to the beloved priest, borrowing the very way he addressed the children in his care, often calling them “my dears” or “dearest children.”
Collaborating with the Boys Town Hall of History and experts in the Boys Town Model of Care, author and illustrator Eli Hernandez has captured Father Flanagan’s true character and made his most valuable wisdom accessible to the youngest of readers.
Following the main text, parents will find interactive activities and discussion topics developed by Laura Buddenberg, Director of Pastoral Affairs at Boys Town and a former Boys Town trainer specializing in spirituality issues. This section provides opportunities for families to further connect through Father Flanagan’s inspirational messages and put his principles into practice.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published December 12, 2017
2 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 18, 2017
This is a beautifully written and illustrated book about Servant of God Father Flanagan. I love how the author wrote thoughts on the left page of the book and the right page had a quote and illustration. The illustrations were based on actual photographs of him. After reading this book, I became even more excited that Fr. Flanagan’s life is being examined for Sainthood.
December 30, 2022
A good book for parents to read with their children. On the left side the child reads; on the right side the adult reads a lesson or quote as both look at the picture. In the back of the book are interactive topics with more pictures.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews