DALLAS, Aug. 15, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Creating beautiful rosaries has been a life's work and passion for author Kathy O'Neil's beloved father-in-law, known by the family as "Granddad." A World War II veteran who flew in 50 missions over the English Channel in the belly turret of B-17 bombers with his last mission just two days before D-day, Granddad is a devoted Catholic who always has the rosary with him and recalls that he wore out his rosary beads on those air missions. Granddad never imagined that his daughter-in-law would be inspired to write a children's book explaining the importance of praying the rosary. Just released, "A Children's Rosary" (Brown Books Kids) by author Kathy O'Neil and illustrated by Cynthia Meadows, gives children and parents a special way to spend time reading and praying together while opening their hearts to Mary's great love.
O'Neil's inspirations for writing the book include her love of prayer and children's books, as well as her father-in-law's devotion to the rosary.
"Granddad, now 93 years old, crafted the most beautiful rosaries and always had one in his pocket," O'Neil said. "Having his support and encouragement by providing input on the book from the beginning has been such a blessing because now that he can no longer physically engage in his passion of making rosaries for others, contributing to the book has brought him great joy."
Through vivid illustrations and loving, understandable language, O'Neil takes children step by step into a deeper understanding of the rosary and its mysteries. The book uses color-coding and a prayer map concept to make it easy to follow along.
"Instead of being a beautiful string of beads, the rosary becomes a string of prayers that children can understand and use to build upon as they grow older and deeper in their faith," O'Neil said.
O'Neil feels that it is imperative for children to learn about the rosary when they are young so they can experience its comfort in prayer throughout their lives. She attributes her deep faith to the godly example of humility and a strong work ethic that she learned from her parents. "I was one of five children. Even with five rowdy children, my mother never raised her voice and even found time to volunteer in our church for countless years. Her quiet and humble spirit helped shape my own Catholic faith. My mother and father definitely showed me through their lives that the rosary has eternal purpose.
"I suppose this is our way of continuing the legacy of the rosary's importance to our family by sharing its meaning in a clear, simple, and inviting way to children. I'm overjoyed to think that our family's deep connection to the rosary may help in some small way to introduce other families to the great gift that the rosary is to all of us."
For more information or to order "A Children's Rosary," please visit www.AChildrensRosary.com.
Books are available online and in bookstores.
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A photo accompanying this release is available at:
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