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My sweet, eager, oldest child, Mary, loves to hear anything I read to her, and always
has. She especially loves her "holy" books: stories about the saints and the Virgin Mary,
how to say her prayers, and all types of catechesis. Even if the pictures weren't vibrant,
she would ask for them again and again.
Mary was blessed with not just one, but eventually three younger brothers. Although the
three precious boys are just as infatuated with books, their interests depart from hers.
"Mom! Let's read the truck book!" "Oh! Can we read the fireman book again?" "No, not
another SAINT book..."
I was perplexed how my boys could sit through twenty readings of a book about
construction vehicles, but would not sit still for a saint story. Out of my frustration (and
perhaps with divine inspiration), Joseph's Workshop was born. Wondering if Joseph
used "cool" tools like contemporary carpenters, I researched what he would have used
and what he might have built. Joseph's Workshop utilizes all the components of a
successful secular story, with the added grace of a religious book. Little Catholic gems
hidden throughout the narrative will speak to the heart of Catholic caregivers, and pique
the curiosity of children. Each page focuses on a specific task of Joseph's woodworking
project, as well as the tool needed for the job.
My initial submission of Joseph's Workshop, without illustrations, was not selected for
publication. And here's where divine assistance comes in - one of the greatest blessings
of my life is my small group of Catholic girlfriends. We pray with each other, our kids
play together, and we share all aspects of our lives. I had kept quiet about my book,
since I had never written one before and was hesitant to reveal something that could be
embarrassing. But one night, as we cut out pro-life posters for a dear friend working in
that ministry, I opened up about my book. Within minutes of reading the book aloud, we
found our illustrator. He was upstairs putting the kiddos to bed while we enjoyed Moms'
Night in the dining room. Matt Bartula is the husband of my friend (and that evening's
host) and I had previously commissioned him to paint artwork for my home - how silly of
me not to have thought of him to help create Good Joseph! The paintings Matt created
for the book are brilliant and beautiful, and every bit how I imagined Joseph - rugged,
peaceful, and steady.
My hope is that this sweet board book will not only inspire a love of "holy" books to boys
and girls alike, but also deepen their relationship with one of the most influential people
in the life of Christ. Joseph models for us how to be an obedient, hardworking, devout
man, which is what I desire for my own sons. Even little girls can see, through his
example, the kind of man they would hope to share a life with in raising their children in
the way of Christ.
Joseph's Workshop is now available from Sophia Institute Press
This article first appeard in Ignitum Today on 3/19/2024
Julia Wade is a Catholic homeschooling mom who believes in the fruits of reading to your
children every day. She holds a graduate degree in Theological Studies from the University of
Dallas where she also served as a Campus Minister, and an undergraduate degree in Music from
Southern Methodist University. After teaching theology at a local Catholic high school for fiveyears,
Julia retired to stay home with her children. To fulfill her vocation as a minister, she has
created small local apostolates in her parish to serve stay-at-home mothers and mothers who
have endured miscarriages. Julia lives in Texas with her husband and their five children.
