King of the Shattered Glass is a sweetly illustrated parable of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This medieval tale of a taunting glassblower's son and a prideful scullery maid reveals what happens when a repentant heart encounters the life-changing power of Divine Mercy. Family reading ages 6-10.
This beautifully illustrated story tells a tale of an orphan, Marguerite, who works in the King's kitchen. When Marguerite breaks the King's precious glass, those around her tell her to bury the glass and hide the evidence, but her conscience tells her otherwise. What is she to do?
Susan Joy Bellavance's tale of courage, honesty, and bravery through the character of Marguerite gives readers deep insight into mercy and how God shows us his love through the Sacrament of Confession.
This book has received many glowing reviews, below are a few samples:
"King of the Shattered Glass is a GREAT Sacrament of Reconciliation preparation story. It is definitely a read-aloud for grades 1-4. My 2nd graders can follow it as a read-aloud, but I always discuss as we go. I love that Marguerite commits different kinds of sins (carelessness, anger, selfishness) so we can talk about that too-- with each passing year, I find the kids have less of an understanding of their own responsibility for their sins. Plus, the idea of penance- I so often used the examples from the book when teaching throughout the year."
Educator, Grade 2 - Mount Royal Academy in NH
"Never in my thirty-plus years of teaching religion to grades 1-10, have I ever come across such a compelling story as Susan Bellavance's "King of the Shattered Glass". Would that I could have had it as a resource in my sacramental preparations to the Sacrament of Reconciliation! ANYONE, particularly parents, faith-formation teachers and helpers would necessarily be inspired and find a precious tool in understanding and imparting not only knowledge of Penance, but most importantly the "heart" of the matter: the Father's tenderness and forgiveness. A jewel hidden in this story is its rootedness to today's devotion to Divine Mercy.
Kudos, Susan, for your priceless contribution to our impoverished modern-day catechesis of Penance."
Sr. Jeanne Roberge, p.m.
Marie Joseph Retreat Center
"I am writing to inform you that I have read and thoroughly enjoyed the book, King of the Shattered Glass by Susan Joy Bellavance. I endorse this book for use in Catholic schools and sacramental prep programs. It beautifully teaches how God, through his abundant mercy and loving tenderness, creates something beautiful from our brokenness. This book would be a wonderful resource for parents and teachers in preparing children for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
I would also respectfully recommend providing downloadable resources such as study guides for teachers which would help in their lesson planning."
David A. Thibault
Superintendent Catholic Schools Office - Diocese of Manchester
"Blessings and joy to you!
In the wee, quiet still ours of the morning I read the King of the Shattered Glass! What a gift! It is truly beautiful. Each step along the way with Marguerite was so tender and special but I didn't quite expect that all the broken glass would be fashioned into a stained glass window....but of course, that is how it is. Good out all the brokenness and sin in the mystery of God's love.! Yes of course! I love it."
CGS Catechist & CGS Formation Leader
"I am a Catholic homeschooling mom, a long-time Seton customer, and a DRE for my parish, and I'm writing to tell you of a beautiful new book written by one of my parishioners. It's called King of the Shattered Glass by Susan Joy Bellavance, illustrated by Sara Tang, and published by Marian Press in Stockbridge, MA. It is possibly the finest children's book I've ever read on Confession / Penance / Reconciliation. My children love it, and I plan to share it with our parish students before they celebrate the Sacrament each year. Simple yet profound, this book captures the heart and depth of Our Lord's Mercy perfectly in a way that all children can understand and relate to. I sincerely hope that you will consider putting this beautiful book in your online catalog so that many generations of Catholic children (and their parents!) will enjoy what I believe will be a timeless classic. It should be in every Catholic family's library."
Director of Religious Education in Newport, NH
- Susan Joy Bellavance
- TAN Books
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