Saints · Ages 5-8 · 25 pages

Saint Peter: The Fisherman Jesus Never Let Go

by Kyle Hancock

One dark night, Peter let go of Jesus. But Jesus never let go of Peter. Simon was a fisherman with big, strong hands and an even bigger heart. After a night of catching nothing, he lowered his nets because Jesus told him to, and caught so many fish that two boats nearly sank — and he left everything to follow Him. He stepped out of the boat and walked on the water, and when he began to sink he cried, “Lord, save me!” Jesus caught his hand. Jesus gave him a new name, Peter, which means rock, and promised him the keys to the kingdom of heaven. But on the night Jesus was arrested, Peter was afraid. Three times, beside a charcoal fire, he said he did not know Him. Then the rooster crowed, and the Lord turned and looked at Peter — not angry, but with eyes full of love. After Easter, by another fire on the shore, Jesus asked him three times, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He forgave Peter, and gave him His whole flock to care for. Saint Peter: The Fisherman Jesus Never Let Go tells his true story in warm watercolor illustrations and simple read-aloud words — from the boat full of fish to the tongues of fire, and all the way to Rome, where he gave his life for Jesus. Jesus made Peter the shepherd of His whole Church, and that is why we call him the first pope. Written for ages 4 to 8 — a read-aloud for the youngest, and a first saint story for children who are starting to read on their own. Inside you’ll find a Scripture page from the Gospel of John; the true story told in short lines little ones can follow; A Note for Families about Peter’s fall and forgiveness, and the mercy your child will one day meet in Confession; a prayer to pray together, asking God to bless our Pope; Talk About It Together, questions for after the story; and a page about his life for the grown-up reading aloud, with what the Bible tells us and what Christians have handed down. Feast day: June 29, with Saint Paul.