We are pleased to share an excerpt from Julia Wade’s book St. Joseph’s Workshop by Sophia Institute Press.
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.
Author Bio – Julia Wade
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 five years, 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.
