Our family favorite scene from A Christmas Carol: the amazing dance put on by Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig when Scrooge was young. Here is a striking testimony to the power of good people to make others happy. We have a podcast reflecting on this amazing scene, which you can find HERE: https://life-craft.org/the-power-to-make-others-happy-scrooges-dance-as-a-feast-for-the-ages/

This German Christmas story is a family favorite that we return to again and again.

This classic Christmas story never fails to delight the whole family while it gives occasion to reflect on what really matters.

A touching and rare personal statement by St. Thomas Aquinas about the focus of his life.

A classic tale of the danger of vanity and the importance of courage and honesty.

A classic Willa Cather story offering a delightful sketch of a Nebraska summer and the adventures and dreams of boyhood friends.

This wonderful story is a deeply moving classic for all ages.

One of America’s greatest naturalists gave unforgettable descriptions of our native birds. These are shot through with a sense of wonder and provide an accessible sketch that moves us to closer observation for ourselves. Listen to what he says about this common songster.

In this classic and fetching Irish story we have opportunity to reflect on what really matters in life.

In one of the most striking passages in the history of philosophy we see Aristotle’s conviction that happiness consists most in contemplation. This gives much food for thought regarding our deepest longings and a divine plan for their fulfillment.

The Northern Cardinal by John James Audubon. One of America’s greatest naturalists gave unforgettable descriptions of our native birds. These are shot through with a sense of wonder and move us to closer observation for ourselves

Beautiful and challenging, touching and provocative, this story of a sickly yet soulful boy is sure to move you, and get you thinking. Can be suitable for all ages, but with guidance/discussion for the young.

This light-hearted essay penned in 1910 offers a perspective on cheese and the whole realm of eating prior to the industrialization of food production.

This is a classic Belloc essay that intertwines the mundane and the transcendent, finding in everyday life echoes of our ultimate human destiny.

A classic account of a man's first love from one of Belloc’s best novels.

This is a meditative and deeply sensitive retelling of one of the Lord’s most moving miracles.

A short excerpt from the classic by Robert Louis Stevenson. Here is a thirteen year old boy at his best, who keeps his word come what may.

A short excerpt from The Betrothed, the classic Italian novel by Alessandro Manzoni. This is a moving account of the encounter of the holy prelate (based on the real nephew of St. Charles) with the notorious Unnamed outlaw—a striking instance of repentance and the heart of a true pastor.