Stories of the Saints: Inspiring Saints Every Child Should Know

Saints can sometimes feel distant or larger than life. But their stories are rooted in real people, real struggles, and real faith.

In Stories of the Saints, Margaret McAllister brings these lives to younger readers in a way that feels both engaging and accessible. She introduces men and women of faith whose lives were marked by courage, kindness, and trust in God. The book includes figures such as St Patrick, St Francis of Assisi, St Teresa of Ávila, and St Josephine Bakhita. Through these accounts, children begin to see that saints were real people who faced challenges, cared deeply for others, and trusted God through difficult circumstances. From well-known figures like St Francis of Assisi to others less familiar, the book offers a wide range of lives shaped by faith across history.

Probably sweet Josephine Bakhita from Sudan, because until I started researching the book I hadn’t heard of her. Her story actually shocked me, because she suffered so much cruelty when she was a slave. Even the Italian family who were kind to her saw her as their property, and were furious when she chose to go and live in a convent. Then in spite of everything, she lived a life of joy and thanksgiving, and inspired love in everyone who met her.

Can I have St Martin de Porres, please? He’s another one I knew little about before writing the book, and I love his gentleness and the way he found happiness in whatever work he had to do. We’d get on, because we’re both vegetarians and animal lovers, and we’d probably talk about pets and wildlife.

“I hope they get to like these saints and see them as real, engaging people.” — Margaret McAllister

I hope they get to like these saints and see them as real, engaging people. I hope they admire them too, but essentially I want them to be friends with Peter, Francis, Teresa and the rest, and be inspired by them.

That would be Cyril and Methodius, because we know so little about their personalities or their early life. But they were good at languages, so they were sent to spread the news of Jesus to the Slavonic speaking countries, where there was no written language. They began the long, hard task of inventing an alphabet that worked in the Slavonic language, and translating the Bible so that everyone could read it.

I love stories, and more and more I like real life stories about amazing people, and I want to share them with children so that they can find inspiring, likeable role models. As for a favourite, I love Bakhita and Martin, and I’d like to ask Teresa and Ignatius about prayer. But Francis - he was joyful, he loved simplicity, he called animals his brothers and sisters, and he gave us the first ever Christmas Crib scene, so maybe he’s my favourite. Please don’t tell the others.

Stories of the Saints introduces young readers to inspiring Christian figures including:

• St Patrick – the missionary who brought the Christian faith to Ireland
• St Francis of Assisi – known for his love of animals and simple life of faith
• St Teresa of Ávila – a teacher of prayer and the spiritual life
• St Ignatius of Loyola – founder of the Jesuits and a guide to spiritual discernment
• St Martin de Porres – remembered for his humility and compassion for the poor
• St Josephine Bakhita – a former slave who became a powerful witness of forgiveness and faith
• St Cyril and St Methodius – missionaries who created an alphabet so people could read the Bible

Margaret McAllister brings these lives to younger readers in a way that feels engaging and accessible, helping them see that faith can be lived out in many different ways.

Through vivid storytelling and memorable characters, Margaret McAllister helps children discover that saints were real people who faced struggles, showed compassion and trusted God in everyday life.

If you're looking for stories of the saints for children or a Christian children’s book about saints, Stories of the Saints offers engaging and accessible introductions to inspiring figures of faith from across Christian history.

From fishermen and slaves to scholars and mystics, these saints show that God can work through every kind of life. Each chapter tells the story of one saint in a way children can understand and remember.

Stories of the Saints is ideal for:

• children aged 7–11

• families reading together

• church groups and Sunday schools

• schools exploring Christian history

• children discovering saints for the first time

The stories of the saints have inspired generations of Christians, and they continue to speak powerfully to children today. Through engaging storytelling and memorable figures of faith, Stories of the Saints helps young readers discover that ordinary people can live extraordinary lives with God.

Perfect for families, schools, churches and Sunday schools, this collection introduces children to inspiring Christian role models whose lives continue to shape the church today.

Discover Stories of the Saints by Margaret McAllister, available now from SPCK here.