The Queen and the Cats: A Story of Saint Helena [Paperback]

Calee M. Lee (Author), Turbo Qualls (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 4, 2011

Queen Helena has brought the greatest of gifts to the people of Cyprus. But when she tries to present the treasure, the Queen discovers that the local churches have been infested with a deadly problem. It’s up to Queen Helena and a little village girl to come up with a solution that will make the churches safe once more. The Queen and the Cats tells a little-known, but dearly loved story of Saint Helena, mother to Emperor Constantine. After discovering the location of the True Cross in the Holy Land, Saint Helena visited the island of Cyprus. Featuring 24 full-color illustrations and a charming story that will introduce young readers to the lives of the saints. Ages 4-8

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This sweetly illustrated book, with large, easy-to-read font, tells St. Helena's tale through the eyes of a little girl who was in Cyprus when Queen Helena came to visit and brought a piece of the holy cross." - Elizabeth Foss, Author of Real Learning: Education in the Heart of My Home and Small Steps for Catholic Moms

"Just to show you that Hagiographa is no dead letter, Calee M. Lee takes an episode from the life of Saint Helena, and turns it into a delightful and beautiful children's book" - Keith Massey, Author of A Place of Brightness

From the Author

This story brings Saint Helena to life in a way that is both accessible and enjoyable for little ones. The lives of the saints provide so many rich stories for our children. I'm thrilled to have partnered with illustrator Turbo Qualls to bring this story to Catholic and Orthodox families around the world.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 52 pages
• Publisher: Xist Publishing (September 4, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0983842809
• ISBN-13: 978-0983842804
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #54,344 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #11 in Books > Children's Books > Religions > Christianity > Biographies

More About the Author

Calee M. Lee is a sippy-cup fetcher and carpool mom in Southern California. She has been telling stories since she wowed her 5th grade teacher with her variation on the "What I did this summer" classic.

Calee is the author of a number of books for children including The Queen and the Cats and Caterpillars Don't Check Email. She holds her BFA in Dramatic Writing from NYU.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful written and full of vibrant illustrations! September 16, 2011

By Mark F. Hampson

Format:Paperback

The Queen and the Cats tells a little known, but very true story of how St. Helena brought a piece of the True Cross to Cyprus. At that time, all the churches and monasteries had been infested by snakes and people could not worship in those places. St. Helena famously sent a boat full of cats back to Cyprus and the cats took care of the problem.

That's the adult version of the story.

This book, however, is told through the eyes of a little girl, watching all the excitement unfold. The story isn't watered down at all. The illustrations are beautiful and vibrant. Children's books so often flourish in one area or the other: either the story is watered down, but the book has great pictures, or its the other way around. The Queen and the Cats is a wonderful blend of both.

In the back of the book, there is a small biography of St. Helena, along with the Troparion of her Feast day and a photograph of the True Cross which St. Helena left on Cyprus centuries ago. I really appreciated this little addendum, especially as a homeschooling mom, because I can read this story, which almost seems so outrageous that its almost unreal, and the turn around and explain to my children that this is a TRUE story and that God worked a miracle through St. Helena's ingenuity and her love of the people of Cyprus.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Delightful Tale, Beautifully Told and Illustrated September 3, 2011

By Keith Massey

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Calee M. Lee has taken an obscure footnote from history and turned it into a warm and vivid story for children. Through this book, young readers, as well as their parents, can explore Queen Helena's arrival on Cyprus with a piece of the True Cross, only to find the island dangerously infested with snakes. But the tale is presented through the eyes of a little girl. Turbo Qualls' illustrations are colorful, rich, and add a touching and emotional element to the already engaging story. The book comes complete with an appendix giving historical and liturgical materials on Saint Helena.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully written! September 14, 2011

By Karen

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

This beautiful book tells the story of St. Helena's visit to Cyprus through the eyes of a little girl. St. Helena brings a precious treasure and must find a safe place for her special gift. The story offers small peeks into Greek village life and the simple, honest faith of a small child. Perfect for children ages 5-8, but equally enjoyable for older children. The historical footnote at the end includes a more detailed description of St. Helena's search for the Holy Cross as well as an image of the icon of St.Helena and Constantine.

We read this on the Kindle and were pleasantly surprised at the clarity and detail of the illustrations.