Rosary Guide for the Littlest Catholics
by Diocese of Des Moines | November 25, 2025
As Candace Camling prayed the rosary for the first time by herself, she realized the series of prayers are both simple and yet complex.
A convert to the faith, the Holy Trinity parishioner thought about her children, then ages 4 and 8, and how she might explain the series of prayers in the rosary to them.
From this experience was born an idea to create a book that is geared toward young children. Now it’s been published and joins two other rosary-related, age-appropriate books available through Ascension Press.
An illustrator by trade, Camling had published Pray and Think for older children, but it didn’t have the flaps and textures that young children like.
“I took that concept and started to break it down into how we could make this an interactive book for kids,” she said. Though there were setbacks with the pandemic, her dream has come true and My First Interactive Rosary Book is available.
In her new book, the cardboard pages are indexed with tabs for each of the mysteries, with little flaps under which there are prayers. Wheels can be turned to the day of the week pointing to which mystery to pray that day, all of which helps keep young minds engaged.
“It’s something kids can grow with. It can be something for every age,” Camling said.
The young mother of two has found success in the Catholic press. Using her gifts to share her faith feels fulfilling.
“I prayed: God, if you want to use me for Catholic publishing, I’m open to it and I’ll be happy if that’s the last thing I do for the rest of my life.”
Get the book at Divine Treasures Bookstore in Des Moines or online at a www.ascensionpress.com.