Saint Anthony of Padua: The Lost Book for Kids
Updated: Oct 3
When a young man takes Anthony’s precious book, the friar prays for more than a missing possession. This traditional story focuses on the person’s return, repentance, and welcome.
Use the free lesson pages to talk about honesty, mercy, returning what belongs to someone else, and making mistakes right with trusted adult help.
Available free on YouTube since June 13, 2026. Watch the complete video above. Runtime: 3:50. Suggested ages: about 7–11.
Free teaching resources
Use these printable materials at home, in a Catholic classroom, in homeschool, or in parish religious education. The complete four-page packet includes a two-page leader guide with discussion questions, answer cues, an activity, prayer, and teaching notes, plus two student response options. Choose Draw & Tell or Read & Write to suit the child. PDFs are US Letter and suitable for black-and-white printing.
Talk about it together
What did the young man take?
What mattered to Anthony beyond getting the book back?
How did the young man begin to make things right?
What can you do after a wrong choice?
Three steps toward repair
Use a fictional example of taking someone’s pencil. On three cards write: tell the truth, return or repair, and apologize. Arrange them as a plan, with an adult’s help where needed. Do not ask children to confess personal sins publicly.
A note for parents and teachers
The lost-book episode is a traditional story associated with Anthony, with dramatized dialogue. His historical life centered on preaching and Scripture. Asking his prayers does not guarantee finding every object. Confession is a sacrament, not a classroom disclosure activity.
Pray together
Jesus, help us tell the truth and return when we have done wrong. Give us courage to make things right and kindness toward others. Saint Anthony, pray for us. Amen.
Learn more
Original video release: June 13, 2026. Website article and teaching resources added October 3, 2026.
Comments