The Seagull on the Chapel: A Story of Value and Worth

Maggie, a young seagull, longs to be a graceful dove--believing that only doves are worthy of representing the Holy Spirit. What must it be like to be so important to God! But every time she tries to change herself, it goes poorly; and when she confides her secret wish to her friends, they only tease her and point out her flaws.

Maggie flies to a rooftop to nurse her pride and have a good cry, only to find herself right in the middle of God's great plan! When white smoke emerges from the chimney beside her, a new pope greets the world. He has a special message for Maggie - and everyone like her, who needs a little reminder that they too are chosen and loved by God.

Perfect for children ages 4-8, this heartwarming book:

• helps young readers understand their unique place in God's story.
• provides a thoughtful resource for Catholic schools, parishes, and families seeking to instill Christian values
• encourages children to embrace their true selves and trust in God's love.

With a nod to Pope Leo XIV, the Authors' Note provides a kid-friendly description of the papal conclave as well as a brief history and explanation.

"God loves each of us as if there were only one of us."--Saint Augustine of Hippo

Ideal for First Communion, Easter, baptism, or birthday gifts, this book invites kids to celebrate their God-given worth.

Author: Shannon K. Evans,Eric A. Clayton
Publisher: Paraclete Press (MA)
Published: 04/07/2026
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.66lbs
Size: 10.05h x 8.26w x 0.35d
ISBN: 9798893480498
Audience: Ages 4-8

About the Author

Shannon K. Evans is the spirituality and culture editor at the National Catholic Reporter and the author of many books.Shannon enjoys ecumenical and interfaith spaces, especially those geared toward women. She has had writing published at Franciscan Media, Jesuits.org, Red Letter Christians, Geez, Ruminate, and Relevant websites as well as Americaand U.S. Catholic magazines. Shannon has been a keynote speaker, presented workshops on prayer, and has led spiritual retreats and workshops in both Catholic and Protestant circles.She lives on the prairies of central Iowa with her family.

Eric A. Clayton is an award-winning writer, speaker, storyteller, and retreat leader, and the deputy director of communications at the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States. He guest-hosts AMDG: A Jesuit Podcast and writes an award-winning weekly newsletter entitled Now Discern This. His writing has appeared in America, National Catholic Reporter, U.S. Catholic, Busted Halo, Amendo, Sojourners, and Grotto Network, and he is a frequent contributor to Give Us This Day and IgnatianSpirituality.com. In 2025, Eric was awarded the annual "Writer's Award in Spirituality" from the Loyola Institute for Spirituality. Eric's other book awards include the Illumination Book Award Gold Medal; two Catholic Media Book Awards; and recognition as an Independent Press Award Distinguished Favorite. Eric is a one-time hedgehog owner and a life-long Star Wars fan. He lives in Baltimore, MD, with his wife, two young daughters, and their cat.

Angela Edmonds started drawing animals at the age of four and has never stopped. She grew up in the bush of Alaska, where there were few roads, so the family car was a tiny propeller bush plane. She graduated from California Institute of the Arts and landed her first job with Disney Animation as a layout artist. She spent her early career working as an artist in children's entertainment television and soon fell in love with children's book illustration. She now lives on a ranch near Los Angeles, with her husband and pets.