New Friends – Now and Forever

Click to order from EWTN | New Friends Flier

Best-selling, award-winning author and renowned “Purgatory Lady” delivers the first children’s picture book about our friends the holy souls. New Friends Now and Forever is the delightful story of twins Ben and Hope, who become “prayer pals” with Mr. Ray, an elderly friend from their parish. They agree to pray for each other and to help him pray for his departed wife. Along the way, Hope and Ben learn that purgatory is real and that it is nothing to fear because it is a special way God shows His love for us. And the best part? The children learn that the power of their prayers helps the faithful departed reach heaven and that those souls will intercede for them, becoming their “forever friends.” With vibrant illustrations by Yorris Handoko, New Friends Now and Forever beautifully expresses the rich traditions, signs, and symbols of our Faith. It has been granted an Imprimatur, so you can be sure it is true to the teachings of the Catholic Faith.

Special features include:

• An important message for adults, encouraging them to teach children about purgatory.
  Seek-and-Find activities.
• Special prayers for the holy souls in purgatory.
• Help the children in your life realize the power – and the joy – that comes with praying for the holy souls in purgatory.

Honored in 5 distinct categories

“New Friends Now and Forever” earned more than any
other 2024 Catholic children’s book.

• Front Cover Artwork: 1st Place
• Faith Formation: 2nd Place
• Self-Published Children’s Books: 2nd Place
• Design and Production Children’s Book: 3rd Place
• Children’s Book Reader: 3rd Place

CMA Judges Voice Enthusiastic Praise

“This engaging children’s story offers a creative approach to educating young Catholics about
death, prayer, purgatory, and Heaven in a safe and accessible manner. With vibrant illustrations
and a heartwarming narrative, it provides thought-provoking content that is suitable for all
ages.”

“This book is stunning, seamlessly blending captivating illustrations with engaging storytelling about Purgatory… With clarity and age-appropriate examples, the author presents the concept of Purgatory in a manner easily grasped by young readers, offering guidance on how they can pray for those seeking Heaven.”

“I am deeply honored and grateful for these recognitions, said Tassone. This pioneering storybook was a labor of love. It’s incredibly rewarding to see it resonate with readers and media professionals. Now we have a book that provides solid faith formation about this often-misunderstood doctrine that will benefit all future generations!”

A Top-Seller

With 11,000 copies sold since its release in June 2023, Tassone is especially grateful to Detroit’s Archbishop Vigneron for providing this book as a faith formation resource for all its schools and parishes.

Bulk orders for dioceses, schools, parishes and bookstores contact the author.

Susan Tassone is the author of 14 books and has spent more than 25 years helping millions of Catholics storm heaven with prayers to release the souls in purgatory. In her passion for this holy work, she now turns to children and provides a much-needed resource for strong catechesis on this important doctrine of the Faith. New Friends Now and Forever: A Story about the Holy Souls is an age-appropriate and engaging book for children ages 6-10.