I AM

About the Book

I AM was written because there was no resource specifically unwrapping the mystery of the Real Presence for children, which is a challenging topic for First Communion preparation. Presented in English and Spanish in a teasing question, prediction and answer format and illustrated with engaging watercolor and ink, I AM is designed to take the reader on an active journey of thinking and responding. It is packed with visual imagery of hidden surprises in nature and tied to biblical miracles of the burning bush of Moses, the divinity of Jesus, as well as the wedding at Cana and the multiplication of loaves and fishes. As the story progresses the narrator voice drops out and the child, who has been predicting answers, begins asking the questions, to which God answers, "I AM". This leads to a touching conclusion at the altar.

About the Author

Helena Signore has been preparing First Communicants as a second grade Catholic School teacher for more than nineteen years and has been a parish lector and volunteer for many more. Helena first received a BA in French with a minor in Spanish from WMU with elective emphasis on creative writing. After working in business she became an elementary teacher through Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI and received a Language Arts Endorsement. While at Aquinas Mrs. Signore was invited to present personal poetry at Celebration on the Grand and to read personal stories and poetry at a women’s conference. She has also read other authors’ children’s stories on a non-profit radio program for the blind, thesightseer.org. She uses her drawings and stories in guiding her own students in creative writing. This is her first published book. Mrs. Signore has four grown children, three grandchildren and lives in Grandville, Michigan with her husband, Michael, and two spoiled dachshunds.