The incredible story of Blessed Nicolas Steno—a brilliant scientist who became a Catholic bishop and a pioneer in fossils, rock layers, and anatomy—shatters the myth that faith and science are at odds.
Complete with fascinating field guide sketches, a kid-friendly glossary, and a cover designed to look and feel like a centuries-old scientific notebook, this captivating book will ignite your child’s sense of wonder, love of discovery, and faith in God!
The Riddle of the Tongue-Stones:
How Blessed Nicolas Steno Uncovered the Hidden History of the Earth
Written by Thomas Salerno
Illustrated by Dillon Wheelock
Word on Fire Votive | February 3, 2025
Hardcover | 56 Pages | 5" x 7"
Suggested Age Range: 8 - 14
 
Retail Price: $24.95  $19.96
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Mark Galli was the editor in chief of Christianity Today for seven years, a Presbyterian pastor for ten years, and a passionate evangelical Protestant since first responding to an altar call in 1965 at thirteen years old. But in 2020, Galli formally returned to the faith in which he was baptized as an infant: the Roman Catholic Church. 

With All the Saints: My Journey to the Roman Catholic Church is the compelling memoir of one man’s search for the fullness of truth. Through honest and engaging storytelling, Galli recounts the various spiritual, theological, mystical, and ecclesial tributaries that led him to “cross the Tiber” back to Catholicism. Each tradition he passed through—Evangelical, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Anglican, and Eastern Orthodox—he embraced without satisfaction and left without bitterness, drawing him finally to the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church: a Church of saints and sinners, all striving together in the great company of heaven; a Church that he could finally call home.

Honest, insightful, and entertaining, With All the Saints is a memorable love letter to Christ and his Church.





 


 
 
  

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 














About The Riddle of the Tongue-Stones


 
Journey into the exciting life of Nicolas Steno, the father of geology whose passion for truth led him to groundbreaking scientific discovery and a deep religious devotion. Interwoven into this biography of a scientist and Catholic bishop is the story of fossils and the hidden history of the earth beneath our feet. With an extensive glossary of scientific terms and delightful field guide sketches, this beautifully crafted book will inspire any young person eager to learn about the natural world and its Creator.
In The Riddle of the Tongue-Stones, you’ll find:
  • Blessed Nicolas Steno’s remarkable journey of faith and reason
  • Stories about his discoveries and contributions to science
  • Fascinating field guide sketches of fossils and geological discoveries
  • ​A cover that looks weathered and worn with age as if it were a recently rediscovered, centuries-old scientific notebook
  • ​And a glossary of terms that makes science accessible and fun for kids




 




 

 


 


 
   
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 






































 
 
 










 
 

  
  
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 



Here’s What People Are Saying...
 

 
The Riddle of the Tongue-Stones is a remarkable journey into the life and legacy of Blessed Nicolas Steno. Gifted author Thomas Salerno invites readers of all ages to consider how the unlikely life of one curious young man forever impacted our world intellectually and spiritually. Illustrations by Dillon Wheelock and a thoughtful layout invite readers into a phenomenal learning adventure. Blessed Nicolas Steno’s life reminds us that the call to sainthood invites each of us, in our unique ways, to explore, love, worship, and share God by living with curiosity, passion, and generosity. Masterful!”
–  Lisa M. Hendey, author of I’m a Saint in the Making
“Young and old who find themselves fascinated by fossils and the history of our planet will find here a holy companion, inspiration, and hero. Blessed Nicolas Steno is that hero, and here we meet him in story and beautiful images. This is the perfect companion volume for a middle or high school earth science text.
–  Christopher T. Baglow, PhD, Academic Director, Science & Religion Initiative, McGrath Institute for Church Life, University of Notre Dame



“Just the thing for science-loving kids!”
Meg Hunter-Kilmer, author of Saints Around the World



















Introducing Word on Fire Spark!

If you have children in your life, you want to cultivate wonder and joy in their hearts. In a world full of noise and distraction, you want their imagination to be formed by beauty so they will be drawn to God who is Beauty itself. You want them to be inspired by the saints and led to holiness. Word on Fire Spark is publishing the resources you have been waiting for. Spark offers carefully crafted stories with stunning illustrations designed to turn young hearts to the Gospel. 

 




 

 


 
 
  



 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 



 





 
 

About the Author
About the Author

 
Thomas Salerno is an author, freelance writer, and podcaster from Long Island, New York. He has a bachelor of arts in anthropology from Stony Brook University and has also worked in the fossil collections of the American Museum of Natural History. Thomas hopes to inspire young readers to embrace a spirit of curiosity and wonder about the natural world. The Riddle of the Tongue-Stones is his first children’s book.

 

 


About the Illustrator
About the Illustrator

 
Dillon Wheelock is an illustrator based out of the Midwest with a focus on the fantastical. He loves fairytales, folklore, and fantasy! He also works in the toy world as a concept artist on both original and established properties. When he’s not creating art, you can find him spending time with his lovely wife and son, wandering bookstores, exploring nature, plucking away on the ukulele, or tending to his house plants. 
 

Introducing Word on Fire Spark!

 
If you have children in your life, you want to cultivate wonder and joy in their hearts. In a world full of noise and distraction, you want their imagination to be formed by beauty so they will be drawn to God who is Beauty itself. You want them to be inspired by the saints and led to holiness. Word on Fire Spark is publishing the resources you have been waiting for. Spark offers carefully crafted stories with stunning illustrations designed to turn young hearts to the Gospel. 
















 




 

 




 
 
  

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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