White Smoke, Two Gulls, and a Pope - Hardcover

Katie Warner

Hardcover

ISBN 13: 9798889116622

Publisher: Sophia Institute Press, 2026

Synopsis

A Children’s Story of the Papal Conclave and the Day the World Watched the Vatican

It’s whimsical. It’s poetic. It’s adorably illustrated. It’s everything readers love a good storybook to be — and it’s all about the beauty of our two-thousand-year-old Faith, the incredible legacy of the papacy, and the enduring gift of the universal Church.

In a grand chamber high above St. Peter’s Square, something wonderful is happening.

The crowds swell below. Pilgrims ponder and pray. Bells brace to ring out.

This is the moment,
so full of thrill,
as eyes fill with tears,
and hearts all stand still.

And on the roof of the Sistine Chapel, a mother seagull and her baby chick perch together, watching, waiting …

Whoosh! White smoke pours out into the sky.

A new pope has been chosen.

In White Smoke, Two Gulls, and a Pope, young readers are invited into the excitement and mystery of one of the Church’s most significant moments. Through delightful storytelling and bright, beautiful illustrations, children experience and relive the unmatched anticipation of a papal election, the wonder of the white smoke, and the joyful surprise when the new Holy Father steps onto the balcony.

This charming story draws readers to marvel at the papacy as the gift of hope that it is — the bridge between Heaven and earth, and a sign that God never stops caring for His Church, which He has guided for more than two thousand years.

Readers will also:

• Meet the beloved birds who stole the spotlight on May 8, 2025, as people around the world watched and waited for the announcement of the new Holy Father.
• Learn to pray for the pope, that he may ever desire that which is pleasing to God and may accomplish it with all his might.
• Glimpse the Vatican and its treasures — especially the people who come from all corners of the world, races, and states in life to join in prayer and praise as one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
• Discover the historical election of the first American pontiff, and learn about his faith-filled childhood.

• Uncover the meaning of papal names, the fascinating legacies of previous Pope Leos and how the Spirit guides the Church through “good” and “bad” popes throughout history.

   

Magnificently illustrated by Leah Ballard and Cora Potvin, White Smoke, Two Gulls, and a Pope is a warmhearted picture book to be enjoyed over and over again, shared with others, and cherished: a gentle celebration — and an unforgettable memory brought to life — of hope, faith, and the Church we call home.

About this title

About the Author

Katie Warner is a homeschooling mom and bestselling author who loves to bring delight and whimsy to solidly Catholic children’s literature. Her popular titles include One Holy Marriage: The Story of Saints Louis & Zélie Martin, Lily Lolek: Future Saint, and Jack Giorgio: Future Priest. She has a graduate degree in theology and lives in Georgia with her husband and fellow book-loving children. This is Katie’s nineteenth children’s book but certainly the first one spotlighting birds! Check out her entire collection at FirstFaithTreasury.com (where you can also find free crafts and liturgical living activities) and connect with Katie online — she loves to hear from readers! — at KatieWarner.com or @katiewarnercatholic.

Edition details

• Publisher: Sophia Institute Press
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 13: 9798889116622
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Leah Ballard, Cora Potvin
• Number of pages: 32