Bibles and Bible Stories
The Jesus Storybook Bible, Sally- Lloyd Jones *
While other Kids’ Bibles contain stories from the Old and New Testaments, The Jesus Storybook Bible tells the Story beneath all the stories in the Bible, pointing to Jesus as our Savior. From the Old Testament through the New Testament, as the Story unfolds, children will clearly see that Jesus is at the center of God’s great story of salvation—and at the center of their story too.
* When using this Bible Story, be aware of how you share with your kids how important the scriptures in their own right are for our Jewish siblings.
Children of God Storybook Bible, Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Creating the first truly global Bible for children of all nationalities, Desmond Tutu retells more than fifty of his most beloved Bible stories, artfully highlighting God’s desire for people of every color and every background to love one another and to find peace and forgiveness in their hearts.
First Frolic Bible, Sparkhouse
The Frolic First Bible goes through 10 stories from the Old Testament and 10 from the New Testament while using child-friendly language and providing a short take-away point to help apply the lesson of each story to your child’s own life. As your child begins to take his first little steps, Frolic First Bible can help him take his first steps in faith and biblical literacy. A perfect first Bible for babies and toddlers. Frolic books playfully introduce basic faith concepts in a way that’s fun and age appropriate for very small children.
Lift-the-Flap Bible Stories for Young Children, Andrew J. DeYoung
The timeless stories of the Bible are full of surprises in this vibrant, colorful lift-the-flap book. With secrets to discover and unfold on every page, Lift-the-Flap Bible Stories for Young Children brings God’s Word to life, from Adam and Eve to the story of Easter.
Tiny Truths Illustrated Bible, Joanna Rivard and Tim Penner
One of the most beautifully diverse, whimsically illustrated storybook Bibles available today, introducing children to important ideas and unique characters of the Bible while clearly showing how everything fits together to tell one big story—the story of God’s love for his children.
The Family Time Bible, Mary Manz Simon
It’s family time! Whether you have five minutes or twenty, this story Bible offers captivating stories from the Old and New Testaments, thoughtful conversation starters, and helpful advice for parents. Perfect for families with kids ages 4-8.
Spark Story Bible Devotions for Kids, Jill C. Lafferty (editor)
Spark Story Bible Devotions for Kids takes kids on a journey through 100 of the most beloved Bible stories with questions for reflection, key verses, prayers, and family activity ideas. The devotions explore favorite stories from the Old Testament, such as the story of creation, Moses, David and Goliath, Queen Esther, Ruth and Naomi, and many more. The New Testament devotions include the story of Jesus’ birth and stories from Jesus’ ministry, including parables, miracles, and his death and resurrection. Spark Story Bible Devotions for Kids makes family devotions easy and memorable. Pairs perfectly with The Spark Story Bible.
A Cold Night: A Christmas Fable, Emanuele Bertossi
On a cold, cold night, animals take shelter in a barn. How many can stay warm inside? Can they make room for a fox, a bear—and even a man and a woman about to have a baby? “This delicate fable echoes the Christmas story and helps children understand the welcoming hospitality and kindness that bring light and warmth to the holiday season.” –Midwest Book Review
Jesus is Risen!: An Easter Pop-Up Book, Agostino Traini
From the empty tomb to Jesus’ appearance to the disciples, the story of Jesus’ triumph over death is told with vibrant pop-ups by renowned paper artist Agostino Traini. Perfect as a gift, this book brings the Easter story to life in a whole new way for children.
The Marvelous Mustard Seed, Amy-Jill Levine and Sandy Eisenberg Sasso
Discover the surprising potential of one small seed in The Marvelous Mustard Seed. Based on Jesus’ parable of the Mustard Seed, this inspiring children’s book shows young readers that one tiny seed—just like one small child—carries a world of potential. The Marvelous Mustard Seed features ethnically diverse characters, and it is ideal for children ages 4-8. A special note for parents and teachers is included.
Who Counts? Amy-Jill Levine and Sandy Eisenberg Sasso
Oh, no! The man is missing his sheep! The woman is missing her coin! The father is missing his son! Can you help them find what they are looking for? Who Counts? is a creative retelling of three popular parables: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son. As young readers count to help the characters find what’s missing, Who Counts? teaches that every one of us counts in God’s eyes and that everyone should feel counted. The stories are beautifully illustrated with modern-day characters and a diversity of ethnicities so that all children will be able to see themselves in the stories.
Grit and Grace: Heroic Women of the Bible, Caryn Rivadeneira
Experience the grit and grace of seventeen women of the Bible through creative first-person retellings of each person’s story. This book connects preteen girls with the women of the Bible, showing them that they are created in the image of God to do mighty things in this world. Grit and Grace is for girls who long to know where they fit in God’s kingdom, who want to know they are made for more than the frilly and frivolous, and that they can make a difference in the world around them. Through stories, reflection questions, and action ideas, the book helps readers become the gutsy, grace-filled girls God made them to be.
The Beatitudes: From Slavery to Civil Rights, Carole Boston Weatherford
Since the earliest days of slavery, African Americans have called on their religious faith in the struggle against oppression. In this book the Beatitudes -- from Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount -- form the backdrop for Carole Boston Weatherford’s powerful free-verse poem that traces the African American journey from slavery to civil rights. Tim Ladwig’s stirring illustrations showcase a panorama of heroes in this struggle, from the slaves shackled in the hold of a ship to the first African American president taking his oath of office on the steps of the United States Capitol. Readers of all ages will find this a book to return to again and again for encouragement and inspiration.
Anti-Racism
Antiracist Baby, Ibram X. Kendi
Antiracist Baby introduces the youngest readers and the grown-ups in their lives to the concept and power of antiracism. Providing the language necessary to begin critical conversations at the earliest age, Antiracist Baby is the perfect gift for readers of all ages dedicated to forming a just society.
Black Is a Rainbow Color, Angela Joy
A child reflects on the meaning of being Black in this moving and powerful anthem about a people, a culture, a history, and a legacy that lives on. From the wheels of a bicycle to the robe on Thurgood Marshall’s back, Black surrounds our lives. It is a color to simply describe some of our favorite things, but it also evokes a deeper sentiment about the incredible people who helped change the world and a community that continues to grow and thrive.
Let’s Talk about Race, Julius Lester
I am a story. So are you. So is everyone. Julius Lester says, “I write because our lives are stories. If enough of those stories are told, then perhaps we will begin to see that our lives are the same story. The differences are merely in the details.” Now Mr. Lester shares his own story as he explores what makes each of us special. Karen Barbour’s dramatic, vibrant paintings speak to the heart of Lester’s unique vision, truly a celebration of all of us.
A Kids Book About Racism, Jelani Memory
Yes, this really is a kids book about racism. Inside, you’ll find a clear description of what racism is, how it makes people feel when they experience it, and how to spot it when it happens. This is one conversation that’s never too early to start, and this book was written to be an introduction for kids on the topic. The Undefeated, Kwame Alexander and Kadir Nelson Poetic tribute to African American heroes and struggles.
Stories about God
When God was a Little Girl, David R. Weiss
“Tell me a story, Daddy, about when God was a little girl.” Susanna’s playful request begins a whimsically profound tale woven between father and daughter. Together they retell the familiar story of creation, but with unexpected twists and insightful turns along the way. The exuberant joy of God’s creative energy sparkles in this tale that honors both interconnection and diversity. Between the gentle wisdom in the text and the beautiful paintings that accompany it, you may never think about God, creation, or yourself in quite the same way.
Picturing God, Ruth Goring
With poetic language and gorgeous handcrafted mixed-media collages and mosaics, Picturing God brings to life the many metaphors for God found in the Bible. God is the light, living water, a father, a mother, clothing, a rock, wind, comforter, a door, the Good Shepherd, and more. Poet and artist Ruth Goring invites children and adults alike to revisit the beautiful imagery found in Scripture and provides an opportunity for children to develop their imagination about who God is. At the end of the book, a list of Bible references is provided for each image depicted for families to look up and learn more about the Bible’s many ways of picturing God.
Maybe God Is Like That Too, Jennifer Grant
Every child wonders where God lives or what God is like. In Maybe God Is Like That Too, a young boy asks his grandma where God is in their city. She invites him to pay attention to where he sees the fruit of the Spirit. Where love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are, there too is God. The boy sees God in the kindness of a doorman holding the door for a man using a wheelchair, in the patience of his teacher helping him tie his shoes, and in the love, faithfulness, and gentleness of his grandma. An ordinary day in his city opens this young boy’s eyes to God’s Spirit at work all around him.
He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands, Kadir Nelson
What began as a spiritual has developed into one of America’s best-known songs, and now for the first time it appears as a picture book, masterfully created by award-winning artist Kadir Nelson.Through sublime landscapes and warm images of a boy and his family, Kadir has created a dazzling, intimate interpretation, one that rejoices in the connectedness of people and nature.
Discipleship and Caring for Our Neighbor
Stay Through the Storm, Joanna Rowland
With lyrical text and comforting illustrations, Stay Through the Storm is a deeply moving meditation on the power of friendship to carry us through difficult times. When dark clouds gather in the distance, two friends come together to comfort each other through the storm. They shield each other through the rain, make a fort inside, and play games between claps of thunder. Through it all, they come back to a consistent plea: Stay. Stay through the storm. A story to bring hope in times of trouble, Stay Through the Storm is a moving reminder that we’re never alone even when things seem darkest.
Maybe I Can Love My Neighbor Too, Jennifer Grant
In this follow-up to the award-winning Maybe God Is Like That Too, a young girl wonders how to be a good neighbor to the dozens of people in her apartment building, the people on the street, and the other kids at the park. With help from her mama, the girl discovers that all it takes is a little kindness and creativity to show love to neighbors near and far.
Who Is My Neighbor? Amy-Jill Levine and Sandy Eisenberg Sasso
Blues and Yellows just don’t mix, and that’s how it’s always been. No one remembers why. But then comes the day Midnight Blue takes a tumble along the road. His friends Navy and Powder Blue don’t even stop to help! It’s only when a Yellow comes along that everything changes—forever. This creative story is sure to prompt rich conversations, encouraging new ways of seeing our neighbors and ourselves. A note for parents and educators is included.
Adriana’s Angels, Ruth Goring
Two angels, Milagros (Miracles) and Alegría (Joy), wield their protective power surreptitiously and sometimes with a hint of humor, listening constantly for God’s direction as they watch over a little girl named Adriana. Adriana and her family are forced to flee their home in Colombia and start a new life in Chicago. Throughout difficult times, big transitions, and the ordinary moments of childhood, Adriana’s angels whisper messages of God’s love and presence. Adriana’s Angels encourages faith, wonder, and compassion. Many children who read or hear this story will grow in empathy toward refugee and other immigrant peers. Their sense of God’s attentive care will deepen, particularly as they witness the angels’ ministry to Adriana while she sleeps. Children who have experienced trauma often relive it unconsciously at night—which is why the Spirit’s mysterious healing work in sleep is so important. Adriana’s Angels is available in both English and in Spanish as Los ángeles de Adriana.
Emotional Health
All about Anxiety, Carrie Lewis
All About Anxiety tackles tough questions kids have about what’s going on in their brains when they feel anxious and equips readers with new strategies to manage anxiety so they can thrive in their daily lives.
Catching Thoughts, Bonnie Clark
Have you ever had an unwelcome thought that you just couldn’t lose, no matter how hard you tried to push it away? For every child who has been weighed down by sadness or anxiety, this charming story about a little girl who has a thought she simply cannot lose teaches kids how to acknowledge unwanted thoughts, show them compassion, then actively let them go. Through this delightful story with charming illustrations, children learn how to practice mindfulness, focusing on thoughts that bring beauty, joy, and calm into their lives.
What’s in Your Mind Today?, Louise Bladen
Children who struggle with negative thoughts may wonder how to make them go away. In this guided, illustrated meditation for kids, author Louise Bladen offers a simple mindfulness practice, not to banish bad thoughts, but to feel calm in the midst of thoughts that come and go. Children will learn how to breathe and center themselves in their bodies, find different ways to think about their positive and negative thoughts, and ultimately learn that they have the ability to feel calm and at peace no matter what kinds of thoughts happen to be in their mind at any particular moment.
The Boy with Big, Big Feelings, Britney Winn Lee
Meet a boy with feelings so big that they glow from his cheeks, spill out of his eyes, and jump up and down on his chest. When a loud truck drives by, he cries. When he hears a joke, he bursts with joy. When his loved ones are having a hard day, he feels their emotions as if they were his own. The boy tries to cope by stuffing down his feelings, but with a little help and artistic inspiration, the boy realizes his feelings are something to be celebrated. Written by debut picture book author Britney Winn Lee and boldly illustrated by Jacob Souva, The Boy with Big, Big Feelings is relatable for any child, but especially for children experiencing anxiety and extreme emotions, or who have been diagnosed with autism or as a Highly Sensitive Person.
Prayer
Prayers for Faithful Families: Everyday Prayers for Everyday Life, Traci Smith
Prayers for Faithful Families equips busy parents with simple prayers, written in ordinary language, for a wide variety of occasions. From everyday moments like mealtime and bedtime to milestones such as the first day of school, the death of a pet, or welcoming a new baby, this unique prayer book is an invaluable resource for creating meaningful faith connections at home throughout the highs and lows of family life. Straightforward and flexible, Prayers for Faithful Families helps parents turn ordinary and extraordinary moments into opportunities to teach children that God is with them through all of life’s joys and challenges. Tips for praying in creative ways and for creating sacred space at home are included.
There’s No Wrong Way to Pray, Rebecca Ninke
Prayers don’t have to sound holy to be holy! Author Rebecca Ninke teamed up with her ten-year-old daughter for this kid-friendly reflection on talking to God in the everyday moments of life. Sometimes funny, sometimes profound, and always genuine, the result is an honest book that will inspire kids of all ages and faith experiences and reassure them that there’s no wrong way to talk to God.
When I Pray for You, Matthew Paul Turner
With lyricism, whimsy, and heartfelt emotion, Matthew Paul Turner reveals the tender emotions connected with watching a beloved child grow up and experience the world. Paired with Kimberley Barnes’s vivid and playful illustrations, When I Pray for You is a beautifully affirming book, in which children and parents will see their own stories come to life.
Our Father in Heaven: A Lord’s Prayer Pop-Up Book, Agostino Traini
Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name... The prayer that Jesus taught to his disciples is one of the most famous sacred texts in the world, spoken each Sunday in different languages by Christians across countries and denominations. In this book, the timeless prayer is given a respectful pop-up treatment by world-renowned paper artist Agostino Traini, who brings the well-known words to life in surprising ways. Introduce this prayer to children in a way that connects the ancient words to their lives today--or buy it as a keepsake for someone at any age. A must-have for any Christian’s bookshelf.
Self Esteem and Identity as God’s Beloved
I Love Me, by LaRonda Gardner Middlemiss
This affirming picture book features a diversity of races and ethnicities, physical features, body types, abilities and disabilities. I Love Me teaches all kids they have many, many reasons to love themselves.
When God Made You, Matthew Paul Turner
From early on, children are looking to discover their place in the world and longing to understand how their personalities, traits, and talents fit in. The assurance that they are deeply loved and a unique creation in our big universe is certain to help them spread their wings and fly. Through playful, charming rhyme and vivid, fantastical illustrations, When God Made You inspires young readers to learn about their own special gifts and how they fit into God’s divine plan as they grow, explore, and begin to create for themselves.
So Big and So Small, John Coy
Next to a speck of sand, you’re huge. But gaze up into the night sky with its millions of stars, and suddenly you’re tiny. So which is true? Are you big or little? Author John Coy captures the whimsical poetry of a child’s perspective as he looks at everything gigantic and minuscule in the universe to arrive at a surprising conclusion: kids are both big and little--just the right size to be exactly who they’re meant to be.
On the Day You Were Baptized, Taylor Young and Anita Schmidt
Welcome, child of God! You are loved! Parents reflect back on the day their child was baptized as an infant, remembering the people who were there, the words that were said, and the love that was shared on that day. Children who can’t remember their baptism will learn about what happened on that special day, how excited their family was to share them, and how delighted their church community was to welcome them into the family of God. Above all, children will learn that the day they were baptized was all about love: the unconditional love of their parents, the welcome and caring of a faith community, and the unearned love and grace of God that pours down on them freely and generously.
Rainbow Boy, Taylor Rouzanzion
A story about a boy with a heart too big for one color alone. A little boy attempts to answer one of grown-ups’ all-time favorite questions: “What’s your favorite color?” But with so many wonderful colors to choose from, he doesn’t know how to answer. He loves his pink sparkly tutu, bright red roses, soft yellow baby doll pajamas, and big, orange basketball. How will he ever pick?
The Colors of Us, Karen Katz
A positive and affirming look at skin color, from an artist’s perspective. Seven-year-old Lena is going to paint a picture of herself. She wants to use brown paint for her skin. But when she and her mother take a walk through the neighborhood, Lena learns that brown comes in many different shades. Through the eyes of a little girl who begins to see her familiar world in a new way, this book celebrates the differences and similarities that connect all people.
We’re Different, We’re the Same, Bobbi Kates
Who better than Sesame Street to teach us that we may all look different on the outside—but it’s important to remember that deep down, we are all very much alike. We all have the same needs, desires, and feelings. Elmo and his Sesame Street friends help teach toddlers and the adults in their lives that everyone is the same on the inside, and it’s our differences that make this wonderful world, which is home to us all, an interesting—and special—place. This enduring, colorful, and charmingly illustrated book offers an easy, enjoyable way to learn about differences—and what truly matters. It is an engaging read for toddlers and adults alike.
Church
The World of the First Christians: A Curious Kid’s Guide to the Early Church, Marc Olson
The life and teachings of Jesus changed the world forever--but what happened after the events of the Gospels? How did Christianity grow from a small group of followers to one of the largest religious movements in human history? How did the first Christians survive in an oppressive Roman Empire? What did the early church believe, and how did they worship? The World of the First Christians: A Curious Kid’s Guide to the Early Church answers these questions and more, with colorful illustrations, charts, graphs, maps, and other infographics that will keep kids’ attention for hours and give them new insight and understanding into the early growth of the Christian faith. Curious Kids’ Guides present cool and surprising information about Christian history and beliefs in an entertaining, visually engaging way for kids.
This Is the Church, Sarah Cunningham
Here is the church, here is the steeple . . . This update to the classic children’s rhyme is an introduction to church for a new era, a whirlwind tour through all the wonderful things church can be and do and mean. From megachurches to little chapels to underground meetings, from welcoming to helping to feeding the hungry, church can be and do a lot of things. But ultimately that old rhyme said it best: the church is the people! With gently rhyming text by Sarah Raymond Cunningham and the vibrant and diverse illustrations of Ariel Landy, This Is the Church is an ideal gift for baptisms, confirmations, or any occasion in which children are welcomed into the life of the body of Christ.
The Life of Martin Luther: A Pop-Up Book, Agostino Traini
The story of Martin Luther and his role in sparking the Protestant Reformation is given an interactive retelling in this beautiful and sturdy pop-up book. From Luther’s decision to become a monk to his 95 theses, history jumps off the page through the vibrant, colorful illustrations of renowned artist and paper engineer Agostino Traini. Full of surprising details, this book will have kids coming back again and again to learn about this fascinating chapter in the history of the Christian faith. Published in time for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, The Life of Martin Luther is also an excellent gift for anyone with an interest in the history of the Christian church.
Care of Creation
Once Upon Another Time, Matt Forrest Esenwine
With sweeping landscapes and up-close details of the natural world, Once Upon Another Time takes readers through a lyrical exploration of the world as it was before humans made their mark. Contrasting the past with the present, this expansive picture book serves as a warm invitation for children--and all people--to appreciate, explore, and protect the magic and wonder of this planet we call home.
When God Made Light, Matthew Paul Turner
“Let there be light!’ that’s what God said. And light began shining and then started to spread.” Wild and creative illustrations from top children’s illustrator David Catrow pair with Matthew Paul Turner’s lyrical verse in this message of a God-made light that cuts through darkness to bring vision and hope to all young readers. This light radiates, chasing away the shadows, providing the wonder and fun of stargazing or firefly chasing. Most important, this light appears in each child--an inner God-given spark that grows and will be used to change the world.