Books for Children
Saint Felix and the Spider by Dessi Jackson
This sweet story tells the tale of two friends Felix and Fidelis. One for them just happens to be a spider. Each one uses their gifts and talents to praise God. (Ages 3-7)
From a Deep Blue Night to a Bright Morning Light By Daphna Flegal
A simple bible book with the story of Mary Magdalen’s witness to the resurrection. It comes with some activities in the back and a DVD of the story. The book itself is not particularly engaging but is tells the story from Luke with little embellishment. (Ages 3-5)
Sharing God’s Love: The Jesus Creed for Children by Scott McKnight and Laura McKnight Barringer
“The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart. Love other people as yourself.” This little book takes these concept of loving God and loving others into the lives of two children as they do to school, play with their friends and make decisions about loving and caring throughout their day. Sharing God’s Love would be a great book to begin conversations about how we show God’s love to those around us. (Ages 4-7)
God Bless You and Good Night by Hannah C. Hall
Ages 1-5
This lovely little board book is a wonderful one to end the day. Each animal is getting ready for sleep. The refrain of God bless you and good night brackets the book. Good night, God bless you and I love you are how we still end our days, even now with our teen.
Butterflies Under our Hats by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso
Ages 4-9
Rabbi Sasso’s books have been a wonderful addition to children’s literature for many years. This one adds to the list. A small town had lost their luck, when a woman appears and tells them that the next day butterflies of hope would appear. Each person was to capture one under their hat. From then on things change. Good book to spark conversations about how are attitude effects our world.
Saint Francis of Assisi by Demi
Ages 8-12
Beautifully illustrated as are all of Demi’s books, the text takes us through the life of St. Francis. Included are both some of the challenging aspects of his life as well as the delightful and miraculous. Reading this with older children will bring up a number of questions about what it means to follow Jesus. Jump in and see where it takes you.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Prayers by Julie B. Sevig
“At the family table, we enter into a holy time with those who know us best and love us most-despite our foibles” (Introduction). Designed for families with young children, this handy book includes not only mealtime prayers but ideas for engaging in discussion around the table. Sevig includes prayers for special occasions of celebration and sadness, and ways to mark the seasons of the year. This would be a great gift for any family with young children.
The Saint and his Bees by Dessi Jackson
Ages 3-7
A wonderful book about the Irish saint Modomnoc and his delight in his bees.
Brother Sun, Sister Moon: St. Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Creatures reimagined by Katherine Patterson
Ages 5-9
With papercut illustrations by Pamela Dalton this wonderful book invites all who read it to engage with the text and delight in the intricate drawing.
Hildegard’s Gift by Megan Hoyt
Ages 6-10
Written to help children make connections with their own gifts, Hoyt give us a taste of the drawings and music of Hildegard.
Roses in the Snow: A Tale of St. Elizabeth of Hungary by Dessi Jackson
Ages 6-10
Told in a folktale format, Jackson focuses on the generosity of St. Elizabeth even in difficult circumstances and how God blesses and protects her.
Advent Storybook: 24 Stories to Share Before Christmas by Antonie Schneider
Ages 5-7
Each page has a short story that connects it to the next, as a little bear has an adventurous journey to Bethlehem.
A Gift for the Christ Child: A Christmas Folktale by Linda Schlafer
Ages 6-9
A story of wonder and grace, a two boys give the only gift worthy of the Christ Child.
The Story of Christmas Illustrations by Pamela Dalton
Ages 8-10
While the text is the familiar King James version of the Nativity from Luke and Matthew, the papercut illustrations life this into a wonderful piece of art. Because of the text, I would keep this for older children.
The Message of the Birds by Kate Westerlund
Ages 5-9
How the birds share the message of peace that they learned at Jesus’ birth.
Psalms for Young Children, by Marie-Helene Delval
Delval has distilled many of the Psalms in a delightfully paraphrased version that will engage younger children (ages 4-7). Each page offers a reworded adaption of a psalm with a delightful drawing that enhances the text. While most Bible story books offer one or two psalms, this book covers forty, giving young children the opportunity to get to know the wonder and poetry of the Psalms.
God’s Dream Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carton Abrams
How often do you see an internationally known figure writing a book for children? A large format book designed for young children, the authors explore what the Dream of God looks like in the world of a child, sharing, caring, forgiving, loving and embracing each other in our differences. The images include children from a variety of countries, religious traditions, and races creating a delightful array. This book opens a wonderful opportunity to discuss the variety of ways we talk to God.
Too Many Murkles by Heidi Charissa Schmidt
The town of filled with stinky Murkles! What should be down to rid the town of these pests? Only Juliana thought to find more about the Murkles, and in the process learn to appreciate their unique contributions. A story that will help children (and adults) learn to appreciate the parts of nature that may be difficult to welcome into our lives.
Wombat Devine by Mem Fox
Who is coming to Our House by Joseph Slate
As our children were growing up we would include a “Bible book” each night. Some of them were individual books, other times a story from a Children’s Bible, but during December we changed everything. I would buy four new storybooks that looked at the Christmas story in new ways, helping us expand our vision of what Christmas means. Some of these books have remained favorites long past the time when our children are, well, children. Both Wombat Devine and Who is coming to our house? have remained treasured parts of our Christmas memories. Both are best for very young children.
Wombat Devine -Wombat and his friends decide to put on a Christmas pageant everyone else finds their perfect part but what is Wombat to be?
Who is coming to our house? - Who is coming to visit the animals? Each of the animals wants to know. (My husband became an expert at reading this with animal type voices.)
Here are a few more books to add to your children’s Christmas library.
Manger Poems selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins
In this series of poems, each of the animals around the manger wonders at the birth of Jesus. The book ends with excerpts from the traditional hymn, The Friendly Beast
Mortimer’s Christmas Manger by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman
In searching for his perfect house Mortimer Mouse finally finds the perfect one, but it is filled with statues. Christmas even brings some interesting changes to Mortimer’s world.
Song of the Stars by Sally Lloyd-Jones
Wonderfully illustrated book that surveys how the world prepares for the coming of the infant Jesus
Humphrey’s First Christmas by Carol Heyer
A very grumpy camel makes the journey to Bethlehem difficult for the Wise Men.
Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson (for ages 4-8)
You never know what can result from one kind deed. In this tale we see how Mary’s one kind deed travels around the world and back again. I wonder where our act of kindness might go?
Let the Whole Earth Sing Praise by Tomie dePaola
I recently ran across this gem of a book by one of my favorite children’s authors. As usual, dePaola draws in even the smallest children with his delightfully whimsical illustrations. The text is drawn from the Canticle of the Three Young Men and is interpreted in a delightful bouncy way that will engage both parents and children. Recommended for ages 1-4
The Holy Twins: Benedict and Scholastica by Tomie de Paola and Kathleen Norris
It is often difficult to find books that tell the story of the church through the ages. These authors have taken the tales of the two saints and told them in an inviting and engaging way for children and their parents. Recommended for ages 6-8
Pascual and the Kitchen Angels by TomieDePaola
Based on legends from the life of St. Pascual Bailon, this storybook tells the story of the cook who could not cook, and the answer to his prayers. Pascual’s desire to care for his brother monks and for the poor and hungry shines through the story.
Paraclete Bible for Kids by Juliet David Illustrated by Jo Parry
Ages 3-7
A good beginner Bible for younger children, David give us a standard range of Bible stories for children. She does include a few that don’t appear in many children’s Bibles, including Elijah and the prophets of Baal, the Ascension of Jesus, and Paul’s preaching to the Athenians. There are a number of maps included that enhance several significant stories, Abraham’s travels and one of Jerusalem are particularly helpful. The illustrations are rather flat and do not include any racial diversity.
The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones (ages 4-8)
Written as a single story books, Lloyd-Jones finds ways to link the stories from the Hebrew Bible with the story of Jesus. Her overarching view helps to give a cohesive feel to the book. The Storybook begins with a reflection on the Bible as a whole which is helpful in providing an awareness of each section being link to all the others. Lloyd-Jones emphases the love of God for humanity and God’s determination to make things right, both good points to focus on for this younger elementary age group.
This sweet story tells the tale of two friends Felix and Fidelis. One for them just happens to be a spider. Each one uses their gifts and talents to praise God. (Ages 3-7)
From a Deep Blue Night to a Bright Morning Light By Daphna Flegal
A simple bible book with the story of Mary Magdalen’s witness to the resurrection. It comes with some activities in the back and a DVD of the story. The book itself is not particularly engaging but is tells the story from Luke with little embellishment. (Ages 3-5)
Sharing God’s Love: The Jesus Creed for Children by Scott McKnight and Laura McKnight Barringer
“The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart. Love other people as yourself.” This little book takes these concept of loving God and loving others into the lives of two children as they do to school, play with their friends and make decisions about loving and caring throughout their day. Sharing God’s Love would be a great book to begin conversations about how we show God’s love to those around us. (Ages 4-7)
God Bless You and Good Night by Hannah C. Hall
Ages 1-5
This lovely little board book is a wonderful one to end the day. Each animal is getting ready for sleep. The refrain of God bless you and good night brackets the book. Good night, God bless you and I love you are how we still end our days, even now with our teen.
Butterflies Under our Hats by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso
Ages 4-9
Rabbi Sasso’s books have been a wonderful addition to children’s literature for many years. This one adds to the list. A small town had lost their luck, when a woman appears and tells them that the next day butterflies of hope would appear. Each person was to capture one under their hat. From then on things change. Good book to spark conversations about how are attitude effects our world.
Saint Francis of Assisi by Demi
Ages 8-12
Beautifully illustrated as are all of Demi’s books, the text takes us through the life of St. Francis. Included are both some of the challenging aspects of his life as well as the delightful and miraculous. Reading this with older children will bring up a number of questions about what it means to follow Jesus. Jump in and see where it takes you.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Prayers by Julie B. Sevig
“At the family table, we enter into a holy time with those who know us best and love us most-despite our foibles” (Introduction). Designed for families with young children, this handy book includes not only mealtime prayers but ideas for engaging in discussion around the table. Sevig includes prayers for special occasions of celebration and sadness, and ways to mark the seasons of the year. This would be a great gift for any family with young children.
The Saint and his Bees by Dessi Jackson
Ages 3-7
A wonderful book about the Irish saint Modomnoc and his delight in his bees.
Brother Sun, Sister Moon: St. Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Creatures reimagined by Katherine Patterson
Ages 5-9
With papercut illustrations by Pamela Dalton this wonderful book invites all who read it to engage with the text and delight in the intricate drawing.
Hildegard’s Gift by Megan Hoyt
Ages 6-10
Written to help children make connections with their own gifts, Hoyt give us a taste of the drawings and music of Hildegard.
Roses in the Snow: A Tale of St. Elizabeth of Hungary by Dessi Jackson
Ages 6-10
Told in a folktale format, Jackson focuses on the generosity of St. Elizabeth even in difficult circumstances and how God blesses and protects her.
Advent Storybook: 24 Stories to Share Before Christmas by Antonie Schneider
Ages 5-7
Each page has a short story that connects it to the next, as a little bear has an adventurous journey to Bethlehem.
A Gift for the Christ Child: A Christmas Folktale by Linda Schlafer
Ages 6-9
A story of wonder and grace, a two boys give the only gift worthy of the Christ Child.
The Story of Christmas Illustrations by Pamela Dalton
Ages 8-10
While the text is the familiar King James version of the Nativity from Luke and Matthew, the papercut illustrations life this into a wonderful piece of art. Because of the text, I would keep this for older children.
The Message of the Birds by Kate Westerlund
Ages 5-9
How the birds share the message of peace that they learned at Jesus’ birth.
Psalms for Young Children, by Marie-Helene Delval
Delval has distilled many of the Psalms in a delightfully paraphrased version that will engage younger children (ages 4-7). Each page offers a reworded adaption of a psalm with a delightful drawing that enhances the text. While most Bible story books offer one or two psalms, this book covers forty, giving young children the opportunity to get to know the wonder and poetry of the Psalms.
God’s Dream Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carton Abrams
How often do you see an internationally known figure writing a book for children? A large format book designed for young children, the authors explore what the Dream of God looks like in the world of a child, sharing, caring, forgiving, loving and embracing each other in our differences. The images include children from a variety of countries, religious traditions, and races creating a delightful array. This book opens a wonderful opportunity to discuss the variety of ways we talk to God.
Too Many Murkles by Heidi Charissa Schmidt
The town of filled with stinky Murkles! What should be down to rid the town of these pests? Only Juliana thought to find more about the Murkles, and in the process learn to appreciate their unique contributions. A story that will help children (and adults) learn to appreciate the parts of nature that may be difficult to welcome into our lives.
Wombat Devine by Mem Fox
Who is coming to Our House by Joseph Slate
As our children were growing up we would include a “Bible book” each night. Some of them were individual books, other times a story from a Children’s Bible, but during December we changed everything. I would buy four new storybooks that looked at the Christmas story in new ways, helping us expand our vision of what Christmas means. Some of these books have remained favorites long past the time when our children are, well, children. Both Wombat Devine and Who is coming to our house? have remained treasured parts of our Christmas memories. Both are best for very young children.
Wombat Devine -Wombat and his friends decide to put on a Christmas pageant everyone else finds their perfect part but what is Wombat to be?
Who is coming to our house? - Who is coming to visit the animals? Each of the animals wants to know. (My husband became an expert at reading this with animal type voices.)
Here are a few more books to add to your children’s Christmas library.
Manger Poems selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins
In this series of poems, each of the animals around the manger wonders at the birth of Jesus. The book ends with excerpts from the traditional hymn, The Friendly Beast
Mortimer’s Christmas Manger by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman
In searching for his perfect house Mortimer Mouse finally finds the perfect one, but it is filled with statues. Christmas even brings some interesting changes to Mortimer’s world.
Song of the Stars by Sally Lloyd-Jones
Wonderfully illustrated book that surveys how the world prepares for the coming of the infant Jesus
Humphrey’s First Christmas by Carol Heyer
A very grumpy camel makes the journey to Bethlehem difficult for the Wise Men.
Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson (for ages 4-8)
You never know what can result from one kind deed. In this tale we see how Mary’s one kind deed travels around the world and back again. I wonder where our act of kindness might go?
Let the Whole Earth Sing Praise by Tomie dePaola
I recently ran across this gem of a book by one of my favorite children’s authors. As usual, dePaola draws in even the smallest children with his delightfully whimsical illustrations. The text is drawn from the Canticle of the Three Young Men and is interpreted in a delightful bouncy way that will engage both parents and children. Recommended for ages 1-4
The Holy Twins: Benedict and Scholastica by Tomie de Paola and Kathleen Norris
It is often difficult to find books that tell the story of the church through the ages. These authors have taken the tales of the two saints and told them in an inviting and engaging way for children and their parents. Recommended for ages 6-8
Pascual and the Kitchen Angels by TomieDePaola
Based on legends from the life of St. Pascual Bailon, this storybook tells the story of the cook who could not cook, and the answer to his prayers. Pascual’s desire to care for his brother monks and for the poor and hungry shines through the story.
Paraclete Bible for Kids by Juliet David Illustrated by Jo Parry
Ages 3-7
A good beginner Bible for younger children, David give us a standard range of Bible stories for children. She does include a few that don’t appear in many children’s Bibles, including Elijah and the prophets of Baal, the Ascension of Jesus, and Paul’s preaching to the Athenians. There are a number of maps included that enhance several significant stories, Abraham’s travels and one of Jerusalem are particularly helpful. The illustrations are rather flat and do not include any racial diversity.
The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones (ages 4-8)
Written as a single story books, Lloyd-Jones finds ways to link the stories from the Hebrew Bible with the story of Jesus. Her overarching view helps to give a cohesive feel to the book. The Storybook begins with a reflection on the Bible as a whole which is helpful in providing an awareness of each section being link to all the others. Lloyd-Jones emphases the love of God for humanity and God’s determination to make things right, both good points to focus on for this younger elementary age group.