The 15 best Christian books for children

One way to instill godly principles in your children is to read Christian books to them from an early age. Even babies and young children benefit from hearing God’s truth on a daily basis, and colorful picture books are a great way to expose them to biblical principles.

As editor of the Christian Children’s Book Review, I see a lot of books published for children of Christian families. Some are boring at best, but here are some gems no family should be without.

Adeline by Kathryn Rathke. In this charming tale, a girl who loves Valentine’s Day learns a lesson about the ultimate Valentine: God. For children ages 4 and up. (Baker Books, 2004)

Animal Bible Friends by Matt Mitter. With vivid illustrations, googly-eyed animals, and rhyming text reminiscent of popular nursery rhymes, babies, toddlers, and preschoolers will love this volume. This book is a great way to start introducing Biblical stories like Balaam and his donkey, the Egyptian plague, how ravens fed Elijah, and more. (Multnomah, 2007)

Big thoughts for little thinkers by Joey Allen. This is actually a series of four books: Scripture, The Gospel, The Trinity, and The Mission. Here’s a clever talk about what the Bible and specific Christian tenants are, explained in a way that young children (3-7 years old) can understand and enjoy. (New Leaf Press, 2005)

God’s wisdom for girls by Elizabeth George. If you have a girl, one of the key things you can teach her is what a Proverbs 31 woman is. George does an excellent job of explaining this important passage to girls ages 5 to 8. (Harvest House Publishers, 2000)

I can talk to god by Debby Anderson. When it comes time to teach your children to pray, this book is an excellent tool. The images are bright and colorful, and the truths of how to pray (and how God might respond) are told in an engaging and fun way. For children ages 2 to 5 (Crossway Books, 2003)

I would be your hero and I would be your princess by Kathryn O’Brien. For children ages 4-8, these books (one designed for boys, the other for girls) explain the divine characteristics and how important they are. I would be your princess won the Gold Medallion Book Award in recognition of excellence in evangelical Christian literature. (Standard, 2004 and 2005)

Biblical Storybook for Little Girls and Biblical Storybook for Toddlers Carolyn Larsen’s are great options for children ages 6 to 9. Each tells Bible stories in an engaging way, and there are study sections to help children understand important Bible concepts. Best of all, there are ideas for parents on how to discuss these concepts with their children. (Baker Books, 1998)

Little God made you by Amy Warren Hilliker. I started reading this book to my daughter when she was a child. She is now two years old and she still loves it! The text is extremely simple and establishes an important fact: God made you and loves you just the way you are. For children under 4 years old. (Zonderkidz, 2004)

Bible verses for the little one by Stephen Elkins is a great way to introduce the word of God to even the smallest babies. With sweet illustrations of children and babies, most notable quotes from the Psalms, this is an excellent first “Bible”. (Broadman and Holman, 2003)

Parables Jesus told by Ella K. Lindvall. Using simple words and colorful pictures, this book retells five parables, each ending with a brief explanation of how to apply the story to real life. The book is designed for children ages 4-8, but many younger children will enjoy it too. (Moody Publishers, 2000) Sidney and Norman, the tale of two pigs by Phil Vischer. The pigs Sidney and Norman are opposites. One is messy, the other is tidy. One seems to always be successful, the other never. Then they both meet with God. One pig learns that God loves him just the way he is, while the other learns that God loves everyone … even messy neighbors. (Tommy Nelson, 2006)

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones is an ideal Bible for children ages 4-8, detailing 43 stories from Genesis to Revelation. Each story in some way relates to Jesus and who he is, giving children an overview of what God is. The text is attractive, as are the illustrations. (Zonderkidz, 2007)

The Lord is My Shepherd by Hans Wilhem. The greatness of this book is its simplicity. The text of Psalm 23, one of the most beautiful and comforting passages in the Bible, is paraphrased in child-friendly language that closely adheres to a modern translation. This book is another great way to introduce God’s Word to even the youngest children. For babies onwards. (Scholastic, 2007)

Wait till then by Randy Alcorn. Any parent who wants to explain what happens to us when we die, how to deal with the death of a loved one, and how to deal with serious disappointment will want to read this book with their child. Beautifully written and illustrated, for ages 9-12 (Tyndale, 2007)

Will: God’s mighty warrior by Sheila Walsh. Very few Christian books are specifically directed at children, so Willpower is a welcome addition. For children ages 4-8, this book teaches children about the armor of God in a child-friendly way. (Thomas Nelson, 2006)