Books and Bibles for Children

A few years ago, I led a retreat on creating sacred spaces in the home. I realized that I left my children's Bible at home, so I asked the children's minister at the church if I could borrow one of hers. As I read the story of Mary and Martha, I was surprised to see that the editors merged all the stories of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus into one story. See a problem? So began my search for Bibles and books that authentically tell our story of our faith.

These books and Bible translations have been reviewed by a group of seasoned children's ministers so that others do not have to guess.

BIBLES FOR CHILDREN

A few years ago, I led a retreat on creating sacred spaces in the home. I realized that I left my children's Bible at home, so I asked the children's minister at the church if I could borrow one of hers. As I read the story of Mary and Martha, I was surprised to see that the editors merged all the stories of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus into one story. See a problem? So began my search for Bibles and books that authentically tell our story of our faith.

These books and Bible translations have been reviewed by a group of seasoned children's ministers so that others do not have to guess.

BIBLES FOR CHILDREN

Spark Story Bible - storybook for toddlers through early readers

The International Children’s Bible – translation that children can read and understand independently

The Children’s Bible in 365 Stories – Bible stories for families to read together

Contemporary English Version of the Holy Bible – translated on a third to fifth grade level

Deep Blue Bible - Common English translation on a fifth-grade level

New Revised Standard Version – translation appropriate for higher level readers and for reading along with an adult

Baby Bible by Sarah Toulmin

First Bible Story Book by Mary Hoffman

Children of God Storybook Bible by Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Usborne Classic Bible Stories for Little Children by Louie Stowell

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones

The Family Story Bible by Ralph Milton

A few years ago, I led a retreat on creating sacred spaces in the home. I realized that I left my children's Bible at home, so I asked the children's minister at the church if I could borrow one of hers. As I read the story of Mary and Martha, I was surprised to see that the editors merged all the stories of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus into one story. See a problem? So began my search for Bibles and books that authentically tell our story of our faith.

These books and Bible translations have been reviewed by a group of seasoned children's ministers so that others do not have to guess.

BIBLES FOR CHILDREN

Spark Story Bible - storybook for toddlers through early readers

The International Children’s Bible – translation that children can read and understand independently

The Children’s Bible in 365 Stories – Bible stories for families to read together

Contemporary English Version of the Holy Bible – translated on a third to fifth grade level

Deep Blue Bible - Common English translation on a fifth-grade level

New Revised Standard Version – translation appropriate for higher level readers and for reading along with an adult

Baby Bible by Sarah Toulmin

First Bible Story Book by Mary Hoffman

Children of God Storybook Bible by Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Usborne Classic Bible Stories for Little Children by Louie Stowell

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones

The Family Story Bible by Ralph Milton

BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS

At Break of Day by Nikki Grime

God Created by Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones

Adam and Eve and The Garden of Eden by Jane Ray

Noah’s Ark by Jerry Pinkney

The Ark by Matthew Reinhart (pop-up)

Joseph by Brian Wildsmith

The Moses Basket by Jenny Koralek

Exodus by Brian Wildsmith

Psalms for Young Children by Marie-Hélène Delval

Let’s Make a Joyful Noise: Celebrating Psalm 100 by Karma Wilson

Psalm 21 illustrated by Tim Ladwig

Psalm 23 by Tim Ladwig

The Day When God Made the Church by Rebekah McLeod Hutto

Jonah and the Big Fish by Sekiya Miyoshi

On Noah’s Ark by Jan Brett

Cain and Abel by Sandy Sasso

Star of Wonder by Leena Lane

The Friendly Beasts by John J. Blumen

The Nativity by Julie Vivas

Jesus, The Word by Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones

Jesus by Brian Wildsmith

The Easter Story by Brian Wildsmith

Easter, Easter, Almost Here! by Kathleen Long Bostrom (board book)

The Colt and the King by Marni McGee

J is for Jesus: an Easter Alphabet and Activity Book by Debbie Trafton O’Neal

The Tale of the Three Trees by Angela Elwell Hunt

The Miracles of Jesus by Tomie dePaola

God’s Paintbrush by Sandy Sasso

Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown

The Lord’s Prayer illustrated by Tim Ladwig

Morning Has Broken by Eleanor Farjeon

Tonight You Are My Baby: Mary’s Christmas Gift by Jeannine Q. Norris

Snuggle Time Psalms by Glenys Nellist

A few years ago, I led a retreat on creating sacred spaces in the home. I realized that I left my children's Bible at home, so I asked the children's minister at the church if I could borrow one of hers. As I read the story of Mary and Martha, I was surprised to see that the editors merged all the stories of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus into one story. See a problem? So began my search for Bibles and books that authentically tell our story of our faith.

These books and Bible translations have been reviewed by a group of seasoned children's ministers so that others do not have to guess.

BIBLES FOR CHILDREN

Spark Story Bible - storybook for toddlers through early readers

The International Children’s Bible – translation that children can read and understand independently

The Children’s Bible in 365 Stories – Bible stories for families to read together

Contemporary English Version of the Holy Bible – translated on a third to fifth grade level

Deep Blue Bible - Common English translation on a fifth-grade level

New Revised Standard Version – translation appropriate for higher level readers and for reading along with an adult

Baby Bible by Sarah Toulmin

First Bible Story Book by Mary Hoffman

Children of God Storybook Bible by Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Usborne Classic Bible Stories for Little Children by Louie Stowell

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones

The Family Story Bible by Ralph Milton

BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS

At Break of Day by Nikki Grime

God Created by Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones

Adam and Eve and The Garden of Eden by Jane Ray

Noah’s Ark by Jerry Pinkney

The Ark by Matthew Reinhart (pop-up)

Joseph by Brian Wildsmith

The Moses Basket by Jenny Koralek

Exodus by Brian Wildsmith

Psalms for Young Children by Marie-Hélène Delval

Let’s Make a Joyful Noise: Celebrating Psalm 100 by Karma Wilson

Psalm 21 illustrated by Tim Ladwig

Psalm 23 by Tim Ladwig

The Day When God Made the Church by Rebekah McLeod Hutto

Jonah and the Big Fish by Sekiya Miyoshi

On Noah’s Ark by Jan Brett

Cain and Abel by Sandy Sasso

Star of Wonder by Leena Lane

The Friendly Beasts by John J. Blumen

The Nativity by Julie Vivas

Jesus, The Word by Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones

Jesus by Brian Wildsmith

The Easter Story by Brian Wildsmith

Easter, Easter, Almost Here! by Kathleen Long Bostrom (board book)

The Colt and the King by Marni McGee

J is for Jesus: an Easter Alphabet and Activity Book by Debbie Trafton O’Neal

The Tale of the Three Trees by Angela Elwell Hunt

The Miracles of Jesus by Tomie dePaola

God’s Paintbrush by Sandy Sasso

Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown

The Lord’s Prayer illustrated by Tim Ladwig

Morning Has Broken by Eleanor Farjeon

Tonight You Are My Baby: Mary’s Christmas Gift by Jeannine Q. Norris

Snuggle Time Psalms by Glenys Nellist

SACRAMENTS

Water, Come Down! by Walter Wangering, Jr.

Come Touch the Water – A Story About Jesus’ Baptism by Daphna Lee Flegal

Come Taste the Bread – A Storybook About the Lord’s Supper by Daphna Lee Flegal

What is Communion? By G. Lynnette Reed

What is Baptism? By G. Lynnette Reed

A few years ago, I led a retreat on creating sacred spaces in the home. I realized that I left my children's Bible at home, so I asked the children's minister at the church if I could borrow one of hers. As I read the story of Mary and Martha, I was surprised to see that the editors merged all the stories of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus into one story. See a problem? So began my search for Bibles and books that authentically tell our story of our faith.

These books and Bible translations have been reviewed by a group of seasoned children's ministers so that others do not have to guess.

BIBLES FOR CHILDREN

Spark Story Bible - storybook for toddlers through early readers

The International Children’s Bible – translation that children can read and understand independently

The Children’s Bible in 365 Stories – Bible stories for families to read together

Contemporary English Version of the Holy Bible – translated on a third to fifth grade level

Deep Blue Bible - Common English translation on a fifth-grade level

New Revised Standard Version – translation appropriate for higher level readers and for reading along with an adult

Baby Bible by Sarah Toulmin

First Bible Story Book by Mary Hoffman

Children of God Storybook Bible by Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Usborne Classic Bible Stories for Little Children by Louie Stowell

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones

The Family Story Bible by Ralph Milton

BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS

At Break of Day by Nikki Grime

God Created by Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones

Adam and Eve and The Garden of Eden by Jane Ray

Noah’s Ark by Jerry Pinkney

The Ark by Matthew Reinhart (pop-up)

Joseph by Brian Wildsmith

The Moses Basket by Jenny Koralek

Exodus by Brian Wildsmith

Psalms for Young Children by Marie-Hélène Delval

Let’s Make a Joyful Noise: Celebrating Psalm 100 by Karma Wilson

Psalm 21 illustrated by Tim Ladwig

Psalm 23 by Tim Ladwig

The Day When God Made the Church by Rebekah McLeod Hutto

Jonah and the Big Fish by Sekiya Miyoshi

On Noah’s Ark by Jan Brett

Cain and Abel by Sandy Sasso

Star of Wonder by Leena Lane

The Friendly Beasts by John J. Blumen

The Nativity by Julie Vivas

Jesus, The Word by Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones

Jesus by Brian Wildsmith

The Easter Story by Brian Wildsmith

Easter, Easter, Almost Here! by Kathleen Long Bostrom (board book)

The Colt and the King by Marni McGee

J is for Jesus: an Easter Alphabet and Activity Book by Debbie Trafton O’Neal

The Tale of the Three Trees by Angela Elwell Hunt

The Miracles of Jesus by Tomie dePaola

God’s Paintbrush by Sandy Sasso

Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown

The Lord’s Prayer illustrated by Tim Ladwig

Morning Has Broken by Eleanor Farjeon

Tonight You Are My Baby: Mary’s Christmas Gift by Jeannine Q. Norris

Snuggle Time Psalms by Glenys Nellist

SACRAMENTS

Water, Come Down! by Walter Wangering, Jr.

Come Touch the Water – A Story About Jesus’ Baptism by Daphna Lee Flegal

Come Taste the Bread – A Storybook About the Lord’s Supper by Daphna Lee Flegal

What is Communion? By G. Lynnette Reed

What is Baptism? By G. Lynnette Reed

FAITH FORMATION AND SPIRITUAL FORMATION

Chicken Sunday by Patricia Polacco

The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco

Amos and Boris by William Steig

Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox

When Stories Fell Like Shooting Stars by Valiska Gregory

Looking for Angels by Valiska Gregory

Old Turtle by Douglas Wood

God’s Dream by Archbishop Desmond Tutu (board book available)

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

In God’s Name by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso

Jubilee by Ellen Yeomans

Where is God? by Lawrence and Karen Kushner (board book available)

My Spiritual Alphabet Book by Holly Bea

Good Night God by Holly Bea

Where does God Live? By Holly Bea

Sleep in Peace by Ingrid Hess

I Wanted to Know All about God by Virginia Kroll

Miss Fannie’s Hat by Jan Karon

Saint Francis by Brian Wildsmith

Stories of the Saints by Joyce Denham

Saint Nicholas by Julie Stiegemeyer

If Jesus Came to My House by Joan Thomas

Does God Have a Big Toe? by Marc Gellman

First Strawberries by Joseph Bruchac

In God’s Hands by Lawrence Kushner and Gary Schmidt

Because Nothing Looks Like God Lawrence Kushner

Love Letters from God by Glenys Nellist

A few years ago, I led a retreat on creating sacred spaces in the home. I realized that I left my children's Bible at home, so I asked the children's minister at the church if I could borrow one of hers. As I read the story of Mary and Martha, I was surprised to see that the editors merged all the stories of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus into one story. See a problem? So began my search for Bibles and books that authentically tell our story of our faith.

These books and Bible translations have been reviewed by a group of seasoned children's ministers so that others do not have to guess.

BIBLES FOR CHILDREN

Spark Story Bible - storybook for toddlers through early readers

The International Children’s Bible – translation that children can read and understand independently

The Children’s Bible in 365 Stories – Bible stories for families to read together

Contemporary English Version of the Holy Bible – translated on a third to fifth grade level

Deep Blue Bible - Common English translation on a fifth-grade level

New Revised Standard Version – translation appropriate for higher level readers and for reading along with an adult

Baby Bible by Sarah Toulmin

First Bible Story Book by Mary Hoffman

Children of God Storybook Bible by Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Usborne Classic Bible Stories for Little Children by Louie Stowell

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones

The Family Story Bible by Ralph Milton

BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS

At Break of Day by Nikki Grime

God Created by Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones

Adam and Eve and The Garden of Eden by Jane Ray

Noah’s Ark by Jerry Pinkney

The Ark by Matthew Reinhart (pop-up)

Joseph by Brian Wildsmith

The Moses Basket by Jenny Koralek

Exodus by Brian Wildsmith

Psalms for Young Children by Marie-Hélène Delval

Let’s Make a Joyful Noise: Celebrating Psalm 100 by Karma Wilson

Psalm 21 illustrated by Tim Ladwig

Psalm 23 by Tim Ladwig

The Day When God Made the Church by Rebekah McLeod Hutto

Jonah and the Big Fish by Sekiya Miyoshi

On Noah’s Ark by Jan Brett

Cain and Abel by Sandy Sasso

Star of Wonder by Leena Lane

The Friendly Beasts by John J. Blumen

The Nativity by Julie Vivas

Jesus, The Word by Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones

Jesus by Brian Wildsmith

The Easter Story by Brian Wildsmith

Easter, Easter, Almost Here! by Kathleen Long Bostrom (board book)

The Colt and the King by Marni McGee

J is for Jesus: an Easter Alphabet and Activity Book by Debbie Trafton O’Neal

The Tale of the Three Trees by Angela Elwell Hunt

The Miracles of Jesus by Tomie dePaola

God’s Paintbrush by Sandy Sasso

Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown

The Lord’s Prayer illustrated by Tim Ladwig

Morning Has Broken by Eleanor Farjeon

Tonight You Are My Baby: Mary’s Christmas Gift by Jeannine Q. Norris

Snuggle Time Psalms by Glenys Nellist

SACRAMENTS

Water, Come Down! by Walter Wangering, Jr.

Come Touch the Water – A Story About Jesus’ Baptism by Daphna Lee Flegal

Come Taste the Bread – A Storybook About the Lord’s Supper by Daphna Lee Flegal

What is Communion? By G. Lynnette Reed

What is Baptism? By G. Lynnette Reed

FAITH FORMATION AND SPIRITUAL FORMATION

Chicken Sunday by Patricia Polacco

The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco

Amos and Boris by William Steig

Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox

When Stories Fell Like Shooting Stars by Valiska Gregory

Looking for Angels by Valiska Gregory

Old Turtle by Douglas Wood

God’s Dream by Archbishop Desmond Tutu (board book available)

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

In God’s Name by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso

Jubilee by Ellen Yeomans

Where is God? by Lawrence and Karen Kushner (board book available)

My Spiritual Alphabet Book by Holly Bea

Good Night God by Holly Bea

Where does God Live? By Holly Bea

Sleep in Peace by Ingrid Hess

I Wanted to Know All about God by Virginia Kroll

Miss Fannie’s Hat by Jan Karon

Saint Francis by Brian Wildsmith

Stories of the Saints by Joyce Denham

Saint Nicholas by Julie Stiegemeyer

If Jesus Came to My House by Joan Thomas

Does God Have a Big Toe? by Marc Gellman

First Strawberries by Joseph Bruchac

In God’s Hands by Lawrence Kushner and Gary Schmidt

Because Nothing Looks Like God Lawrence Kushner

Love Letters from God by Glenys Nellist

STEWARDSHIP

Amos and Boris by William Steig

Beatrice’s Goat by Page McBrier

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

If the World Were a Village: A Book About the World’s People by David Smith

Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback

Kiss For Little Bear Else Holmelund Minarik

Old Turtle by Douglas Wood

Peter’s Chair by Ezra Jack Keats

Stone Soup by Marcia Brown

The Give-Away by Ray Buckley

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson

The Quiltmaker’s Gift by Jeff Brumbeau

The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister

The Table Where Rich People Sit by Byrd Baylor

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

Three Pandas Planting by Megan Halsey

Vegetable Dreams by Dawn Jeffers

A few years ago, I led a retreat on creating sacred spaces in the home. I realized that I left my children's Bible at home, so I asked the children's minister at the church if I could borrow one of hers. As I read the story of Mary and Martha, I was surprised to see that the editors merged all the stories of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus into one story. See a problem? So began my search for Bibles and books that authentically tell our story of our faith.

These books and Bible translations have been reviewed by a group of seasoned children's ministers so that others do not have to guess.

BIBLES FOR CHILDREN

Spark Story Bible - storybook for toddlers through early readers

The International Children’s Bible – translation that children can read and understand independently

The Children’s Bible in 365 Stories – Bible stories for families to read together

Contemporary English Version of the Holy Bible – translated on a third to fifth grade level

Deep Blue Bible - Common English translation on a fifth-grade level

New Revised Standard Version – translation appropriate for higher level readers and for reading along with an adult

Baby Bible by Sarah Toulmin

First Bible Story Book by Mary Hoffman

Children of God Storybook Bible by Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Usborne Classic Bible Stories for Little Children by Louie Stowell

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones

The Family Story Bible by Ralph Milton

BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS

At Break of Day by Nikki Grime

God Created by Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones

Adam and Eve and The Garden of Eden by Jane Ray

Noah’s Ark by Jerry Pinkney

The Ark by Matthew Reinhart (pop-up)

Joseph by Brian Wildsmith

The Moses Basket by Jenny Koralek

Exodus by Brian Wildsmith

Psalms for Young Children by Marie-Hélène Delval

Let’s Make a Joyful Noise: Celebrating Psalm 100 by Karma Wilson

Psalm 21 illustrated by Tim Ladwig

Psalm 23 by Tim Ladwig

The Day When God Made the Church by Rebekah McLeod Hutto

Jonah and the Big Fish by Sekiya Miyoshi

On Noah’s Ark by Jan Brett

Cain and Abel by Sandy Sasso

Star of Wonder by Leena Lane

The Friendly Beasts by John J. Blumen

The Nativity by Julie Vivas

Jesus, The Word by Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones

Jesus by Brian Wildsmith

The Easter Story by Brian Wildsmith

Easter, Easter, Almost Here! by Kathleen Long Bostrom (board book)

The Colt and the King by Marni McGee

J is for Jesus: an Easter Alphabet and Activity Book by Debbie Trafton O’Neal

The Tale of the Three Trees by Angela Elwell Hunt

The Miracles of Jesus by Tomie dePaola

God’s Paintbrush by Sandy Sasso

Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown

The Lord’s Prayer illustrated by Tim Ladwig

Morning Has Broken by Eleanor Farjeon

Tonight You Are My Baby: Mary’s Christmas Gift by Jeannine Q. Norris

Snuggle Time Psalms by Glenys Nellist

SACRAMENTS

Water, Come Down! by Walter Wangering, Jr.

Come Touch the Water – A Story About Jesus’ Baptism by Daphna Lee Flegal

Come Taste the Bread – A Storybook About the Lord’s Supper by Daphna Lee Flegal

What is Communion? By G. Lynnette Reed

What is Baptism? By G. Lynnette Reed

FAITH FORMATION AND SPIRITUAL FORMATION

Chicken Sunday by Patricia Polacco

The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco

Amos and Boris by William Steig

Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox

When Stories Fell Like Shooting Stars by Valiska Gregory

Looking for Angels by Valiska Gregory

Old Turtle by Douglas Wood

God’s Dream by Archbishop Desmond Tutu (board book available)

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

In God’s Name by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso

Jubilee by Ellen Yeomans

Where is God? by Lawrence and Karen Kushner (board book available)

My Spiritual Alphabet Book by Holly Bea

Good Night God by Holly Bea

Where does God Live? By Holly Bea

Sleep in Peace by Ingrid Hess

I Wanted to Know All about God by Virginia Kroll

Miss Fannie’s Hat by Jan Karon

Saint Francis by Brian Wildsmith

Stories of the Saints by Joyce Denham

Saint Nicholas by Julie Stiegemeyer

If Jesus Came to My House by Joan Thomas

Does God Have a Big Toe? by Marc Gellman

First Strawberries by Joseph Bruchac

In God’s Hands by Lawrence Kushner and Gary Schmidt

Because Nothing Looks Like God Lawrence Kushner

Love Letters from God by Glenys Nellist

STEWARDSHIP

Amos and Boris by William Steig

Beatrice’s Goat by Page McBrier

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

If the World Were a Village: A Book About the World’s People by David Smith

Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback

Kiss For Little Bear Else Holmelund Minarik

Old Turtle by Douglas Wood

Peter’s Chair by Ezra Jack Keats

Stone Soup by Marcia Brown

The Give-Away by Ray Buckley

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson

The Quiltmaker’s Gift by Jeff Brumbeau

The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister

The Table Where Rich People Sit by Byrd Baylor

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

Three Pandas Planting by Megan Halsey

Vegetable Dreams by Dawn Jeffers

SOCIAL JUSTICE, COMPASSION, AND EMPATHY

Oliver and Albert – Friends Forever by Jean Van Leeuwen

Our Big Home by Linda Glaser

Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox

Oh, The Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss

A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams

Brown v. Board of Education: A Fight for Simple Justice by Susan Goldman Rubin

The Lady in the Box by Ann McGovern

I’m Your Child, God by Marian Wright Edelman

Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatium

Tight Times by Barbara Shook Hazen

The Story Of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles

Loser by Jerry Spinelli

The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes

Boycott Blues: How Rosa Parks Inspired a Nation by Andrea Davis Pinkney

Four Feet, Two Sandals by Karen Lynn Williams

Colour of Home by Mary Hoffman

A few years ago, I led a retreat on creating sacred spaces in the home. I realized that I left my children's Bible at home, so I asked the children's minister at the church if I could borrow one of hers. As I read the story of Mary and Martha, I was surprised to see that the editors merged all the stories of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus into one story. See a problem? So began my search for Bibles and books that authentically tell our story of our faith.

These books and Bible translations have been reviewed by a group of seasoned children's ministers so that others do not have to guess.

BIBLES FOR CHILDREN

Spark Story Bible - storybook for toddlers through early readers

The International Children’s Bible – translation that children can read and understand independently

The Children’s Bible in 365 Stories – Bible stories for families to read together

Contemporary English Version of the Holy Bible – translated on a third to fifth grade level

Deep Blue Bible - Common English translation on a fifth-grade level

New Revised Standard Version – translation appropriate for higher level readers and for reading along with an adult

Baby Bible by Sarah Toulmin

First Bible Story Book by Mary Hoffman

Children of God Storybook Bible by Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Usborne Classic Bible Stories for Little Children by Louie Stowell

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones

The Family Story Bible by Ralph Milton

BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS

At Break of Day by Nikki Grime

God Created by Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones

Adam and Eve and The Garden of Eden by Jane Ray

Noah’s Ark by Jerry Pinkney

The Ark by Matthew Reinhart (pop-up)

Joseph by Brian Wildsmith

The Moses Basket by Jenny Koralek

Exodus by Brian Wildsmith

Psalms for Young Children by Marie-Hélène Delval

Let’s Make a Joyful Noise: Celebrating Psalm 100 by Karma Wilson

Psalm 21 illustrated by Tim Ladwig

Psalm 23 by Tim Ladwig

The Day When God Made the Church by Rebekah McLeod Hutto

Jonah and the Big Fish by Sekiya Miyoshi

On Noah’s Ark by Jan Brett

Cain and Abel by Sandy Sasso

Star of Wonder by Leena Lane

The Friendly Beasts by John J. Blumen

The Nativity by Julie Vivas

Jesus, The Word by Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones

Jesus by Brian Wildsmith

The Easter Story by Brian Wildsmith

Easter, Easter, Almost Here! by Kathleen Long Bostrom (board book)

The Colt and the King by Marni McGee

J is for Jesus: an Easter Alphabet and Activity Book by Debbie Trafton O’Neal

The Tale of the Three Trees by Angela Elwell Hunt

The Miracles of Jesus by Tomie dePaola

God’s Paintbrush by Sandy Sasso

Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown

The Lord’s Prayer illustrated by Tim Ladwig

Morning Has Broken by Eleanor Farjeon

Tonight You Are My Baby: Mary’s Christmas Gift by Jeannine Q. Norris

Snuggle Time Psalms by Glenys Nellist

SACRAMENTS

Water, Come Down! by Walter Wangering, Jr.

Come Touch the Water – A Story About Jesus’ Baptism by Daphna Lee Flegal

Come Taste the Bread – A Storybook About the Lord’s Supper by Daphna Lee Flegal

What is Communion? By G. Lynnette Reed

What is Baptism? By G. Lynnette Reed

FAITH FORMATION AND SPIRITUAL FORMATION

Chicken Sunday by Patricia Polacco

The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco

Amos and Boris by William Steig

Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox

When Stories Fell Like Shooting Stars by Valiska Gregory

Looking for Angels by Valiska Gregory

Old Turtle by Douglas Wood

God’s Dream by Archbishop Desmond Tutu (board book available)

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

In God’s Name by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso

Jubilee by Ellen Yeomans

Where is God? by Lawrence and Karen Kushner (board book available)

My Spiritual Alphabet Book by Holly Bea

Good Night God by Holly Bea

Where does God Live? By Holly Bea

Sleep in Peace by Ingrid Hess

I Wanted to Know All about God by Virginia Kroll

Miss Fannie’s Hat by Jan Karon

Saint Francis by Brian Wildsmith

Stories of the Saints by Joyce Denham

Saint Nicholas by Julie Stiegemeyer

If Jesus Came to My House by Joan Thomas

Does God Have a Big Toe? by Marc Gellman

First Strawberries by Joseph Bruchac

In God’s Hands by Lawrence Kushner and Gary Schmidt

Because Nothing Looks Like God Lawrence Kushner

Love Letters from God by Glenys Nellist

STEWARDSHIP

Amos and Boris by William Steig

Beatrice’s Goat by Page McBrier

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

If the World Were a Village: A Book About the World’s People by David Smith

Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback

Kiss For Little Bear Else Holmelund Minarik

Old Turtle by Douglas Wood

Peter’s Chair by Ezra Jack Keats

Stone Soup by Marcia Brown

The Give-Away by Ray Buckley

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson

The Quiltmaker’s Gift by Jeff Brumbeau

The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister

The Table Where Rich People Sit by Byrd Baylor

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

Three Pandas Planting by Megan Halsey

Vegetable Dreams by Dawn Jeffers

SOCIAL JUSTICE, COMPASSION, AND EMPATHY

Oliver and Albert – Friends Forever by Jean Van Leeuwen

Our Big Home by Linda Glaser

Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox

Oh, The Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss

A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams

Brown v. Board of Education: A Fight for Simple Justice by Susan Goldman Rubin

The Lady in the Box by Ann McGovern

I’m Your Child, God by Marian Wright Edelman

Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatium

Tight Times by Barbara Shook Hazen

The Story Of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles

Loser by Jerry Spinelli

The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes

Boycott Blues: How Rosa Parks Inspired a Nation by Andrea Davis Pinkney

Four Feet, Two Sandals by Karen Lynn Williams

Colour of Home by Mary Hoffman

FORGIVENESS, RECONCILIATION, AND PEACE

Children of God Storybook Bible by Desmond Tutu

Christmas Moccasins by Ray Buckley

Peace is an Offering by Annette LeBox

Cain and Abel by Sandy Sasso

Granddad’s Prayers of the Earth by Douglas Wood

Peace Begins with You by Katherine Scholes

What Does Peace Feel Like? by Vladimir Radunsky

A few years ago, I led a retreat on creating sacred spaces in the home. I realized that I left my children's Bible at home, so I asked the children's minister at the church if I could borrow one of hers. As I read the story of Mary and Martha, I was surprised to see that the editors merged all the stories of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus into one story. See a problem? So began my search for Bibles and books that authentically tell our story of our faith.

These books and Bible translations have been reviewed by a group of seasoned children's ministers so that others do not have to guess.

BIBLES FOR CHILDREN

Spark Story Bible - storybook for toddlers through early readers

The International Children’s Bible – translation that children can read and understand independently

The Children’s Bible in 365 Stories – Bible stories for families to read together

Contemporary English Version of the Holy Bible – translated on a third to fifth grade level

Deep Blue Bible - Common English translation on a fifth-grade level

New Revised Standard Version – translation appropriate for higher level readers and for reading along with an adult

Baby Bible by Sarah Toulmin

First Bible Story Book by Mary Hoffman

Children of God Storybook Bible by Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Usborne Classic Bible Stories for Little Children by Louie Stowell

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones

The Family Story Bible by Ralph Milton

BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS

At Break of Day by Nikki Grime

God Created by Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones

Adam and Eve and The Garden of Eden by Jane Ray

Noah’s Ark by Jerry Pinkney

The Ark by Matthew Reinhart (pop-up)

Joseph by Brian Wildsmith

The Moses Basket by Jenny Koralek

Exodus by Brian Wildsmith

Psalms for Young Children by Marie-Hélène Delval

Let’s Make a Joyful Noise: Celebrating Psalm 100 by Karma Wilson

Psalm 21 illustrated by Tim Ladwig

Psalm 23 by Tim Ladwig

The Day When God Made the Church by Rebekah McLeod Hutto

Jonah and the Big Fish by Sekiya Miyoshi

On Noah’s Ark by Jan Brett

Cain and Abel by Sandy Sasso

Star of Wonder by Leena Lane

The Friendly Beasts by John J. Blumen

The Nativity by Julie Vivas

Jesus, The Word by Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones

Jesus by Brian Wildsmith

The Easter Story by Brian Wildsmith

Easter, Easter, Almost Here! by Kathleen Long Bostrom (board book)

The Colt and the King by Marni McGee

J is for Jesus: an Easter Alphabet and Activity Book by Debbie Trafton O’Neal

The Tale of the Three Trees by Angela Elwell Hunt

The Miracles of Jesus by Tomie dePaola

God’s Paintbrush by Sandy Sasso

Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown

The Lord’s Prayer illustrated by Tim Ladwig

Morning Has Broken by Eleanor Farjeon

Tonight You Are My Baby: Mary’s Christmas Gift by Jeannine Q. Norris

Snuggle Time Psalms by Glenys Nellist

SACRAMENTS

Water, Come Down! by Walter Wangering, Jr.

Come Touch the Water – A Story About Jesus’ Baptism by Daphna Lee Flegal

Come Taste the Bread – A Storybook About the Lord’s Supper by Daphna Lee Flegal

What is Communion? By G. Lynnette Reed

What is Baptism? By G. Lynnette Reed

FAITH FORMATION AND SPIRITUAL FORMATION

Chicken Sunday by Patricia Polacco

The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco

Amos and Boris by William Steig

Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox

When Stories Fell Like Shooting Stars by Valiska Gregory

Looking for Angels by Valiska Gregory

Old Turtle by Douglas Wood

God’s Dream by Archbishop Desmond Tutu (board book available)

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

In God’s Name by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso

Jubilee by Ellen Yeomans

Where is God? by Lawrence and Karen Kushner (board book available)

My Spiritual Alphabet Book by Holly Bea

Good Night God by Holly Bea

Where does God Live? By Holly Bea

Sleep in Peace by Ingrid Hess

I Wanted to Know All about God by Virginia Kroll

Miss Fannie’s Hat by Jan Karon

Saint Francis by Brian Wildsmith

Stories of the Saints by Joyce Denham

Saint Nicholas by Julie Stiegemeyer

If Jesus Came to My House by Joan Thomas

Does God Have a Big Toe? by Marc Gellman

First Strawberries by Joseph Bruchac

In God’s Hands by Lawrence Kushner and Gary Schmidt

Because Nothing Looks Like God Lawrence Kushner

Love Letters from God by Glenys Nellist

STEWARDSHIP

Amos and Boris by William Steig

Beatrice’s Goat by Page McBrier

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

If the World Were a Village: A Book About the World’s People by David Smith

Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback

Kiss For Little Bear Else Holmelund Minarik

Old Turtle by Douglas Wood

Peter’s Chair by Ezra Jack Keats

Stone Soup by Marcia Brown

The Give-Away by Ray Buckley

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson

The Quiltmaker’s Gift by Jeff Brumbeau

The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister

The Table Where Rich People Sit by Byrd Baylor

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

Three Pandas Planting by Megan Halsey

Vegetable Dreams by Dawn Jeffers

SOCIAL JUSTICE, COMPASSION, AND EMPATHY

Oliver and Albert – Friends Forever by Jean Van Leeuwen

Our Big Home by Linda Glaser

Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox

Oh, The Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss

A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams

Brown v. Board of Education: A Fight for Simple Justice by Susan Goldman Rubin

The Lady in the Box by Ann McGovern

I’m Your Child, God by Marian Wright Edelman

Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatium

Tight Times by Barbara Shook Hazen

The Story Of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles

Loser by Jerry Spinelli

The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes

Boycott Blues: How Rosa Parks Inspired a Nation by Andrea Davis Pinkney

Four Feet, Two Sandals by Karen Lynn Williams

Colour of Home by Mary Hoffman

FORGIVENESS, RECONCILIATION, AND PEACE

Children of God Storybook Bible by Desmond Tutu

Christmas Moccasins by Ray Buckley

Peace is an Offering by Annette LeBox

Cain and Abel by Sandy Sasso

Granddad’s Prayers of the Earth by Douglas Wood

Peace Begins with You by Katherine Scholes

What Does Peace Feel Like? by Vladimir Radunsky

ADOPTION

The Red Blanket by Eliza Thomas

God Found Us You
 by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born by Jamie Lee Curtis

We Belong Together by Todd Parr

A few years ago, I led a retreat on creating sacred spaces in the home. I realized that I left my children's Bible at home, so I asked the children's minister at the church if I could borrow one of hers. As I read the story of Mary and Martha, I was surprised to see that the editors merged all the stories of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus into one story. See a problem? So began my search for Bibles and books that authentically tell our story of our faith.

These books and Bible translations have been reviewed by a group of seasoned children's ministers so that others do not have to guess.

BIBLES FOR CHILDREN

Spark Story Bible - storybook for toddlers through early readers

The International Children’s Bible – translation that children can read and understand independently

The Children’s Bible in 365 Stories – Bible stories for families to read together

Contemporary English Version of the Holy Bible – translated on a third to fifth grade level

Deep Blue Bible - Common English translation on a fifth-grade level

New Revised Standard Version – translation appropriate for higher level readers and for reading along with an adult

Baby Bible by Sarah Toulmin

First Bible Story Book by Mary Hoffman

Children of God Storybook Bible by Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Usborne Classic Bible Stories for Little Children by Louie Stowell

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones

The Family Story Bible by Ralph Milton

BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS

At Break of Day by Nikki Grime

God Created by Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones

Adam and Eve and The Garden of Eden by Jane Ray

Noah’s Ark by Jerry Pinkney

The Ark by Matthew Reinhart (pop-up)

Joseph by Brian Wildsmith

The Moses Basket by Jenny Koralek

Exodus by Brian Wildsmith

Psalms for Young Children by Marie-Hélène Delval

Let’s Make a Joyful Noise: Celebrating Psalm 100 by Karma Wilson

Psalm 21 illustrated by Tim Ladwig

Psalm 23 by Tim Ladwig

The Day When God Made the Church by Rebekah McLeod Hutto

Jonah and the Big Fish by Sekiya Miyoshi

On Noah’s Ark by Jan Brett

Cain and Abel by Sandy Sasso

Star of Wonder by Leena Lane

The Friendly Beasts by John J. Blumen

The Nativity by Julie Vivas

Jesus, The Word by Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones

Jesus by Brian Wildsmith

The Easter Story by Brian Wildsmith

Easter, Easter, Almost Here! by Kathleen Long Bostrom (board book)

The Colt and the King by Marni McGee

J is for Jesus: an Easter Alphabet and Activity Book by Debbie Trafton O’Neal

The Tale of the Three Trees by Angela Elwell Hunt

The Miracles of Jesus by Tomie dePaola

God’s Paintbrush by Sandy Sasso

Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown

The Lord’s Prayer illustrated by Tim Ladwig

Morning Has Broken by Eleanor Farjeon

Tonight You Are My Baby: Mary’s Christmas Gift by Jeannine Q. Norris

Snuggle Time Psalms by Glenys Nellist

SACRAMENTS

Water, Come Down! by Walter Wangering, Jr.

Come Touch the Water – A Story About Jesus’ Baptism by Daphna Lee Flegal

Come Taste the Bread – A Storybook About the Lord’s Supper by Daphna Lee Flegal

What is Communion? By G. Lynnette Reed

What is Baptism? By G. Lynnette Reed

FAITH FORMATION AND SPIRITUAL FORMATION

Chicken Sunday by Patricia Polacco

The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco

Amos and Boris by William Steig

Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox

When Stories Fell Like Shooting Stars by Valiska Gregory

Looking for Angels by Valiska Gregory

Old Turtle by Douglas Wood

God’s Dream by Archbishop Desmond Tutu (board book available)

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

In God’s Name by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso

Jubilee by Ellen Yeomans

Where is God? by Lawrence and Karen Kushner (board book available)

My Spiritual Alphabet Book by Holly Bea

Good Night God by Holly Bea

Where does God Live? By Holly Bea

Sleep in Peace by Ingrid Hess

I Wanted to Know All about God by Virginia Kroll

Miss Fannie’s Hat by Jan Karon

Saint Francis by Brian Wildsmith

Stories of the Saints by Joyce Denham

Saint Nicholas by Julie Stiegemeyer

If Jesus Came to My House by Joan Thomas

Does God Have a Big Toe? by Marc Gellman

First Strawberries by Joseph Bruchac

In God’s Hands by Lawrence Kushner and Gary Schmidt

Because Nothing Looks Like God Lawrence Kushner

Love Letters from God by Glenys Nellist

STEWARDSHIP

Amos and Boris by William Steig

Beatrice’s Goat by Page McBrier

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

If the World Were a Village: A Book About the World’s People by David Smith

Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback

Kiss For Little Bear Else Holmelund Minarik

Old Turtle by Douglas Wood

Peter’s Chair by Ezra Jack Keats

Stone Soup by Marcia Brown

The Give-Away by Ray Buckley

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson

The Quiltmaker’s Gift by Jeff Brumbeau

The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister

The Table Where Rich People Sit by Byrd Baylor

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

Three Pandas Planting by Megan Halsey

Vegetable Dreams by Dawn Jeffers

SOCIAL JUSTICE, COMPASSION, AND EMPATHY

Oliver and Albert – Friends Forever by Jean Van Leeuwen

Our Big Home by Linda Glaser

Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox

Oh, The Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss

A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams

Brown v. Board of Education: A Fight for Simple Justice by Susan Goldman Rubin

The Lady in the Box by Ann McGovern

I’m Your Child, God by Marian Wright Edelman

Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatium

Tight Times by Barbara Shook Hazen

The Story Of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles

Loser by Jerry Spinelli

The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes

Boycott Blues: How Rosa Parks Inspired a Nation by Andrea Davis Pinkney

Four Feet, Two Sandals by Karen Lynn Williams

Colour of Home by Mary Hoffman

FORGIVENESS, RECONCILIATION, AND PEACE

Children of God Storybook Bible by Desmond Tutu

Christmas Moccasins by Ray Buckley

Peace is an Offering by Annette LeBox

Cain and Abel by Sandy Sasso

Granddad’s Prayers of the Earth by Douglas Wood

Peace Begins with You by Katherine Scholes

What Does Peace Feel Like? by Vladimir Radunsky

ADOPTION

The Red Blanket by Eliza Thomas

God Found Us You
 by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born by Jamie Lee Curtis

We Belong Together by Todd Parr

CREATION

What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? By Eric Carle

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

People by Peter Spier

God Created by Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones

The First Strawberries – A Cherokee Story retold by Joseph Bruchac

Because Nothing Looks Like God by Lawrence Kushner and Karen Kushner

Whoever You Are by Mem Fox

He’s Got the Whole World in his Hands by Kadir Nelson

A few years ago, I led a retreat on creating sacred spaces in the home. I realized that I left my children's Bible at home, so I asked the children's minister at the church if I could borrow one of hers. As I read the story of Mary and Martha, I was surprised to see that the editors merged all the stories of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus into one story. See a problem? So began my search for Bibles and books that authentically tell our story of our faith.

These books and Bible translations have been reviewed by a group of seasoned children's ministers so that others do not have to guess.

BIBLES FOR CHILDREN

Spark Story Bible - storybook for toddlers through early readers

The International Children’s Bible – translation that children can read and understand independently

The Children’s Bible in 365 Stories – Bible stories for families to read together

Contemporary English Version of the Holy Bible – translated on a third to fifth grade level

Deep Blue Bible - Common English translation on a fifth-grade level

New Revised Standard Version – translation appropriate for higher level readers and for reading along with an adult

Baby Bible by Sarah Toulmin

First Bible Story Book by Mary Hoffman

Children of God Storybook Bible by Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Usborne Classic Bible Stories for Little Children by Louie Stowell

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones

The Family Story Bible by Ralph Milton

BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS

At Break of Day by Nikki Grime

God Created by Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones

Adam and Eve and The Garden of Eden by Jane Ray

Noah’s Ark by Jerry Pinkney

The Ark by Matthew Reinhart (pop-up)

Joseph by Brian Wildsmith

The Moses Basket by Jenny Koralek

Exodus by Brian Wildsmith

Psalms for Young Children by Marie-Hélène Delval

Let’s Make a Joyful Noise: Celebrating Psalm 100 by Karma Wilson

Psalm 21 illustrated by Tim Ladwig

Psalm 23 by Tim Ladwig

The Day When God Made the Church by Rebekah McLeod Hutto

Jonah and the Big Fish by Sekiya Miyoshi

On Noah’s Ark by Jan Brett

Cain and Abel by Sandy Sasso

Star of Wonder by Leena Lane

The Friendly Beasts by John J. Blumen

The Nativity by Julie Vivas

Jesus, The Word by Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones

Jesus by Brian Wildsmith

The Easter Story by Brian Wildsmith

Easter, Easter, Almost Here! by Kathleen Long Bostrom (board book)

The Colt and the King by Marni McGee

J is for Jesus: an Easter Alphabet and Activity Book by Debbie Trafton O’Neal

The Tale of the Three Trees by Angela Elwell Hunt

The Miracles of Jesus by Tomie dePaola

God’s Paintbrush by Sandy Sasso

Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown

The Lord’s Prayer illustrated by Tim Ladwig

Morning Has Broken by Eleanor Farjeon

Tonight You Are My Baby: Mary’s Christmas Gift by Jeannine Q. Norris

Snuggle Time Psalms by Glenys Nellist

SACRAMENTS

Water, Come Down! by Walter Wangering, Jr.

Come Touch the Water – A Story About Jesus’ Baptism by Daphna Lee Flegal

Come Taste the Bread – A Storybook About the Lord’s Supper by Daphna Lee Flegal

What is Communion? By G. Lynnette Reed

What is Baptism? By G. Lynnette Reed

FAITH FORMATION AND SPIRITUAL FORMATION

Chicken Sunday by Patricia Polacco

The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco

Amos and Boris by William Steig

Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox

When Stories Fell Like Shooting Stars by Valiska Gregory

Looking for Angels by Valiska Gregory

Old Turtle by Douglas Wood

God’s Dream by Archbishop Desmond Tutu (board book available)

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

In God’s Name by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso

Jubilee by Ellen Yeomans

Where is God? by Lawrence and Karen Kushner (board book available)

My Spiritual Alphabet Book by Holly Bea

Good Night God by Holly Bea

Where does God Live? By Holly Bea

Sleep in Peace by Ingrid Hess

I Wanted to Know All about God by Virginia Kroll

Miss Fannie’s Hat by Jan Karon

Saint Francis by Brian Wildsmith

Stories of the Saints by Joyce Denham

Saint Nicholas by Julie Stiegemeyer

If Jesus Came to My House by Joan Thomas

Does God Have a Big Toe? by Marc Gellman

First Strawberries by Joseph Bruchac

In God’s Hands by Lawrence Kushner and Gary Schmidt

Because Nothing Looks Like God Lawrence Kushner

Love Letters from God by Glenys Nellist

STEWARDSHIP

Amos and Boris by William Steig

Beatrice’s Goat by Page McBrier

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

If the World Were a Village: A Book About the World’s People by David Smith

Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback

Kiss For Little Bear Else Holmelund Minarik

Old Turtle by Douglas Wood

Peter’s Chair by Ezra Jack Keats

Stone Soup by Marcia Brown

The Give-Away by Ray Buckley

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson

The Quiltmaker’s Gift by Jeff Brumbeau

The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister

The Table Where Rich People Sit by Byrd Baylor

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

Three Pandas Planting by Megan Halsey

Vegetable Dreams by Dawn Jeffers

SOCIAL JUSTICE, COMPASSION, AND EMPATHY

Oliver and Albert – Friends Forever by Jean Van Leeuwen

Our Big Home by Linda Glaser

Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox

Oh, The Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss

A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams

Brown v. Board of Education: A Fight for Simple Justice by Susan Goldman Rubin

The Lady in the Box by Ann McGovern

I’m Your Child, God by Marian Wright Edelman

Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatium

Tight Times by Barbara Shook Hazen

The Story Of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles

Loser by Jerry Spinelli

The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes

Boycott Blues: How Rosa Parks Inspired a Nation by Andrea Davis Pinkney

Four Feet, Two Sandals by Karen Lynn Williams

Colour of Home by Mary Hoffman

FORGIVENESS, RECONCILIATION, AND PEACE

Children of God Storybook Bible by Desmond Tutu

Christmas Moccasins by Ray Buckley

Peace is an Offering by Annette LeBox

Cain and Abel by Sandy Sasso

Granddad’s Prayers of the Earth by Douglas Wood

Peace Begins with You by Katherine Scholes

What Does Peace Feel Like? by Vladimir Radunsky

ADOPTION

The Red Blanket by Eliza Thomas

God Found Us You
 by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born by Jamie Lee Curtis

We Belong Together by Todd Parr

CREATION

What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? By Eric Carle

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

People by Peter Spier

God Created by Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones

The First Strawberries – A Cherokee Story retold by Joseph Bruchac

Because Nothing Looks Like God by Lawrence Kushner and Karen Kushner

Whoever You Are by Mem Fox

He’s Got the Whole World in his Hands by Kadir Nelson

DIVORCE

Fred Stays with Me! by Nancy Coffelt

Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary

Something to Count On by Emily Moore

Mama Do You Love Me? by Barbara M. Joosse

Papa Do You Love Me? by Barbara M. Joosse

It’s Not Your Fault, Koko Bear: A Read-Together Book for Parents and Young Children During Divorce by Vicki Lanski

Mom’s House, Dad’s House for Kids: Feeling at Home in One House or Two by Isolina Ricci

Was It the Chocolate Pudding? A Story for Little Kids About Divorce by Sandra Levins and Bryan Langdo

Standing On My Own Two Feet: A Child’s Affirmation of Love in the Midst of Divorce by Tamara Schmitz

A few years ago, I led a retreat on creating sacred spaces in the home. I realized that I left my children's Bible at home, so I asked the children's minister at the church if I could borrow one of hers. As I read the story of Mary and Martha, I was surprised to see that the editors merged all the stories of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus into one story. See a problem? So began my search for Bibles and books that authentically tell our story of our faith.

These books and Bible translations have been reviewed by a group of seasoned children's ministers so that others do not have to guess.

BIBLES FOR CHILDREN

Spark Story Bible - storybook for toddlers through early readers

The International Children’s Bible – translation that children can read and understand independently

The Children’s Bible in 365 Stories – Bible stories for families to read together

Contemporary English Version of the Holy Bible – translated on a third to fifth grade level

Deep Blue Bible - Common English translation on a fifth-grade level

New Revised Standard Version – translation appropriate for higher level readers and for reading along with an adult

Baby Bible by Sarah Toulmin

First Bible Story Book by Mary Hoffman

Children of God Storybook Bible by Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Usborne Classic Bible Stories for Little Children by Louie Stowell

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones

The Family Story Bible by Ralph Milton

BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS

At Break of Day by Nikki Grime

God Created by Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones

Adam and Eve and The Garden of Eden by Jane Ray

Noah’s Ark by Jerry Pinkney

The Ark by Matthew Reinhart (pop-up)

Joseph by Brian Wildsmith

The Moses Basket by Jenny Koralek

Exodus by Brian Wildsmith

Psalms for Young Children by Marie-Hélène Delval

Let’s Make a Joyful Noise: Celebrating Psalm 100 by Karma Wilson

Psalm 21 illustrated by Tim Ladwig

Psalm 23 by Tim Ladwig

The Day When God Made the Church by Rebekah McLeod Hutto

Jonah and the Big Fish by Sekiya Miyoshi

On Noah’s Ark by Jan Brett

Cain and Abel by Sandy Sasso

Star of Wonder by Leena Lane

The Friendly Beasts by John J. Blumen

The Nativity by Julie Vivas

Jesus, The Word by Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones

Jesus by Brian Wildsmith

The Easter Story by Brian Wildsmith

Easter, Easter, Almost Here! by Kathleen Long Bostrom (board book)

The Colt and the King by Marni McGee

J is for Jesus: an Easter Alphabet and Activity Book by Debbie Trafton O’Neal

The Tale of the Three Trees by Angela Elwell Hunt

The Miracles of Jesus by Tomie dePaola

God’s Paintbrush by Sandy Sasso

Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown

The Lord’s Prayer illustrated by Tim Ladwig

Morning Has Broken by Eleanor Farjeon

Tonight You Are My Baby: Mary’s Christmas Gift by Jeannine Q. Norris

Snuggle Time Psalms by Glenys Nellist

SACRAMENTS

Water, Come Down! by Walter Wangering, Jr.

Come Touch the Water – A Story About Jesus’ Baptism by Daphna Lee Flegal

Come Taste the Bread – A Storybook About the Lord’s Supper by Daphna Lee Flegal

What is Communion? By G. Lynnette Reed

What is Baptism? By G. Lynnette Reed

FAITH FORMATION AND SPIRITUAL FORMATION

Chicken Sunday by Patricia Polacco

The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco

Amos and Boris by William Steig

Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox

When Stories Fell Like Shooting Stars by Valiska Gregory

Looking for Angels by Valiska Gregory

Old Turtle by Douglas Wood

God’s Dream by Archbishop Desmond Tutu (board book available)

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

In God’s Name by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso

Jubilee by Ellen Yeomans

Where is God? by Lawrence and Karen Kushner (board book available)

My Spiritual Alphabet Book by Holly Bea

Good Night God by Holly Bea

Where does God Live? By Holly Bea

Sleep in Peace by Ingrid Hess

I Wanted to Know All about God by Virginia Kroll

Miss Fannie’s Hat by Jan Karon

Saint Francis by Brian Wildsmith

Stories of the Saints by Joyce Denham

Saint Nicholas by Julie Stiegemeyer

If Jesus Came to My House by Joan Thomas

Does God Have a Big Toe? by Marc Gellman

First Strawberries by Joseph Bruchac

In God’s Hands by Lawrence Kushner and Gary Schmidt

Because Nothing Looks Like God Lawrence Kushner

Love Letters from God by Glenys Nellist

STEWARDSHIP

Amos and Boris by William Steig

Beatrice’s Goat by Page McBrier

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

If the World Were a Village: A Book About the World’s People by David Smith

Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback

Kiss For Little Bear Else Holmelund Minarik

Old Turtle by Douglas Wood

Peter’s Chair by Ezra Jack Keats

Stone Soup by Marcia Brown

The Give-Away by Ray Buckley

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson

The Quiltmaker’s Gift by Jeff Brumbeau

The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister

The Table Where Rich People Sit by Byrd Baylor

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

Three Pandas Planting by Megan Halsey

Vegetable Dreams by Dawn Jeffers

SOCIAL JUSTICE, COMPASSION, AND EMPATHY

Oliver and Albert – Friends Forever by Jean Van Leeuwen

Our Big Home by Linda Glaser

Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox

Oh, The Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss

A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams

Brown v. Board of Education: A Fight for Simple Justice by Susan Goldman Rubin

The Lady in the Box by Ann McGovern

I’m Your Child, God by Marian Wright Edelman

Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatium

Tight Times by Barbara Shook Hazen

The Story Of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles

Loser by Jerry Spinelli

The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes

Boycott Blues: How Rosa Parks Inspired a Nation by Andrea Davis Pinkney

Four Feet, Two Sandals by Karen Lynn Williams

Colour of Home by Mary Hoffman

FORGIVENESS, RECONCILIATION, AND PEACE

Children of God Storybook Bible by Desmond Tutu

Christmas Moccasins by Ray Buckley

Peace is an Offering by Annette LeBox

Cain and Abel by Sandy Sasso

Granddad’s Prayers of the Earth by Douglas Wood

Peace Begins with You by Katherine Scholes

What Does Peace Feel Like? by Vladimir Radunsky

ADOPTION

The Red Blanket by Eliza Thomas

God Found Us You
 by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born by Jamie Lee Curtis

We Belong Together by Todd Parr

CREATION

What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? By Eric Carle

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

People by Peter Spier

God Created by Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones

The First Strawberries – A Cherokee Story retold by Joseph Bruchac

Because Nothing Looks Like God by Lawrence Kushner and Karen Kushner

Whoever You Are by Mem Fox

He’s Got the Whole World in his Hands by Kadir Nelson

DIVORCE

Fred Stays with Me! by Nancy Coffelt

Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary

Something to Count On by Emily Moore

Mama Do You Love Me? by Barbara M. Joosse

Papa Do You Love Me? by Barbara M. Joosse

It’s Not Your Fault, Koko Bear: A Read-Together Book for Parents and Young Children During Divorce by Vicki Lanski

Mom’s House, Dad’s House for Kids: Feeling at Home in One House or Two by Isolina Ricci

Was It the Chocolate Pudding? A Story for Little Kids About Divorce by Sandra Levins and Bryan Langdo

Standing On My Own Two Feet: A Child’s Affirmation of Love in the Midst of Divorce by Tamara Schmitz

GRIEF, LOSS, AND TRAUMA

Badger’s Parting Gifts by Susan Varley

Water Bugs & Dragonflies: Explaining Death to Young Children by Doris Stickney

The Memory Box by Mary Bahr

The Fall of Freddie the Leaf by Leo Buscaglia

Fred the Fox Shouts NO! by Tatiana Matthews

Feelings by Aliki

Flash, Crash, Rumble, and Roll by Franklyn M. Branley

Mom and the Polka-Dot Boo-Boo by Eileen Sutherland

Fire! Fire! by Gail Gibbons

Children Just Like Me by Anabel and Barnabas Kindersley

Lifetimes: The Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children by Bryan Mellonie and Robert Ingpen

To Everything by Bob Barner

Jim’s Dog Muffins by Miriam Cohen, and illustrated by Ronald Himler

Bedtime for Frances by Russell Hoban, and illustrated by Garth Williams

Mama Do You Love Me? by Barbara M. Joosse, and illustrated by Barbara Lavalle

Abiyoyo by Pete Seeger, and illustrated by Michael Hays

Humphrey’s Bear by Jan Wahl, and illustrated by William Joyce

The Tin Forest by Helen Ward, and illustrated by Wayne Anderson

Hurricane by David Wiesner

The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams

A few years ago, I led a retreat on creating sacred spaces in the home. I realized that I left my children's Bible at home, so I asked the children's minister at the church if I could borrow one of hers. As I read the story of Mary and Martha, I was surprised to see that the editors merged all the stories of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus into one story. See a problem? So began my search for Bibles and books that authentically tell our story of our faith.

These books and Bible translations have been reviewed by a group of seasoned children's ministers so that others do not have to guess.

BIBLES FOR CHILDREN

Spark Story Bible - storybook for toddlers through early readers

The International Children’s Bible – translation that children can read and understand independently

The Children’s Bible in 365 Stories – Bible stories for families to read together

Contemporary English Version of the Holy Bible – translated on a third to fifth grade level

Deep Blue Bible - Common English translation on a fifth-grade level

New Revised Standard Version – translation appropriate for higher level readers and for reading along with an adult

Baby Bible by Sarah Toulmin

First Bible Story Book by Mary Hoffman

Children of God Storybook Bible by Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Usborne Classic Bible Stories for Little Children by Louie Stowell

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones

The Family Story Bible by Ralph Milton

BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS

At Break of Day by Nikki Grime

God Created by Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones

Adam and Eve and The Garden of Eden by Jane Ray

Noah’s Ark by Jerry Pinkney

The Ark by Matthew Reinhart (pop-up)

Joseph by Brian Wildsmith

The Moses Basket by Jenny Koralek

Exodus by Brian Wildsmith

Psalms for Young Children by Marie-Hélène Delval

Let’s Make a Joyful Noise: Celebrating Psalm 100 by Karma Wilson

Psalm 21 illustrated by Tim Ladwig

Psalm 23 by Tim Ladwig

The Day When God Made the Church by Rebekah McLeod Hutto

Jonah and the Big Fish by Sekiya Miyoshi

On Noah’s Ark by Jan Brett

Cain and Abel by Sandy Sasso

Star of Wonder by Leena Lane

The Friendly Beasts by John J. Blumen

The Nativity by Julie Vivas

Jesus, The Word by Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones

Jesus by Brian Wildsmith

The Easter Story by Brian Wildsmith

Easter, Easter, Almost Here! by Kathleen Long Bostrom (board book)

The Colt and the King by Marni McGee

J is for Jesus: an Easter Alphabet and Activity Book by Debbie Trafton O’Neal

The Tale of the Three Trees by Angela Elwell Hunt

The Miracles of Jesus by Tomie dePaola

God’s Paintbrush by Sandy Sasso

Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown

The Lord’s Prayer illustrated by Tim Ladwig

Morning Has Broken by Eleanor Farjeon

Tonight You Are My Baby: Mary’s Christmas Gift by Jeannine Q. Norris

Snuggle Time Psalms by Glenys Nellist

SACRAMENTS

Water, Come Down! by Walter Wangering, Jr.

Come Touch the Water – A Story About Jesus’ Baptism by Daphna Lee Flegal

Come Taste the Bread – A Storybook About the Lord’s Supper by Daphna Lee Flegal

What is Communion? By G. Lynnette Reed

What is Baptism? By G. Lynnette Reed

FAITH FORMATION AND SPIRITUAL FORMATION

Chicken Sunday by Patricia Polacco

The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco

Amos and Boris by William Steig

Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox

When Stories Fell Like Shooting Stars by Valiska Gregory

Looking for Angels by Valiska Gregory

Old Turtle by Douglas Wood

God’s Dream by Archbishop Desmond Tutu (board book available)

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

In God’s Name by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso

Jubilee by Ellen Yeomans

Where is God? by Lawrence and Karen Kushner (board book available)

My Spiritual Alphabet Book by Holly Bea

Good Night God by Holly Bea

Where does God Live? By Holly Bea

Sleep in Peace by Ingrid Hess

I Wanted to Know All about God by Virginia Kroll

Miss Fannie’s Hat by Jan Karon

Saint Francis by Brian Wildsmith

Stories of the Saints by Joyce Denham

Saint Nicholas by Julie Stiegemeyer

If Jesus Came to My House by Joan Thomas

Does God Have a Big Toe? by Marc Gellman

First Strawberries by Joseph Bruchac

In God’s Hands by Lawrence Kushner and Gary Schmidt

Because Nothing Looks Like God Lawrence Kushner

Love Letters from God by Glenys Nellist

STEWARDSHIP

Amos and Boris by William Steig

Beatrice’s Goat by Page McBrier

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

If the World Were a Village: A Book About the World’s People by David Smith

Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback

Kiss For Little Bear Else Holmelund Minarik

Old Turtle by Douglas Wood

Peter’s Chair by Ezra Jack Keats

Stone Soup by Marcia Brown

The Give-Away by Ray Buckley

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson

The Quiltmaker’s Gift by Jeff Brumbeau

The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister

The Table Where Rich People Sit by Byrd Baylor

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

Three Pandas Planting by Megan Halsey

Vegetable Dreams by Dawn Jeffers

SOCIAL JUSTICE, COMPASSION, AND EMPATHY

Oliver and Albert – Friends Forever by Jean Van Leeuwen

Our Big Home by Linda Glaser

Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox

Oh, The Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss

A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams

Brown v. Board of Education: A Fight for Simple Justice by Susan Goldman Rubin

The Lady in the Box by Ann McGovern

I’m Your Child, God by Marian Wright Edelman

Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatium

Tight Times by Barbara Shook Hazen

The Story Of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles

Loser by Jerry Spinelli

The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes

Boycott Blues: How Rosa Parks Inspired a Nation by Andrea Davis Pinkney

Four Feet, Two Sandals by Karen Lynn Williams

Colour of Home by Mary Hoffman

FORGIVENESS, RECONCILIATION, AND PEACE

Children of God Storybook Bible by Desmond Tutu

Christmas Moccasins by Ray Buckley

Peace is an Offering by Annette LeBox

Cain and Abel by Sandy Sasso

Granddad’s Prayers of the Earth by Douglas Wood

Peace Begins with You by Katherine Scholes

What Does Peace Feel Like? by Vladimir Radunsky

ADOPTION

The Red Blanket by Eliza Thomas

God Found Us You
 by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born by Jamie Lee Curtis

We Belong Together by Todd Parr

CREATION

What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? By Eric Carle

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

People by Peter Spier

God Created by Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones

The First Strawberries – A Cherokee Story retold by Joseph Bruchac

Because Nothing Looks Like God by Lawrence Kushner and Karen Kushner

Whoever You Are by Mem Fox

He’s Got the Whole World in his Hands by Kadir Nelson

DIVORCE

Fred Stays with Me! by Nancy Coffelt

Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary

Something to Count On by Emily Moore

Mama Do You Love Me? by Barbara M. Joosse

Papa Do You Love Me? by Barbara M. Joosse

It’s Not Your Fault, Koko Bear: A Read-Together Book for Parents and Young Children During Divorce by Vicki Lanski

Mom’s House, Dad’s House for Kids: Feeling at Home in One House or Two by Isolina Ricci

Was It the Chocolate Pudding? A Story for Little Kids About Divorce by Sandra Levins and Bryan Langdo

Standing On My Own Two Feet: A Child’s Affirmation of Love in the Midst of Divorce by Tamara Schmitz

GRIEF, LOSS, AND TRAUMA

Badger’s Parting Gifts by Susan Varley

Water Bugs & Dragonflies: Explaining Death to Young Children by Doris Stickney

The Memory Box by Mary Bahr

The Fall of Freddie the Leaf by Leo Buscaglia

Fred the Fox Shouts NO! by Tatiana Matthews

Feelings by Aliki

Flash, Crash, Rumble, and Roll by Franklyn M. Branley

Mom and the Polka-Dot Boo-Boo by Eileen Sutherland

Fire! Fire! by Gail Gibbons

Children Just Like Me by Anabel and Barnabas Kindersley

Lifetimes: The Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children by Bryan Mellonie and Robert Ingpen

To Everything by Bob Barner

Jim’s Dog Muffins by Miriam Cohen, and illustrated by Ronald Himler

Bedtime for Frances by Russell Hoban, and illustrated by Garth Williams

Mama Do You Love Me? by Barbara M. Joosse, and illustrated by Barbara Lavalle

Abiyoyo by Pete Seeger, and illustrated by Michael Hays

Humphrey’s Bear by Jan Wahl, and illustrated by William Joyce

The Tin Forest by Helen Ward, and illustrated by Wayne Anderson

Hurricane by David Wiesner

The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams

PARENT, CHILD, GRANDPARENT AND GRAND-PAL - INTERGENERATIONAL

Singing with Momma Lou by Linda Jacobs Altman

What’s Happening to Grandpa by Maria Shriver

Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox

The Quiltmaker’s Gift by Jeff Brumbeau

The Patchwork Quilt by Valerie Flournoy

Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman

Gus and Grandpa Series by Claudia Mills

Listen to Me by Barbara Neasi

Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney

Mama Do You Love Me by Barbara M. Joosse

Papa Do You Love Me by Barbara M. Joosse

Are You My Mother? by Dr. Seuss

Joy! by Joyce Carol Thomas

My Grandma – Mi Abuelita by Ginger Foglesong Guy

I Love You Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt

A few years ago, I led a retreat on creating sacred spaces in the home. I realized that I left my children's Bible at home, so I asked the children's minister at the church if I could borrow one of hers. As I read the story of Mary and Martha, I was surprised to see that the editors merged all the stories of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus into one story. See a problem? So began my search for Bibles and books that authentically tell our story of our faith.

These books and Bible translations have been reviewed by a group of seasoned children's ministers so that others do not have to guess.

BIBLES FOR CHILDREN

Spark Story Bible - storybook for toddlers through early readers

The International Children’s Bible – translation that children can read and understand independently

The Children’s Bible in 365 Stories – Bible stories for families to read together

Contemporary English Version of the Holy Bible – translated on a third to fifth grade level

Deep Blue Bible - Common English translation on a fifth-grade level

New Revised Standard Version – translation appropriate for higher level readers and for reading along with an adult

Baby Bible by Sarah Toulmin

First Bible Story Book by Mary Hoffman

Children of God Storybook Bible by Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Usborne Classic Bible Stories for Little Children by Louie Stowell

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones

The Family Story Bible by Ralph Milton

BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS

At Break of Day by Nikki Grime

God Created by Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones

Adam and Eve and The Garden of Eden by Jane Ray

Noah’s Ark by Jerry Pinkney

The Ark by Matthew Reinhart (pop-up)

Joseph by Brian Wildsmith

The Moses Basket by Jenny Koralek

Exodus by Brian Wildsmith

Psalms for Young Children by Marie-Hélène Delval

Let’s Make a Joyful Noise: Celebrating Psalm 100 by Karma Wilson

Psalm 21 illustrated by Tim Ladwig

Psalm 23 by Tim Ladwig

The Day When God Made the Church by Rebekah McLeod Hutto

Jonah and the Big Fish by Sekiya Miyoshi

On Noah’s Ark by Jan Brett

Cain and Abel by Sandy Sasso

Star of Wonder by Leena Lane

The Friendly Beasts by John J. Blumen

The Nativity by Julie Vivas

Jesus, The Word by Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones

Jesus by Brian Wildsmith

The Easter Story by Brian Wildsmith

Easter, Easter, Almost Here! by Kathleen Long Bostrom (board book)

The Colt and the King by Marni McGee

J is for Jesus: an Easter Alphabet and Activity Book by Debbie Trafton O’Neal

The Tale of the Three Trees by Angela Elwell Hunt

The Miracles of Jesus by Tomie dePaola

God’s Paintbrush by Sandy Sasso

Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown

The Lord’s Prayer illustrated by Tim Ladwig

Morning Has Broken by Eleanor Farjeon

Tonight You Are My Baby: Mary’s Christmas Gift by Jeannine Q. Norris

Snuggle Time Psalms by Glenys Nellist

SACRAMENTS

Water, Come Down! by Walter Wangering, Jr.

Come Touch the Water – A Story About Jesus’ Baptism by Daphna Lee Flegal

Come Taste the Bread – A Storybook About the Lord’s Supper by Daphna Lee Flegal

What is Communion? By G. Lynnette Reed

What is Baptism? By G. Lynnette Reed

FAITH FORMATION AND SPIRITUAL FORMATION

Chicken Sunday by Patricia Polacco

The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco

Amos and Boris by William Steig

Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox

When Stories Fell Like Shooting Stars by Valiska Gregory

Looking for Angels by Valiska Gregory

Old Turtle by Douglas Wood

God’s Dream by Archbishop Desmond Tutu (board book available)

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

In God’s Name by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso

Jubilee by Ellen Yeomans

Where is God? by Lawrence and Karen Kushner (board book available)

My Spiritual Alphabet Book by Holly Bea

Good Night God by Holly Bea

Where does God Live? By Holly Bea

Sleep in Peace by Ingrid Hess

I Wanted to Know All about God by Virginia Kroll

Miss Fannie’s Hat by Jan Karon

Saint Francis by Brian Wildsmith

Stories of the Saints by Joyce Denham

Saint Nicholas by Julie Stiegemeyer

If Jesus Came to My House by Joan Thomas

Does God Have a Big Toe? by Marc Gellman

First Strawberries by Joseph Bruchac

In God’s Hands by Lawrence Kushner and Gary Schmidt

Because Nothing Looks Like God Lawrence Kushner

Love Letters from God by Glenys Nellist

STEWARDSHIP

Amos and Boris by William Steig

Beatrice’s Goat by Page McBrier

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

If the World Were a Village: A Book About the World’s People by David Smith

Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback

Kiss For Little Bear Else Holmelund Minarik

Old Turtle by Douglas Wood

Peter’s Chair by Ezra Jack Keats

Stone Soup by Marcia Brown

The Give-Away by Ray Buckley

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson

The Quiltmaker’s Gift by Jeff Brumbeau

The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister

The Table Where Rich People Sit by Byrd Baylor

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

Three Pandas Planting by Megan Halsey

Vegetable Dreams by Dawn Jeffers

SOCIAL JUSTICE, COMPASSION, AND EMPATHY

Oliver and Albert – Friends Forever by Jean Van Leeuwen

Our Big Home by Linda Glaser

Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox

Oh, The Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss

A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams

Brown v. Board of Education: A Fight for Simple Justice by Susan Goldman Rubin

The Lady in the Box by Ann McGovern

I’m Your Child, God by Marian Wright Edelman

Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatium

Tight Times by Barbara Shook Hazen

The Story Of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles

Loser by Jerry Spinelli

The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes

Boycott Blues: How Rosa Parks Inspired a Nation by Andrea Davis Pinkney

Four Feet, Two Sandals by Karen Lynn Williams

Colour of Home by Mary Hoffman

FORGIVENESS, RECONCILIATION, AND PEACE

Children of God Storybook Bible by Desmond Tutu

Christmas Moccasins by Ray Buckley

Peace is an Offering by Annette LeBox

Cain and Abel by Sandy Sasso

Granddad’s Prayers of the Earth by Douglas Wood

Peace Begins with You by Katherine Scholes

What Does Peace Feel Like? by Vladimir Radunsky

ADOPTION

The Red Blanket by Eliza Thomas

God Found Us You
 by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Tell Me Again About the Night I Was Born by Jamie Lee Curtis

We Belong Together by Todd Parr

CREATION

What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? By Eric Carle

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

People by Peter Spier

God Created by Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones

The First Strawberries – A Cherokee Story retold by Joseph Bruchac

Because Nothing Looks Like God by Lawrence Kushner and Karen Kushner

Whoever You Are by Mem Fox

He’s Got the Whole World in his Hands by Kadir Nelson

DIVORCE

Fred Stays with Me! by Nancy Coffelt

Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary

Something to Count On by Emily Moore

Mama Do You Love Me? by Barbara M. Joosse

Papa Do You Love Me? by Barbara M. Joosse

It’s Not Your Fault, Koko Bear: A Read-Together Book for Parents and Young Children During Divorce by Vicki Lanski

Mom’s House, Dad’s House for Kids: Feeling at Home in One House or Two by Isolina Ricci

Was It the Chocolate Pudding? A Story for Little Kids About Divorce by Sandra Levins and Bryan Langdo

Standing On My Own Two Feet: A Child’s Affirmation of Love in the Midst of Divorce by Tamara Schmitz

GRIEF, LOSS, AND TRAUMA

Badger’s Parting Gifts by Susan Varley

Water Bugs & Dragonflies: Explaining Death to Young Children by Doris Stickney

The Memory Box by Mary Bahr

The Fall of Freddie the Leaf by Leo Buscaglia

Fred the Fox Shouts NO! by Tatiana Matthews

Feelings by Aliki

Flash, Crash, Rumble, and Roll by Franklyn M. Branley

Mom and the Polka-Dot Boo-Boo by Eileen Sutherland

Fire! Fire! by Gail Gibbons

Children Just Like Me by Anabel and Barnabas Kindersley

Lifetimes: The Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children by Bryan Mellonie and Robert Ingpen

To Everything by Bob Barner

Jim’s Dog Muffins by Miriam Cohen, and illustrated by Ronald Himler

Bedtime for Frances by Russell Hoban, and illustrated by Garth Williams

Mama Do You Love Me? by Barbara M. Joosse, and illustrated by Barbara Lavalle

Abiyoyo by Pete Seeger, and illustrated by Michael Hays

Humphrey’s Bear by Jan Wahl, and illustrated by William Joyce

The Tin Forest by Helen Ward, and illustrated by Wayne Anderson

Hurricane by David Wiesner

The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams

PARENT, CHILD, GRANDPARENT AND GRAND-PAL - INTERGENERATIONAL

Singing with Momma Lou by Linda Jacobs Altman

What’s Happening to Grandpa by Maria Shriver

Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox

The Quiltmaker’s Gift by Jeff Brumbeau

The Patchwork Quilt by Valerie Flournoy

Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman

Gus and Grandpa Series by Claudia Mills

Listen to Me by Barbara Neasi

Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney

Mama Do You Love Me by Barbara M. Joosse

Papa Do You Love Me by Barbara M. Joosse

Are You My Mother? by Dr. Seuss

Joy! by Joyce Carol Thomas

My Grandma – Mi Abuelita by Ginger Foglesong Guy

I Love You Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt

LIFE’S LESSONS

Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst

Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman

There is a Flower at the Tip of My Nose Smelling Me by Alice Walker

A Child’s Book of Blessings compiled by Sabrina Dearborn

My Red Balloon by Eve Bunting

While You Are Away by Eileen Spinelli



Find the Permanent Book List at: https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/childrens-bibles-and-books-by-topic