Our Favorite Books
Recommended Reading for Kids and People Who Care About Kids
I'm often asked which children's Bible is my favorite and my answer is always that it depends on the kid! I like different Bibles for different kids. I also choose different options depending on whether the child will be reading independently or whether they'll have an adult reading to them and discussing each page.
Sally Lloyd-Jones has written some amazing books and I find this one to be a favorite. Many of the kids I know have this one at home and read it on their own. I love the way it describes the sights, sounds, and feelings of the story. Kids are drawn in and the way this book was written reminds kids that the stories and people of the Bible are real.
The Biggest Storybook Bible has bright, eye-catching illustrations and bridges the gap between "little kid" Bibles and teen study Bibles with stories and pictures that appeal to elementary-age kids. That also means this book is great for a read-aloud with a class or small group.
The Action Bible
Older kids and teens really enjoy this one. It isn't a replacement for a full Bible, but it is a useful tool for many kids and builds excitement and enthusiasm. It is easy to read and the illustrations are engaging.
Kids think the stubborn sheep in this story is hilarious and kids and adults find this story to be very relatable. They are sucked in and the lesson hits home.
This is my all-time favorite Christmas read aloud. The kids can't get enough of Humphrey's antics, and I'll admit, I can't either. The quiet when we finish the book tells me it doesn't just hit their funny bone- it hits their heart too!
We love Humphrey's First Palm Sunday too!
The Sally Lloyd-Jones and Jago books
This is my go to gift for baby showers and kid birthdays and a favorite book of kids and parents. It is the kind of children's book that you don't mind reading night after night. There are board book options and hard covers. I put the link on each book image to make it easier to find them all. There is a gift set that includes a few of the books together as well.
The Very Best Bible Stories Series by Tim Thornborough
Each of these books has a fun way of introducing the story, whether it is playful language, silly details, or fabulous illustrations. I appreciate the attention to Biblical accuracy while still maintaining child friendly language. While they can appeal to young kids, even upper elementary kids enjoy them for a quick read aloud and lower elementary age kids love that they can read the independently without much work.
The illustrations and short stories make every book in this series accessible and fun for kids. I've used them as a read aloud and they are often in use off the bookshelf at church. There are tiny books with individual stories as well as books that combine multiple stories in one.
The Tales That Tell the Truth Series
Kids a so drawn into these stories! They are full of action and drama. The illustrations are wonderful. There are 15 books to choose from.
Don't Forget to Remember is one of the sweetest books I've seen. It is a precious reminder of God's love for kids.
Shout for Joy is a fabulous celebration! This Psalm 100 story has the most gorgeous illustrations. It is breathtaking and warms the heart.
In addition to reading the Bible, some kids like to have study resources as they explore God's Word. These are some of the tools we've used most often.
We try not to judge a book by the cover, but when it comes to the Illustrated Bible Dictionary, the fun and engaging cover matches the pages inside! Kids love to look for specific words or just sit and flip through the pages to see what they might discover. We had to buy a second one of these because it was so popular!
We have a few of the books from this series and students like that they can pick it up and look at just a page or two to learn something without reading the whole book in one sitting. They also like to refer back to what they've learned.
I know it seems weird to list such a brainy book in the children's resource section, but upper elementary kids like being able to look for a specific word and learn beyond what adults might expect. This book gets pulled off the shelf more frequently than I expected it would and the kids learned how to use it quickly.
Infants and Children in the Church: Five Views on Theology and Ministry is not a light read, but I did find it very interesting. It gave me insight and perspectives that I wouldn't have bumped into in my daily life. While I don't share the same theological beliefs as some of the authors, I found their voice helpful in understanding churches and church history.
I found Revolutionary Parenting to be a helpful book due to the research and data that is shared. When parents shape the spiritual lives of children, it has a lifelong impact.
Relational Children's Ministry is a book title that caught my eye right away. It did not disappoint.
Mark McCrindle is the person who gave Generation Alpha their name. This book is a great starting place for learning more about today's kids.
The Anxious Generation takes a look at why youth in multiple countries face struggles with anxiety and mental health. It takes a bold look at the factors that impact this generation.
Enduring Connections: Creating a Preschool and Children's Ministry explains why relationships are the essential component of effective ministry.
Changing the Game for Generation Alpha: Teaching and Raising Young Children in the 21st Century takes a look at the attributes of Generation Alpha and the opportunities and challenges that come with these young people.
When it comes to education, 12 Brain/Mind Learning Principles in Action: Teach for the Development of Higher-Order Thinking and Executive Function has some specific and practical research based tools.
Fifty Strategies to Boost Cognitive Engagement: Creating a Thinking Culture in the Classroom (50 Teaching Strategies to Support Cognitive Development) addresses student engagement and active learning in a way that is easy to read and helpful.
This book isn't necessarily one that I found to be a great fit in terms of programming, but it was worth the time it took me to read it. As I read it, I discovered it was encouraging and inspiring. I don't think I would use the ministry format or tools as written, but I found the kid-centered ministry philosophy to be helpful to me as I considered what works best for kids. It is rooted in the Montessori method.