Virginia Theological Seminary

Good Children’s Books about God and Faith

These are truly wonderful books—I love all of them! Some are out-of-print, but are only listed if they are readily available on the secondary book market. Copies in good condition can often be found at reasonable prices.

Out-of-print books may be found in libraries or the used book market. Both Amazon and BookFinder.com are helpful sources.

• = some of our favorites

  • • Who’s a Friend of the Water-Spurting Whale

    Baker, Sanna Anderson and Tomie De Paola, illustrator
    Chariot Books, 1987
    Elgin, Illinois

    Tomie De Paola’s beautiful, soft watercolors powerfully illumine the simple text drawn from Job, “Who tells morning, ‘Sweep the stars from the sky’? And who shapes the clouds that hang so high? Who says to thunder, ‘When lightning dances, clap’? Who says to snow, ‘Go to earth, and be quiet as a cat’? GOD”

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • The Good Shepherd

    Berryman, Jerome W.
    Morehouse Education Resources, 2014
    New York, New York

    The foundational story for Godly Play in book form.

    Purchase from Church Publishing Inc

  • I Sing a Song of the Saints of God

    Brown, Judith Gwyn, illustrator; text, Lesbia Scott
    Morehouse Publishing Co., 1981
    Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

    Delightfully illustrated hymn with music and information about the saints

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • The Dead Bird

    Brown, Margaret Wise
    Harper-Collins, 1938, 2016
    New York, New York

    A multi-ethnic group of children find a dead bird. They examine the bird and bury it, singing to the bird and marking the grave with a stone. Helpful when talking about death, whether of a person or a pet.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • • The Runaway Bunny

    Brown, Margaret Wise
    Harper & Row, 1942, 1972
    New York, New York

    This is my favorite children’s book—I’ve given it many times as a baby gift together with “Goodnight Moon.” This one, though, is deeply theological for no matter what the little bunny does to run away, his mother will be transformed to be with him; a lovely analogy for God’s love and care.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • Wonderful Earth!

    Butterworth, Nick and Mick Inkpen
    Our Street Books, 1990, 2010

    Interactive with flaps and pop-ups account of creation, also calls for greater care of creation

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • • The Baptism Cube

    Cameron, Craig
    Church House Publishing, 2006
    London, United Kingdom

    This isn’t a book, but a delightful cube about baptism. It makes a fine baptismal gift; ages 3 and up.

    Purchase from Church House Publishing

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk

  • The 11th Commandment: Wisdom from Our Children

    Children of America
    Jewish Lights Publishing, 1996
    Mahwah, New Jersey
    Available for Kindle, too

    If you could write an eleventh commandment what would it be? Children from a wide variety of churches, synagogues, and parochial schools studied the Ten Commandments and then wrote eleventh commandments. This book invites adults and children to explore ideas about God and apply them to help make the world a more holy place. Wonderful resource to use when studying the Ten Commandments. Illustrated with children’s colorful drawings. Recommended for all ages.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • Stu Bear: A Story about Stewardship for Young Children

    Delgado, Lynn Williamson
    Ecumenical Stewardship Center, 2018

    A nice introduction to stewardship for young children. Stewardship is helping, sharing, and caring—for others, the world, and oneself.

    Purchase from Ecumenical Stewardship Center

  • • Let the Whole Earth Sing Praise

    dePaola, Tomie
    Putnam, 2011

    Combining in simple text the Canticle of the Three Young Men (Benedicite) and Psalm 148 (Laudate) makes a beautiful song of praise for young children

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • • Look and be Grateful

    dePaola, Tomie
    Holiday House, 2015

    Encourages looking to be grateful for what surrounds us, for the very young, and everyone, too

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • A Day with Teddy Horsley

    Francis, Leslie and Nicola Slee
    Bible Society, 1992
    Swindon, United Kingdom

    Three stories: “Good Morning,” “The Grumpy Day,” and “Night Time.” Teddy Horsley learns to be thankful, about forgiveness, and feeling safe at night. The stories connect everyday experiences with biblical concepts. For very young children.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • Can You Find Jesus? Introducing Your Child to the Gospel

    Gallery, Philip D.
    St. Anthony Messenger Press, 1996
    Cincinnati, Ohio

    This picture journey takes readers through Jesus’ life in an imaginative and informative way. Each picture tells one story of Jesus with biblically based text and pointers for searching the pictures. Illustrations also have hidden objects associated with Jesus, as well as a contemporary child to remind readers that Jesus is for today, too. Parents’ guide in the back provide scriptural references and other helpful information. For ages 5–9.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • • What is God Like?

    Gaudrat, Marie-Agnès
    Liturgical Press, 1998

    Simple truths about God open a way to share experience of God with children: “The word of God is like a fantastic present, the more you open it up the more it gives.” “The presence of God is like the light, the light which brightens our days… The presence of God is like the wind, the wind which fills us with life.” Luminous illustrations show a variety of children and adults. Preschool - primary.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • • HKands-on Bible Craft Book

    Goodings, Christina
    Lion Hudson pic, 2012
    Oxford, England

    All ages

    16 attractive Bible crafts for Epiphany (Kings’ gifts; Light of the World)), Easter (Easter garden), Pentecost (kites), Eucharist (bread & “wine”) and 12 well-known Old Testament stories.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • • Jesus

    Grün, Anselm, illustrated by Giuliano Ferri
    translated by Laura Watkinson
    Eerdmans Books for Young People, 2014
    Grand Rapids, Michigan & Cambridge, United Kingdom

    The story of Jesus beautifully told, beginning with the angel visiting Mary, birth, at age 12, Jesus’ ministry, death and resurrection. Large picture book format, full color.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • • Love Is …

    Halperin, Wendy Anderson
    Simon & Schuster, 2001
    New York, New York

    Simple text from 1 Corinthians 13; each verse illustrated across a two page spread. One side shows scenes without the attribute, i.e., patience, and the other shows the same scenes demonstrating the alternative.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • • Mary Mother of Jesus

    Joslin, Mary and Alison Wisenfeld
    Loyola Press, 1999
    Chicago, Illinois

    Beautiful story of Jesus told by his mother, Mary. Also published by Lion in the UK.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • Water of Baptism, Water for Life: An Activity Book

    Kitch, Anne E.
    Morehouse Publishing, 2012
    New York
    Ages 8 - 11, families, too

    Activity book explores water and baptism through puzzles, word finds, scripture, and more. For ages 8-11. A good resource to help older elementary children and families deepen understanding of baptism.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • • God’s Little Seeds: A Book of Parables

    Le Tord, Bijou
    Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998

    Lovely, gentle book with soft water color illustrations, includes the parable of the sower and the mustard seed.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • • Circle of Days

    Lindbergh, Reeve, illustrated by Cathie Felstead
    Candlewick Press, 1998
    Cambridge, Massachusetts

    Beautifully illustrated picture book version of St. Francis of Assisi’s “Canticle of the Sun”

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • • A Is for Altar B Is for Bible

    Main, Judith Lang
    Liturgy Training Publications: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Publications, 2002
    Oak Park, Illinois

    An alphabet of faith, double pages for each letter: “A is for Altar, B is for Bible, C is for chalice” etc., each with a Bible verse and full page illustration. Designed especially for the Catechesis of the Good Shepard, but useful for anyone.

    Purchase from Liturgy Training Publications

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • The Twelve Apostles

    Mayer, Marianna
    Phyllis Fogelman Books, Penguin Putnam, 2000
    New York, New York

    Single page stories of the twelve drawn from scripture, apocrypha and legend are illustrated by masterworks.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • • Today Is a Baptism Day

    Moore, Anna V. Ostenso
    Church Publishing, 2018
    New York, New York
    Also available as a Kindle book

    Delightful book for all ages about baptism; it expands the concepts from the baptismal liturgy in simple, easy-to-understand language. Bright, engaging illustrations. Suggestions for families, too. Highly recommended.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • Canticle: Biblical Songs Illuminated

    Mullan, G. E. and John Shea
    World Library Publications, 2009

    Twenty biblical canticles illustrated by G. E. Mullan, with additional text by John Shea; for older readers and adults.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • • My Baptism Book: A Child’s Guide to Baptism

    Murrie, Diana
    Church House Publishing, 2006

    Good information about baptism for elementary age children; includes open-ended questions and suggestions for activities

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • The Ten Commandments for Children

    Rock, Lois
    Lion Publishing, 1995
    London, United Kingdom

    Presents the commandments as the good and right way to live—language that makes sense to children: “I am God. I have always taken care of my people. You must love and obey me only.” “Don’t let anything be more important than me.” “Do not be greedy for the things other people have.” Each commandment has a double-page spread with illustration, short explanation and prayer.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • Words of Gold: A Treasury of the Bible’s Poetry and Wisdom

    Rock, Lois
    Lion Publishing, London
    Eerdman's Publishing, Grand Rapids, 1997 / 2000

    Appealing collection of biblical passages, beautifully illustrated for upper elementary age children

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • Bible Words About Happiness for Children

    Rock, Lois
    Lion Publishing, 1996
    London, United Kingdom

    Interpreting the Beatitudes for children, “Happy are those who … .”

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • Bible Words About Love for Children

    Rock, Lois
    Lion Publishing, 1996
    London, United Kingdom

    1 Corinthians 13 for children: “Love is patient and kind.” “Love does not keep a list of past mistakes.” etc.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • The Giving Box: Create a Tradition of Giving with Your Children

    Rogers, Fred
    Running Press, 2000
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    For parents and children—ideas from Mister Rogers to encourage generosity, with eight folktales for children. Originally came with metal “Giving Box”—you can make a bank-like box to go with the book.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • Cat Heaven

    Rylant, Cynthia
    Scholastic, Blue Sky Press, 1997
    New York, New York

    Very nice book, good gift when a beloved cat dies; good ideas about heaven, but the very best ones are in “Dog Heaven”

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • • Creation

    Rylant, Cynthia
    Beach Lane Books / Simon & Schuster, 2016
    New York, New York

    All ages

    Large format picture book with simple King James text; evocative illustrations.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • • Dog Heaven

    Rylant, Cynthia
    Scholastic, Blue Sky Press, 1995
    New York, New York

    Reassuring story of what it is to be in God’s care. My all-time favorite book about heaven, good for all ages, especially when a beloved pet has died

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • • Ecclesiastes: to everything there is a season

    Rylant, Cynthia
    Beach Lane Books / Simon & Schuster, 2018
    New York, New York

    All ages

    Large format book; simple King James text with evocative illustrations.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • A Prayer for the Earth: The Story of Naamah, Noah’s Wife

    Sasso, Sandy Eisenberg
    Jewish Lights Publishing, 1996
    Woodstock, Vermont

    Based on an ancient text this tale gives a counterpoint to Noah and the animals as Naamah gathers seeds and plants. Encourages care of creation.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • • In God’s Name

    Sasso, Sandy Eisenberg
    Jewish Lights Publishing, 1994

    Everyone and everything in the world has a name. What is God’s name? This modern fable celebrates the diversity and the unity of all people while exploring concepts for God. With vibrant, engaging illustrations the text weaves together many scriptural images for God—Source of Life, Creator of Light, Shepherd, Maker of Peace, Rock, Healer, Redeemer, Ancient One, Comforter, Mother, Father, Friend—showing that all these names for God are good. Multicultural and nonsectarian.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • But God Remembered: Stories of Women from Creation to the Promised Land

    Sasso, Sandy Eisenberg
    Jewish Lights Publishing, 1995
    Woodstock, Vermont

    Stories in the Midrash tradition, giving explanation to enrich biblical accounts of four little known Hebrew women: Lilith, Serach, Bityah, and the Daughters of Z.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • God in Between

    Sasso, Sandy Eisenberg
    Jewish Lights Publishing, 1998
    Woodstock, Vermont

    Where is God? Gentle tale finds God when people are together, showing care.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • For Heaven’s SAke

    Sasso, Sandy Eisenberg
    Jewish Lights Publishing, 1999
    Woodstock, Vermont

    Gentle story, finding heaven in unexpected places

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • God Said Amen

    Sasso, Sandy Eisenberg
    Jewish Lights Publishing, 2000

    Fable shows answers to prayer coming through one another; encourages sharing, caring and cooperation

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • Noah’s Ark

    Spier, Peter
    Doubleday, 1977
    New York, New York

    Caldecott Medal book is wordless except for the poem by Jacobus Revius at the beginning; incredibly detailed illustrations show what life on the ark would really be like. All ages. Available for Kindle, too.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • A World of Faith

    Stack, Peggy Fletcher and Kathleen Peterson
    Signature Books, 2002
    Salt Lake City, Utah

    Nicely illustrated introduction to twenty-eight world religious traditions and Christian denominations

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • In Our Image: God’s First Creatures

    Swartz, Nancy Sohn
    Jewish Lights Publishing, 1998
    Woodstock, Vermont

    Creation account focusing on the creation of humankind: God making humans in God’s image drawn from all creation.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • • God’s Dream

    Tutu, Archbishop Desmond and Douglas Carlton Abrams
    Candlewick Press, 2008
    Somerville, Massachusetts

    A message of peace and hope calling each “Child of God” to share, love, and care for all God’s family to make God’s dream come true: that all people live in harmony.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • Let There Be Light

    Tutu, Desmond, illustrated by Nancy Tillman
    ZonderKidz, 2013

    A beautiful retelling of the creation story; stunning illustrations and fresh text; told in the words from Desmond Tutu’s story Bible, “Children of God”

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • Forest of Dreams

    Wells, Rosemary; Susan Jeffers, illustrator
    Dial Books for Young Readers, 1988
    New York, New York

    Celebrates the coming of spring as gift from God

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • Mary

    Wildsmith, Brian
    Oxford University Press, Oxford UK
    Wm. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, 2002

    Beautifully illustrated picture book draws Mary’s story from the Bible, the Apocryphal New Testament and the Golden Legend.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • Jesus

    Wildsmith, Brian
    Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2000

    Engaging story of Jesus with Brian Wildsmith’s detailed jewel-like illustrations; appeals to all ages.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • • Old Turtle

    Wood, Douglas, illustrated by Cheng-Khee Chee
    Pfeifer-Hamilton Publishers, 1992
    Duluth, Minnesota

    This award winning book stimulates thinking about God and the interdependence of all creatures with the earth. The watercolor illustrations draw the reader into the text. When using this book you may want to assist your group to reflect on how Christian understandings go on to complete the story. Multicultural and nonsectarian; useful for encouraging creative thought about God. Recommended for upper elementary through adults.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • Old Turtle and the Broken Truth

    Wood, Douglas, illustrated by Jon J. Muth
    Scholastic, Blue Sky Press, 2003
    New York, New York

    Contemporary fable about truth and the way to peace and harmony; all ages.

  • • Grandad’s Prayers of the Earth

    Wood, Douglas, illustrated by P. J. Lynch
    Candlewick Press, 1999
    Cambridge, Massachusetts

    Gentle story of the special relationship between a boy and his grandfather; reflection on prayer and relationships, particularly following death.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

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BOARD BOOKS

  • Spirit!

    Bratton, Heidi
    Paulist Press, 1999
    Mahwah, New Jersey

    Black and white photos illustrate the virtues of the fruits of the Spirit: children hugging for “love” and one girl giving another a ball for “kindness.”

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • Count Your Blessings

    Bratton, Heidi and Sally Anne Conan
    Paulist Press, 1999
    Mahwah, New Jersey

    Black and white photos count blessings one to ten

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • Rejoice! Jesus Welcomes Me!

    Bratton, Heidi and Sally Anne Conan
    Paulist Press, 1999
    Mahwah, New Jersey

    Black and white photos illustrate all the ways Jesus is with us: Rejoice!

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • Little Ways to Give God Praise

    Bratton, Heidi and Sally Anne Conan
    Paulist Press, 2000
    Mahwah, New Jersey

    Black and white photos show how everyday activities praise God

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • A Child’s Book of Prayers

    Hague, Michael, illustrator
    Henry Holt & Co., 1985, 1988, 2010

    Traditional prayers, nicely illustrated. Available in various editions; not for toddlers.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • Things I Do in Church

    Stiegemeyer, Julie
    Concordia Publishing House, 2002
    St. Louis, Missouri

    Simple actions, illustrated: “Listen - God speaks to us” etc.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • Things I See in Church

    Stiegemeyer, Julie
    Concordia Publishing House, 1999
    St. Louis, Missouri

    Simple basic church words shown in pictures with a phrase to expand the meaning: church, people, water, books, cup & plate, cross, and pastor. Good first “church” book.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • Things I Hear in Church

    Stiegemeyer, Julie
    Concordia Publishing House, 2002
    St. Louis, Missouri

    Simple book identifies sounds: “Bells - We hear God’s call, Hymns - We hear God’s songs” etc.

    Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca

  • • Welcome, Child of God

    Ylvisaker, Anne
    Augsburg Fortress, 2010

    A baptism book for young children and families. A nice baptismal gift. Music on the back cover enables singing the text.

    Purchase from Augsburg Fortress

More Books About St. Nicholas
Basic Books about St. Nicholas
Picture Books for Younger Children (and all ages)
Picture Books for Older Children
Books for Older Children
Saints Books for Adults
Saints Books for Children
Activity & Resource Books>
Christmas Books with St. Nicholas
Related Books
Books in Other Languages
Children’s Books in Other Languages

Digital Media
Books for the Church Year and more
Church Year General Resource Books
Advent, Christmas & Epiphany Resource Books
Lent, Easter & Pentecost Resource Books
Children’s Books
Church Year & Holiday Cycle Books
Christmas Books
Spring & Easter Books
Story Bibles for Children
Children’s Books about God and Faith
Books of Prayers