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
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• Who's a Friend of the Water-Spurting Whale
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
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The Good Shepherd
Morehouse Education Resources, 2014
New York, New York
The foundational story for Godly Play in book form.Purchase from Church Publishing Inc
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I Sing a Song of the Saints of God
Morehouse Publishing Co., 1981
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Delightfully illustrated hymn with music and information about the saintsPurchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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The Dead Bird
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
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• The Runaway Bunny
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
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Wonderful Earth!
Our Street Books, 1990, 2010
Interactive with flaps and pop-ups account of creation, also calls for greater care of creationPurchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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• The Baptism Cube
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
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The 11th Commandment: Wisdom from Our Children
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
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Stu Bear: A Story about Stewardship for Young Children
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
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• Let the Whole Earth Sing Praise
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 childrenPurchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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• Look and be Grateful
Holiday House, 2015
Encourages looking to be grateful for what surrounds us, for the very young, and everyone, tooPurchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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A Day with Teddy Horsley
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
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Can You Find Jesus? Introducing Your Child to the Gospel
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
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• What is God Like?
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
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• HKands-on Bible Craft Book
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
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• Jesus
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
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• Love Is . . .
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
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• Mary Mother of Jesus
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
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Water of Baptism, Water for Life: An Activity Book
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
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• God's Little Seeds: A Book of Parables
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
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• Circle of Days
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
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• A Is for Altar B Is for Bible
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
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The Twelve Apostles
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
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• Today Is a Baptism Day
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
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Canticle: Biblical Songs Illuminated
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
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• My Baptism Book: A Child's Guide to Baptism
Church House Publishing, 2006
Good information about baptism for elementary age children; includes open-ended questions and suggestions for activitiesPurchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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The Ten Commandments for Children
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
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Words of Gold: A Treasury of the Bible's Poetry and Wisdom
Lion Publishing, London
Eerdman's Publishing, Grand Rapids, 1997 / 2000
Appealing collection of biblical passages, beautifully illustrated for upper elementary age childrenPurchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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Bible Words About Happiness for Children
Lion Publishing, 1996
London, United Kingdom
Interpreting the Beatitudes for children, "Happy are those who . . . ."Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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Bible Words About Love for Children
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
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The Giving Box: Create a Tradition of Giving with Your Children
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
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• Dog Heaven
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 diedPurchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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• Ecclesiastes: to everything there is a season
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
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• Creation
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
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Cat Heaven
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
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For Heaven's SAke
Jewish Lights Publishing, 1999
Woodstock, Vermont
Gentle story, finding heaven in unexpected placesPurchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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A Prayer for the Earth: The Story of Naamah, Noah's Wife
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
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God Said Amen
Jewish Lights Publishing, 2000
Fable shows answers to prayer coming through one another; encourages sharing, caring and cooperationPurchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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God in Between
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
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But God Remembered: Stories of Women from Creation to the Promised Land
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
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• In God's Name
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
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Noah's Ark
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
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A World of Faith
Signature Books, 2002
Salt Lake City, Utah
Nicely illustrated introduction to twenty-eight world religious traditions and Christian denominationsPurchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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In Our Image: God's First Creatures
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
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• God's Dream
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
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Let There Be Light
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
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Forest of Dreams
Dial Books for Young Readers, 1988
New York, New York
Celebrates the coming of spring as gift from GodPurchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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Mary
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
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Jesus
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
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• Old Turtle
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
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Old Turtle and the Broken Truth
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
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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Spirit!
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
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Count Your Blessings
Paulist Press, 1999
Mahwah, New Jersey
Black and white photos count blessings one to tenPurchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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Little Ways to Give God Praise
Paulist Press, 2000
Mahwah, New Jersey
Black and white photos show how everyday activities praise GodPurchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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Rejoice! Jesus Welcomes Me!
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
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A Child's Book of Prayers
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
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Things I Hear in Church
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
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Things I Do in Church
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
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Things I See in Church
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
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• Welcome, Child of God
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
Basic Books about St. Nicholas
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