Christmas is coming, and whether you’ve been collecting gifts since July or whether you’re one of those last-minute shoppers, I have a few books to add to your “Must-Give List” (We all have one of those, right?).
Be forewarned…All of these gift ideas are books (but you knew that). If you don’t like reading (or giving!) books, this probably isn’t the list for you. But if you do…Read on!
And, just a little encouragement. Yes, it’s easier to order on Amazon (or from Barnes and Noble), but if you can plan ahead, go out and find a local bookstore to support! You may find a new favorite reading spot, and even if the shop doesn’t have the book you’re looking for, theyprobably can order one for you. With that in mind…for this post, I’m not going to give you links.
Books About the Birthday Boy (Jesus, that is)
I’m always on the lookout for a GREAT book that tells the story of Bible accurately and in a way that will make the truth come alive. In other words, these are not “boring Bible stories”.
Jesus Calling for Little Ones
(Sarah Young and Antonia Woodward)
Best for ages… 1-4
Why we recommend it… This little devotional is packed with hope, joy, and truth. I particularly love the inclusion of a page about laughter and the final page about staying close to Jesus. The illustrations are beautiful and relevant to young children. You can read one page or the whole book, and you and your child can enjoy basking in God’s love together.
Tales that Tell the Truth Collection
Best for ages… 2-8* These have a wide range of appeal and application. Your children’s understanding of the intricacies of each story and the humor of the illustrations will grow with them.
Why we recommend it… These are absolutely my favorite Bible Story books. We own several of these, and we like them SO MUCH, that we just keep giving more away! Once you see them, the reasons will be obvious. First, they are beautiful. The illustrations are so kid friendly and fun. They are also packed with truth-filled details that enhance the stories being told and allude to others. Even without the text, the illustrations could provide a springboard for discussion with older children (i.e. Why do you think the illustrator drew the serpent with legs? Which parable does this picture make you think of? What do you notice about the way different people in God’s family look?).
Additionally, the deep theological truths of these stories are presented using language and concepts that children can easily grasp. Each story has a primary “take-away”, but there are many additional lessons that can be learned along the way. I would encourage you to build a library of these (Think birthday gifts, Easter baskets, Christmas…)and collect them all. But, if I had to pick two MUST haves, I would suggest pairing The Garden, the Curtain, and the Cross and The Storm that Stopped. But really. Don’t stop there. You won’t regret it! There are also supplemental coloring books available that accompany the books, AND some of these are available in SPANISH and Korean.
The Garden, the Curtain, and the Cross: An overview of the gospel from creation to Revelation
(Carl Laferton and Catalina Echeverri)
The Storm that Stopped: Jesus calms the storm and demonstrates he is God
(Alison Mitchell and Catalina Echeverri)
The Christmas Promise: Jesus is the Forever King who was promised to Israel
(Alison Mitchell and Catalina Echeverri)
God’s Very Good Idea: People are made in God’s image, he wants us to love him and each other, and the church is God’s beautiful, diverse family
(Trillia Newbell and Catalina Echeverri)
The Friend Who Forgives: Jesus forgives Peter, and he will forgive you
(Dan DeWitt and Catalina Echeverri)
Goodbye to Goodbyes (February 2019): Lazarus is raised from the dead
(Lauren Chandler and Catalina Echeverri)
The Jesus Storybook Bible
(Sally Lloyd-Jones and Jago)
Best for ages… 4-10 (But our two-year-old loves it too!)
Why we recommend it… There is so much to like about this children’s Bible. The stories are written in a way that highlights Jesus (“Every story whispers his name”) and presents the gospel from beginning to end. There are supplemental CDs with the stories read aloud, and you can also find many of them in video form online.
I AM: 40 Reasons to Trust God
(Diane Stortz and Diane Le Feyer)
Best for ages… 6-11
Why we recommend it… This is a collection of Bible stories that go from Genesis to Revelation using different names of God to frame each story. There are accompanying verses to memorize and kid-friendly explanations of what each of God’s names means and how they can trust him. The illustrations are beautiful, and you can do SO much with this book. Older children could read the stories alone, but you could also be read and discuss each story and its implications as a family. And, as the title suggests, the book is focused on reasons to trust God. And there are lots of reasons, aren’t there?
Fiction Fun:
The Wall in the Middle of the Book
(Jon Agee)
Best for ages… 3-7
Why we recommend it… With simple, humorous illustrations and a subtle message about our preconceived notions and prejudices, this book is one to add to your collection.
Dog Loves Drawing
(Louise Yates)
Best for ages… 3-7
Why we recommend it… It’s creative and fun, and you’ll get to follow Dog’s drawing adventures from start to finish.
Chalk
(Bill Thomson)
Best for ages… 4-8 (But it’s wordless, so younger and older kids will like it too!)
Why we recommend it… The artwork in ALL of Bill Thomson’s books (Look them up!) is just amazing! They are photo-realistic and draw you into an imaginative story that literally brings the creativity of three children to life in some of the best (and worst) ways. I won’t give away too much though. You’ll just have to take my word for it!
Snow White and the 77 Dwarfs
(Davide Cali and Raphaelle Barbanegre)
Best for ages… 4-8 (and mothers of young children)
Why we recommend it… This new take on Snow White is really made for moms, but kids will get a kick out of it too. What if Snow White was charged with taking care of 77 sloppy dwarfs? Well…she’d be exhausted wouldn’t she! The colorful artwork and the “ha-ha” ending make this one to give to your princess-loving family members.
Great Nonfiction:
Terrific Tongues
(Maria Gianferrari and Jia Liu)
Best for ages… 4-8
Why we recommend it… This is one of the most fun non-fiction books I’ve seen in a while! It’s packed with facts, but it’s written and illustrated in a way that made me forget that I was learning. Plus, the facts about different animal tongue designs are just cool! God is pretty creative.
This is How We Do It
(Matt Lamothe)
Best for ages… 5-10
Why we recommend it… This book presents the lives of seven real families from seven real places around the world. It is interesting and engaging (although given its nature, younger listeners may not have the attention span for the whole thing).
Today
(Julie Morstad)
Best for ages… 3-6
Why we recommend it… Today is made to be read together! It’s a book about choices, and as you read it with your child, you’ll learn more about what they like, what they don’t like, how they feel, and who they are.
Your turn! What books are on your “Must-Give List” this year?
P.S. Celebrate Life!
To this day, Sophia still requests on a daily basis to read the first book on the list, “Jesus Calling For Little Ones,” and she even “reads it to herself” (AKA flips through the pages on her own on her way to sleep). With repeatedly telling this story, I’ve memorized the truths it tells so now these reassurances of God’s grace and mercy are not only imprinted on Sophia’s heart but also my own. Thank you so much for giving it as a truly life-changing Christmas gift two years ago, my friend! P.S. Sophia’s finally old enough to really start to get into being patient enough to read “The Garden, The Curtain and The Cross, ” “The Storm that Stopped,” and “God’s Very Good Idea.” Love you and your insights into discipleship with our children! 🙂
I love this! Thanks for sharing, Agnes!