RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES
Storybook Bibles | Family Devotion / Worship | Parent Guides | Sex, Sexuality & Gender
Children & Teen Books/Devotionals | Advent & Christmas | Easter | God Made Me Series
Storybook Bibles
by Ella K. Lindvall
Sure to move to the top of bedtime "read it again" lists! Bright illustrations and easily understandable text make each entry in this award-winning series a hit with toddler-age children. The action-packed accounts of Zaccheus, Jesus, "The Man Who Said Thank You," and others prompt little ones to consider God's love and care.
by David R. Helm
The Bible is a big book, about a big God, who keeps a big promise! Everyone loves a good story—especially children! But what we sometimes overlook is that the Bible is more than a collection of great stories. It is the real account of God’s love for the world. The Big Picture Story Bible presents this remarkable true story. Simple words and striking illustrations unfold the storyline of God’s Word from Genesis to Revelation. All ages will enjoy this exciting discovery of a God who keeps his big promise. Download a free audio reading at BigPictureStoryBible.com.
by Jared Kennedy
The Beginners Gospel Story Bible is a gospel-centered, Bible storybook for toddlers and preschoolers with fifty-two Bible stories retold in a simple and compelling way. Author Jared Kennedy traces through the stories of the Old and New Testament how God keeps his promises in surprising ways better than anyone could have ever thought or imagined! Each story highlights for young children Gods story of redemption through Jesus and the unexpected ways that God's grace and mercy are revealed throughout the Bible.
Children will hear the good news of God's love for them clearly expressed in ways that will speak to their young hearts. Each story ends with a question that parents and caregivers can use to further reinforce the story. Brightly colored illustrations highlight each story and add fun teaching elements of counting, opposites, patterns, and object recognition to keep the youngest child's attention.
by L. J. Sattgast
Children love the soothing sound of rhyme! And now they can enjoy thirty-five delightful, classic Bible stories retold in lilting verse and rollicking, read-aloud rhyme in this new updated edition of The Rhyme Bible Storybook. From the story of creation, to the resurrection of Jesus, this is the perfect choice for parents who want to introduce their children to the Word of God.
by Kenneth N. Taylor
Even little children can understand great truths spoken in simple words. When these truths come to life through pictures, children receive an indelible impression that can last forever. This read-aloud book will give your children an unforgettable introduction to the Bible. The Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes has been a family favorite for more than 45 years. This updated version of the classic, for children ages 4 to 7, features completely new illustrations by Annabel Spenceley and simple sentence prayers to end each story.
by Kenneth N. Taylor
"Jacob played a mean trick on his brother. Later, Jacob told Esau he wanted to be friends again. Esau ran to meet Jacob and they hugged each other!" Simple text and serene illustrations make this storybook an ideal way to introduce your very young children to Bible passages. A Child's First Bible is a collection of 125 well-known Bible stories retold by Dr. Kenneth Taylor. Simple questions at the end of each selection are designed to highlight important truths. Perfect for taking to church or using at home, this colorfully illustrated first Bible is sure to be a favorite with young children. 262 pages.
by Marty Machowski
Can a Bedtime Story Actually Change Your Life? It is easy to forget Jesus in the midst of frantic schedules, family squabbles, and conflicting priorities. But the truth is that he is the hero of every story, including these ordinary ones. This is why Marty Machowski puts God's plan of salvation in Christ on continuous display in The Gospel Story Bible. The easy-to-read storybook introduces your family to many captivating people, places, and events from the Bible's Old and New Testaments, showing how each one ultimately points to Jesus. As you share these Bible Stories together, you and your family will meet Jesus and learn a new, life-changing way of recognizing Christ as the hero of every story. Vibrant illustrations by A. E. Macha, child-friendly discussion questions, and Scripture references accompany each narrative to help you lead your family in exploring the Bible. You will be delighted to discover how easily even a young child can understand the original text of a story that he or she has already come to love. Ideal as a storybook for your preschooler, a devotional for your grade school student, a refresher for the adult believer, or an introduction for the new one, The Gospel Story Bible is also a companion to Long Story Short: Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God and the forthcoming Gospel Story Sunday School curriculum.
by Sally Lloyd-Jones
The Moonbeam Award Gold Medal Winner in the religion category, The Jesus Storybook Bible tells the Story beneath all the stories in the Bible. At the center of the Story is a baby, the child upon whom everything will depend. Every story whispers his name. From Noah to Moses to the great King David---every story points to him. He is like the missing piece in a puzzle---the piece that makes all the other pieces fit together. From the Old Testament through the New Testament, as the Story unfolds, children will pick up the clues and piece together the puzzle. A Bible like no other, The Jesus Storybook Bible invites children to join in the greatest of all adventures, to discover for themselves that Jesus is at the center of God's great story of salvation---and at the center of their Story too.
Kaleidoscope is here to get kids excited about reading the Bible by writing every book of the Bible, in beautifully designed single volumes, at an elementary level.
“For every parent who has struggled with the transition between the Jesus Storybook Bible and an NIV, ESV, or NASB translation…we are the transitional resource you’ve been looking for. “
by Starr Meade
“Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,for his wondrous works to the children of man!” -Psalm 107:8
We want our children to know the God we love and worship, but communicating abstract truths about God can sometimes be difficult. It's good for us and for our children that God wants to be known. So he doesn't simply tell us what he's like; he shows us in the stories of the Bible. As the sequel to Mighty Acts of God, this volume tells 90 more stories from the Bible, beginning with the account of God creating Eve and ending with the epic visions in Revelation. Each story highlights an aspect of God's character and includes a helpful discussion guide to help the whole family see and understand the wondrous works of God!
by Karyn Henley
Popular children's author Karyn Henley, author of The Beginner's Bible, has created a unique tool to help children establish Bible-reading habits for a lifetime--with an investment of just seven minutes per day. In this revised version of God's Story, daily Bible readings lead readers ages seven and up through the Scriptures in just one year. The Day by Day Kid's Bible bridges the gap between a Bible storybook and a full-text Bible since the Scriptures are simplified for young readers. New features include dated Bible readings for every day of the year, two-color interior, and full-color pictorial time line of events.
by Catherine F. Vos
Originally published in 1935, this beloved Bible storybook is still a favorite with todays children, parents, and teachers (including Ruth Bell Graham). More than 200 stories from the Old and New Testaments are retold in simple language appropriate for 4- to 12-year-olds, while remaining faithful to Scripture. Colorful illustrations enhance the text.
Publication Date: 9/1/1983
Pages: 382
Reading Level: Age 4 and Up
by Elsie Egermeier
Beloved for generations, Egermeier's® Bible Story Book has sold millions of copies and continues to bring Bible stories to life for children and adults around the world. Many of us remember this classic story book as the first one from which our parents and Sunday school teachers taught us. This newly updated version carries on an outstanding tradition of excellence.
Features 312 bible stories from Genesis to Revelation (Old and New Testaments). Engaging, easy-to-understand writing style has captivated children for generations. Biblically accurate without doctrinal bias. 122 full-color, full-page illustrations by artist Clive Uptton.
Here's the most complete picture Bible ever! And it features a captivating, up-to-date artwork style--making it the perfect Bible for today's visually focused culture. The Action Bible presents 215 fast-paced narratives in chronological order, making it easier to follow the Bible’s historical flow--and reinforcing the build-up to its thrilling climax. The stories in The Action Bible communicate clearly and forcefully to contemporary readers. This compelling blend of clear writing plus dramatic images offers an appeal that crosses all age boundaries. Brazilian artist Sergio Cariello has created attention-holding illustrations marked by rich coloring, dramatic shading and lighting, bold and energetic designs, and emotionally charged figures. Let this epic rendition draw you into all the excitement of the world's most awesome story.
Family Devotion / Worship
by Kate Hox, Joe Hox (Illustrator)
Children learn from the earliest age that Jesus loves them and that they should love him back, but do they really understand who Jesus is? In Who is Jesus?, Joe and Kate Hox combine illustrations and deep thoughts simply shared to bring forty word pictures of Jesus to life. Forty pictures of Jesus--twenty stories from the Old Testament and twenty stories from the New Testament--will guide family devotions and encourage rich conversations about who Jesus is, why he came to earth, and how we can get to know him now. The pictures tell stories about arks, rams caught in a thicket, snakes, sticks, rocks, shepherds, sheep, water, bread, and so much more. Each picture of Jesus includes a captivating illustration, a key verse to remember, Bible passages to discuss, a family devotion to read, reflection questions, and a song. Families will explore together the rich imagery of the Bible and learn about God's great love for his people through Jesus Christ his Son.
Who is Jesus? can be used any time throughout the year. This book is especially helpful to guide families through the forty days of Lent leading up to Easter.
by Jared Kennedy, Trish Mahoney
Understanding the different parts of a worship service can be confusing for any young child. One minute everyone is singing loudly, the next everyone is sitting and listening quietly. Sometimes the adults know something that should be said out loud, like, “Thanks be to God!” How did they know what to say? What is communion all about? And why does the pastor raise his hands and pray at the end of the service? Using the vision of Isaiah 6, God Made Me for Worship by Jared Kennedy focuses on teaching kids about the key liturgical movements in a worship gathering, including the call to worship, praise and adoration, confession, assurance and passing the peace, ministry of the Word and sacraments, and benediction and sending. This bright and colorful children’s book illustrated by Trish Mahoney celebrates how God reveals himself to his people in the movements of worship. All the parts of worship tell the story of the gospel, and since Jesus is the object of our worship, his story of redemption gives shape to our worship. The author guides parents to help their kids understand why we’re intentional about worship, encouraging them to engage—not just to manage behavior during a worship gathering, and invites children to respond to God along with the whole church body.
God Made Me for Worship is part of the God Made Me series which equips parents to have important, impactful conversations with their children, helping them to grow in understanding of God, themselves, and others. Each book in the series contains a special section just for parents and caregivers that provides biblical guidance and offers additional information and resources for talking about the topic addressed in the story.
Jason Helopoulos encourages the church to embrace the important part children play in the life of the church and unfolds the enormous blessings to be found in having them present in the worship services of the congregation. He points out how the struggles are temporary - whereas the blessings can be eternal.
In the history of the church, family worship has been one of the Christian family's strongest characteristics. In A Neglected Grace, Pastor Jason Helopoulos calls parents and church leaders to reclaim the practice of family worship. This indispensable means of grace directs our children to seek Christ daily, preparing them to go out into the world as fully functioning Christian adults, who love Christ and see all of life in relation to Him.
This short book offers parents practical guidance for leading their families in daily worship of God through reading Scripture, praying together, and singing songs. Includes an accessible discussion guide to use with the whole family. (88 pages)
by Susan Hunt, Richie Hunt
These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Deuteronomy 6:6-7a Your children are a blessing from God. A gift that brings an abundance of joy and the privilege of teaching them God's ways. When they're young their potential to learn is amazing. And because actions and beliefs go hand in hand, the lessons they learn from you now will shape their lives forever. This wonderful book, with its easy-to-use story format, can help you teach the basic truths of the Christian faith to your children. They'll learn right along with Caleb and Cassie that God's ways are the best--and that even as kids, they can live for His glory every day.
by Susan Hunt
Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee. -Psalm 119:11 Knowing the Bible can help you know God better. Here is a colorful, story-filled way for even the youngest child to take God's Word to heart--and learn the alphabet too! Presented in an easy-to-use story format that applies individual Bible verses to real-life situations, this illustrated book for 3- to 7-year-olds is perfect for reading to your children or grandchildren, and great for use in churches, Christian schools, Bible clubs, or home schools. It can also be easily adapted for family devotions with young children. The ABCs are building blocks to your child's formal education. And these verses are the building blocks of the soul--the building blocks that can lead to eternal life.
by Susan Hunt, Richie Hunt
B—Because your steadfast love is betterthan life, my lips will praise you. Psalm 63:3 The Psalms teach us to praise God as they talk about how great God really is! This colorfully illustrated children’s book presents a verse from Psalms alongside each letter of the alphabet with an engaging story—helping kids to memorize verses from the Psalms, learn their ABCs, grow in their relationship with God, and understand why God is worthy of our worship.
by Nancy Guthrie
Getting the kids to turn off the TV and video games is challenge enough--let alone gathering as a family to read and discuss the Bible! One Year of Dinner Table Devotions & Discussion Starters helps families start where they are already gathered together on a daily basis--around the dinner table. As the meal comes to a close, family members can take turns turning to the dinner-table devotion for that day, designed to be done together as a family in 10 to 15 minutes. The result is a meaningful daily discussion in which every family member can participate, drawing the whole family closer to God . . . and each other.
"One Year of Dinner Table Devotions by Nancy Guthrie has been a great way for my family to consistently come together to read God's Word, discuss, and pray. It has a good balance of depth and accessibility for kids and adults. For us, we use it right before sleep. With the youngest reading the Bible verses, we have fun trying to guess where the Bible verses are from. Recommended age 7+ for the youngest member of the family.” —Gi Yoon-Huang, CTK member & parent
By Jessica Thompson
Children need more than behavior modification.They need the gospel. But every parent knows how hard it can be to communicate the truth of God’s Word and the message of God’s grace in a way that engages the hearts, minds, and affections of the little ones we love so much. Assisting parents with this high calling, Jessica Thompson offers us an alternative to merely telling our kids what they must do to please God and be a “good Christian.” Designed for the whole family, this collection of gospel-centered devotionals will help you teach your children to treasure and rely on Jesus more than anything else. Read two sample devotions.
"[My] kids pick it up on their own to go back to stories as it discusses emotions and challenging circumstances that are incredibly relatable for kids. It also uses very easy but rich language about how the gospel can be applied in the circumstances. I highly recommend it." —Lara Kastelein, CTK Nursery Coordinator
by Karyn Henley
Sword Fighting? Precisely! When Jesus was tempted, he reached for his sword—the written Word of God. Using the power of Scripture memory, this book will equip your elementary-age children to fight temptation and strengthen their character. But Is It Fun? Absolutely! Sword Fighting can be played as part of family or personal devotions and home-school Bible study to help child learn to use the Word of God in daily decision making.
"[Sword Fighting] is a companion to Henley's Day by Day Kid's Bible* (which is a chronological bible for kids that we have been reading at dinner for a few years now as it really has been encouraging to all of us). It has a weekly bible verse to memorize and daily readings that go along with the topic. A topic may be "kindness" or "self-control" or "responsibility." You do not need the bible to use the Sword Fighting devotional though.” —Lara Kastelein, CTK Nursery Coordinator
[*Note, inside the pages of Sword Fighting, this bible is referred to as God's Story Bible (its former title).]
by Marty Machowski
Transform Your Family with Ten Minutes a Day in the Gospel Story Christian parents know the importance of passing the gospel story on to their children, yet we live in a busy world filled with distractions. Schedules collide, there is homework and yard work and dishes and laundry, the car s oil should be changed, there are phone calls to make...and before you know it, everyone is getting to bed late again. The Bible can seem like a long story for an active family to read, but when you break it down into short sections, as Marty Machowski does, family devotions are easy to do. Long Story Short will help busy parents share with their children how every story in the Old Testament points forward to God s story of salvation through Jesus Christ. You won t find a more important focus for a family devotional than a daily highlighting of the gospel of grace. Clever stories and good moral lessons may entertain and even help children, but the gospel will transform children. The gospel is deep enough to keep the oldest and wisest parents learning and growing all their lives, yet simple enough to transform the heart of the first grader who has just begun to read. Ten minutes a day, five days a week is enough time to pass on the most valuable treasure the world has ever known. Long Story Short is a family devotional program designed to explain God s plan of salvation through the Old Testament and is suitable for children from preschool through high school.
by Marty Machowski
Easy-to-Use Devotional Helps Parents Share the Living Gospel Story! Old Story New makes it easy for parents to stay on the life-giving course of sharing the gospel story with their family. This second volume in Marty Machowski's family devotional series continues the gospel story begun in the Old Testament devotional, Long Story Short. Using the same effective ten-minute a day structure, it connects children to living gospel truth through 78 New Testament stories. Simple discussion questions (and answers) for each day's devotion help children understand and connect the story of salvation to their own lives. Old Story New, part of the Gospel Story for Kids program, is suitable for children from preschool through high school.
by Bruce A. Ware
Equips parents to guide their young children through all major doctrines in an understandable, chapter-a-day format. Sure, it's easy to teach your children the essentials of Christian theology when you're a theology professor. But what about the rest of us? With Big Truths for Young Hearts, Bruce Ware, (you guessed it!) a theology professor, encourages and enables parents of children 6-14 years of age to teach through the whole of systematic theology at a level their children can understand. Parents can teach their children the great truths of the faith and shape their worldviews early, based on these truths. The book covers ten topics of systematic theology, devoting several brief chapters to each subject, making it possible for parents to read one chapter per day with their children. With this non-intimidating format, parents will be emboldened to be their children's primary faith trainers-and perhaps learn a few things themselves along the way.
by Kenneth N. Taylor, Jenny Brake
Encourage your little ones to learn and grow with God with Everything a Child Should Know About God from bestselling author Kenneth N. Taylor. Designed for parents to read aloud to children, this hardbound book features whimsical illustrations throughout, each chapter has a brief explanation and a related question to pose to children. Dr. Taylor explains in child-friendly language the essential Bible truths you want your child to know, such as why Jesus came to earth and how the Holy Spirit helps us.
by Nancy Guthrie
Best-selling author Nancy Guthrie and much loved illustrator Jenny Brake team up on this biblical theology of prayer for children. Nancy explains in child-friendly language what prayer is, how and why we should pray, and the things we can pray about. There is a Bible verse for each topic, and a prayer for children to make their own. This book will introduce children to the gift of prayer and will encourage them to enjoy speaking to their father God.
by G. I Williamson
First Catechism is an effective tool for teaching the truths of the Reformed faith in simple, straightforward language. 150 questions and answers, illustrations to color, numbers to mark progress. 40 pages, 5x7.5 inches.
by Starr Meade
Nature reveals majestic truths about God—truths that help us know him better. God's Mighty Acts in Creation helps children recognize those wonders, and what they tell us about their Creator. As Starr Meade, author of Mighty Acts of God, guides young readers through the six days of creation, she points to how creation displays the wisdom and power of God. She also helps readers explore and apply other references to nature in the Bible by answering questions such as: What did Jesus mean when he claimed to be the true vine? How is all flesh like grass, and how should that affect the way we live? What was God revealing about himself when he made the sun stand still for Joshua? Each reading includes a key verse, stimulating questions, and engaging activities, all geared toward elementary-aged children. Whether parents use this book for family devotions or children read it for themselves, all will learn how God's glory, wisdom, sovereignty, and power are revealed in all of creation. This is a companion volume to God’s Mighty Acts in Salvation.
by Starr Meade
Long before we reach adulthood, the gospel ought to be shaping our lives. Paul taught the core truths of the gospel in his letter to the Galatians, and this collection of interactive readings for preteens applies those truths in understandable ways. Each reading begins with a key verse and then highlights one element of the gospel in everyday terms, followed by questions and activities that reinforce Paul’s teaching. Meade guides young readers to a full picture of God's saving work, as well as a real understanding of other doctrinal concepts such as justification by faith alone, the priority of Scripture, the requirements for apostleship, and the relationship between the old and new covenants. For parents and teachers who want to awaken young hearts to a lifelong commitment to the gospel, God's Mighty Acts in Salvation is a great resource. This is a companion volume to God's Mighty Acts in Creation.
by Starr Meade
In each generation, the church's most critical task is to uphold and proclaim the truth as it was delivered by the Lord. One important aspect of this task is the dililgent preparation of the church's children to continue to be the support pillar of the truth in the generation to come. With Training Hearts, and Teaching Minds, teaching the Shorter Catechism to your family has never been easier. This book of daily readings contains a question and answer from the catechism with six days' worth of devotional readings for each question (with 107 questions total). We must fulfill our responsibility now, so that we will be able to say with assurance, as Paul said to Timothy, "Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus."
Supplies two needs: (1) profitable, useable material for family devotions and (2) a practical guide for parents helping their children learn the catechism.
by Starr Meade
Starr Meade enables families with school-age children to participate in satisfying devotions together by taking them through The Heidelberg Catechism explaining its answers in short devotional readings accompanied by relevant Bible passages.
by Sally Michael
God's Promises
Help your young children to learn to trust in God's promises that are revealed throughout the Bible with this full-color, illustrated guide. Includes personal applications and suggestions for activities that will engage children as they learn. Excellent for early elementary-age children.
God’s Design
This full-color guide teaches children about God’s design for men and women. In easy-to-understand language, parents will be able to teach their children how God made us in his image, how sin distorts God’s good design, and how they can pursue godly manhood and womanhood. Each chapter explores what the Bible teaches about husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, marriage and singleness, and more. As children discover the beauty in God’s design, they will learn to be thankful for how they are made and to glorify God in how they treat others of the same and different gender. Each chapter includes application questions and activities.
God’s Names
An ideal tool for parents to teach their early elementary age children about God's character expressed through his names in the Bible. Each chapter ends with personal application and activity.
Includes helpful guide to enable parents engage in spiritual dialogue with their children, and also includes interactive elements to maintain attention and teach.
by Ruth Younts
Question: What do our kids need? Answer: They need wisdom. "Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom." Proverbs 4:7 Designed for parents or teachers to use with children from Grade K-4, twenty-three lessons illustrate qualities of wisdom and godliness. Each lesson is presented in a simple format with illustrations to capture the attention of the child, and supplemented at the back of the book with suggestions for teaching the lesson.
Every child of God - both adults and children - should work hard to show these traits more and more, because we love Jesus and want to be like him. That's easier said than done, isn't it? We struggle with sin every day, and we will fail. The lessons remind us that when we do, we will find forgiveness and the grace to continue to get wisdom at the foot of the Cross.
by Heather Molendyk
Like the wise man in Scripture, we want our children's spiritual foundations to run deep, providing stability and protection. With training to set their minds on God's truth and anchor them to resources that have strengthened the Church for centuries, our children can stand strong when their faith is tested by doubt and the storms of life.
Building Little Pillars equips them with strong supports! Through Bible memory, Bible stories, hands-on learning, and life applications of spiritual truths found in the Apostles’ Creed, the Ten Commandments, and the Lord’s Prayer, Building Little Pillars lays a firm foundation for covenant children as they begin their journey of faith.
Parent guides
Jason Helopoulos encourages the church to embrace the important part children play in the life of the church and unfolds the enormous blessings to be found in having them present in the worship services of the congregation. He points out how the struggles are temporary - whereas the blessings can be eternal.
In the history of the church, family worship has been one of the Christian family's strongest characteristics. In A Neglected Grace, Pastor Jason Helopoulos calls parents and church leaders to reclaim the practice of family worship. This indispensable means of grace directs our children to seek Christ daily, preparing them to go out into the world as fully functioning Christian adults, who love Christ and see all of life in relation to Him.
This short book offers parents practical guidance for leading their families in daily worship of God through reading Scripture, praying together, and singing songs. Includes an accessible discussion guide to use with the whole family. (88 pages)
by Bruce A. Ware
Equips parents to guide their young children through all major doctrines in an understandable, chapter-a-day format. Sure, it's easy to teach your children the essentials of Christian theology when you're a theology professor. But what about the rest of us? With Big Truths for Young Hearts, Bruce Ware, (you guessed it!) a theology professor, encourages and enables parents of children 6-14 years of age to teach through the whole of systematic theology at a level their children can understand. Parents can teach their children the great truths of the faith and shape their worldviews early, based on these truths. The book covers ten topics of systematic theology, devoting several brief chapters to each subject, making it possible for parents to read one chapter per day with their children. With this non-intimidating format, parents will be emboldened to be their children's primary faith trainers-and perhaps learn a few things themselves along the way.
by John Kwasny
God's Word teaches us that the home is to be the primary location of the discipleship of children. Parents are charged for teach the Scripture to the next generation, and calling upon their children to love God and embrace Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. Yet, the reality is that many parents find it a challenge to have meaningful substantive conversations about the gospel and what it means to follow Jesus.
Established in the Faith will help guide your conversations systematically so that you can help your child build a foundational knowledge of God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Church. It also includes prompts to help you share your own faith story. Each of the 12 Conversations are grounded in God's Word and will encourage your child to think deeply about what it means to be a follower of Christ.
by Stephen Smallman
This helpful, practical booklet encourages Christian parents to raise their children in a spirit of faith rather than anxiety, emphasizing the importance of bringing children to Jesus for his blessing. The author goes on to explain the meaning of regeneration and conversion as they relate to children raised in Christian families.
by Robbie Fox Castleman
"Daddy, I'd like you to meet my children." That's Robbie Castleman's attitude about taking her children to church. She believes that Sunday morning isn't a success if she has only managed to keep the kids quiet. And she knows there's more to church for kids than trying out their new coloring books. Children are at church for the same reason as their parents: for the privilege of worshiping God. Worship, Castleman writes, is "the most important thing you can ever train your child to do." So with infectious passion, nitty-gritty advice and a touch of humor, she shows you how to help your children (from toddlers to teenagers) enter into worship. In this significantly revised and updated edition Castleman includes a new preface and two new appendices that provide new perspectives on children's sermon and intergenerational community. She also provides a study guide for personal reflection or group discussion. More than ever, Parenting in the Pew is essential reading for parents and worship leaders who want to help children make joyful noises unto the Lord.
by Karen Mains
From the dawn of creation God designated the Sabbath as a time for worship and spiritual renewal as well as a much needed physical respite from the mundane cares of the world. Yet many Christians spend this holy day as they would any other—scrambling to get ready in the morning, fighting traffic and worrying about parking, coming home exhausted in the afternoon, and spending the evening in front of the television.
In this insightful, encouraging, and delightful book, best-selling author Karen Mains challenges Christians to celebrate Sunday with a sabbath heart—to make the Lord’s Day so special that there are three days of anticipation … and so meaningful that it continues to nurture for three days afterward.
by Paul David Tripp
This book by Paul David Tripp sets forth fourteen practical and gospel-centered principles that help parents view their role through the lens of God's grace, radically changing the way they think about every interaction with their children.
by Tony Reinke
Do You Control Your Phone—Or Does Your Phone Control You? Within a few years of its unveiling, the smartphone had become part of us, fully integrated into the daily patterns of our lives. Never offline, always within reach, we now wield in our hands a magic wand of technological power we have only begun to grasp. But it raises new enigmas, too. Never more connected, we seem to be growing more distant. Never more efficient, we have never been more distracted.
Drawing from the insights of numerous thinkers, published studies, and his own research, writer Tony Reinke identifies twelve potent ways our smartphones have changed us—for good and bad. Reinke calls us to cultivate wise thinking and healthy habits in the digital age, encouraging us to maximize the many blessings, to avoid the various pitfalls, and to wisely wield the most powerful gadget of human connection ever unleashed.
by Kara E. Powell
The Sticky Faith Guide for Your Family addresses one of the top current concerns about youth and the church: the reality that nearly half of all young people raised in Christian families walk away from their faith when they graduate from high school. That’s the bad news. But here’s the good news: research also shows that parents are one of the primary influences on their child’s faith. What can you do to help them establish a lasting spiritual foundation? Drawing on the field-tested "Sticky Faith" action plan, Powell shares 100 practical, biblically based ideas to help you equip young adults with the tools they need to remain---and flourish---in Christ. 239 pages.
by Leslie Vernick
Moms want to be close to their daughters. Daughters (for the most part) want a good relationship with their moms. But when that relationship is strained by one person s attempt to control and manipulate, closeness is replaced by hurt, disappointment, anger, and fear. Leslie Vernick shares two stories of moms and daughters who learned how to move beyond the cycle of manipulation and control and give and share love honestly and without fear. By revealing how Christ calls and empowers us to love, she offers hope and practical help in breaking these destructive patterns of relating. 24 pages.
by Timothy A. Sisemore
Are you bringing up your children the way God wants you to? Of Such is the Kingdom re-examines the tasks of parenting and care of children in the church from a Biblical and theological point of view. This foundation is seriously lacking in current Christian literature - too often books skirt around difficult questions as the spiritual nature of children and the place of children in the church. Timothy Sisemore here builds a practical approach to parenting and children's ministry. He also reviews biblical guidelines on discipline and control yet goes beyond this to how to train up children to be godly. He suggests ways in which this can be done in both family and church settings. Subjects covered include - Christian parenting in a hostile world, educating children spiritually and academically, Cultivating godliness, disciplining and discipling, how are children saved? The Church's responsibility towards its children, children's involvement in worship and sacraments, how to develop a biblical / theological base to minister to children in all aspects of family and church life.
by Andy Crouch
Making conscientious choices about technology in our families is more than just using internet filters and determining screen time limits for our children. It's about developing wisdom, character, and courage in the way we use digital media rather than accepting technology's promises of ease, instant gratification, and the world's knowledge at our fingertips. And it's definitely not just about the kids.
Alongside in-depth research from Barna Group that shows how families are wrestling with technology's new realities, Andy Crouch takes parents beyond the typical questions of what, where, and when to show us that in a world full of devices, there's a way to choose a better life than we've imagined.
sex, Sexuality & Gender
by Justin S. Holcomb, Lindsey A. Holcomb
Simple, relatable story for two- to eight-year-old children, designed to help them protect their bodies.Includes colorful, age-appropriate illustrations. Conveys a clear message that God made every part of the human body and that every part is, therefore, good (the doctrine of creation). Gently opens the conversation about sexual abuse that every family needs to have. Facilitates open conversations about appropriate and inappropriate touch. Overcomes confusion, secrecy, and embarrassment about bodies with truth.
God Made All of Me is the first children's book written by Rid of My Disgrace authors Justin and Lindsey Holcomb. Parents of young children themselves, the Holcombs regularly counsel victims of sexual abuse and are profoundly aware of the dangers kids face. Their simple and relatable story, designed to help children protect their bodies, will be an important resource for every family with young children.
by Marty Machowski
God Made Boys and Girls helps children understand that their gender is a gift from the God who made them and loves them. The story begins as the girls and boys at Grace Christian School are discussing if boys will always be boys and girls will always be girls.
Their teacher explains that God gives each of us the gift of being male or female before we are born, and that you continue to be a boy or a girl whether you like to climb trees or play house, play tag or color pictures, cause a ruckus or sit quietly.
In a world where there is so much confusion about gender and identity, pastor and best-selling author Marty Machowski shares the simple, clear truth that all of us are made in God's image as either male or female--and what God made is very good!
Included in the back of the book is a special section just for parents and caregivers that gives biblical guidance and help as they have this important conversation with their children.
by Justin Holcomb,Lindsey Holcomb,Trish Mahoney (Illustrator)
Where do babies come from? This common question all too often leaves parents perplexed about what to say and when to say it. Justin and Lindsey Holcomb tackle this tough question in a common sense, biblical way. They help parents start the conversation with their children about sex by giving them the basic tools to guide them--including specific biblical content and age-appropriate ways of talking to children at different stages. Drawing from the story of creation and how God made the living world to reproduce, God Made Babies helps children to understand the gift of reproduction in the light of God's goodness and care. Rather than waiting to have this conversation with their child at the "perfect" time, the authors encourage parents to answer questions at every stage with just the right amount of information.
God Made Babies is part of the God Made Me Series which equips parents to have important, impactful conversations with their children, helping them to grow in understanding of God, themselves, and others. Each book in the series contains a special section just for parents and caregivers that provides biblical guidance and offers additional information and resources for talking about the topic addressed in the story.
by Gary Yagel
Today's world is constantly sending our children unbiblical messages about gender identities, gender roles, same-sex attraction, and sexual fulfillment. Gender fluidity, which is at the core of many of these views, denies the sovereignty of God and the creation of man and woman as His image-bearers. The inherent uniqueness and value of each gender is not clearly understood by our culture because of historical stereotypes and abuses. We, therefore, must help our children put a biblical lens over whatever message comes to them from the culture. That biblical lens is called complementarianism. "God created them male and female" to complement, i.e., complete each other. This mini-book is designed to equip Christian adults to understand the culture shaping their children's views of sexuality, so they can help their children respond to the deconstruction of male/female gender identities and roles taking place in our culture with gospel grace towards the sexually broken and with a whole-hearted celebration of the biblical teaching of complementarianism. Gary Yagel (MDiv., DMin.) serves as Executive Director of Forging Bonds of Brotherhood, and as the Men's Ministry Consultant for the Presbyterian Church in America. He is a trained presenter of Man in the Mirror's No Man Left Behind Seminar, and has taught as a visiting professor at Reformed Theological Seminary.
by Kristen A Jenson
Want a natural and comfortable way to talk to your kids about pornography? This newly revised edition of the original bestseller makes that daunting discussion easy! Good Pictures Bad Pictures is a read-aloud story about a mom and dad who explain what pornography is, why it's dangerous, and how to reject it. Featuring easy-to-understand science and simple analogies, this internationally-acclaimed book engages young kids to porn-proof their own brains. With Good Pictures Bad Pictures, your child will never be caught off guard by disturbing videos or peer pressure! The 5-point CAN DO Plan teaches kids exactly what to do to protect their young minds when they see pornography.
Parents don't need to wonder what to say--simply read Good Pictures Bad Pictures to your child and move forward with confidence! You can even use this book before beginning the sex talks!
Check out these new features in the second edition:
-"Let's Talk!" discussion questions at the end of each chapter help kids deepen their understanding so they'll be even more prepared to reject pornography.
-All new Tips for Parents and Caregivers section offers practical advice for raising porn-proof kids in the digital age.
-The most up-to-date science provides kids with even more powerful arguments against pornography.
-A beautifully redesigned interior makes it easier and more fun to read!
by Kristen A. Jenson
Young children deserve to be armed early against internet dangers. Good Pictures Bad Pictures Jr. makes it easy for parents to protect their young kids ages 3 to 6. Using gentle, age-appropriate messages, children will learn to Turn, Run & Tell when they are accidentally exposed to inappropriate content.Written by best-selling author Kristen A. Jenson of the original Good Pictures Bad Pictures book, the Jr. version is a comfortable, effective way for proactive parents to empower their young kids with their first internal filter!
by Luke Gilkerson
When it comes to the matter of teaching kids about sex, Christian parents are often confused about what to say and when to say it. The Talk is a series of 7 studies, all anchored in the Scriptures, that helps parents to talk meaningfully with children about sexuality. The Talk was written for parents to read with children ages 6 to 10 years old. The study supplies elementary-age children with foundational truths about sexuality at a level they can understand.
by Luke Gilkerson, Trisha Gilkerson
Acne. Pubic hair. Breasts. Squeaky voices. Menstruation. Nocturnal emissions. Make no mistake, puberty can feel like an awkward time in a child’s life. But with the right perspective, children can be taught to anticipate puberty as a blessing. Changes is a series of 7 studies, anchored in the Scriptures, that helps parents talk meaningfully with children about the mental, emotional, and physical changes puberty brings. Changes was written for parents to read with children ages 8 to 12 years old. The study supplies children with a Bible-based understanding of puberty in a language they can understand.
by Luke Gilkerson, Trisha Gilkerson
Relationships was written for parents to read with their kids ages 11-14 years old. This study will help prepare your teen for sexual tmptations that they are sure to encounter and give them a greater understanding of biblical sexuality. As Christian parents, it is of utmost importance that we're guiding our teens through the sometimes overwhelming sexual desires and temptations they experience. Relationships is a series of 11 Bible studies that provide a foundational understanding of how to navigate sexual temptations and desires in a godly manner.
by Stan Jones, Brenna Jones
Young children can begin to develop a wondrous appreciation for God's marvelous gift of sexuality by understanding some of the basics of fetal development. In this book we discuss the growth of a child inside a mother's body and the birth process. With such instruction, young children begin to develop a trust for God's law and to see God as a lawgiver who has the best interests of His people at heart. God is the giver of good gifts!Designed for ages 3-5, and using age-appropriate language and illustrations, this book explains to young children the marvelous bodies God gave them.
by Carolyn Nystrom
Before I Was Born emphasizes the creational goodness of our bodies, our existence as men and women, and our sexual organs. This book introduces new topics as well, including the growth and change that occur as boys and girls become men and women. It includes a tactful but direct explanation of sexual intercourse between a husband and wife. Before I Was Born explains in age-appropriate language the basic nature of sexual intercourse between a husband and wife and discusses conception, fetal development, childbirth, and breastfeeding. For children ages 5 to 8.
by Stan Jones, Brenna Jones
Your kids know about sex. But what they've gathered from TV, other kids, or the internet doesn't tell them everything or answer all of their questions. What's the Big Deal? was written to help parents provide the answers to their 8-to-12-year-olds. This book explains the basic facts about sex and related issues such as: Why God made adults so that they want to have sex, What God actually says in the Bible about sex and why it's designed for marriage, The amazing changes ahead of you during puberty How to respond when you feel sexual pressure from friends, TV shows, movies, and magazines.
Your kids can read this book with you so you can discuss it together. This provides them the safe space to ask hard questions they might find embarrassing. The book will help kids understand what a beautiful and exciting gift from God sexuality is meant to be.
Now revised and updated with: Separate chapters on puberty for boys and girls, a chapter on the dangers of pornography, an expanded age range (formerly 8 to 11, now 8 to 12).
by Stan Jones, Brenna Jones
Puberty marks the beginning of significant changes in a child's relationships with parents and the opposite sex. It's an exciting but often stressful time as a child transitions to adulthood. Facing the Factsgives children the information needed to understand exactly what's happening to their bodies during the years ahead and why God planned it to happen just that way. They'll learn about How girls' and boys' bodies change, both inside and out Exactly how a woman gets pregnant and gives birth Why God wants you to save sex for marriage Love, dating, and how relationships mature Now revised and updated with An introduction to differing views on sex based on worldview More thorough material on Christian morality and the broader theological meaning of sex as appropriate for a young person Chapters on masturbation, sexual addiction, gender identity, and same-sex love.
by Tim Geiger
Explaining LGBTQ+ Identity to Your Child: Biblical Guidance and Wisdom
LGBTQ+ identities and their widespread acceptance have produced a host of questions and quandaries for Christian families. How do you help your child navigate a world where their classmate may be transgender and their neighbors a gay couple? How do you explain these issues and teach children to respond to LGBTQ+ identity with truth and love?
Tim Geiger explains how best to help young people understand LGBTQ+ identities and struggles in light of Scripture, while modeling the compassionate concern of our Savior. He also shows you how to build authentic friendships with members of the LGBTQ+ community, always remembering our common need for grace, repentance, and faith.
Tim Geiger, MDiv, is the Executive Director of Harvest USA and has been on staff since 2003. In 1997, he went to Harvest USA for help, as he struggled as a Christian with same-sex attraction for twenty years. Tim is a graduate of Westminster Theological Seminary and a Teaching Elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.
Children & Teen Books / Devotionals
by David Murray
This simple, gospel-centered, 365-day Bible reading plan guides children ages 6-12 through the most important passages of the Bible, helping them see and appreciate the big-picture storyline of Scripture.
Each entry includes a brief Scripture passage and space to write a daily prayer, along with either a question to answer or a verse to write out. Also features book introductions and space for weekly sermon notes.
192 pages, softcover from Crossway.
by Marty Machowski
God Made Boys and Girls helps children understand that their gender is a gift from the God who made them and loves them. The story begins as the girls and boys at Grace Christian School are discussing if boys will always be boys and girls will always be girls.
Their teacher explains that God gives each of us the gift of being male or female before we are born, and that you continue to be a boy or a girl whether you like to climb trees or play house, play tag or color pictures, cause a ruckus or sit quietly.
In a world where there is so much confusion about gender and identity, pastor and best-selling author Marty Machowski shares the simple, clear truth that all of us are made in God's image as either male or female--and what God made is very good!
Included in the back of the book is a special section just for parents and caregivers that gives biblical guidance and help as they have this important conversation with their children.
by Justin Holcomb, Lindsey Holcomb, Trish Mahoney (Illustrator)
One day, a group of students and their teacher travel to a zoo safari park to learn all about the different animals. During a fun jeep ride around the park, the guide shares fascinating information about lions, rhinoceroses, elephants, buffalo, and more, pointing out distinctive characteristics about each animal’s body and how those qualities make the animals special. Along the way, the children start to notice how their differences in appearance make each of them special too. Their teacher helps them reflect on their own body image and teaches them how they were created uniquely in God’s image.
Because bodies can be confusing and sometimes embarrassing to children, Justin and Lindsey Holcomb wrote God Made Me in His Image for parents to use in helping their kids understand how God made their bodies in his image. Parents and caregivers can use this powerful book, illustrated by Trish Mahoney, to help children understand their feelings about their bodies and help them accept them by highlighting God’s loving design of our individual physical characteristics.
by Jared Kennedy, Trish Mahoney
Understanding the different parts of a worship service can be confusing for any young child. One minute everyone is singing loudly, the next everyone is sitting and listening quietly. Sometimes the adults know something that should be said out loud, like, “Thanks be to God!” How did they know what to say? What is communion all about? And why does the pastor raise his hands and pray at the end of the service? Using the vision of Isaiah 6, God Made Me for Worship by Jared Kennedy focuses on teaching kids about the key liturgical movements in a worship gathering, including the call to worship, praise and adoration, confession, assurance and passing the peace, ministry of the Word and sacraments, and benediction and sending. This bright and colorful children’s book illustrated by Trish Mahoney celebrates how God reveals himself to his people in the movements of worship. All the parts of worship tell the story of the gospel, and since Jesus is the object of our worship, his story of redemption gives shape to our worship. The author guides parents to help their kids understand why we’re intentional about worship, encouraging them to engage—not just to manage behavior during a worship gathering, and invites children to respond to God along with the whole church body.
God Made Me for Worship is part of the God Made Me series which equips parents to have important, impactful conversations with their children, helping them to grow in understanding of God, themselves, and others. Each book in the series contains a special section just for parents and caregivers that provides biblical guidance and offers additional information and resources for talking about the topic addressed in the story.
by Marty Machowski, Trish Mahoney (Illustrator)
Children have lots of questions about God and heaven. While most kids have ideas of what heaven will be like, do they know what God says? Kids (and many adults) picture heaven as up in the sky, among the clouds, with angels who have wings and harps. They have a general understanding that heaven is with God, but few realize our ultimate destination is not up in the sky.
God Made Me for Heaven invites children to understand that God made each person for heaven and provided a way to get there, through his son Jesus. In heaven, there will be no more sickness, suffering, or death. Marty Machowski shares deep theological truths through a creative story. Told through the perspective of a grandmother sharing her hope of heaven to her grandchildren and their friends, this picture book beautifully illustrated by Trish Mahoney includes a gospel presentation and speaks about eternity in simple language kids can understand.
by Shai Linne
This beautifully illustrated children s book invites kids to explore God’s design for ethnic diversity and challenges readers both parents and children to learn and live out counter-cultural, biblical views, fostering a lifelong celebration of diversity for the glory of God. Designed for four- to eleven-year-olds, God Made Me and You by Shai Linne is the second book in the God Made Me series, starting with God Made All of Me by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb. Because Scripture teaches that ethnic diversity is not something that should be tolerated but rather enthusiastically embraced, Christian hip hop artist Shai Linne helps children, parents, and caregivers to celebrate this biblical truth through a lyrical, rhyming style and colorful illustrations. God Made Me and You is an approachable guide for families to begin conversations about cultivating a God s perspective on ethnic diversity, confronting the sins of racism, bigotry, and ethnic pride. Because children learn from family members, media, or peers, parents and caretakers have a responsibility to teach their children what God has to say about the beauty of diversity in his image-bearers, with a particular focus on ethnic diversity. This colorful and compelling children s book serves as a resource and lifelong gift for children and parents, helping families understand diversity from a biblical perspective and with a clear picture of the beauty and glory of God.
by Joni and Friends
God Made Me Unique, a beautifully illustrated picture book, helps parents and caregivers teach children that God creates every person in the image of God and each individual has tremendous value, regardless of his or her appearance or abilities.
The story is set in a Sunday school classroom where a new girl, Brie, is introduced by her mom. Brie's Sunday school teacher takes the time to welcome Brie and to explain to the other children why she is wearing headphones. Through getting to know Brie, the children are guided into a biblical understanding of the uniqueness of each of God's children. Along the way they learn to ask questions and gain an understanding about their new friend.
Told in a charming rhyming style, this colorful, hardcover book will help eliminate fear and misconceptions about those who have special needs and emphasizes that every person deserves to be treated with kindness and respect.
The back of the book contains a special section just for parents and caregivers that will guide them in how to have biblical, loving conversations with children and gives them additional information and resources to equip them in talking about this important subject.
by Scott James
Why do we have to wear a mask? Why can’t we see Grandma and Grandpa today? And what if I get sick? Children have lots of hard-to-answer questions, and Dr. Scott James uses the true-to-life story of Lucas to help with the answers. As children follow Lucas through his sick day, they will discover how God cares for them and how they can care for others when they are sick.
When Lucas wakes up with a sore throat, his parents show that God is always caring for him—even when he doesn’t feel well. They remind Lucas that Jesus is with him even during difficult days, and he can always go to Jesus and ask for help. When he visits the doctor, Lucas also learns how important it is to care for those around him and to make sure that everyone does their best to not let others get sick.
This timely book helps parents and caregivers talk with children about illness and how to keep themselves and others safe when sick. Ideally suited for children between the ages of five to eight, the book teaches that although anyone can get sick, that God is caring for them and will be with them through whatever they face. They will also learn how they can show God’s love to their friends and family by helping to keep them safe.
by Susan Hunt, Richie Hunt
These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Deuteronomy 6:6-7a Your children are a blessing from God. A gift that brings an abundance of joy and the privilege of teaching them God's ways. When they're young their potential to learn is amazing. And because actions and beliefs go hand in hand, the lessons they learn from you now will shape their lives forever. This wonderful book, with its easy-to-use story format, can help you teach the basic truths of the Christian faith to your children. They'll learn right along with Caleb and Cassie that God's ways are the best--and that even as kids, they can live for His glory every day.
by Karyn Henley
Sword Fighting? Precisely! When Jesus was tempted, he reached for his sword—the written Word of God. Using the power of Scripture memory, this book will equip your elementary-age children to fight temptation and strengthen their character. But Is It Fun? Absolutely! Sword Fighting can be played as part of family or personal devotions and home-school Bible study to help child learn to use the Word of God in daily decision making.
"[Sword Fighting] is a companion to Henley's Day by Day Kid's Bible* (which is a chronological bible for kids that we have been reading at dinner for a few years now as it really has been encouraging to all of us). It has a weekly bible verse to memorize and daily readings that go along with the topic. A topic may be "kindness" or "self-control" or "responsibility." You do not need the bible to use the Sword Fighting devotional though.” —Lara Kastelein, CTK Nursery Coordinator
[*Note, inside the pages of Sword Fighting, this bible is referred to as God's Story Bible (its former title).]
by Kenneth N. Taylor, Jenny Brake
Encourage your little ones to learn and grow with God with Everything a Child Should Know About God from bestselling author Kenneth N. Taylor. Designed for parents to read aloud to children, this hardbound book features whimsical illustrations throughout, each chapter has a brief explanation and a related question to pose to children. Dr. Taylor explains in child-friendly language the essential Bible truths you want your child to know, such as why Jesus came to earth and how the Holy Spirit helps us.
by Marty Machowski
A Page-Turning Storybook of Theology for Kids In the cellar of the old stone cathedral, Carla and Timothy uncover a life-changing treasure, a carefully wrapped ancient book known as The Ology. What adults might describe as a beautifully illustrated storybook of systematic theology, the kids discover to be a story of adventure, mystery, and wonder that leads them to the truth about God, themselves, and the world around them. Truth is for kids, not just for adults! So The Ology gives kids of all ages a beginner s theology book to help them understand who God is and how we, as his children, relate to him. Arranged within a traditional systematic theological framework, each truth in The Ology is also connected to the larger redemptive story of Scripture. The doctrine of God, for example, is presented in the larger framework of creation, where the attributes of God are on display and easier to understand. Designed for six-year-olds through preteens, this flexible resource includes built-in adaptations for use with younger or older children, so that entire families can enjoy it together. Read The Ology to preschoolers, read it with grade-school kids, and let older kids discover the hidden truths by reading the corresponding Scripture passages for each section. However you read it, The Ology will give your children a gift that will last a lifetime a solid foundation of life-changing biblical truth that will point them to the God who loves them and gave himself for them. A beginner s book of systematic theology in the form of a beautifully illustrated storybook. Clearly explains life-changing theological truths with everyday examples and simple language that kids can understand. Uses illustrations, analogies, and word pictures to help kids understand God, the world, and themselves. Designed for six-year-olds through preteens, with built-in adaptations for use with younger or older children, so that entire families can enjoy it together.
by Champ Thornton
The Radical Book for Kids is a fun-filled explorer's guide to the Bible, church history, and life for boys and girls age 8 and up. Along with examining some of the most exciting realities in the universe, the handbook is vibrantly illustrated and chock-full of fun facts and ideas. Deep truths are communicated to elementary and middle-school aged kids while stimulating their curiosity and sense of adventure within a gospel-centered framework. This power-packed book is "radical" in more ways than you might think! It is "radical" in the sense of the original meaning of the word, “going to the root or origin.” The Radical Book for Kids will take children on a fascinating journey into the ancient roots of the Christian faith. But it’s also “radical” in the more modern sense of being revolutionary. Kids read about men and women who learned to trust Jesus and stand for him--displaying radical faith--even when everything seemed against them. But The Radical Book for Kids is also “radical”--meaning fun or cool--in the eyes of a child. Kids read about ancient weapons (and how to make one), learn about jewels, create pottery, discover ancient languages, use secret codes, locate stars, tell time using the sun, play a board game that’s 3,000 years old--and more. Check out the table of contents, skip around, or read straight through. However a child chooses to explore it, The Radical Book for Kids will open new vistas for their imagination and help to make straight paths for their feet.
by Lisa Updike
Lisa Updike is the Director of Children’s Ministry at Covenant Presbyterian in Harrisonburg, VA. She has extensive ministry experience, which includes curriculum writing, training children’s volunteers, and spearheading children’s programs in several churches over the last thirty years. In working with children and youth, she found that kids understand the importance of the Bible and value it. They know that through it, they can know God’s heart! So they pick up a Bible, flip through the pages, read a little bit, but end up putting the Bible down, discouraged, because they don’t know how to begin. She remembers feeling the same way. Lisa wanted to provide a tool that would benefit parents, teachers, and kids alike. She hopes that The Bible Is Not Boring will serve as such a tool.
by Lisa Updike
Without preparation, going to church can seem pretty boring, especially to children who have "graduated to big church." In this easy to read chapter book, Lisa Updike shares with children and their parents the story of a typical family who struggles with staying focused at church on Sunday mornings until they learn how to prepare for worship throughout the week. Parents are encouraged to read this book with their children and to help them be ready for corporate worship together.
by Alison Mitchell
XTB (Explore the Bible) devotional series include daily Bible-reading notes with puzzles, pictures, prayers, and stickers! This Issue One book focuses on Genesis, Matthew, and Acts, including the beginning of the universe, the beginning of the early church and the beginning of Jesus' life and teaching on earth. 65 activity days plus 26 days of extra reading.
Children will be introduced to the inductive method of studying God’s Word for themselves as they witness His personal message, His purpose, and His promises unfold in their daily lives.
Series titles include:
How to Study Your Bible for Kids
Cracking the Covenant Code for Kids
God Has Big Plans for You, Esther
Wrong Way, Jonah!
Becoming God’s Champion
Fast Forward to The Future, Daniel 7-12
by Martin Cole
Discover: Issue 1, Bible Notes for Young People provides 3 months of exploring God's Word for youth ages 11 to 13. Using fun puzzles along with Scripture readings will help young readers develop a daily routine of Bible study and prayer. Book 1 contains studies on: Genesis 1-11: In the Beginning, Mark 1-5: All about Jesus, 1 & 2 Kings (Elijah): Fiery Prophet, and Jonah - The runaway.
ABOUT THE SERIES: Discover Bible notes have been helping young people understand and apply the Bible for over a decade. Now, these popular devotions have been turned into a collection of 12 books that covers the major Bible books, events and characters. Discover encourages a daily routine of Bible study and prayer, which will help young people set a pattern for the rest of their lives.
by Kristen A Jenson
Want a natural and comfortable way to talk to your kids about pornography? This newly revised edition of the original bestseller makes that daunting discussion easy! Good Pictures Bad Pictures is a read-aloud story about a mom and dad who explain what pornography is, why it's dangerous, and how to reject it. Featuring easy-to-understand science and simple analogies, this internationally-acclaimed book engages young kids to porn-proof their own brains. With Good Pictures Bad Pictures, your child will never be caught off guard by disturbing videos or peer pressure! The 5-point CAN DO Plan teaches kids exactly what to do to protect their young minds when they see pornography.
Parents don't need to wonder what to say--simply read Good Pictures Bad Pictures to your child and move forward with confidence! You can even use this book before beginning the sex talks!
Check out these new features in the second edition:
-"Let's Talk!" discussion questions at the end of each chapter help kids deepen their understanding so they'll be even more prepared to reject pornography.
-All new Tips for Parents and Caregivers section offers practical advice for raising porn-proof kids in the digital age.
-The most up-to-date science provides kids with even more powerful arguments against pornography.
-A beautifully redesigned interior makes it easier and more fun to read!
by Kristen A. Jenson
Young children deserve to be armed early against internet dangers. Good Pictures Bad Pictures Jr. makes it easy for parents to protect their young kids ages 3 to 6. Using gentle, age-appropriate messages, children will learn to Turn, Run & Tell when they are accidentally exposed to inappropriate content.Written by best-selling author Kristen A. Jenson of the original Good Pictures Bad Pictures book, the Jr. version is a comfortable, effective way for proactive parents to empower their young kids with their first internal filter!
by Caryn Rivadeneira
Experience the grit and grace of seventeen women of the Bible through creative first-person retellings of each person's story. This book connects preteen girls with the women of the Bible, showing them that they are created in the image of God to do mighty things in this world. Through stories, reflection questions, and action ideas, the book helps readers become the gutsy, grace-filled girls God made them to be.
by Anna Trimiew
This faithful adaptation for young readers is a priceless tool to teach children the gospel and encourage them as they grow deeper in their relationship to Christ. Follow along with a pilgrim named Christian as he meets some of the most unforgettable characters in literature —Obstinate, Pliable, Worldly Wiseman, Hopeful, Faithful, and more. Your children will learn important truths of the gospel and gain a richer understanding of who Christ is and his work in the life of a believer.
Recorded by John M. Duncan and Kent Madison
Word-for-word dramatic reading of Pilgrim's Progress storybook with multiple character voices, musical interludes, and sound effects=
Ideal for children to follow the story in the car, at home, in church, at school, and more.
Audiobook, 2 CDs, 13 chapters, total playing time 1 hour and 43 minutes.
by Martin Cole
Engage exists to help you plug into your Bible. Through Engage's pages we want to plunge into God's awesome word: discovering who God is and what He's like; seeing what God's done for us through Jesus; and exploring practical ways of living for Him. The Bible is packed with amazing stories and life-changing teaching. It's time to dive into the Bible and see God change our lives...
The first issue of Engage - daily Bible reading notes for teenagers. This issue looks at Psalms, John, Genesis, Amos, Colossians and Jonah! It also examines questions like 'has Science disproved Christianity?', 'what's the bible anyway?' and contains articles on the Trinity and looking after the planet.
by Jaquelle Crowe
The teen years have been hijacked—by fashion, music, movies, and games; by the pressures of school, peers, and society; and by superficial expectations set by the world. But there is something more glorious than all these influences that has the power to change the life of a teenager: the gospel.
Written by a teenager for teenagers, This Changes Everything is a deeply theological yet practical and accessible book on how the gospel radically transforms every aspect of the teen years, including pursuing relationships, managing time, combating personal sin, and cultivating healthy habits. In a culture awash with low expectations for young people, this book exhorts teenagers to embrace a gospel-centered perspective on their lives and pursue wholehearted devotion to Christ now.
Advent & Christmas
FREE! — Share with your children the story of Christmas and God's great plan for Jesus' birth! Following this Advent reading plan, each day for 24 days you can read the companion stories in The Jesus Storybook Bible. A few activity suggestions and coloring pages are also included.
By: Sally Lloyd-Jones
Guide to a complete and creative celebration of the holiday season, filled with Jesse Tree ornaments, crafts, games, recipes, songs, and activities for every day of Advent. All supplies needed are commonly found around the house or easy to obtain.
The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Activity Book is a journey through the Bible stories in both the Old and New Testaments that lead to Christmas.
by Sarah Rice
Tracing Glory: The Christmas Story Through the Bible is a twenty-five-day Advent devotional. It begins looking back at the creation of the world in the book of Genesis and ends looking forward to the new creation in the book of Revelation, tracing the glory of Jesus Christ from start to finish.
In each day’s reading, there is a key Scripture to look up, a devotional commentary to read, a helpful summary highlighting the key point and showing how that particular Bible passage points to Jesus, and questions to prompt discussion with your family. This is a book to treasure that can be used with children of all ages.
Use this ornament activity book to create ornaments to go along with this book.
by Holly Mackle
Little Hearts Prepare Him Room is a family Advent devotional designed to go deeper as children grow older. The well-known texts call children and parents alike to taste the grace of Christmas, and apply that grace to the parts of life that don’t make sense. With scriptures primarily from the gospels of Luke and Matthew, and themes from the Westminster Confession of Faith, both content and reflection questions intend to address the heart of the matter: what God says about us in his word and how his truth shapes our lives. In reflecting on the account of Christ’s birth, you will consider themes such as what it means to be a covenant child, to have a federal head, and to know the assurance of God’s salvation. As you read through these short passages and remember the Christmas story, may God remind you of truth that that both encourages and transforms.
by Champ Thornton
Advent is the perfect time for families to gather together and celebrate the birth of Jesus. Using pictures of Jesus from Isaiah’s prophecies—the Light, the Branch, the Shepherd, and the Savior—brings to life the true meaning of Christmas.
Perfect for busy families with younger children, each week of Advent focuses on one of Isaiah’s images and has readings related to the week’s theme—Jesus the Light; Jesus the Branch; Jesus the Shepherd; Jesus the Savior—and, on Christmas Day, Jesus the Bread. Each week also includes fun stories, discussion questions, crafts, recipes, games, and suggestions for family service projects.
by Marty Machowski
This four-week Advent family devotional by best-selling author Marty Machowski combines devotions on the theme of light and darkness with the story of eleven-year-old Mia and her grandmother as they prepare for Christmas. Grandma loves to share her faith, especially at Christmas time, and although she is blind, she can see the light of Jesus shining bright and helps Mia—and children of all ages—to do the same.
The Light Before Christmas contains thirteen devotionals—three for each of the four weeks of Advent and one more for Christmas. Each devotional includes a Scripture for the day, an object lesson, a focus Scripture, a question to discuss as a family, a song to sing together, and a prayer.
by Marty Machowski
Christmas traditions become a treasured part of a family's heritage, passed down from generation to generation. This brand new, four-week devotional guides your family on an unforgettable Advent journey, exploring some of the most wonderful prophecies in the Bible and how God fulfills them in Christ. From Bible devotions which tell the Christmas story through the eyes of the prophets to an original Christmas short story called Bartimaeus, Prepare Him Room helps you build family Christmas traditions around Christ. The memorable and meaningful activities, songs, and stories of Prepare Him Room will become the fabric of your family s Christmas memories. So gather them to watch the amazing gospel story unfold every December for generations to come!
Also available is the Prepare Him Room Christmas CD with songs from Bob Kauflin and Sovereign Grace Music.
by Beth Myers, Betty Ann Snider
This family devotion is suitable for ages 4-14 and can be used in a variety of ways. It contains Scripture, lesson, questions, a craft, a hymn to sing, and a memory verse. This daily devotional starts on the first Sunday of Advent and ends on Christmas Eve.
by Dwell
FREE! —It can be challenging to find time to pause, reflect, and wait with wonder to celebrate God’s long-ago messiah promise come true. This Jesse Tree daily devotional provides families with simple steps to nurture faith during Advent as they remember God’s faithfulness and celebrate Jesus’ birth together. Each day involves four easy steps: Breathe, Read, Wonder, Pray.
by Alison Mitchell, Catalina Echeverri (Illustrator)
Each window of this attractive Advent Calendar opens to reveal a rich, full-color illustration of the events of the first Christmas. It comes with a booklet containing 25 devotions for December to help families explore the Bible together in the run up to Christmas.
Other books in the series for younger children...
Children 3-6 years might enjoy The Christmas Promise Storybook and the accompanying Coloring and Activity Book, and with preschoolers you might also read The Christmas Promise Board Book.
by Alison Mitchell
A captivating retelling of the Christmas story showing how God kept His promise to send a new King. Superb illustrations by Catalina Echeverri and faithful, Bible-centered story-telling by Alison Mitchell combine to make this a book that both parents and children will love. A long, long time ago so long that it's hard to imagine God promised a new King. He wasn't any ordinary king, like the ones we see on TV or in books. He would be different. He would be a new King; a rescuing King; a forever King! This book helps pre-school children discover exactly how God kept His Christmas Promise.
by Alison Mitchell, Catalina Echeverri (Illustrator)
Long, long ago, God promised to send a very special new King. Would you like to know how he did it?Using simple sentences and stunning illustrations, this 16-page board book introduces young children to the events of the very first Christmas.
by Jared Kennedy
Jesus came for us. Because Jesus was born at Christmas, we can know that he is with us always. This board book by author Jared Kennedy helps toddlers and preschoolers understand the true meaning of Christmas in a personal, memorable way.
Jesus Came for Me is part of The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible series. For children ages three to five, this beautifully illustrated book begins with the announcement of John the Baptist’s birth to Zechariah and ends with the visit of the wise men. Jesus, our great God, was born as a little baby, and his birth is good news and great joy for all people—including your child!
by Ann Voskamp
Based on her bestseller Unwrapping the Greatest Gift, Ann Voskamp expands her presentation of the timeless Advent tradition of the Jesse Tree with this beautiful keepsake book that can be handed down and enjoyed for generations. Each December, families can celebrate the coming of Jesus by opening the book to see a stunning 13-inch, three-dimensional Jesse Tree pop up from the page. At its foot are 25 doors, one for each day of Advent, which hide meaningful, beautifully detailed ornaments―including the Christmas star―that are ready to be hung on the tree. Also inside is a simple devotional book with a reading for each ornament. Create precious holiday memories with The Wonder of the Greatest Gift pop-up book and recapture the sacredness of the Advent season as you celebrate the epic pageantry of the coming of the Messiah.
by Ann Voskamp
Based on the overwhelming success of The Greatest Gift, Ann Voskamp has expanded her presentation of the timeless Advent tradition of the Jesse Tree so families can celebrate together. Each day, families can read the provided Scripture passage (in connection with the original book), engage with a specially written devotion to help children of all ages understand the Advent theme for the day, and participate in suggested activities to apply the theme.This special edition is beautifully illustrated. It can serve as a precious guide to help recapture the sacredness of the Advent season and to help the entire family understand and celebrate the epic pageantry of humankind from Adam to the Messiah.
Offers a list of family Advent devotional guides grouped by age appropriateness, with selections for younger, elementary and middle school kids and teens. Titles are also linked to Redeemed Reader reviews so you can read more about each one.
FREE devotional with daily messages of hope and preparation delivered to your inbox. This thoughtfully curated guide, crafted by Rev. Dr. Irwyn Ince, is an invitation to delve deeply into the themes of Advent and prepare your heart for the joyous celebration of Christmas. Each day's reflection offers insights into the significance of Advent, drawing you closer to the heart of this sacred season and enriching your spiritual walk. Sign up for the emails.
by Paul David Tripp
Prepare your heart, mind, and soul to celebrate the incarnation of God's Son! Bringing a renewed sense of Christmas wonder to December days, Tripp shares 31 readings featuring gospel-centered thoughts, meditations, Scripture verses, and tips for parents to help your family focus on what matters most - the birth of Jesus.
by Sinclair B Ferguson
Everyone seems to say that Christmas is about love. It’s in the songs we hear as we shop for presents and in the adverts we see on TV. It’s in the cards we send and on the gift tags we write. And Christians can agree. Christmas really is about love, because love came down at Christmas in the person of Jesus Christ.
This Advent devotional contains 24 daily readings from 1 Corinthians 13. Sinclair B Ferguson brings the rich theology of the incarnation to life with his trademark warmth and clarity. We'll see what “love” looked like in the life of Christ and be challenged to love like him.
Edited by Nancy Guthrie
This special anthology of Advent readings, collected from the works of 22 classic and contemporary theologians and Bible teachers with a high view of Scripture, will awaken your longing for a fresh experience of the coming of Jesus and prepare your heart to honor the sacredness of each Christmas season.
EASTER
by Scott James
It is easier to speak smilingly about bunnies and baskets on Easter than it is to explore Christ’s cruel death and miraculous resurrection. But for every parent who believes that Christ is risen indeed, there is Mission Accomplished. Fourteen theologically rich yet kid-friendly devotions connect well-known Easter stories to the overall biblical message of redemption. Starts with the Passion Week and extends into the week beyond Easter Sunday, walking kids through the immediate aftermath of the resurrection and then unpacking the implications of Jesus death and resurrection for our own lives. Great for busy parents and families, each day's core devotion can be completed in just ten minutes. Family activities are included to give parents options for helping kids of all ages to understand and apply Easter truths and can be completed in an additional ten minutes. Full text of classic hymns for your family to sing in worship.
by Sue Jakes and B.A. Snider
This family devotional starts two weeks prior Easter (starting the Monday pirior to Palm Sunday) and continue using the week after Easter.
It is a study in the scripture from Luke 18:31-Luke 24. Beginning with Jesus' announcement to the disciples, "See, we are going up to Jerusalem" to his command to" Go and make disciples" at his ascension the days surrounding His resurrection are unfolded for even the smallest child to understand. Hymns, craft ideas, and memory verses are included and this will be a great tool for your children to study the meaning of the Resurrection with their parents.
by Dwell
FREE! —God's Big Easter Story: A Holy Week Journey for Families provides simple, active daily devotions for the week preceding Easter. It invites families to "breathe, read, wonder, and pray" together as they reflect on the events leading up to Jesus’ death and celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. Download and print 8 Story Symbols in full color or in black and white versions kids can color themselves. Each day of Holy Week, add a new symbol to the pathway to mark the progression toward Easter.
by Family Life
The Resurrection Eggs offer children a wonderful hands-on resource to learn about Jesus' Resurrection Story. Perfect for use at home, Sunday School, children's ministry and more, this set of 12 brightly colored plastic eggs crack open to reveal miniature symbols of Easter inside. Use the updated, illustrated companion booklet to help explain the significance of each object---perfect for opening up discussion about Easter and the Resurrection with kids, ages 3 years and older. Includes 12 brightly-colored eggs with miniature symbols stored in a plastic carton, and an updated companion booklet in English and Spanish with illustrated Bible stories.
by Carl Laferton
This beautifully illustrated hardback book takes children on a journey from the garden of Eden to God's prefect new creation. Retelling the Easter story through a Bible overview, children will discover that 'because of our sin, we can't go in' but because of Jesus' victory on the cross, an even better garden awaits us.
See other titles in the Tales That Tell the Truth Series