9 Gospel-Rich Books We Love Reading With Our Kids
We love reading stories! Since our daughter was little, we’ve made reading stories a part of her bedtime routine. Reading—on average—20 minutes every night for the past three years means we’ve spent well over 300 hours reading! We’ve read a lot of stories. Stories that we settle into, that spark questions, that teach, encourage, or inspire, and sometimes that just make us laugh.
We are very intentional with the stories we read. Stories shape us. They especially help shape little minds and hearts that are primed for knowledge and truth. That’s what we want most, our kids’ minds and hearts to be shaped by His knowledge and truth. We want stories that draw our eyes up to God, to grow our love for Him, His word, His creation, and His people. Stories that point us back to Jesus and the Gospel.
That Gospel reminds us that our hope is not in what we do, but in what Jesus has done—that He lived the perfect, sinless life that we can’t, died a sinners death that we deserve, and rose again making a way for us to live with God forever.
These nine Christian children’s books are some of our favorites, the ones we keep returning. We love them not just because they are well written or beautifully illustrated, but because they have helped us love God more deeply together. My hope is that as you read them with your family, they will help do the same for you.
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1. The Friend Who Forgives written by Dan Dewitt
We LOVE The Friend Who Forgives by Dan Dewitt. It is a beautiful depiction of Peter and Jesus’ friendship. It details Jesus’ death and resurrection, and ultimate forgiveness of Peter and in turn ourselves. We LOVE the board book version.
The Tales that Tell the Truth are a collection of Gospel-Centered Stories. Each story helps little hearts grasp big truths, showcasing how every points to Jesus. They have hardcover stories and board books that are shortened versions of their counter parts.
I’ve listed other ones you can check out (links to Amazon).
2. The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep written by Hannah E. Harrison
We took a chance on this one from Amazon and we are so glad we did. We love how this story reminds us nothing can separate us from the love of Christ, our Good Shepherd. The illustrations are beautiful and fun, although the wolf part is a little scary for our tender 3 year old, we usually have to skip over that page.
3. Amy Carmichael written by Hunter Beless
I personally LOVE Amy’s story. If you haven’t read her biography you should. It is a bit of a read but so worth it. Amy Carmichael (1867-1951) was a missionary in India who created a community that saved HUNDREDS of boys and girls from abandonment, abuse, and exploitation. She is most remembered for her bold prayers. Hunter’s story is a beautiful tribute to Amy’s life and perfect for inspiring little hearts and minds.
The Do Great Things for God is a wonderful series. We have Corrie Ten Boom’s story, one of my absolute favorite people—but her story is waiting on our shelf for when our kids are a bit older. Below are some of the ones we’re excited to read next (links to Amazon).
4. Build written by Emily Lex
This is a lovely book! It’s an inspirational story that celebrates creativity and the purpose God has for each us. I personally felt encouraged as a creative reading this book. We bought it for our son’s dedication day and LOVE the illustrations, rhythm of the text, and the tie to Ephesians 2:10.
We were gifted Emily’s other book, Twirl (linked to Amazon) for our daughter’s dedication. It is one of our daughter’s favorites and inspired her love of twirling dresses a.k.a. stripped dresses. As with Build, we love the illustrations, rhythm, and tie to Psalm 139:14. We do omit the line “You are exactly as He wants you to be,” because we feel that God desires us to change from our sinful nature.
5. Nothing But The Blood of Jesus Hymns for Little Ones
We are a singing family. We love singing songs together. I especially love singing hymns with the kids. The Hymns for Little One is a beautiful series that brings classic hymns to little hearts. I love being able to sing the songs while we ‘read’ the books. It helps keep the kids engaged and learn the words. The illustrations are fairly simple but I love the mission!
Nothing But The Blood of Jesus written by Robert Lowry in 1876 is a beautiful hymn that speaks the Gospel message, that nothing but the blood of Jesus takes away our sin.
6. The Creator in You written by Jordan Raynor
I was first introduce to Jordan Raynor with his book The Royal in You (Amazon link). It was gifted to us for our son’s first birthday. What a gift! He painted such a beautiful picture of Heaven, a place not often talked about, but a hopeful eventuality for us all. I was intrigued by his writing that I went ahead and bought his other book, The Creator in You.
Like Build (mentioned above), this book encourages all readers to embrace their innate creativity and contemplate how it reflects God as our Creator. We are given the beautiful task to work alongside God in creation and be like Him.
7. Who Sang the First Song? written by Ellie Holcomb
Who sang the first song? It’s both the title and an excellent question. Ellie takes us through all of creation to reveal the God our maker sang the first song. Similar to C.S. Lewis’ depiction of creation in The Magician’s Nephew (The Chronicles of Narnia) where Aslan sings Narnia into existence from the dark void.
Ellie ends the book reminding us that He made all of creation with a song to sing (Psalm 98:4). If you like this one, you’ll like Ellie’s other books listed below.
8. Holy Week: An Emotional Primer written by Danielle Hitchen
Holy Week: An Emotional Primer is a wonderful book exploring the emotions of Jesus in his final days. Each page is rooted in scripture and beautifully depicts the week leading up to Easter.
Baby Believer® is a great series that engages even the littlest among us in the truths of scripture. They make a great baby shower gift for anyone you know who is expecting.
9. The Story of God written by Jennie Allen
The Story of God written by Jennie Allen is a five book box set telling the story of God from Creation to Heaven.
I Am Creator – The Beginning
I Am Holy – The Fall
I Am Rescuer – Christ
I Am With You – Holy Spirit and the Church
I Am Forever – Heaven
We love this set because it helps invite our kids further into God’s story with scripture on each page and questions to ask, it’s a great tool to promote deep reflection and dialogue with your little ones about the story of God and how we all fit into it.
At the end of the day, we all need reminded of God’s story because it’s our story. My prayer is that these books would help you and your family know God more and love Him more deeply. May they help create sweet moments and memories that draw your family closer to His truth and love while you find your deepest joy in Jesus.
