Bibles, Books, and Resources
One of the most common questions that I receive from families is recommendations on children's books and Bibles. It's a tough question - there are no shortage of great titles out there from a wide variety of denominations. My picks will inevitably reflect my own theological understanding, so know that the following list are my personal recommendations; you and your family are encouraged to look for publishers that fit with your family's faith.
Children's Bibles
Best Bible for Infants and Toddlers (0-2 years)
Frolic First Bible, published by Beaming Books
Lift-the-Flap Bible Stories for Young Children, published by Beaming Books
If you have an infant or toddler and you're looking to stock your shelves with books, visiting Beaming Books is a must. They have a wide range of wholesome and religious board books, along with the two best Bibles for infants and toddlers.
Best Bible for Preschool and Early Elementary (2-6 years)
Spark Story Bible, published by Sparkhouse
The Spark Story Bible is a mainstay in our Sunday School classrooms, covering 150 Bible stories throughout the Old and New Testament with helpful discussion questions at the end of each story. Highly recommended.
Best Bible for Elementary Age (5-9 years)
Growing in God's Love: A Story Bible, published by Westminster John Knox Press
Growing in God's Love is a recent release and does a great job of engaging children as they become independent learners. As with the Spark Story Bible, a wide variety of passages from both the Old and New Testaments are covered.
Best Bible for Older Elementary Age (9+ years)
Deep Blue Kids Bible, published by Deep Blue Common English Bibles
Children's NRSV Bible, published by Abingdon Press
When your child is ready to make the jump to the full text of the Bible, I recommend both of these editions. The Common English Bible (CEB) is a recent translation that seeks to translate the biblical text into everyday English, while the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) is the translation used during worship at Fourth Church.
Best Bible for Infants and Toddlers (0-2 years)
Frolic First Bible, published by Beaming Books
Lift-the-Flap Bible Stories for Young Children, published by Beaming Books
If you have an infant or toddler and you're looking to stock your shelves with books, visiting Beaming Books is a must. They have a wide range of wholesome and religious board books, along with the two best Bibles for infants and toddlers.
Best Bible for Preschool and Early Elementary (2-6 years)
Spark Story Bible, published by Sparkhouse
The Spark Story Bible is a mainstay in our Sunday School classrooms, covering 150 Bible stories throughout the Old and New Testament with helpful discussion questions at the end of each story. Highly recommended.
Best Bible for Elementary Age (5-9 years)
Growing in God's Love: A Story Bible, published by Westminster John Knox Press
Growing in God's Love is a recent release and does a great job of engaging children as they become independent learners. As with the Spark Story Bible, a wide variety of passages from both the Old and New Testaments are covered.
Best Bible for Older Elementary Age (9+ years)
Deep Blue Kids Bible, published by Deep Blue Common English Bibles
Children's NRSV Bible, published by Abingdon Press
When your child is ready to make the jump to the full text of the Bible, I recommend both of these editions. The Common English Bible (CEB) is a recent translation that seeks to translate the biblical text into everyday English, while the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) is the translation used during worship at Fourth Church.
Books for Parents
For Parents of Younger Children
Faithful Families, written by Traci Smith
Little Steps, Big Faith, written by Dawn Rundman
The Spiritual Child, written by Lisa Miller
If you're looking for similar concepts to some of what you've seen on this website, I recommend these three books - in particular the first two. Traci Smith's Faithful Families was an inspiration in creating this site, with a variety of simple daily faith practices to incorporate into your family's life. Dawn Rundman's Little Steps, Big Faith is a recent release that does a great job connecting
For Parents of Older Children
100 Things Every Child Should Know Before Confirmation, written by Rebecca Kirkpatrick
Sticky Faith Guide for Your Family, written by Kara Powell
Good books on faith and teenagers are shockingly hard to come by, but I think these two are decent. 100 Things Every Child Should Know walks you through a wide variety of Bible basics before talking about a handful of other foundational beliefs. Sticky Faith is very accessible and well-researched; it's very similar to Faithful Families, but intended for older children.
For Parents of Younger Children
Faithful Families, written by Traci Smith
Little Steps, Big Faith, written by Dawn Rundman
The Spiritual Child, written by Lisa Miller
If you're looking for similar concepts to some of what you've seen on this website, I recommend these three books - in particular the first two. Traci Smith's Faithful Families was an inspiration in creating this site, with a variety of simple daily faith practices to incorporate into your family's life. Dawn Rundman's Little Steps, Big Faith is a recent release that does a great job connecting
For Parents of Older Children
100 Things Every Child Should Know Before Confirmation, written by Rebecca Kirkpatrick
Sticky Faith Guide for Your Family, written by Kara Powell
Good books on faith and teenagers are shockingly hard to come by, but I think these two are decent. 100 Things Every Child Should Know walks you through a wide variety of Bible basics before talking about a handful of other foundational beliefs. Sticky Faith is very accessible and well-researched; it's very similar to Faithful Families, but intended for older children.
Other Awesome Books
God's Dream, written by Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carlton Abrams
Did you know that Archbishop Desmond Tutu co-wrote a children's book?! Beautifully illustrated and deeply meaningful, Tutu and Abrams help us to recognize that everyone is our brother and sister.
Gritty and Graceful, written by Caryn Rivadeniera
Gritty and Graceful lifts up the stories of 15 different women from the Bible, including some who are frequently overlooked in our Sunday School curriculum. An important book that reminds us that the "church fathers" aren't the only people of faith worth discussing - the Bible has lots of strong, faithful women doing God's work as well!
Holy Troublemakers and Unconventional Saints, written by Daneen Akers
This book lifts up a wide variety of lesser known leaders who were inspired by their faith to make a difference in their world. Covering a wide variety of cultures and religions, Holy Troublemakers and Unconventional Saints is a great supplement to the traditional historical personalities that we learn about.
God's Dream, written by Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carlton Abrams
Did you know that Archbishop Desmond Tutu co-wrote a children's book?! Beautifully illustrated and deeply meaningful, Tutu and Abrams help us to recognize that everyone is our brother and sister.
Gritty and Graceful, written by Caryn Rivadeniera
Gritty and Graceful lifts up the stories of 15 different women from the Bible, including some who are frequently overlooked in our Sunday School curriculum. An important book that reminds us that the "church fathers" aren't the only people of faith worth discussing - the Bible has lots of strong, faithful women doing God's work as well!
Holy Troublemakers and Unconventional Saints, written by Daneen Akers
This book lifts up a wide variety of lesser known leaders who were inspired by their faith to make a difference in their world. Covering a wide variety of cultures and religions, Holy Troublemakers and Unconventional Saints is a great supplement to the traditional historical personalities that we learn about.