Raising Tiny Theologians: Books for Christian Families
- Ryan Belcher
- Feb 7, 2024
- 4 min read
When it comes to raising our children to know and love the Lord, one of the greatest tools at our disposal is books. There certainly is no shortage of books out there, some better than others. I have compiled a list of some of my favorite books for Christian families that we read in our home.
And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Baby Believer Series (Catechesis Books) Author: Danielle Hitchen | Illustration: Jessica Blanchard
This first entry is not one book but a series of books from Catechesis Books. They currently have about ten titles with more on the way. The Baby Believer series of books combines the concept of a typical children's primer with theological truths.
The aim of these books is to take deep theological concepts and break them down into more manageable and easier to understand concepts (such as shapes, colors, numbers, etc.). This is done through the use of Scripture, hymns, and historic creeds and confessions.
According to their website, their goal is "to help you teach your children the central teachings of the Christian faith that they may never know a day apart from the Lord."
Note: Some of the books do include images of the Godhead. If this is an issue for you, there is information on their website here that explains which of their books to avoid.
Wonder & Wisdom: Everyday Reminders from Psalms and Proverbs (Zonderkidz)
Authors: Joanna Rivard & Tim Penner
This little book takes lessons from the Psalms and Proverbs and breaks them down into short, easy to understand stories for your little one to enjoy. The Psalms and Proverbs are full of beautiful wisdom teaching us how to live our lives and what it looks like to be close to God.
The illustrations in this book are eye-catching for little ones and does a great job drawing them in. Each story is paired with a verse or two from the Psalms or Proverbs and are written in an easy to understand manner. At the end of the book, there is a "more to explore" section that cross references additional verses for each story from across the Bible.
The authors' goal in this book is "Little lessons in being thankful, making good choices, and asking questions" and I would say that they succeed.
The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden (along with The Biggest Story Bible Storybook & The Biggest Story ABC) (Crossway)
Author: Kevin DeYoung | Illustration: Don Clark
This entry is another with multiple books. The Biggest Story books seek to introduce the smaller stories of the Bible that kids normally learn and connect them to the over-arching message of redemptive history. The art work in these books is some of the best you will come across.
The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden: For better or for worse the way we tell the stories of Scripture, especially to children, are oftentimes segmented and separated from the full story of the Bible. In The Biggest Story, DeYoung seeks to tell the stories of Scripture (from the Garden, to the Christ's death, to the New Creation) while connecting them to the entirety of God's plan to redeem a people to Himself.
The Biggest Story Bible Storybook: This takes the premise of The Biggest Story and expands it even further. DeYoung takes readers on a Genesis to Revelation journey through Scripture retelling the stories in kid-friendly language while continuing his mission of connecting the individual stories of the Bible to the whole of redemptive history. He introduces each section of the Bible (the Prophets, the Gospels, the Epistles, etc.) explaining a bit about what that section is intended to do and why it is important. Perhaps the best part is, each chapter ends in a prayer to help guide you and your little one and teach them how to pray the Scriptures.
The Biggest Story ABC: This little alphabet primer is perfect for teaching your littles their ABCs and introducing them to God's plan of salvation. Taking them from A-- the creation of Adam and Eve to Z-- living with God in Zion in the New Creation God is preparing for His people, you will be introducing your child to God from the earliest of ages.
Love Made: A Story of God's Overflowing, Creative Heart (Harvest House)
Author: Quina Aragon | Illustration: Scotty Reifsnyder
This beautifully written and illustrated book celebrates the miracle of God's creation. Aragon takes our little readers from before the creation of the universe when the Triune God lived in love, joy, and harmony within Himself. From there we move into God creating everything out of the outflowing of that love--culminating in the creation of humans made in God's image.
The book then turns to the family and how, as a reflection of how God created people out of love, moms and dads also create something out of love.
This book is one of the best books on the Trinity and creation for little ones.
God Made Me and You: Celebrating God's Design for Ethnic Diversity (New Growth Press)
Author: Shai Linne | Illustration: Trish Mahoney
This book holds a special place in my heart because Shai (and Blair, Sage, Myra, and Ezra) holds a special place in my heart.
Shai’s heart for the gospel is all over this little book. It is an excellent celebration of God’s heart for ethnic diversity and looks forward to the day when God has brought a people from every nation, tribe and tongue worshiping Him.
In Shai's own words, "Like the facets of a jewel, the glory of God shines all the more brightly as the light of His gospel is reflected through different vessels. Conversely, God has determined that without ethnic diversity, we lose the ability to see God shine in particular ways that would have only been possible if there had been diversity."
It also features a section that highlights six ways that parents can in assist their children in appreciating God’s design for ethnic diversity.
What books are your family's favorites? Let me know in the comments below.
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