The more parents and grandparents I speak to, the more I hear the desire to have good biblical books for children that will be fun to read and encourage them to think more about Christianity and grow in their knowledge of Jesus and love for him. Therefore, I was really happy to receive these books in the post that will captivate your children’s’ minds with the truths of Scripture. Here are seven different books, each with their own focus and approach, that can help you teach truth to children.
Is God for real?
Children ask great, and sometimes pretty tough, questions. There comes an age where every child seems to respond to almost anything with “why?”. We should encourage children to ask questions, and particularly to ask their difficult questions about Christianity, because that’s how we help little ones have big faith that will last. This book will take a child through 9 questions that they might be asking about God, the Bible, Jesus and salvation. But it’s not your typical apologetics book. Throughout this book you go on a journey with the main characters, Samantha (10) and Joshua (9), as they have conversations with their parents about their questions. This is a really good creative way to interact with big questions for children, well worth looking into.
How do I get to heaven?
This is a helpful book for slightly taller children, I’d say from about 5-8 years old. In the book Gorrell touches on a whole host of Bible passages, but the focus is on Jesus and how it’s through trusting in His life, death and resurrection that people are saved. Gorrell paints a picture of heaven that beautifully captures the Bible’s teaching and will excite children about what a wonderful thing it will be to be in the presence of Jesus forever. I think the content of the book is great, but the illustrations are a big let down. Personally, I don’t think the illustrations are right for the book (a bit out dated and simple) which could put a child off. I think the illustrations should match the skill of the writing and I don’t think it does in this case, sadly.
Fannie Lou Hamer
Here is a new addition to the ‘Do great things for God’ series that many young readers will enjoy. The series presents the lives of faithful women who did inspiring things with the hope that children will be encouraged to consider doing great things for God themselves. Fannie Hamer had it rough – she grew up poor, had to leave school to care for her family and was raised in an unfair society that thought very little of her. This book outlines her life, her fight to have her voice heard and her love for Jesus which gave her courage.
Susannah Spurgeon
People have often heard of Charles Spurgeon, but as with many great men of the past, they had godly women who supported them and enabled them to do much of the ministry they did. Susie Spurgeon was one of those women. Though Susie suffered ill health and couldn’t physically do much for a lot of time, she prayed and supported Charles in his ministry and encouraged others to get involved in God’s work. This book will encourage even the smallest readers to see that God can use us in our weakness and frailty for His glory.
Bible investigators: Creation
If you’re looking for a book to encourage and help your child (probably between the ages of 8-12 years old) think about learning from the Bible themselves, this book will certainly help. The read is encouraged to be a good Bible investigator which means three things;
- Observe – pay attention to what you’re reading
- Interpret – figure out what the Bible means in that section
- Apply – Decide how the truth of God’s Word impacts your life today
The book is split into six sections;
– God created everything in the Beginning
– The story of creation
– God made me
– Our creator God
– God’s good creation gifts
– God’s great salvation plan
Throughout the pages of this book the reader will look at Bible verses, have to solve puzzles and follow the clues to come to the answers. I think this is a great tool that is informative, fun and full of truth. It would be a great present for the newest Bible investigator in your family.
Adventures in Acts Volume 1 & Volume 2
The story of Jesus didn’t end with his death and resurrection. In these two volumes David Luckman takes the reader through the story of Acts in simple language to help them see the excitement of the early church, the immense spread of the gospel and the continued ministry of Jesus. Each ‘chapter’ is 2 pages long and has a brief summary of the Bible passage and then four short sections;
- What’s the point – a helpful summary of the main point of the passage.
- Look Back – A passage from earlier in the Bible which helps the readers see how God planned everything from a long time ago.
- Check This Out – Another Bible passage is given which is related to Acts, this helps them see that the Bible story is one cohesive message.
- Think – A question to help the reader think about how what they’ve read is relevant to their life.
I think these are great volumes, I’d love to see Christian Focus do the whole New Testament in this format!
*** I received a copy of these books from the publishers in exchange for honest reviews. This does not change the way I rate the books. My views are my own. ***
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