Every now and then I receive a children’s book to review. Obviously, I am not the intended audience and my daughter isn’t even 2 years old. However, I look at these books and still review them. This way, parents, grandparents, friends, and family can know what good books are available. These books will help children be pointed to God. They will learn about Jesus and think about Bible stories. So let me introduce you to five children’s books that have come across my desk recently.
Guess what: God loves you by Catherine Mackenzie
In this little book, Catherine helps little ones see that God loves them by asking questions and then looking at Bible verses. For example, the first question is ‘does he [God] love you more than sparrows?’ Yes! Catherine points to Matthew 10:29-31. The book continues like that for a few pages and then there are a few pages of further promises of God’s love culminating in Romans 8:38-39.
I think this is a good little book, my one criticism of it is that one of the illustrations about ghosts may be scary to some children.
Jesus’ stories by Carine Mackenzie
This is a family devotional book based on some of Jesus’ parables. Carine does a good job of explaining the parables and giving an overall application, which I think is helpful. Carine begins by explaining what. parable is and then diving into 22 parables. Each ‘chapter’ gives you the bible text to find the parable, a brief summary and then a lesson at the end. Throughout the book there are also pages that give you prayer suggestions.
I think this book may be helpful for families to read. My criticism of it (and this is subjective!) is that I don’t think that the illustrations are that inviting. The illustrations are bright and based on the parables, but not super eye catching, in my opinion.
Jesus, Strong and Kind by Sinclair Ferguson
Sinclair Ferguson takes the world of a popular children’s song ‘Jesus, Strong and Kind‘ by CityAlight featuring Colin Buchanan, together with Bible passages to create this little book. Each verse of the song speaks about a different time to come to Jesus – when we thirst, are weak, are fearful and lost. Ferguson takes the song and puts the verses to Bible passages and stories to help children grasp this more. I like what this book does because it takes something they may already know (the song) and then goes to show what the Bible has to say about it. This would be a good book for the whole family to read with kids around 6-10. Each story is under 10 pages and the illustrations are simple and effective to aid you in understanding the story.
Jesus moments: Moses by Alison Mitchell
This book is great! I’m a huge fan of teaching the Old Testament to Christians and to children. Too often people are afraid of the Old Testament, but we don’t need to be. Alison Mitchell has done a wonderful job in this book of telling Moses’ story without jumping to Jesus too quickly or randomly (something many kid’s books do!).
In the first half of the book, Alison walks through some key moments in Moses’ life. Then in the second half she compares moments from Moses’ life to Jesus and his ministry – culminating with the bronze snake on a pole and the cross. This book is done wonderfully and Alison has done a great job! I think this could equip and train young minds to always keep an eye out for Jesus on every page of the Bible. We certainly need more of that!
C is for Christian – An A to Z Treasury of Who We Are in Christ by Alistair Begg
This book is my favourite book of the lot. Begg takes wonderfully deep theological concepts and helps little ones see their relevance in their own lives. Each letter of the alphabet stands for a word, for example
A – adopted
B- branch
C – citizen
D – Dwelled-in
You get the drift. Each page begins with a question, a short explanation of the concept, has two reflection questions and a prayer. This is a book that whole families will come back to time and time again to learn and grow together. If you’re looking for a gift for a family, or for a child, I highly recommend getting this book! Begg writes concisely and clearly and his love for Jesus leaps off the pages.
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