The Booker Family loves books, stories, and especially picture books! Here are is a list of some of our very favorites.
I hope they will help your family have wonderful conversations about who God is and what His love is like in the world. And also maybe laugh a bunch too. Some are Bible stories and stories of faith. While others are just great books we have read and enjoyed as a family. All have a profound value.
I think one simple way we can actively disciple our kids is take the time to read out loud together. No matter what age or stage your kids are in. Fine a great story and read it together. Dreams will be shared, conversations started, giggles will spill out and a bond will be ever strengthened. Let’s get reading! Extra points for character voices!
I hope and pray you will find something new and wonderful in this list!
With love,
Elisa
P.S., if you like these books, you should also check out Sara McKenzie’s amazing resource, The Read Aloud Revival.
Pre-K (ages 1-4)
Early Elementary (ages 5-7)
Maybe I can love my neighbor too
What is God Like and others by MPT
The Called and Courageous Series
Do Great Things for God Series
What I Tell myself Building Tools
Elementary (ages 8 and up)
Percy Jackson and the Olympians
Bibles & Bible Stories
Body Books
Christmas Books
One More Thing
The books marked with a double astrik (**) use some language that isn’t my first choice to be considered for this list of recommendations. So, here is my mini-sermon on sin…
In the American church we have over-focused on our sin when it comes to presenting the Gospel. Sin separates us from God, no question. However there are two kinds of sin. The sin that we commit and the sin that is committed against us. Both kinds separate us from God. In fact I would say that its other people’s sin that separates us from God far before our own sin even has a chance.
That is what it means to live in a broken world. However, without this lens it can be hard to engage with God’s great compassion. He understands our whole story. He understands that hurt people hurt people and He sent Jesus to break that chain of sin. So, while yes Jesus came to free us from our sin he also came to bring freedom and healing for our broken hearts.
There is language in the books marked with (**) that focus on our wickedness or us being just bad. I mean, what kid do you know that feels inherently wicked or evil? I am hoping none of you! It’s so important to teach kids that their actions have consequences and that they have the real ability to hurt others with what they do and say. However, it’s not the truest thing about a child or the reason Jesus died for them. He died “for the joy set before him.” God made us, God loves us, God wanted a way to be with us forever, so he sent Jesus to make a way.
Some might say this is an oversimplification. But I think the Gospel is pretty darn simple. I want to draw your attention to the fact that all these books will be beautiful jumping off points, but each of them will need some care and discussion that you as parents can provide your child as they seek to understand God’s story with you.
Looking for more recommendations?
Elisa Booker is Pastor of Children and Families at Trinity Grace Church and co-founder of Parent Well. Her littles, Elizabeth and Benjamin, keep her humble and exploring. She and her husband, Armistead, love names with more than seven letters and adventuring together around Brooklyn. She is passionate about seeing humans experiencing life free from shame and cooking really yummy food.
