When I Talk to God, I Talk About You–by Chrissy Metz and Bradley Collins–Book Review

Full of beautiful illustrations, this book emphasizes the unconditional love that parents have for their children, the love God has for each of us. Young children will enjoy pointing out the different birds and animals depicted with their offspring. They will also learn about prayer — it’s not just for adults, but something they can do, too. God is always close, and He listens.

Best suited for preschoolers, this would be a great addition to your child’s Easter basket.

VERDICT: 5 STARS. Both parents and children will love this one!

For more books for children see these posts:

The Things God Made by Andy McGuire — Book Review

Mojo Bro Likes to Help by Jessica Laurianne Rowlands–Book Review

God’s Great Love for You by Rick Warren–Book Review

The Things God Made by Andy McGuire — Book Review

This book artfully combines realistic illustrations and interesting scientific facts with the creation account from the book of Genesis. Best A for older elementary school readers, some of the topics covered are:

What is light?

How were islands created?

Why do plants look green?

How do birds use plants?

At the end there is a list of animals readers are encouraged to find in the book. There is also an author’s note referencing the Genesis verses that apply to each page. Andy McGuire, both illustrator and author has done an excellent job of teaching Biblical truths alongside tidbits of information from a variety of scientific disciplines.

VERDICT: 4 STARS. Homeschoolers will love it!

For more books for children see these posts:

The Creator in You by Jordan Raynor–Book Review

Let There Be Light by Archbishop Desmond Tutu–Book Review

When God Made You by Matthew Paul Turner

God’s Great Love for You by Rick Warren–Book Review

This lovely book would be a wonderful way to introduce children to some of the important attributes of God. It speaks not only of God’s love but His omnipotence (He created and sustains everything) and His omnipresence (He is everywhere).

Designed to appeal to children from the ages of 4-8, the illustrations by Chris Saunders are whimsical and appealing. This book is bound to become a family favorite and keepsake, one to read over and over again.

VERDICT: 5 STARS.

For more books for children see these posts:

Love is (illustrated by Paola Escobar) –Book Review

I Wanted to Know All About God by Virginia L. Kroll–Book Review

Let There Be Light by Archbishop Desmond Tutu–Book Review

As You Grow by Kirk Carmeron — Book Review

This book is part of a series for children published by Brave Books. You may want to check out their website, https://bravebooks.us/, for other resources. You can join a book club to receive a book every month, and also earn points to receive price reductions on books. You can also see if there are any Brave Books story hours near you, or purchase supplies to do your own.

This book focuses on the fruit of the Spirit and how those fruits will increase in our life as we grow older and encounter more life experiences. The focus is on caring for others as we learn to reflect the love of God. It is aimed at children ages 4-12 and will be better understood and received by school age youngsters.

The pictures are bright and attractive, and the text is minimal. The best feature, in my opinion, is the “Brave Challenge” at the end. There are a series of games and suggested questions that will be wonderful for the family to use together and reinforce the teaching.

VERDICT: 4 STARS. If you a parent of young children, this series would be well worth checking out.

For more books for children see these posts:

Where is Wisdom by Scott James — Book Review

I Wanted to Know All about God by Virginia L. Kroll–Book Review

Bedtime Blessings by Marianne Richmond–Book Review

How Much is a Little Girl Worth by Rachael Denhollander–Book Review

Author Rachael Denhollander is a survivor of sexual abuse. (If you would like to read more about her story follow this link: What is a Girl Worth by Rachael Denhollander–Book Review) The decision to come forward with her complaint was difficult, but she wanted to protect others from in similar circumstances. After asking herself over and over, “how much is a girl worth?” she wrote a poem to answer the question. The message is simple: every little girl is valuable, not because of what she does, but because of who she is –the beloved child and image-bearer of the One Who created her. God loved each little girl so much that he was willing to sacrifice His own Son for her good.

The illustrations are lovely and depict girls of different races in a variety of environments. The Gospel message presented is simple and clear. If you have a daughter, you’ll want to read this one with her over and over. It’s probably best for children aged 5-8.

VERDICT: 5 STARS

For more books for children see these posts:

If I Were a Mouse by Karma Wilson–Book Review

Far Flutterby by Karen Kingsbury–Book Review

How High is Heaven by Linsey Davis–Book Review

The Creator in You by Jordan Raynor–Book Review

In this book for young children (ages 4-8), author Jordan Raynor takes a unique look at God, the Creator. For six days, God worked to create the universe and all that is in it, including us! However, that was only the beginning of creation, for God made us to be like Him, and that means we, too, are creative. Whenever we build buildings, write books, paint pictures, design computers, compose songs, enact laws, or start a business, we are fulfilling God’s purpose and He is pleased.

What a great way to teach youngsters that our work is a way to reflect God’s character and help others! (Martin Luther would approve, it fits neatly into the Lutheran doctrine of vocation).

Short, bouncy rhymes and beautiful illustrations (kudos to illustrator Jonathan David) will keep children engaged in the lesson. My only concern is the statement that “God made you to look like Him.” Children of this age are likely to take this statement literally, which will cause confusion.

VERDICT: 5 STARS. I highly recommend it.

For more Christian books for children see these posts:

Where is Wisdom by Scott James — Book Review

Bedtime Blessings by Marianne Richmond–Book Review

Let There Be Light by Archbishop Desmond Tutu–Book Review

A Birthday Party for Jesus by Susan Jones–Book Review

The animals of the forest are invited to a very special party — a birthday party for Jesus! Little Bunny tries to decide what sort of gift to bring. Would Jesus like the same things he does? Maybe he would want a toy, some candy or a game? No, he is told by Hedgehog. None of these are the right kind of present for Jesus. Little Bunny is confused.

As the party begins, he sees that the other animals have brought packages with labels like this:

*Friendship

*Kindness

*Honesty

Soon he decides on his own special gift — love. He understands that this is the greatest anyone can receive at Christmas. It is the reason Jesus was born.

This book is charmingly illustrated and will help parents of young children reinforce the true meaning of the Christmas season.

VERDICT: 4 STARS.

For more books for children see:

Great and Small Prayers for Babies — Book Review

Little Sweet Pea, God Loves You — Book Review

The Promises of God Storybook Bible by Jennifer Lyell–Book Review

If I Were a Mouse by Karma Wilson–Book Review

Children love to pretend. In this beautifully illustrated book, a little boy imagines what it would be like to be a mouse, an owl, a squirrel, a chickadee or a cat. Finally, he thanks God, the creator who made him a little boy.

The story is related with bouncy rhymes that youngsters will enjoy. There is very little in the way of religious teaching, but it may help parents begin a discussion about God as the maker of all things.

VERDICT: 4 STARS

For more Christian books for children see these posts:

I Can Only Imagine by Bart Millard — Book Review

God Loves the Animals by Jan & Mike Berenstain–Book Review

The Promises of God Storybook Bible by Jennifer Lyell–Book Review

All Will be Well by Lacy Finn Borgo–Book Review

Author Lacy Finn Borgo is an experienced spiritual director, who loves to work with children. Her book, which combines the story of Julian of Norwich with the experiences of a modern-day little girl, also named Julian. Julian’s grandmother is ill, and Julian is worried. Through discussions with her grandmother, and experiencing God’s presence in nature, she learns to trust that “all will be well” even if Mimi does not get better.

This book is an excellent vehicle for talking to elementary aged children about their feelings related to death, illness and unanswered prayer. There is a page at the end with suggestions about guiding your child through experiences of grief and loss, sadness and pain.

The text is accompanied by charming illustrations created by Rebecca Evans.

VERDICT: 5 Stars. Practical and beautiful!

For more books for children see these posts:

I Am -The Names of God for Little Ones by Diane Stortz–Book Review

Just Like You by Marla Stewart Konrad

Let There Be Light by Archbishop Desmond Tutu–Book Review

Nora’s Ark by Eileen Spinelli–Book Review

Since young children think concretely, most will respond well to this creative story about a youngster who decides to create her own ark, in imitation of the biblical story. The illustrations by Nora Hilb are whimsical and appealing.

Nora’s ark story is like Noah’s in some ways — it’s going to rain! There are animals who need to be tended. When the rain stops, there is a rainbow. In other ways, Nora’s ark is different. She has to use different materials to build her ark, and it is smaller. Her animals are smaller, too. She invites cats, spiders, goldfish and toy animals into the ark with her. It doesn’t rain for 40 days — 40 minutes is closer.

This book cannot be used to teach the biblical account of Noah — it assumes the reader is already familiar with that. However, it would be a useful tool to reinforce knowledge the child already has. I suggest reading it along with your children, prompting them to repeat what they remember about Noah, and noticing how Nora’s ark differs. When the book is finished, they may be inspired to build their own ark!

VERDICT: 4 STARS

For more books for children see these posts:

Jonah and the Whale retold by Rachel Elliot

The Promises of God Storybook Bible by Jennifer Lyell–Book Review

David and Goliath–Book Review