Oh, my idealistic new mama self. I have to chuckle at the remembrance. Drew, about 5 months old at the time, would doze off in his swing before bed. Meanwhile, I read him Bible stories. Sure, they were from a children’s book, but he didn’t even sit still for that particular book until he was at least in kindergarten.
I don’t know what I was trying to accomplish but I truly thought on some subconscious level he would tuck those stories deep into the recesses of the brain, and someday they would miraculously come to life, a product of a devoted mom after God’s own heart.
Ahem.
We have such high ambitions as brand new moms, don’t we? But when we get a few years under our belts we laugh at those days; however, the desire to raise our children to love and follow God doesn’t change. It just changes shape.
Drew is 8 now and Alyssa is 4, and since I began staying home I have tried to place a greater emphasis on books. We read all sorts of books, but I’d also like to be sure a good portion of those are faith-themed books. This has become especially important as Drew is growing older and is searching for how to reconcile the truth of Scripture with his everyday life.
A couple of weeks ago I asked my Facebook friends for recommendations on children’s books, both for young children like Alyssa and all the way up to preteen. I received so many great suggestions and many of those suggestions were given by my friend Pam, the owner of Heart and Soul Christian Book Store here in Russellville. I also found several other ideas thanks to the library of First Baptist Church in Russellville, a sister church.
Below is a list I compiled based on those recommendations. For my local readers, Heart and Soul has many of these options in stock and at the bottom of this page, be sure and print the 15% off coupon.
Preschool to Early Elementary:
Berenstain Bears by Stan Berenstain and Jan Berenstain
Good Night Warrior by Sheila Walsh
Will, God’s Mighty Warrior by Sheila Walsh
Gigi, God’s Little Princess by Sheila Walsh
The Princess Parables series by Jeanna Young and Jacqueline Johnson
The Grandma’s Attic series by Arleta Richardson and Patrice Barton
The Princess and the Kiss by Jennie Bishop and Susan Henson
The Squire and the Scroll by Jennie Bishop and Karen Rhodes
Just Like Jesus Said series by Melody Carlson
Hermie and Wormie series by Max Lucado
The Pumpkin Patch Parable by Liz Curtis Higgs
The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones and Jago
Tale of the Poisonous Yuck Bugs by Aaron Reynolds and Pete Whitehead
The Nineteenth of Maquerk by Aaron Reynolds and Pete Whithead
Veggie Tales Values to Grow By series
Veggie Town Values series
Early Elementary to Middle School:
The Amarias Adventures series by Amy Lynn Green
Hunter Brown series by Christopher Miller
Imagination Station series by Paul McCusker and Marianne Hering (Drew loves this series – it’s similar to Magic Treehouse)
Christian Heroes Series by Janete Benge and Geoff Benge (I cannot wait to get my hands on some of these!)
The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson
Faithgirlz!/Girls of 622 Harbor View by Melody Carlson
Adventures in Odyssey series by Paul McCusker
I hope this list gets you started like it did me! If you have any others to recommend, please list them in the comments! And again, for my local readers, be sure to print out the coupon below and head to Heart and Soul! I’ve known Pam for over 15 years and I know she’ll help you locate exactly what fits you and your family.
(click coupon to open in your web browser and print)
Coming next week!!
Glory in the Garden: 31 Days of Devotionals
FREE e-version for e-mail subscribers!
Click the link above to receive Glory in the Garden for free when it is released in late November!
*The paperback version will also be available – a great Christmas gift!*
*I have received no compensation for my recommendation of Heart and Soul Christian Book Store.