The pencils are sharpened, the lunches are packed and the backpacks are zipped. Kids of all ages are heading back to school, which means families are getting back into the swing of homework, extracurriculars and structured routines. While there will be no shortage of reading happening throughout the semester ahead, early fall bedtimes on a school night often call for a special book. Before you kiss your littles goodnight and say bedtime prayers, make way for plenty of cuddles as you devour a story or two together. Although there are plenty of tales to ignite your child’s imagination, there are a select few that also teach them foundational principles of faith and remind them of simple truths that will serve them well into adulthood. A host of Christian artists and authors alike have written recent books specifically to remind kids that God loves them, He will never leave them, and He created them for a unique purpose. Here are eight books the little learners in your life will absolutely love.
“My Lighthouse,” by Ali Gilkeson
Former Rend Collective member Ali Gilkeson writes a tender tale of losing your way and finding your way back home again in her first book, “My Lighthouse.” Titled after Rend Collective’s signature song by the same name, “My Lighthouse” unfolds the story of Fynn, a curious boy who lives in a lighthouse like his father and grandfather before him. Feeling like he doesn’t fit in, Fynn sets out on an adventure, which ultimately teaches him that sometimes the life you’re searching for is the one you already have.
“A Little More Like Jesus,” by Zach Williams
Four-time K-LOVE Fan Award winner Zach Williams transforms his hit single, “Less Like Me,” into his first children’s book, “A Little More Like Jesus.” The colorful title introduces children to the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and gives them easy, practical examples of ways they can share God’s love in everyday life. Encouraging kids to put others first, “A Little More Like Jesus” will help young readers understand what it looks like to follow the Lord and be shaped in His image. This book, written especially for children, follows Williams’ popular memoir, “Rescue Story.”
“The Bible For Me,” by Mike Nawrocki and Amy Parker
VeggieTales co-creator Mike Nawrocki, best known for voicing Larry the Cucumber, and seasoned author Amy Parker join forces for a beautifully illustrated book that takes 50 stories from the Bible and distills them down into vignettes children can easily digest and engage. A bedtime book for the whole family, “The Bible For Me” even allows parents to insert their child’s name into specific parts of each story and throughout concluding prayers to make the Bible personal and applicable for children. The opportunity for personalization and conversation will allow God’s Word to became a foundational tool for shaping kids’ worldviews from an early age.
“I Know Who I Am,” by Dorena Williamson
In “I Know Who I Am,” bestselling author Dorena Williamson celebrates God’s intentional, multicultural design. The preacher’s kid and pastor’s wife gives children around the world the chance to recognize themselves in the pages of her book as she showcases kids from various cultures across the globe possessing a variety of gifts and talents. Williamson’s truth-filled affirmations — rooted in Scripture — are paired with vibrant illustrations, helping readers fully grasp and comprehend their identity in Christ. Additionally, “I Know Who I Am” helps little ones realize God created each one of us on purpose, for a purpose; and it’s the things that make us different that also make us beautiful.
“He Is There,” by Audra Haney
Audra Haney, host and producer of “The 5 Minute Mom Podcast,” invites young readers to experience God’s presence across the pages of her inaugural children’s offering, “He Is There.” Through poetic language and creative imagery, Haney helps children begin to see God in all of creation in their own little lives. Furthermore, “He Is There” contains hidden images only visible by flashlight, making this book a fun and interactive way for children to learn how to walk by faith, not by sight. “He Is There” will allow kids to begin to identify how and where God is actively working in the world around us.
“Stella the Brave,” by Emily Wilson
Influencer, author and musician Emily Wilson brings “Stella the Brave” to life in her latest children’s book. The story follows Stella as she starts a new school in a new city. Along the way, she talks to Jesus about her worries and struggles, and He helps her through her first day. Kids will undoubtedly relate to Stella’s experiences with big changes and life transitions that often present unique challenges. As Stella makes friends, settles in and tries new things, readers will learn from her courage and tenacity and will, hopefully, be inspired to pray when they feel anxious, leaning fully into God’s strength to make them brave.
“I’m So Blessed,” by CAIN
Siblings Taylor, Madison and Logan Cain turn their song, “I’m So Blessed,” into their very first book. The musical trio pairs the truth of their lyrics with whimsical characters to help kids find joy in every circumstance. Now that all three members of CAIN are parents, “I’m So Blessed” is their gift to their own babies, as well as children everywhere, as they hone in on an essential truth: Whether it’s your best day or your worst day, every day’s a good day when you’re a child of the Most-High God. As vibrant and colorful as the award-winning group itself, the book brings their hit to life, reminding kids just how much God loves them and how His goodness never changes.
“Little Lion Lungs,” by Brandon and Brittany Lake
Inspired by the lyrics of Brandon Lake’s massive breakthrough hit, “Gratitude,” “Little Lion Lungs” encourages kids to let their inner lion roar. The five-time K-LOVE Fan Award winner enlisted his wife, Brittany, to help him pen the adorable picture book with prose that was first road-tested on the couple’s own three little boys. The star of the original story is a young lion cub named Levi, who learns how gratefulness is an undervalued act of worship. Meant to help kids be strong, thankful and courageous in their faith, “Little Lion Lungs” teaches young readers to not be ashamed to praise the Lord.
