Whether you wish to have some bedtime stories with solid, Christian principles, or you want books for your children to read that are Christian-themed, there are numerous titles available from which to choose. From allegories to books that are overtly Christian, Christian literature is on the rise.
Preschool
During the years prior to starting school, children tend to enjoy books filled with vivid pictures and simple words. Your child is not yet reading at this point, so these are likely books you'll read to him at bedtime.
God Bless You & Good Night
God Bless You & Good Night is by Hannah Hall and is aimed at ages one to four. Publisher's Weekly called it an "awesome board book." They point to Hall's "sing-song rhymes" that make the book so appealing to children.
The book features baby animals and rhymes about God's blessings. Throughout the pages, the title is repeated as each baby animal is tucked into bed by its animal parent.
God Gave Us You
God Gave Us You was written by Lisa Tawn Bergren and Laura J. Bryant. It is aimed at ages three to seven.
Goodreads gives this book 4.45 out of 5 stars out of 835 ratings and 73 reviews. Some of the five-star reviews note that the book had colorful illustrations, a classic theme, and that it was "absolutely delightful."
The story centers around a polar bear cub who wants to know where he came from. The story is a precious reminder that children are a gift from God and that each child is a treasure.
Lift-the-Flap Bible
Lift-the-Flap Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones can serve as a good first Bible for young children. The book is for ages three to five years.
The book has 4.5 out of 5 stars at Amazon from 203 reviews. Reviewers made statements such as "perfect little Bible to begin teaching my two-year-old" and the book "captured our hearts."
The book offers some of the more popular Old and New Testament stories from the Bible, such as Noah's Ark, Parting of the Red Sea, David and Goliath and Walking on Top of Water. There are 40 different flaps inside that children can open to take a peak at something related to the story.
Primary Elementary
It can be a challenge to find good reading material for elementary students. These shorter chapter books offer some great Christian options.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis is a good book for older students to read. It is aimed at ages eight and up and would be ideal for fourth through eighth-grade students. The book is the first that was released in the series, although events in The Magician's Nephew occur first. Don't worry, you can read each book alone and it will still make sense.
In The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, four young children go through a wardrobe at their uncle's house and wind up in another world - Narnia. They must battle a White Witch, get help from a brave lion, and create change in this strange world.
Common Sense Media gives the book four out of five stars and offers detailed insight to things Christian parents should be aware of, such as a few violent scenes in the book and the presence of a "witch." Still, the overall theme of the book is Christian. Aslan, the lion, represents Christ. Lewis sends a definite message that good wins over evil.
Peter's Perfect Prayer Place
Peter's Perfect Prayer Place by Stephen and Alex Kendrick was chosen by Amazon as the #1 new release in Children's Christian Fiction Books. This book was created as a companion book to go with the movie, The War Room, which was recently released in theaters. It is aimed at ages four to eight years.
The book is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon, and places like Future Flying Saucers give it a thumbs up because of features like a prayer poster and stickers to train your child in the habit of prayer.
Peter's Perfect Prayer Place tells the story of Peter who sees his mom in her prayer room, so he begins looking for a perfect place for him to pray. The message is that God hears prayers no matter where you are.
Being Thankful
The Little Critter line of books features Christian books and are written by Mercer Mayer. Being Thankful is for ages four to seven and the perfect type of book for beginning readers. Kindergartners and first graders, in particular, will enjoy the rich illustrations but more advanced material.
The book has 4.27 stars out of 5 on Goodreads and 5 stars out of 35 reviews on Amazon. Reviewers point to well-known "beloved characters" and "another great story from Mercer Meyer."
This book is about Critter's disgust with not getting what he wants. He doesn't like his shoes, he wishes his family had a boat, and so on. In the end, he realizes he has a lot of blessings to be thankful for.
Upper Elementary and Middle School
Gifted Hands, Revised Kids Edition: The Ben Carson Story
This story is written by Gregg Lewis about physician and Presidential candidate, Ben Carson. It is aimed at ages eight and up and is a longer, chapter-style book.
The book is a number one best seller in Children's Christian Biographies on Amazon. Teen Ink said the book was "exciting" and "motivating." The overall message is about never giving up on your dreams and to think as big as you want to. 30 readers at Teen Ink loved the book and 35 liked it. Others said it made them laugh or cry.
This is a true story about Doctor Ben Carson, who grew up as an inner-city youth, had bad grades in school, and grew up without a father to direct and guide him. However, he overcame the disadvantages he faced to become one of the top neurosurgeons in the world.
Closer Than Ever
Closer Than Ever is part of the Heaven in My Heart Series by Melanie Wilber. This book is well suited for ages 11 and up because of the age of the main character.
The book has 3.8 stars out of 5 after 21 reviews on Goodreads with Amazon reviewers giving it 4.5 out of 5 stars. Reviewers stated the book was a "reality check," it "changed my life," and it was "helpful at any age."
Closer Than Ever follows the story of Brianne Carmichael whose best friend is moving away. Not only will she truly miss her best friend, but now she has to start seventh grade alone. When the other kids are mean, Brianne has to figure out how to forgive them and follow God.
Kingdom's Dawn
Kingdom's Dawn by Chuck Black is book number one in the Kingdom series. The books are aimed at ages nine to twelve, but older kids may enjoy the history and Biblical parallels in these books.
Jeff Randleman reviewed Kingdom's Dawn, saying that the book brought him back to his childhood when he'd dream of knights and swords. The book currently has 74 customer reviews on Amazon and an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
The plot is set in medieval times and the people must escape slavery. The book parallels events in the Bible, but in a different time period and setting.
A Way to Teach Values
Books are an excellent way to teach Christian values and reinforce what is important to Christian families. While many books teach good lessons, only a handful bring in Biblical principles while doing so. It's important to read reviews, study which authors are writing specifically Christian fiction, and to purchase your child's reading library accordingly.
