12 Picture Books to Explore Faith and Spirituality with Kids
by Dena McMurdie
Faith has always played an important role in my life. It gets me through the hard times and fills me with hope for the future. Because it’s been a force for good in my life, I want to pass along my faith to my children.
My family and I belong to a church, but many people worship differently, or want a less structured approach to their spirituality. Additionally, as America becomes more diverse in faith and culture, it’s important to have varied and inclusive books that address spiritual themes.
Here are 12 books that will help you answer your child’s questions and teach them about faith.
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The Little Golden Bible Storybook
Available from:This Little Golden board book is a lovingly simple introduction to prominent Bible stories, with warm, engaging illustrations and pages made for curious hands new to the wonderful worlds of reading and faith.
(Ages 0 – 3)Also available from: -
Where’s Buddha?
Available from:Through a serene and cheerful trip around the globe — from a plane high up in the sky to a submarine down below — children can follow Buddha in quiet and magical moments. This book is perfect for instilling in children a sense of the holy in all beings.
(Ages 0 – 3)Also available from: -
God’s Dream
Available from:In this heartwarming book, Archbishop Desmond Tutu shares his ubuntu philosophy in a way that even the youngest reader can understand. Tutu hopes for all people to see that they’re family — no matter what they look like, where they come from, or how they worship. He advocates for unity and forgiveness, ideals for all of us to live by.
(Ages 0 – 3)Also available from: -
Let the Whole Earth Sing Praise
Renowned author-illustrator Tomie DePaola combines Old Testament-inspired text with artwork evoked from the Otomi people in Puebla, Mexico, to weave a beautiful book of thanks to everything from sky to land to sea — and all people and animals, too.
(Ages 3 – 5) -
The Berenstain Bears and the Big Question
Available from:Where exactly is God? And who exactly is He, too? These are the big questions Sister is asking in this Berenstain Bears exploration of religious teachings. By the end of the book, both Sister and Brother have a new understanding: God is everywhere, and full of love.
(Ages 3 – 7)Also available from: -
When God Made You
Available from:God made each person special and unique. The inspirational and positive message of self-acceptance in this book shows kids that they were created with intention and are perfect exactly the way they are. Also be sure to check out When I Pray for You, a beautifully affirming story about the hopes, dreams, and prayers parents have for their children. The book trailer alone tugs at the heartstrings.
(Ages 3 – 7)Also available from: -
God Gave Us Family
Available from:When Little Wolf goes to a family reunion with his parents, he learns about families of every shape and size. This delightful story is a beautiful reminder to be grateful for the families God blessed us with, whatever they may look like. Readers may also enjoy Bergren’s earlier book in the series, God Gave Us You.
(Ages 3 – 7)Also available from: -
Ladder to the Moon
Available from:This is a gorgeous book about the common bond of humanity, written by Barack Obama's sister. Timely messages about hope and faith encourage readers to open their hearts and minds to compassion, inspiration, and believing in something bigger than yourself.
(Ages 4 – 8)Also available from: -
Deep in the Sahara
Available from:Lalla wants to wear a malafa like the older women, but first, she needs to learn what it represents. This is a lovely story of a young girl growing up and discovering that faith extends beyond tradition.
(Ages 4 – 8)Also available from: -
Zen Shorts
Stillwater the Panda uses Zen parables to teach three children about materialism, right and wrong, and resentment. With atmospheric watercolor illustrations, this book is a wonderful teaching tool for readers young and old.
(Ages 4 – 8) -
He's Got the Whole World in His Hands
Available from:This well-loved spiritual celebrates a boy's connection to family, friends, and Earth. It conveys the message that a supreme being has dominion over all things, from the smallest creatures in nature to the planet we call home.
(Ages 4 – 8)Also available from: -
Mr. and Mrs. God in the Creation Kitchen
In a wholly original tale, Nancy Wood writes about Mr. and Mrs. God, who cook up every living creature on Earth in their Creation Kitchen. For the family who appreciates approaching the big topics with a touch of silliness, this book is especially wonderful for discussing differing religious views.
(Ages 5 – 9)
