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The 10 BEST Christian Picture Books To Teach The Bible and Faith Values

By Christie Thomas 1 Comment

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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links. See my full disclosures, Terms of Use, and privacy policies on my "privacy" page. I never recommend a product I don't love.

10 Best Christian picture books

These 10 BEST Christian picture books will provide kids with a comprehensive picture of God’s plan of salvation and your child’s place in it.


As the Director of Children’s Ministries at my church, I have scoured the Christian picture book world over the past 12 years, looking for excellent books to recommend to “my” families.

Why Read Christian Picture Books?

Filling your child’s bookshelf with good quality Christian picture books is a fabulous way to talk about faith naturally and easily with your kids.

It’s as easy as pulling out a book or two and putting them on the couch. I can guarantee that within minutes, your child will be begging you to read them! What a great way to talk to your child about God, the Bible, and salvation without it feeling awkward or forced.

Why You Should Use MY List of the Best Christian Picture Books

As a mom and former Children’s Ministries Director, I have read bazillions of library books and learned which ones truly engage children.

As a writer, I have sluiced through hundreds of the top books, both Christian and secular, figuring out what makes them good and why kids like them. I also have been able to keep up with what’s new in Christian publishing because I’ve developed friendships with many other Christian picture book authors.

You, dear reader, get to take advantage of my years of research and experience!

What follows is a list of THE best Christian picture books on the market today. In fact, if you bought all 10, I have no doubt that you would have a fantastic library of books that your kids would come back to repeatedly, and that you would enjoy reading to them.

I originally created this list in 2017, and despite seeing MANY Christian children’s book fill the market over the past few years, I still stand by this list.

Now, I know there are a lot of great books out there.

(don’t believe me? Check out my book review YouTube channel!)

I picked these ones specifically, because separately they are amazing, but together, they create a multi-faceted picture of God, the plan of salvation, and how this makes a difference in our lives today. None of the books overlap, and none of these are basic Bible stories you could find for cheaper in a compilation children’s Bible.

10 Best Christian picture books

Here Is How I Chose Each Picture Book:

1) God is the focus

I have read some great allegorical and metaphorical books, but since young kids aren’t able to think abstractly, I think these books have limited value for them. (They DO have value, but more for older kids, or as books they remember later in life, when they finally connect the dots.) The books on my list all talk explicitly about God and provide spiritual value to your kids NOW.

2) Good for multiple ages, both genders

There are a lot of fabulous faith-based books that are about trucks and princesses, but I wanted your library to appeal to ALL your kids.

Also, I chose books that aren’t (a) preschool-y or (b) contain so much text that the average 4 year old couldn’t handle it. Again, I want this library of books to appeal to ALL your kids. (well, at least the ones age 3-10!)

3) Emphasis on God’s grace

No legalistic books allowed! These books all showcase God’s incredible love and grace, making your child WANT to know and obey Him.

4) Engaging story

What’s worse than a boring kids book? An ANNOYING kids book! You won’t read it to your kids if you don’t like it too. Am I right?? Each of these stories is engaging for kids AND adults. Almost all of these books have made me choke up when reading them, so I know they’re well-written and speak to a heart-need.

5) Excellent illustrations

I have found a lot of books with a TON of text and totally boring illustrations. You can have the awesomest story in the world, but if the illustrations are sparse or boring, no kid is going to want you to read it to them.

Those are my super-picky criteria for a great Christian kids book. If you think they sound like your cup of tea, you’re ready to get my awesome list! Enter your details here or click on the picture and I’ll send it right over. 

10 best Christian picture books

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Welcome to my awesome list of the 10 Best Christian Picture Books!

Save this for later!

494 shares
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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links. See my full disclosures, Terms of Use, and privacy policies on my "privacy" page. I never recommend a product I don't love.

10 Best Christian picture books

Welcome to my awesome list of the 10 Best Christian Picture Books!

stop before you read this list!

If you didn’t get this link from an email from Christie Thomas, please stop reading.

I know that sounds a little crazy, but accessing or sharing this webpage separate from my email list hurts this ministry and my family. If you stumbled on this accidentally, please sign up here. If you’re already on my email list, remember, THIS IS A SECRET LIST. It’s just for you, my favourite person. If you want to share it with a friend, please share this blog post with them.


As the Director of Children’s Ministries at my church, I have scoured the Christian picture book world over the past 12 years, looking for excellent books to recommend to “my” families.

As a mom, I have read bazillions of library books and learned which ones truly engage children.

As a writer, I have sluiced through hundreds of the top books, both Christian and secular, figuring out what makes them good and why kids like them.

You, dear reader, get to take advantage of my years of research!

What follows is a list of THE best Christian picture books on the market today. In fact, if you bought all 10, I have no doubt that you would have a fantastic library of books that your kids would come back to repeatedly, and that you would enjoy reading to them.

Now, I know there are a lot of great books out there. (don’t believe me? Check out my book review YouTube channel!) I picked these ones specifically, because separately they are amazing, but together, they create a multi-faceted picture of God, the plan of salvation, and how this makes a difference in our lives today. None of the books overlap, and none of these are basic Bible stories you could find for cheaper in a compilation children’s Bible.

Here are the qualifications for each individual book:

1) God is the focus

I have read some great allegorical and metaphorical books, but since young kids aren’t able to think abstractly, I think these books have limited value for them. (They DO have value, but more for older kids, or as books they remember later in life, when they finally connect the dots.) The books on my list all talk explicitly about God and provide spiritual value to your kids NOW.

2) Good for multiple ages, both genders

There are a lot of fabulous faith-based books that are about trucks and princesses, but I wanted your library to appeal to ALL your kids. Also, I chose books that aren’t (a) preschool-y or (b) contain so much text that the average 4 year old couldn’t handle it. Again, I want this library of books to appeal to ALL your kids. (well, at least the ones age 3-10!)

3) Emphasis on God’s grace

No legalistic books allowed! These books all showcase God’s incredible love and grace, making your child WANT to know and obey Him.

4) Engaging story

What’s worse than a boring kids book? An ANNOYING kids book! You won’t read it to your kids if you don’t like it too. Am I right?? Each of these stories is engaging for kids AND adults. Almost all of these books have made me choke up when reading them, so I know they’re well-written and speak to a heart-need.

5) Excellent illustrations

I have found a lot of books with a TON of text and totally boring illustrations. You can have the awesomest story in the world, but if the illustrations are sparse or boring, no kid is going to want you to read it to them.

I should mention that I have included affiliate links in this list. That means that if you purchase a book through my link, I get a few cents (literally). I appreciate when you use them as it helps with the costs of running this ministry.

Ok, are you ready?

Here they are, starting with books that cover God’s plan of redemption, then narrowing down to Christian life (like the fruit of the Spirit and our response to God), then to things kids deal with (like anxiety and hard times).

(1) THE BIG GOD STORY

MAIN THEME: God’s entire plan of redemption (It literally recaps the whole Bible!)

SECONDARY THEME: God’s story is big, and you can be a part of it too! “In this fast-paced journey through the Old and New Testaments, kids will hear the stories of the Garden of Eden, the great Flood, the Promised Land, the kings of Israel, the holy baby born in a stable, and some unlikely friends who started a new church. Each part of the narrative highlights a different aspect of God’s faithfulness to us. Ultimately, readers will see how they fit into God’s big story of love when they write their names in the book on the last page!

This beautiful picture book also teaches children about God’s promise of a Redeemer through the visual portrayal of a glowing star and the insightful connections back to the person of Jesus on almost every page.”

(2) THE GARDEN, THE CURTAIN, AND THE CROSS

MAIN THEME: The story of Easter, including why we need it.

SECONDARY THEME: It traces God’s plan of salvation through the Old Testament tabernacle! Super cool.

BONUS: The illustrator is magnificent and hilarious.

“This beautifully illustrated hardback book takes children on a journey from the garden of Eden to God’s prefect new creation.

Retelling the Easter story through a Bible overview, children will discover that ‘because of our sin, we can’t go in’ but because of Jesus’ victory on the cross, an even better garden awaits us…”

(3) GOD’S VERY GOOD IDEA

God's very good idea

MAIN THEME: God created diversity, but sin has caused us to dislike those who are different from us.

SECONDARY THEME: God’s plan of salvation, and how it even impacts current issues like racism.

BONUS: The illustrator is magnificent and hilarious. (same one as above!)

“God’s very good idea is to have lots of different people enjoying loving him and loving each other. This stunningly illustrated journey from the garden of Eden to God’s heavenly throne room shows how despite our sinfulness, everyone can be a part of God’s very good idea through the saving work of Christ.

This book will help children see how people from all ethnic and social backgrounds are valuable to God and how Jesus came to rescue all kinds of people. It will also excite them about being part of church.”

(4) SIDNEY AND NORMAN: A TALE OF TWO PIGS

Sidney and Norman

MAIN THEME: God’s incredible, radical love

SECONDARY THEME: We ought not to judge each other

“A stirring story and lovely illustrations create a multi-layered tale that is both charming and thought-provoking. Sidney & Norman uses the simple context of two pigs living next door to each other to communicate a profound truth about how we judge each other and often judge ourselves. On the surface, Sidney & Norman appears to be a picture book that will entertain kids. But this story has deeply moved adult audiences as well and can help us reconsider how much God loves us and how we love each other.”

(5) WHEN GOD MADE YOU

When God made you

MAIN THEME: You have been created unique, and with a purpose

BONUS: This is a rhyming book that appeals far beyond the preschool years. It’s just plain fun to read. Also, the main character is this awesome, spunky little girl.

“From early on, children are looking to discover their place in the world and longing to understand how their personalities, traits, and talents fit in. The assurance that they are deeply loved and a unique creation in our big universe is certain to help them spread their wings and fly.

Through playful, charming rhyme and vivid, fantastical illustrations, When God Made You inspires young readers to learn about their own special gifts and how they fit into God’s divine plan as they grow, explore, and begin to create for themselves.”

(6) MAYBE GOD IS LIKE THAT TOO

Maybe God is like that too

MAIN THEME: The fruit of the Spirit

BONUS: This is a completely unique treatment of the fruit of the Spirit, featuring a multicultural, urban cast of characters. (BONUS: There’s a second book with the same feel, called “Maybe I Can Love My Neighbor Too”.)

“Every child wonders where God lives or what God is like. In Maybe God Is Like That Too, a young boy asks his grandma where God is in their city. She invites him to pay attention to where he sees the fruit of the Spirit. Where love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are, there too is God. The boy sees God in the kindness of a doorman holding the door for a man using a wheelchair, in the patience of his teacher helping him tie his shoes, and in the love, faithfulness, and gentleness of his grandma. An ordinary day in his city opens this young boy’s eyes to God’s Spirit at work all around him.”

(7) RONNIE WILSON’S GIFT

Ronnie Wilson's Gift

MAIN THEME: Our response to God’s love

BONUS: This is super relatable book for kids, because it deals with normal childhood misunderstandings of serving and loving God.

“When Ronnie Wilson learns of Jesus’ sacrifice, he wants to give Jesus a gift in return. But how can he get it to heaven? With each attempt, he performs a simple act of service for someone in need, and eventually learns that what is done for the least in God’s kingdom is done for Jesus himself.”

(8) IT WILL BE OKAY

It will be okay, a book for anxious children

MAIN THEME: We can trust God because he is always with us, and he cares for us

SECONDARY THEME: God has a plan for each of us

BONUS: The seed is hilarious. The whole book is written in prose, but the seed speaks in rhythm and rhyme and he has quite the little attitude!

“Whether we like it or not, growing up brings change. For many children, this conjures fears that are sometimes real and sometimes imagined. How can kids learn that even when they face new and unfamiliar situations, they don’t have to be afraid?

“Little Seed and Little Fox are facing changes and brand new circumstances—and they don’t like it one bit! Through this unlikely friendship, children will discover that no matter how new or fearful their circumstances, God is always with them.”

(9) FIREBIRD: HE LIVED FOR THE SUNSHINE

Firebird, he lived for the sunshine

MAIN THEME: God’s love doesn’t change, even when we go through hard times and don’t feel His love.

BONUS: The illustrations in this book are stunning. My boys LOVED this one and asked for it again and again, and I think the stunning imagery is part of it!

“What if God’s love were like the sun, constant and unchanging? What if one day you realized nothing could take that away?

Firebird is a bright orange baby oriole who just loves the sunshine. But whenever a storm blows in, he frets and asks Mama why God allows the rain to take the sun away. When Firebird is finally old enough, his mother gently instructs him to fly up through the thunder and lightning to see what’s on the other side. Firebird rises above the storm to discover the sun shining where it always had been. God never lets the storm take the sun away. With that truth in his heart, Firebird continues to bask in the sunshine, but just as important, he learns to rejoice in the rain.”

(10) MORTIMER’S CHRISTMAS MANGER

Mortimer's Christmas Manger

MAIN THEME: God’s love, as told through the Christmas story

BONUS: This is the only Christmas book on this list. I’m sure you already have a ton, but the messaging on this one is crystal clear, and it’s SO fun.

Mortimer’s Christmas Manger is hands-down my favourite Christmas story. Ever. It starts with little Mortimer mouse searching for a better place to live than his dark and dreary hole in the wall. He finds a nativity scene set up, and decides to move right in, dragging all the little statues away each day so he can sleep on the little bed. But Mortimer is in for a surprise when he hears the Christmas story and finds out that there was no room for baby Jesus.

BONUS:

1) Quinn’s Promise Rock

A picture book for to help with childhood anxiety from a Christian faith perspective | Christian parenting | Quinn's Promise Rock | Spiritual growth for children #Christianparenting #faithathome #Christianmom #hopegrownfaith #kidlit #childrensbook

I didn’t add these two books into the full list above because they’re MY books, and I didn’t want to self-promote. That said, I would be doing you a disservice if I DIDN’T tell you about my books because I think they can truly be a beloved addition to your bookshelf! They are gorgeously illustrated and I have heard many stories of kids who want to read them every night.

Quinn, the thoughtful little owl, has a lot of worries and questions for her father.

“What if I get lost?”

“What if you dive and I don’t notice?”

“What if you get too far ahead of me and I can’t find you?”

Written for children experiencing moments of separation anxiety or other common fears, Quinn’s Promise Rock reminds kids that God will always be there for them, whatever happens or wherever they go. 

Grab the free teacher’s guide here.

2) Quinn Says Goodbye

Quinn says goodbye: front cover

When Quinn the Owl makes a new friend, a firefly named Blink, she is filled with joy. But one night, Quinn wakes up to find her friend has disappeared in a flash.     
 
“Momma, why didn’t God make Blink stay with me? Didn’t he know how much I loved him?”
 
“God doesn’t always stop bad things from happening, Quinn. But He does promise that He will always be with you, and He will never stop being your friend.”
 
Beautifully illustrated and thoughtfully written, Quinn Says Goodbye is designed for children dealing with different kinds of loss, whether it be death of a pet or a family member, or simply the loss of a favorite toy. Remind little ones that although people and things might not be in their life forever, God will never leave them.

Grab the free teacher’s guide here.


Want more booklists?

These 12 books will give you a truly solid Christian library for your family or classroom, but if you’d like more picture book recommendations on certain topics, here are several articles with booklists.

  • 6 Books To Help Children Find HOPE
  • The Best Christian BOARD BOOKS of 2019
  • 8 Books About HEAVEN For Kids
  • Picture Books for an ANXIOUS child
  • Gospel-Focused Christian EASTER Books
  • The 10 Best Christian Picture Books For Your Whole Family
  • Gospel-Centered CHRISTMAS Picture Books

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Hi, I’m Christie Thomas

I am a mom of three boys, former Children’s Ministry Director, and author. I believe that every Christian mom can confidently nurture deep faith roots in her kids through little habits that add up over time. Learn more about how I can help you here. 

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