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Best books for Kids

The best books for kids go far beyond just telling a story; they offer meaningful moments spent together influencing a life no matter the age.

Everyone loves a story! Stories just stick with us, they draw us into becoming a part of something beyond ourselves so that we may experience something new and amazing. Because of this, children's books offer creative teaching opportunities for both children, as well as, youth, and adults.

So welcome to "My Little Bookshelf" of what I consider some of the best children's books along with lesson ideas and suggestions for making the most of each read including how each can be used as creative Bible lessons for all ages!

There are so many benefits of reading to children which impact their development!

The best books for kids are able to empower, inspire, bring healing and understanding to a child's life in ways other avenues may fall short. How many of us would say our lives have been shaped or influenced in some way by books?

Books can be used to shape several areas of a child's development including: physical, intellectual, emotional, social and even spiritual. Books influence; so where do we start?

We want to give you more than a list of books with an Amazon link; we want to help you make the most of your time reading with a child by equipping you with not only lists of books for each area, but also how to use each in a unique way to carry the moment beyond the read.

These ideas and lessons come from my heart as a mother of four, a school librarian, a follower of Christ, a lover of books and now a grandmother! I've included both well known classics and recent releases.

Discover how to use books to help children of any age see themselves, others and God through the eyes of a story!

Inspire Kids to Be All God Created them to Be!

It's important for children, youth and adults alike to realize they matter; we are each uniquely created to be all God has planned for us. With so much bullying and confusion infused in our culture, the best books for kids can be used to inspire them to be themselves and soar!

You Are Special - A lesson on Identity

One of my all-time favorites is this book by Max Lucado. Punchinello is a small wooden Wemmick. He is thwarted by others' opinion of him shown through the giving of gold star stickers or gray dot stickers. He begins to feel "less" until He meets the woodcarver, Eli.

This story will help readers connect that God thinks we each are special, and it's His thoughts that matter because He made us and loves us just as we are.

- Full Lesson

Giraffes Can't Dance - We are all gifted but in different ways

Giraffes Can't Dance is one of my favorites! It's a favorite for our granddaughter too! This sweet book has been read to her since she was only a few months old. It's never too early to fill children's ears, minds and hearts with the message they are special just the way they are!

Lesson & Ideas

Eyes that Kiss in the Corner - A Book About Belonging

This is such a special book for kids about belonging. Yes, it will definitely appeal to children of Asian ethnicity, but this children's book is for everyone!

We each are unique and special, and when we connect our specialness to others, it brings a sense of belonging.

Bible Lesson & Child Development Ideas

I'm (NOT) Just a Scribble by Diane Alber

Being a fairly recent release, you may not be familiar with this gem which not only promotes a healthy self image and relationships for children, but also can inspire them to be creative - even with a scribble! Find out how to pair it with the Bible story of Joseph for a great lesson on forgiveness!

Full Lesson with Printables

Tacky the Penguin - Being Different can be good!

Tacky is an odd bird, but a good bird to have around. He steps to the beat of a different drummer from the other penguins. But in his own haphazard way, Tacky saves the other penguins by being unordinary.

God has created each of us to be unique and special. We shouldn't look down on anyone including ourselves because we are different in some way. God designed us to be more than just a part of the crowd; He has a special plan for our life! Jeremiah 29:11 in the Bible says so!

- Full Lesson

Best books for kids
Character Building

Following are some of the best books for kids I have found that can be used to build good character along with an understanding of what the Bible has to say about each trait.

The Giving Tree - A Lesson on Giving

God's ways are not like man's ways. God says it is better to give than receive. He loves to bless a cheerful giver. When we give to others with a heart of love, it brings us great joy and contentment (that means being truly happy with what you have).

- Full Lesson

Bible Verses: Acts 20:35; Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:7 -

Little Blue Truck - A Lesson on Kindness

Little Blue Truck understands you have to be a friend to have a friend. He is kind and helps his friends; in return, they help him along with a grumpy dump truck who learns the importance of kindness and helping others.

Bible Lesson & Ideas

Last Stop on Market Street - A Lesson on Gratitude

This book for children shares a lesson on gratitude and contentment as a grandmother helps her grandson see the world around him through new eyes and ears.

Last Stop on Market Street was written by Matt de la Pena and illustrated by Christian Robinson. It is the winner of the 2016 Newbery Medal as well as being a 2016 Caldecott Honor book, and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor book.

- Lessons & Activities

The Rainbow Fish - A Lesson on Giving & Sharing

Teach a Bible lesson for kids using the classic children's book - The Rainbow Fish! This book has been around for thirty years planting the message of the importance of sharing and the need for community.

We've connected it with Bible verses to help children (of any age) realize the joy in giving to others and how we need to reach out to one another.

- Bible Lesson & Book Activities

Pete the Cat - Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus

Teach a Bible lesson for kids using the Pete the Cat books - some of the best kids books! Pete the Cat sets a great example of choosing a good attitude even when things seem to go wrong.

The Bible teaches us that tough times happen in this life. It's at these times we can choose to see through "God glasses" and allow Jesus to be our focus over the circumstances in our life.

- Bible lesson & Book Activities

More Choices for the Best books for kids:

Best Kids books for bedtime

Christian Books for Children

Dr. Seuss Books with Bible Lessons

Shaped by Books (Our sister Site)

Best Books for Teens

Many of the best kids books can be borrowed from your local library. If not, most are available on Christianbook.com (our affiliate) with discounted prices through this link:

Kids

I also order many of my books from Thriftbooks.com which offers used books at lower prices. Amazon of course has a huge selection also and offers both new and used.

Photo @Pexels

Special note: We do preview the websites to which we link, but are unable to peruse them completely. We try to check others' faith statements and make sure they do profess Jesus Christ as God's Son and salvation is found only in Him. It must, however, be your responsibility to personally dig into God's Word and allow the Holy Spirit to be your first and final teacher on all subjects.

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Hi! I'm Susan, and this is (part of) my family! Welcome to Creative Bible Study! Our About us page includes more info. including our belief statement. Thanks for visiting!

Best books for Kids