Five Faith-filled Books for Under the Tree
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Perhaps because I write for Christian publications or perhaps it is because I have a million books of my own, people are often asking me for Christian book recommendations for children.
These are some of my favorites. I have picked up a few for my favorite little people and I hope you will too.
by Carey Wallace (Author), Nick Thornborrow (Illustrator)
Ages 5-10
Carey Wallace’s stunning book, Stories of the Saints, recalls tales of real people who struggled through difficult times but held to their hope and faith. Gorgeously illustrated by video game and comic book artist Nick Thornborrow, Stories of the Saints inspires with accounts of supernatural strength (both inner and bodily) and courage of ordinary people who answered God’s call.
The stories are told in chronological order. There is something special about reading them this way, spanning the panorama of church history from Polycarp, who was taught by the apostle John (one generation away from Jesus), to Teresa of Calcutta, whose work we saw shining from our television screens.
by Lisa M. Hendey (Author), Katie Broussard (Illustrator)
Ages 4-8
With delightful illustrations from my friend Katie Broussard, this book reminds children (and the adults reading it aloud!) that we each have a special call and connection with God. In enchanting prose, Lisa Hendey, shares stories of saints to help the reader see God’s calling in their own lives.
by Carey Wallace (Author), Khoa Le (Illustrator)
Ages 3-8
This gorgeous book invites children and grown ups alike to see the wonder of the Psalms. Psalms are sometimes joyful, worried, angry or peaceful. There is space for all the emotions in the Psalms and with God. These poems echo and condense the Psalms, recalling the phrases that hold power in our hearts and minds.
by Haley Stewart (Author), Betsy Wallin (Illustrator)
Ages 5 and Up
This is actually the second installment of the Sister Seraphina Mysteries series, in perfect time for Christmas!
Sister Seraphina and the other Sisters are preparing for Christmas when one of the Sisters goes missing! It is growing dark and a snow storm is setting in. The group braves the weather to find the elderly nun.
Be sure to check out the first in the series, Pursuit of the Pilfered Cheese, too!
by Daniel Nayeri
Ages 11 and up
Even as a grown up, this book was my favorite of 2020. Both my sons read and reread it and then handed it off to their friends. It was a hit.
This is a true story of Daniel’s escape from Iran when a fatwa was placed on his mother for becoming a Christian and his attempt to fit in middle school in Oklahoman but it is so much more than that. Daniel is a storyteller. In the tradition of One Thousand and One Nights in the midst of middle school culture, Daniel tells stories to help his classmates understand who he is but also to make sense of his epic tale of God’s presence in his life.
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