BONUS POST:
This post is part of our series on nurturing children’s faith. So far, we’ve explored why stories matter,
how to read with children in ways that shape faith, and how churches can support families with
resources like lending libraries. Now, we’re highlighting some of our favorite new
books—stories that inspire wonder, spark conversation, and help children experience
God in their everyday lives.
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Every church hopes children will grow into adults with a deep and lasting faith. But long before they can explain what they believe, children’s faith is already being formed—often through the stories they hear again and again. Stories shape imagination. Stories shape memory. And sometimes, stories become the words children carry with them for the rest of their lives. The books we read to children matter. They can comfort, inspire, and open the door to conversations about God, love, and hope.
Below, we’ve gathered some of our new favorite stories—books that have shaped children’s understanding of God, invited wonder, and created moments of shared faith in homes and churches alike.
At CFC, we are always excited to see what IVP creates for new children’s storybooks and The Unwinding Path: A Soothing Stroll to Slumber, written and illustrated by Betony Coons, didn’t disappoint. It is one of the most thoughtful children’s books I’ve seen for introducing young readers to the spiritual practice of prayer. With gentle language and an interactive path children can trace with their fingers, the story invites them to slow down, quiet their hearts, and notice God’s presence at the end of the day. It’s a beautiful way to help children begin learning how to pray.
I’ve always believed the first story a child should learn is the story of the Lost Sheep and the Good Shepherd. That’s why I was so excited to find The Good Shepherd and the Stubborn Sheep by Hannah E. Harrison.This book is both delightful and tender, capturing the stubbornness of the sheep while showing God’s unconditional love. It’s a story children can laugh with, relate to, and—most importantly—remember. Through its playful pages, kids learn the importance of trusting God as their Good Shepherd in a way that sticks with them long after the book is closed. (Ages 3+)
A Big Change Happened written by Darby A. Strickland and illustrated by Kristen and Kevin Howdeshell is the third book in New Growth Press’ Comfort for Children in Hard Times series. While the whole series is wonderful, this book stood out to me in particular. It shows how a story can help a child navigate anxiety and change, weaving Scripture naturally throughout to offer comfort, hope, and a glimpse of God’s presence. Be sure to check out the family activities at the end—they’re a beautiful way to continue the conversation at home. (Ages 4-8)
Jesus Loves You More written by Hunter Beless and illustrated by Amy Grimes is a charming board book that invites young children to explore a simple but profound truth—Jesus’ love is greater than anything they can imagine. With rhythmic storytelling and joyful illustrations, it offers a beautiful starting point for nurturing faith in the hearts of little ones. It would make a delightful gift for grandparents to share with their grandchildren as they read together and remember that Jesus loves them more. (Ages 1-5)
That Holy Week So Long Ago: The Seven Days That Led to Easter, written by Matthew Boswell and illustrated by Helena Perez Garcia, not only tells the Easter story but also helps children walk through the often-overlooked days between Palm Sunday and Resurrection Sunday. With poetic language and rich illustrations, the book slows the story down so young readers can experience the significance of each day of Holy Week. It’s a beautiful way to help children see Easter as part of the larger story of Jesus’s final week.
Children’s faith is often nurtured in quiet, ordinary moments—curled up on a couch, sitting on a grandparent’s lap, or listening to a story before bed. The books above are just a few of the many wonderful storybooks that can help children encounter God’s love, learn the story of Scripture, and begin practicing faith in everyday life. Our hope is that these stories will become more than books on a shelf, but words and images that take root in children’s hearts and stay with them for years to come. At the Center for Faith and Children, we believe these simple moments of reading and wondering together are some of the most powerful ways faith is nurtured in the lives of children.
What children’s books have helped nurture faith in your family or church? We’d love to hear your favorites.