Build Your Library of Rockin’ Christian Children’s Books

We all know that books are important for kids. There’s no question about that. But the kind of books we give our children access to is important as well!

For the Christian home, I encourage you to build your home library with care–making sure the books you choose are theologically sound and that they add value to your child’s reading time. As you look at building your library, consider covering a few important categories: Bible, science, Christian history, and family read-alouds. These are all areas that you want to spark an interest and enthusiasm in your child, and they happen to be subjects that can be difficult to supplement well at the public library.

Just for fun, I’ve added some fun décor as well. I’ve found some great options to get you started. It doesn’t matter if you build your library in a closet, the hallway, or its own dedicated room–you want to make it a place your kids love to visit.

Build Your Library of Rockin’ Christian Children’s Books – Resources to Get You Started

Let’s take a look at some excellent Christian children’s books and fun décor to get help you build your library. Maybe you’ll find a book or two you hadn’t seen before!

Christian Children’s Books About Creation and Science

Bible Investigators: Creation: Puzzles and Activities for Independent LearningWonderfully Made: God’s Story of Life from Conception to BirthCreation Sings: How God’s Work Declares God’s TruthBig Bible Science: Experiment and Explore God’s WorldBugs Big & Small God Made Them All44 Animals of the BibleBig Book of Earth & Sky: A 15 Foot Chart Showing the Inner Core to Outer AtmosphereThe Electrifying Nervous System (God’s Wondrous Machine)Breathtaking Respiratory System (God’s Wondrous Machine)The Complex Circulatory System (God’s Wondrous Machine)

• • • • Bible Investigators: Creation by Danika Cooley
        • “Activity book bursting with brain-teasing puzzles, which helps kids investigate the Bible for themselves.Bursting with 90 brain-teasing puzzles, 40 Bible passages, and 30 concepts regarding God’s creation, this lesson-and-activity book will give kids aged 8-12 skills to investigate the Bible for themselves―like a real investigator!As kids apply logic and solve challenging puzzles, they will dive deeply into Scripture and examine the Bible’s account of creation, picking up lots of skills for reading and interpreting the Bible.As well as lots of puzzles, there are journaling boxes for kids to reflect on, interpret, and apply what they have learned.”
        • For ages 8-12
        • Download your free Bible Investigators: Creation printable sample, and read the endorsements and reviews!
      • Wonderfully Made: God’s Story of Life from Conception to Birth by Danika Cooley
        • “Wonderfully made is an excellent book that introduces a young child to the wonder of God’s creation – the wonder and miracle of birth. From conception in the womb through the nine months within the mother’s womb Danika Cooley takes us on a journey of discovery… the discovery of life. “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” – Psalm 139:13“
        • For ages 5-11
        • Download your free Wonderfully Made posters, Scripture memory verses, and lapbook, and read the endorsements and reviews!
      • Creation Sings by Carine Mackenzie
        • “Listen as the heavens declare the glory of God. Watch as the sky above proclaims his handiwork. (Psalm 19:1) And Learn from the one true God, as his work shows you who he is and what he is like. Powerful, Creative, Just, Merciful. Creation sings about him! God’s work declares God’s truth! Each day of Creation links in to Old and New Testament stories that teach us more about God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit – the Creator.”
        • For ages 5-11
        • Read the Thinking Kids Review
      • Big Bible Science: Experiment and Explore God’s Word by Erin Lee Green
        • “Big Bible Science helps children and those who teach them to explore God’s World and God’s Word through real live science experiments. There are twenty-one different units taking students through scientific concepts such as Gravity, Friction, Animal Classification and the Nervous System. God creates young minds to ask questions and seek answers. This book is designed to stir the imaginations of students and develop a lasting love for Christ.”
        • For ages 5-11
        • Read the Thinking Kids review
      • Bugs: Big and Small God Made them All by Will Zinke
        • “Insects are small signposts to God’s brilliant creativity. With their alluring beauty, incredible design features, and limitless variety, they are a living testament to an all-wise, wonderful Creator. Children will see the world’s largest insects, insects designed with camouflage, the most beautiful insects, the weirdest insects, and more. What you will see, page after page, are these creatures doing just what they were designed to do, and doing it well. God is amazing!”
        • For ages 8-12
        • Read the Thinking Kids review
      • 44 Animals of the Bible by Nancy Pelander Johnson
        • “God watches when the doe gives birth to her fawn. He makes the leopard swift to hunt its prey. From the exotic ibex to the more commonly-known tortoise, these and the other wonderful creatures in this book will delight children and parents while they learn about the animals of the Bible. Organized alphabetically, each entry focuses on a specific animal and includes a description and trivia. This book inspires children with an interest in both Scripture and science.”
        • For ages 7-10 years
      • Big Book of Earth and Sky by Bodie Hodge and Laura Welch
        • “Let your child take an exciting, visual journey from Earth’s core to the edge of the outer atmosphere with the Big Book of Earth and Sky! They will:
          • Explore the oceans including deep-sea diving records
          • Examine detailed charts and graphs about the earth’s crust, caves, and clouds
          • Scan facts on weather, mountains, and more based on the best-selling Wonders of Creation Series!

          Big Book of Earth and Sky unfolds as a 15-foot chart. It is removable so it can be viewed either panel-by-panel or hung on the was as a full-length display. This stunning chart will pique the interest of children and bring a study of God’s world to brilliant life!”

      • God’s Wondrous Machine by Dr. Lainna Callentine
        • The Electrifying Nervous System
        • The Breathtaking Respiratory System
        • The Complex Circulatory System
        • “Discover Your Design! Developed by a homeschooling pediatrician. Celebrate God’s incredible design of your body and its functionality. For example, at the top of your nasal cavity is a space the size of a postage stamp with around 10 million small receptor cells, Most people can distinguish over 10,000 different odors!”
        • For ages 9-12

Christian Children’s Books About Christian History

When Lightning Struck!: The Story of Martin LutherWho was Moses? (Who, What, Why)What was the Tabernacle? (Who, What, Why)Why Did the Exodus Happen? (Who, What, Why)Who was Martin Luther? (Who What Why)What was the Gutenberg Bible? (Who What Why)Why did the Reformation Happen? (Who What Why)Who Were the Abolitionists? (Who, What, Why)What Was the Underground Railroad? (Who, What, Why)Why Did Slavery End? (Who, What, Why)A Colorful Past: A Coloring Book of Church History Through the CenturiesLittle Lights Box Set 1Little Lights Box Set 2Little Lights Box Set 3God’s Timeline: The Big Book of Church HistoryTrailblazer Evangelists & Pioneers Box Set 1 (Trail Blazers)Trailblazer Missionaries & Medics Box Set 2 (Trail Blazers)Trailblazer Preachers & Teachers Box Set 3 (Trail Blazers)Trailblazer Reformers & Activists Box Set 4 (Trail Blazers)Trailblazer Heroes & Heroines Box Set 5 (Trail Blazers)Trailblazer Arts & Science Box Set 6 (Trail Blazers)

• • • • When Lighting Struck: The Story of Martin Luther by Danika Cooley
        • “Martin Luther’s life was too exciting not to be written for teens and younger readers! In this fast-paced, action-packed novel of Martin Luther’s life, teen readers (and more than a few adults!) will be introduced to a fascinating time when princes ruled Europe and knights roamed the countryside. They’ll learn about a time when powerful forces lined up against each other and believing the wrong thing could get you killed. When Lightning Struck! is far more than just an adventure story, of course. It also tells a theological story. Drawing carefully from Luther’s own words, this book introduces readers to a kindred spirit who struggled with what knowing God through Scripture means for daily life. They will understand what was at stake and how powerfully liberating Luther’s idea of grace through faith was–in his time and in ours! In crisp, enjoyable prose, author Danika Cooley conveys both the drama and the meaning of the Reformation for younger readers like no one before her!”
        • For teens, and family read-alouds
        • Read endorsements, reviews, and grab for your free discussion guide
      • Who Was Moses? by Danika Cooley
        • “Meet Moses: a baby born in slavery to, a prince, an outlaw, the leader of God’s people. Dive into this amazing story.This engaging book follows the life of one of the most important figures in the bible and recounts key events such as the burning bush, the ten plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and the receiving of the Ten Commandments. Far from being a boring biography, the narrative is engaging and there are plenty of pictures and maps included. Readers are also pointed to God’s big picture and will discover how the life of Moses relates to us today.”
        • For ages 7-12 | Who What Why series
        • Read endorsements, reviews, and grab your free history lapbooks!
      • What Was the Tabernacle? by Danika Cooley
        • “God gave the Israelites the tabernacle as a place to worship him, but also as a wonderful picture that points to Jesus. Although God had rescued his people out of slavery in Egypt, they rebelled against him and worshipped other gods. So God gave Moses rules to teach his people how to love God and each other. He also gave him instructions for how to build a moveable temple for the Lord. This tent provided a way for the Israelites to serve and worship God his way, in reverence and awe. But the tabernacle was also full of symbols that pointed to Jesus – when God became a man and lived amongst his people.
        • For ages 7-12 | Who What Why series
        • Read endorsements, reviews, and grab your free history lapbooks!
      • Why Did the Exodus Happen? by Danika Cooley
        • “Learn all about God’s character through a major event in the history of Israel: the Exodus. God’s people had been in slavery in Egypt for hundreds of years. But God had promised their ancestors that the people of Israel would have their own land someday. So, they cried out to God and he heard them and rescued them. He used a shepherd and his brother to lead a nation of slaves in opposition to the most powerful ruler of the world’s most powerful kingdom.”
        • For ages 7-12 | Who What Why series
        • Read endorsements, reviews, and grab your free history lapbooks!
      • Who Was Martin Luther? by Danika Cooley
        • “Martin Luther was a young man who was afraid of a thunderstorm. He was a monk seeking for salvation. He was a reformer who inspired a continent to return to the Word of God. Danika Cooley introduces 9–11 year olds to this key figure in the Reformation.”
        • For ages 7-12 | Who What Why series
        • Read endorsements, reviews, and grab your free history lapbooks!
      • What Was the Gutenberg Bible? by Danika Cooley
        • “Johann Gutenberg invented a world–changing machine that meant people could read God’s Word for themselves. The world could share ideas, discoveries and new and God’s Word could be quickly, inexpensively and accurately reproduced. Danika Cooley helps 9–11 year–olds discover how the printing press paved the way for the Reformation.”
        • For ages 7-12 | Who What Why series
        • Read endorsements, reviews, and grab your free history lapbooks!
      • Why Did the Reformation Happen? by Danika Cooley
        • “The Church was following the words of men rather than the Word of God but brave men read God’s Word and were saved from their sins. They fought for truth against the most powerful organizations of the time – the Church and the Crown. Danika Cooley explores how God’s people changed the Church, Europe and the World. This is the story of how the Church found the gospel and the people heard about Christ.”
        • For ages 7-12 | Who What Why series
        • Read endorsements, reviews, and grab your free history lapbooks!
      • Who Were the Abolitionists? by Danika Cooley
        • “The abolitionists were a group of people who wanted to get rid of (abolish) slavery. This book will tell you about some of them. They came from different places and had different stories, and God called them to serve him in different ways. But they each worked to make sure that a human being, made in the image of God, could not be owned by someone else.”Included are profiles of:
          • Granville Sharp
          • Phillis Wheatley
          • Olaudah Equiano
          • Thomas Clarkson
          • William Wilberforce
          • Zachary Macaulay
          • William Knibb
          • Sojourner Truth
          • Frederick Douglass
          • Harriet Tubman
        • For ages 7-12 | Who What Why series
        • Read endorsements, reviews, and grab your free history lapbooks!
      • What Was the Underground Railroad? by Danika Cooley
        • “The Underground Railroad was a secret system through which runaway slaves could escape to freedom. Abolitionists hid fugitives in their houses during the day and sent them to another home at night. These safehouses became known as stations, the people who helped were station masters and conductors, and the paths people took to freedom were lines. Learn the stories of some of the people who escaped slavery this way, and the people who ran the Underground Railroad.”
        • For ages 7-12 | Who What Why series
        • Read endorsements, reviews, and grab your free history lapbooks!
      • Why Did Slavery End? by Danika Cooley
        • “Slavery has been around for a long time. In the Bible, Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, and the Israelites were slaves in Egypt until God freed them. Even much more recently, people were kidnapped and made to work. For a while, Christians ignored that slavery is wrong and pretended that enslaved people were not their neighbors. But a lot of Christians realised they were wrong, and between 1688 and 1888 AD there was a big fight to put a stop to slavery. This is the story of these Christians who loved their neighbors and how they fought to free them. Includes the story of how the abolition of the slave trade came about internationally, and facts about modern slavery, as well as a timeline of key dates.”
        • For ages 7-12 | Who What Why series
        • Read endorsements, reviews, and grab your free history lapbooks!
      • A Colorful Past: A Coloring Book of Church History Through the Centuries by William Boekestein
        • “This coloring book introduces children to important characters from church history, focusing on at least one person per century. This basic timeline illustrates how God has woven deeply flawed characters into a single living story. And this story is not over. As children color these pages and see God’s unfolding plan in church history, pray they will learn to praise God for the wonderful works that He has done.”
        • For all ages
      • Little Lights by Catherine MacKenzie
        • Little Lights Box Set 1 
          • “These five beautifully illustrated hardback books give lessons from the lives of famous Christians from the past – Amy Carmichael, Hudson Taylor, Corrie ten Boom, George Muller and Helen Roseveare. Learn about God’s plans for people’s lives and His amazing provision.”
          • For ages 4-7
          • Read the Thinking Kids review
        • Little Lights Box Set 2
          • “These five beautifully illustrated hardbacks continue the Little Lights series and cover the lives of David Livingstone, John Calvin, Martin Luther, Eric Liddell and Mary Slessor.”
          • For ages 4-7
      • God’s Timeline: The Big Book of Church History by Linda Finlayson
        • “With colour illustrations, pictures, and pull–out timelines, this history book brings the church throughout the ages to life! Learn about the Early, Medieval and Missionary church, passing through key events such as the Council of Nicea and the Reformation – right through to the present day. Find out about the people God used and the impact they had on those around them – including us today!”
        • For ages 6-12
        • Read the Thinking Kids review
      • Trail Blazers Box Sets
        • Our family loves this biography series with fictionalized dialogue. The books are a fun way to learn about Christian history, and we’ve used them for years.
        • Evangelists & Pioneers Box Set
          • “Billy Bray discovers true happiness in Jesus Christ and his legacy to the Cornish people included lively preaching, newly built chapels and true revivals. Billy was saved from the deepest pit. Bill Bright‘s story is a tale of a scruffy rancher’s son would head one of the biggest missions that the world had ever known – Campus Crusade. Read the story of a man who loved Jesus above all else. Billy Graham was sixteen when he first preached the gospel. He has now preached to over 80 million people in 185 countries. The message is timeless, full of hope and Christ centered. David Brainerd‘s life on the American frontier in the early 1700s was difficult. David Brainerd was one of the first missionaries to the various Indian tribes there – a risky situation to be in. Joni Eareckson Tada‘s story is not just about a tragic accident. It is about how God’s power transforms lives. Joni’s work today with thousands of disabled people is a miracle in itself.”
        • Missionaries & Medics Box Set
          • “John G. Paton, in the heat of the South Sea Island and far away from home, wasn’t afraid of hard work. He was strong, determined and he trusted in God. Amy Carmichael‘s story is one of bravery and adventure. Read how she saved the lives of children from destruction and showed the love of God to India. Adoniram Judson was America’s first overseas missionary. He travelled to Burma and then begins a story brimful of romance, intrigue…and pirates! Hudson Taylor was a sickly child. He was often ill and had very poor eyesight. But God chose him to evangelise the Chinese. Paul Brand was a missionary to lepers. His work and compassion changed how the world saw this disease and the people who suffer from it.”
        • Preachers & Teachers Box Set
          • “John Stott, known as ‘Uncle John’ was a man who was recognised across the world as a pastor, friend and leader. Martyn Lloyd–Jones, trained as a doctor when he was just sixteen years old. Talented and successful, he was destined to become the Queen’s Surgeon. Charles Spurgeon was a simple country lad who went on to become one of the best known preachers in London, Europe and the world. Charles spoke words that touched the hearts of rich and poor alike. George Whitefield preached to many people in the United Kingdom, America and beyond. It is estimated that he spoke more than 18,000 sermons during his life. Jonathan Edwards was full of questions. He saw God’s beauty in nature as well as in God’s Word. Discover a brilliant man who was a founding influence in America.”
        • Reformers & Activists Box Set
          • “John Knox went from being a bodyguard to a preacher of God’s Word. He stood with his convictions – biblical and political. John Calvin‘s ideas were radical, his life was filled with dramatic events and dangers. Find out how this great teacher changed the church. William Wilberforce fought to bring freedom and relief from the terrors of the slave trade; it took him forty–five years. John Welch fell in with the wrong crowd – then he met God. Find out how this adventurous preacher couldn’t be stopped even by a canon ball. John Newton travelled the oceans to make money from slaves. Find out how God changed his heart and life so that the slave ship captain sought to free slaves instead.”
        • Heroes & Heroines Box Set
          • “Corrie ten Boom‘s story is about how God’s love and forgiveness can exist even in a Nazi concentration camp. Brother Andrew grew up wanting adventure but not God. However God took charge of Andrew’s life and things changed. Andrew trusted in God and had the greatest adventure ever! Richard Wurmbrand was arrested by the Government of Romania in the 1960s, and convicted of a crime – loving Jesus. George Müller was a thief but God changed him so he became a champion for orphans. This book is about how with God and faith you can change the world. Eric Lidell is a sporting hero and a role model for many youngsters. But his life was more than medals – it was a race for God. Find out how this race took him to China.”
        • Arts & Science Box Set
          • “Michael Faraday was dyslexic but he was still the brains behind the electric light. In this book you will also read about his love for God – his greatest discovery. John Bunyan fought as a soldier but when he trusted in Christ he faced other conflicts. The preacher and writer had to suffer persecution and be put in prison for his faith. Fanny Crosby was a little blind girl who grew up to be a talented poet and musician. The hymns she wrote are still being sung today. C. S. Lewis wrote some of the most famous books in the English language. It also tells the meaning behind the stories he wrote. Patricia St. John‘s life is a story in itself but she grew up to become one of the world’s best–loved Christian writers for children.”
        • For ages 8-14
        • Read the Thinking Kids review

Family Read Alouds

My First Books and MoreGod’s Big Promises Bible StorybookMeet Jesus in Mark: His Gospel in 24 ReadingsThe Family Pilgrim’s Progress

• • • • • My First Books and More by Carine MacKenzie and Philip Ross
          • “Who is God? What does he do? Can I know Jesus? Why did he die? Children always have questions about God. They want to know what it means to be a Christian and who Jesus is. This book takes the very popular children’s series: My First and combines them into one colourful volume, with a new and exciting section on The Psalms. My First Books and More gives a year’s worth and more of bible readings, devotions and memory verses.”
          • For ages 4-10
          • Read the Thinking Kids review
        • God’s Big Promises Bible Storybook by Carl Laferton
          • “92 foundational Bible stories, faithfully told and beautifully illustrated, which point to the one big story of the Bible―God making and keeping his promises.Watch children discover God’s big promises and how Jesus keeps every one of them!
            Features include:
            • 92 faithfully-told stories from the Old & New Testaments
            • Simple, memorable language for small children ages 2-6
            • 400+ pages filled with vibrant, full-color illustrations
            • Bright icons trace 5 themes of God’s promises throughout Scripture
            God’s Big Promises Bible Storybook contains both familiar stories, such as Noah & the ark, David & Goliath, and Daniel & the lions’ den, and lesser-known stories such as Jacob & Esau and Simeon & Anna.
            Together, these 92 theologically faithful stories point to the one big story of the Bible: God making and keeping his promises to redeem his people.
            Bright, colorful icons indicate which stories relate to a promise made or a promise kept within 5 distinct themes:
            • Rescue
            • People
            • Land
            • Joy
            • King
            It is the perfect first Bible to introduce a child to the stories of the Bible and the promise-keeping God who loves them. It also provides a trusted starting point for children to cultivate a lifelong love of God’s word.”
          • For ages 2-6
        • Meet Jesus in Mark: His Gospel in 24 Readings by Matthew Sleeman
          • “When did the good news about Jesus Christ begin? At Christmas? No. At Easter? No. How about in the New Testament? Not exactly. Let the Gospel writer, Mark, introduce you to the greatest story ever told – the story of forgiveness, salvation and life – the story of Jesus. His story begins in a desert, back with an Old Testament promise from God.”
          • For ages 2-8
          • Read the Thinking Kids review
        • The Family Pilgrim’s Progress by Jean Watson
          • “Once upon a time, there was a man called Christian who lived in the City of Destruction with his wife and four children. One day he found a book that sent him on a dangerous adventure to save his life… Bunyan’s beloved tale is a parable of the Christian life and has been a treasured resource for centuries. Jean Watson’s modern-day translation opens his classic for this generation. Edition includes special features that explain the meaning of the various adventures and illuminate Bunyan’s world and thought.”
          • For ages 5-12

It’s so important that our kids read. What they read is also important! I hope this list helps you get started building your library of Christian children’s books.

Bible Resources for Your Kids

Learn More HereLearn More HereLearn More HereLearn More HereLearn More HereLearn More Here

Christian Biographies for Kids | Christian History for Kids | Theology for Kids

Christian History Matters for Our Kids.

History matters. Now, more than ever, we see how important it is for our children to know and understand history and the Bible.

Here’s why:

• God is the sovereign ruler of all things. It’s important for our kids to see his hand in the history of nations and in the lives of both peasants and kings. 
• Christian history is the story of our family history. Our kids get to see how people who love Jesus follow him.
• Understanding history can help our kids learn historic and biblical theology. They learn what the Bible says and what that means for us. They also see when the study of Scripture has taken important turns that have changed the Church.   
• Reading Christian biographies and history can be a wonderful way for kids to think outside their own time and culture. God’s Church spans centuries and includes people from every nation.    
• Christian biographies help kids consider their own faith, walk with Jesus, and the impact their witness may one day have on others–and on history. 

Books Make Great Gifts!

More Thinking Kids Posts You’ll Love!