There are many, many books that I am perfectly fine with checking out from the library, enjoying for a couple weeks and returning with no monetary investment. However, as reading plays a vitally important role in our home, so does building a family library of quality resources and some are absolutely worth the investment to buy, have, love and read over and over again! We already have a variety of resources we use to explore and discuss faith (such as the beautifully written, The Jesus Storybook Bible), but here are a few currently on my Children’s {FAITH} Library Wish List (these are all books that are perfect to read at Max’s age (2), but can be introduced much earlier and used far beyond):
Books:
Read Aloud Bible Stories: Volumes 2-4 by Ella K. Lindvall – We have Volume 1 and it is fantastic; I even just bought it for my nephew for part of his birthday gift. The books use very simple text with big, bright pictures, which makes them fun to read right now, but an “easy reader” for when children are able to read by themselves! My mother-in-law gave us the first one because she read these to her kids as they were growing up; Andy can distinctly remember loving these stories and pictures and reading them over and over! Plus, at the end of each story there is a page entitled, “what did you learn?” with some simple, strong statements about who Jesus is and how deeply he loves people. These stories and statements seem straightforward, but can really be expanded upon as the children grow and start asking additional questions.
The “My Favorite Verses” Book Series by Dandi Daley Mackall – This series is just that…a child-friendly retelling of popular favorite verses. We have The Armor of God; it is written as a rhyming story of Ephesians 6:10-18 and it is so catchy I memorized the book almost immediately. But, what I really appreciate in addition to the catchy rhyme scheme, is that the real verse is also written on each page and the whole passage is written at the end. There are numerous books in the series, such as: I’m His Lamb (Psalm 23), The Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12), The Best Thing is Love (1 Corinthians 13), etc. – don’t they sound great?! I would love acquire the whole collection!
My ABC Bible Verses: Hiding God’s Word in Little Hearts by Susan Hunt – I have read this book is highly recommended as an accessible way to memorize 26 different scripture verses with little ones. There are a few reasons I think this looks wonderful 1.) These are perfect first verses to memorize. They aren’t too long for toddlers and they are very applicable to their lives as we begin instructing them on how to behave, use their words, be kind to others, etc. 2.) There is a story, question prompt, and prayer with each verse/letter; a very cool way to help parents further discuss the verse and not just read it at them!
Music Library:
Seeds Family Worship – I’ve read reviews and listened to a couple of the songs on YouTube and these CD’s sound amazing. The songs are complete scripture verses set to music AND include the citation (and key component to scripture memory…knowing where the verse is)! They present more than just your average annoying kid’s jingle and each CD has a “theme” such as Seeds of…courage, purpose, faith, etc. I am definitely going to start acquiring these for us to listen to.
How much fun to bury the Word of God in their little hearts while simply reading or listening to a song. I pray that one day I hear them humming a sweet tune and know that it is scripture running through their minds, pouring forth from their hearts and falling from their lips!
Linking up with:
Becca V
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I loved the Read Aloud Bible stories as a kid. It is how I remember most bible stories still today, the illustrations were burned in my brain. Great Choice Becca My dear.
I love that you say “hide the word in their hearts.” Or as Sam says, brainwashing! And I say, yep! Better believe it! :-)
They all sound like great Easter Basket Presents! Love you, Mom
[…] Easter, Calvin received the My ABC Bible Verses book that I had mentioned on my Building Our {Faith} Library wish list! Well, as he is not quite yet able to memorize scripture, Max and I totally usurped his […]