Illustrated Children’s Books for Discipling Your Kids

Discipling your children in the Christian faith is the most important responsibility of parents (Deut. 6:1-4). By all means, give your kids necessary goods like food, clothes, and shelter. Lavish on them good gifts of toys, vacations, and entertainment. Guide them toward character building gifts like experiences, sports, or hobbies. But, never abdicate or abandon the necessary gift of helping them know Christ and make him known.

To help you do that, I’ve compiled a list of books my kids have enjoyed that provide excellent biblical teaching, beautifully illustrated stories, and age-appropriate lessons.

These illustrated storybooks are designed to engage children with the big truths of the Bible. The storytelling is captivating and the artwork is beautiful. Each book shows the relevance of God’s Word to their life and offers practical lessons grounded in Scripture.

Illustrated Children’s Books

Here are some of our favorites.

The Friend Who Forgives

Using the story of Peter’s betrayal of Jesus – denying him three times at the cross – this book points children to Jesus, the friend who will forgive them again and again and again. They also have a devotional that unpacks it more in shorter segments.

Sammy and His Shepherd

I haven’t read this without crying. It takes kiddos on a delightful trip through Psalm 23 from the point of view of a sheep named Sammy. It’s, as the kids say nowadays, a banger.

Arlo and the Great Big Cover Up.

During naptime, Arlo colors on his bedroom wall and then tries desperately to hide his disobedience from his mother. His efforts fail, but he discovers relief that comes when he finally confesses his sin. In the end, children will learn along with Arlo that although we cannot hide sin from God, confession opens the door to mercy and reconciliation.

Lucy and the Saturday Surprise

Everyone struggles with wanting what others have, and kids are no exception. Lucy and the Saturday Surprise helps children understand the dangers of letting desire fester into envy. Through colorful illustrations and engaging text, this picture book encourages contentment while offering practical solutions to help kids when temptation is too great, reminding us all that Jesus offers freedom from both the penalty and power of sin.

Charlie and the Preschool Prodigal

Ginger M. Blomberg retells the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15) through the eyes of wild-child Eddie and his rule-following brother Charlie. Eddie decides to run away from home, taking his brother Charlie’s candy and his father’s new tie with him on his journey. When Eddie returns home feeling scared and guilty about his choice, his father is waiting for him with open arms. But Charlie, who is confused by his father’s immediately welcoming reaction, is hesitant to join in the celebration.

The Garden, the Curtain, and the Cross

This beautiful hardback Bible storybook for 3-6 year olds takes children on a journey from the Garden of Eden to God’s perfect new creation. It is a gospel presentation that focuses on the significance of the temple curtain. God said “because of your sin you can’t come in”, but the moment the curtain tore in two, everything changed.

The Storm That Stopped

This beautiful hardback for young children is based on the account of Jesus calming the storm from Mark chapter 4. It will help children to understand who Jesus really is and how they can really trust him.

The One O’Clock Miracle

This hardback storybook is based on the account of Jesus healing the official’s son in John chapter 4.

Jesus and the Lions’ Den

“The story of Daniel and the Lions’ Den teaches children many things… It teaches them about praying; it teaches them about Daniel’s faithfulness to God, and God’s faithfulness to Daniel; and it teaches them that God is the real king of everyone everywhere. But if you peel back another layer, you’ll see that like the rest of the Old Testament, it also points to Jesus.”

Jesus and the Very Big Surprise

Based on the parable in Luke 12:35-38, this book teaches children that Jesus will return, and when he does, there will be an amazing party where… SURPRISE!… he will serve his faithful servants!

God Made All of Me

This helpful guide starts from the fundamental truth that God created everything and applies that truth—the doctrine of creation—to kids and their bodies. With the help of God Made All of Me, parents and caregivers can begin conversations with boys and girls about their bodies, helping kids understand the difference between the appropriate and inappropriate touch of others.

The God Contest

This book retells two extraordinary events in history when the God of the Bible proved himself to be the one true God. First it takes children back to Elijah’s time and the gripping “God contest” between the God of the Bible, Yahweh, and the false god Baal. Then it fast-forwards to a different mountain and another “God contest” at an empty tomb.

God’s Very Good Idea

Shows how God made all people equal in value but different. Even more, it helps kids see how we can be part of God’s family through the saving work of Christ.

These books are more than just stories; they are tools that parents can use to instill biblical truth in their children’s hearts and minds. Whether you are looking for ways to introduce your children to key biblical doctrines, explain the gospel, or build a strong foundation of faith, these resources are invaluable. By regularly incorporating these stories into your family’s life, you will help your children grow in their love for Christ and understanding of His Word.

But Wait, There’s More!

There are loads more, check out great lists on the following websites:

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About Dana Dill

I'm a Christian, husband, daddy, pastor, professor, and hope to be a friend to pilgrims on their way home.
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3 Responses to Illustrated Children’s Books for Discipling Your Kids

  1. Pingback: Advice I Gave to Parents When I Didn’t Have Kids | A Pilgrim's Friend

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