Picture Books with Christian Principles

• What if Zebras Lost Their Stripes? (John Reitano): God loves everyone; Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-26)
• If You Give a Pig a Pancake (Laura Numeroff): add goodness to faith, knowledge to goodness, etc. (2 Peter 1:5-7)
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Eric Carle): new life; changing forms, put on new self (Colossians 3:9-14)
• The Rainbow Fish (Marcus Pfister): love through sacrifice, sharing (John 15:10-17)
• The Giving Tree (Shel Silverstein): sacrifice of Jesus on cross (Mark 10:43-45)
• The Mitten (Jan Brett): look for lost sheep, take care of others, live in peace together (Luke 15:3-7, Romans 12:9-18)
• You Are Special (Max Lucado): different standards in God’s world, forgiven and loved by God (Romans 8:1-4)
• I’m Not a Scaredy Cat (Max Lucado): no fear with God (Philippians 4:6-9)
• Love You Forever (Robert Munsch): God loves you always, beloved child of God (Romans 8:17, 1 John 4:7-12)
• Runaway Bunny (Margaret Wise Brown): lost sheep, Prodigal Son, God’s unending love, God pursues us, child of God (Luke 15:3-7, Luke 15:11-32)
• Have you Filled a Bucket Today? (Carol McCloud): love your neighbor, Fruit of the Spirit, do good to others (Galatians 5:21-22, Galatians 6:9-10)
• Oh, The Places You’ll Go (Dr. Seuss): finding God’s will, set an example for others, do everything in the name of Jesus (Romans 12:1-2, Colossians 3:15-171, 1 Timothy 4:12)
• The Bad Mood and the Stick (Lemony Snicket): shift your focus (Philippians 4:6-8), slow to anger (James 1:19-20)
• The Dark (Lemony Snicket): light of the world (Matthew 6:14-16)
• Chrysanthemum (Kevin Henkes): self-love, self-esteem (Matthew 10:28-30)
• It Will Be Okay (Lysa TerKeurst): Kingdom of God grows, trust God, God cares for us, God’s purpose for us (Mark 4:26-28, Romans 8:28)
• Berenstain Bears (Stan and Jan Berenstain, Mike Berenstain): The books in this series are centered around values and morals, and some are overtly Christian.

Easter (Resurrection Sunday):

• What is Easter? (Michelle Medlock Adams) resurrection of Jesus (Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-28 )
• The Flowering Cross (Beth Ryan): cross symbolizes death, flowers symbolize life, love your neighbor, tell others about Jesus (Romans 6:6-11, Romans 10:9-15)

Christmas:

• Christmas in the Manger (Nola Buck): What a sweet board book to explain the birth of Baby Jesus!
• The Crippled Lamb (Max Lucado): This book tells the birth narrative of Jesus from the viewpoint of a sweet little lamb named Joshua, who doesn’t quite fit in until his purpose is made known.

For Older Children:

• Case for Faith for Kids (Lee Stroebel): defending faith, apologetics (1 Peter 3:15-16)
• Case for a Creator for Kids (Lee Stroebel): creation (1 Peter 3:15-16)

Special Needs:

• Ten Things Your Student with Autism Wishes You Knew (Ellen Notbohm):  This book was given to me by some family friends who have a daughter with Autism.  It is a fantastic book which helps give a glimpse into the mind of someone with Autism. It has excellent suggestions and practical tools.