Our family (and anyone who’s spent time in our home) knows the room we spend the most time in as “the reading room.” The children’s books in there spill out of our hand-me-down shelves. They testify to one lesson I’ve taken to heart from my immigrant mother, one she learned from her own mom, a refugee to Hong Kong. Live frugally when you can—but be as generous as possible when it comes to books.
For years, visitors to my parents’ home would browse their shelves, sometimes taking a title or two home. I learned from my mom to buy books with others in mind, curating and setting them up for others to browse and keep. I learned to set them out like a buffet for my own kids to feast on.
These days, in addition to doing this in my own home, I also do it as a staff member of a site launched this year: Westminster Kids. It is a ministry of Westminster Theological Seminary that is dedicated to curating biblically faithful children’s books. I’m always ready to talk about books, so I jumped at the opportunity to introduce some favorites from Westminster Kids to readers of SOLA.
Here are some of our family go-tos—books we’ve often recommended, given away, and loved.
Favorite Picture Books
Tales That Tell the Truth (Ages 3-6)
We’ve recommended and gifted these picture books more than any other. The pacing and illustrations make it so that the climax still catches readers with wonder, even if the stories are familiar. I also love the diversity represented in the pages and the pictures of kids who look like my kids in it! Our favorites in the series are:
- The Storm that Stopped
- The Awesome Super Fantastic Forever Party Storybook
- Jesus and the Very Big Surprise
- Goodbye to Goodbyes
- Any Time, Any Place, Any Prayer
Sophie and the Heidelberg Cat (Ages 3-7)
My younger kids love this story of a little girl learning about grace. The rhyming and playfulness (Sophie examines the gospel while walking on rooftops with a talking cat) make it an enjoyable read.
Why Do We Say Good Night? (Ages 3-6)
A mom talks to her daughter about why we don’t have to be afraid of the night. The relatable theme, rhyming, and engaging illustrations make it an often requested re-read in our home.
The Moon is Always Round (Ages 3-7)
This book centers on a simple liturgy between a son and his father in light of his baby sister’s death. In the words of my 6-year-old, “The moon is always round’ means God is always good. This book is sad, but it’s also about Jesus. Even when it’s sad, God is always good.”
Tori Comes Out of Her Shell: When You Are Lonely (Ages 4-8)
The Good News For Little Heart series is written by counselors from CCEF (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation). Each book in the series addresses a common struggle (e.g., fear, jealousy, anger, or loneliness). This one tells the story of Tori, a shy turtle who just moved to a new school and learns that God is always with her.
Little Pilgrim’s Progress (Ages 5-9)
The illustrations in this retelling of Pilgrim’s Progress are so endearing and imaginative. In this version, the characters of the original story are reimagined as woodland creatures. It’s a much easier read than the original, with adventure to engage kids’ imaginations and rich material to launch into discussions about the Christian life.
Favorite Fiction Chapter Books
The Rise and Fall of Mount Majestic (Ages 7-11)
A 10-year-old girl with a longing for adventure finally gets it—her island is in danger, and she sets out to save it. My daughter (who by her count has read it over 10 times) says, “This is one of my favorite books. The main character is funny, curious, adventurous, and a bit stubborn. Read this book if you love funny stories and adventures.”
The Chronicles of Narnia (Ages 8+)
It’s been fun introducing our kids to Narnia, and seeing them pick their own favorites in this classic series. (So far, The Horse and his Boy and The Last Battle are tied in Chang family polls.) We recommend reading them in order of publication!
The Green Ember Series (Ages 8+)
S.D. Smith’s Green Ember epic adventure series are “new stories with an old soul.” (It’s almost like The Lord of the Rings for kids.) The storytelling is masterful, and it had me longing for the promised City and the mending of all things. (After finishing the series, I read Ezekiel and wept.) Plus, they’re rabbits with swords, and there are heroes and heroines—my kids love it.
The Wingfeather Saga (Ages 10+)
This epic adventure-fantasy series following a set of siblings, their mom, and grandpa is whimsically written with themes of courage, redemption, family, and growth beautifully woven throughout. My daughter read it first and hounded us until her sister, me, my husband, and my brother and sister-in-law got into it too. It’s another new story with an old soul.
The Lord of the Rings (Ages 10+)
God sustained me through some of the most discouraging years of ministry through his precious promises, the power of his Spirit, good friends, and Middle Earth. The Lord of the Rings is one of the “old soul” stories that grows in readers a yearning and sight for the truest Story. So far, it’s just our oldest who has gone through Lord of the Rings, but she has loved it and is itching to watch the movies.
Books for Discipleship
Big Questions Series (Ages 9-13)
I want my kids to have models of both honest question-asking and faithful seeking of answers, and this series does that. Each short book in this series addresses a set of questions about faith—How Do We Know Christianity Is Really True?, Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen?, What Happens When We Die?, Who Am I and Why Do I Matter?—in readable, accessible ways for middle-graders and middle-schoolers (an age group it’s hard to find Christian books for!).
10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity (Ages 12+)
This book winsomely addresses issues relevant to teens today, like diversity, morality, science, sexuality, and suffering. I’ve gifted this book, used it for Sunday School preparation, and want it to be ready on our shelf at home for the teen years.
My Tech-Wise Life: Growing Up and Making Choices in a World of Devices (Ages 12+)
My pre-teen enjoyed this book, and I think one reason she read it multiple times is because it was written by another young person. It’s relatable and straightforward without being heavy-handed, and parents can read along with their teens (and pair with The Tech-Wise Family) to discuss the important question of how to think wisely about technology.
Bibles and Story Bibles
Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible (Ages 3-6)
I’ve read through this storybook Bible multiple times with my kids and am going through another round with my younger kids now. The pacing is just right for holding the attention of little ones, and the words are simple enough for emerging readers to give a go at reading aloud. Each story ends with a question and short takeaway, which I find really helpful.
The Biggest Story Bible Storybook (Ages 6-12)
The illustrations in this new storybook Bible are really incredible—I’ve turned the page and heard my kids go “wow.” I’ve really enjoyed that, because it’s a longer book, it includes stories many other storybook Bibles leave out. And since it’s written for slightly older kids, they’re told with a bit more detail.
ESV Student Study Bible (Ages 11+)
We use these study Bibles with students at church, and I purchased one this year for my middle schooler. It’s a great first study Bible–pared down enough that it’s not too hard to use while remaining substantial enough to address questions that would naturally arise as students read.
ESV Scripture Journals (Ages 7+)
I’ve gotten these individually for my kids for sermon series through books of the Bible. They bring them to service and take notes during sermons. Not only does it help them learn to take notes while keeping the passage open in front of them, it’s sweet seeing their notes (and related illustrations) to see what they gleaned from the message.