Planning to study the Bible with your kids? Don’t quite know where to begin? Here are some Bible verses we think are a great starting point for any child at the start of their faith journey. We’ve included the full verses, but if your child is a little younger, you may want to start them out with just the shorter version of these verses, for example:

The Lord is good to all. He shows deep concern for everything he has made. (full ICB version)

The Lord is good to all (shortened for a younger child)

Enjoy reading along with your child and watch as they grow in their faith! You can’t get much more rewarding than that, don’t you think?!

In the beginning God created the sky and the earth.

– Genesis 1:1 [ICB]

Give thanks to the Lord because he is good. God’s faithful love lasts forever!

– Psalm 136:1 [CEB]

Think about things that are in heaven. Don’t think about things that are only on earth.

– Colossians 3:2 [NIrV]

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

– Hebrews 12:8 [NIrV]

The Lord is good to everyone. He is merciful to all he has made.

– Psalm 145:9 [ICB]

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

– Proverbs 3:5 [NLT]

Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to each other, in the same way God forgave you in Christ.

– Ephesians 4:32 [CEB]

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

– Ephesians 6:1 [NIV]

Do to others as you want them to do to you.

– Luke 6:31 [NIrV]

This is what God commands: that we believe in his Son, Jesus Christ, and that we love each other, just as he commanded.

– 1 John 3:23 [ICB]

All God’s words are tried and true; a shield for those who take refuge in him.

– Proverbs 30:5 [CEB]

The post Bible Verses Every Young Child Should Know appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

Fortunately, there are so many Christian authors out there who have penned books sure to capture the imaginations of children. Here are just some of our favorite children’s books sharing the true message of Christmas…

Jesus Calling: The Story of Christmas

by Sarah Young

Featuring bright illustrations, kid-friendly devotions, and Scripture verses, Jesus Calling: The Story of Christmas teaches the Christmas story to your children. Unfolding God’s majestic design, Sarah Young takes your little on from the dawn of creation to the foot of the manger to reveal the babe who would grow up to save the world. Bible verses and Jesus Calling devotions are on every spread of this beautifully illustrated book.

Mouse’s Christmas Gift

by Mindy Baker

When the pastor gets sick and the traditional Christmas Eve service is canceled, can a tiny church mouse find a way to brighten the spirits of his little town? Sweetly illustrated with glitter-enhanced pictures, the Mouse’s Christmas Gift story is sure to bring cheer to your holidays and become a year-round favorite for children and adults alike!

‘Twas the Evening Before Christmas

by Glenys Nellist

It’s a beloved holiday tradition to read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas aloud. But now, families can gather around to share the real Christmas story – the story of Jesus’ birth. ‘Twas the Evening of Christmas echoes the familiar rhythm and language of the original, but shifts the focus to the birth of Jesus. All families will delight in this simple retelling of the most famous story ever told. It’s sure to become a Christmas classic!

The Christmas Cradle

by Meadow Rue Merrill

The Christmas Cradle picture book is an engaging illustrated book for children four to seven years old. Every Christmas Eve, Aunt Jenny and Uncle Gerry hold a huge Christmas party at their home – this year, Molly gets to help prepare. Disaster strikes forcing the party has to move to the barn. With help from cousins Jacob and Sammy and neighbor Rosa, the children clean up the barn and decorate cookies, while discovering the story of the Christmas cradle.

God Gave Us Christmas

by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Another heartwarming story about the polar bear family from the author who wrote God Gave Us You! In the enchanting book God Gave Us Christmas, you can help young children celebrate the most special day of the year and learn the true meaning of Christmas.  It also offers the perfect opportunity for little ones to discover the awesome truth of how much God loves them. Children will discover that at Christmas, Jesus is the best present of all!

A Very Noisy Christmas

by Tim Thornborough

Here’s a book worth shouting about! This fun and fresh retelling of the Christmas story shows children that at the heart of the Christmas story is something we should all be quiet and see: God’s son Jesus was born, so that we can be friends with God forever. A Very Noisy Christmas comes with sound effects so that children can join in as parents read to them.

Itsy Bitsy Christmas You’re Never Too Late for His Love

by Max Lucado

Itsy Bitsy Christmas Board Book by Max Lucado brings the Christmas message to even the smallest of children with a revised edition of his classic book, Itsy Bitsy Christmas. When Itsy and Bitsy – two little mice – hear that a King is coming to Bethlehem, they set off with great enthusiasm to find Him. This is a book that will help children understand God’s great love and know that He sent his son for all of us – little or big, young or old.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

by Barbara Robinson

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a classic Christmas read for younger readers! The Herdmans are absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. No one is at all prepared when the Herdmans invade church one Sunday – and decide to take over the annual Christmas pageant. None of the Herdmans has ever even heard of the Christmas story before! Their interpretation of the tale has a lot of people up in arms. But it will make this year’s pageant the most unusual and, just possibly, the best one ever.

One Small Donkey for Little Ones

by Dandi Daley Mackall

In One Small Donkey, little ones will discover the very first Christmas, seen through the eyes of an unlikely narrator – the donkey that carries Mary to Bethlehem! The donkey is not the biggest, fastest, or strongest of all the animals but he had an important job all the same. The story delivers an important Christmas message to children – God has big plans for little ones. We think this is a story that both children and adults will love!

The Littlest Watchman

by Scott James

Benjamin is a Watchman. It’s his job to watch for the sign that all God’s promises are coming true – to watch a stump. Trouble is, it’s hard just waiting. And one night, Benjamin finally gives in and stops watching. But that same night, as he sits outside Bethlehem, he gets to watch something wonderful. Kids will be gripped by what Benjamin saw, and will be excited by the Christmas story all over again after reading The Littlest Watchman.

The Legend of the Christmas Cookie

by Dandi Daley Mackall

Read along and discover The Legend of the Christmas Cookie written by Dandi Daley Mackall. A young boy named Jack learns that the family who began the Christmas cookie tradition baked the holiday treats for the needy – and told the story of Jesus’ birth while handing them out! A sweet book that encourages kids to become cheerful givers and share the true reason for the season with others.

Leo’s Gift

by Susan Blackaby and Joellyn Cicciarelli

In Leo’s Gift, an intensely shy six-year-old boy overcomes his self-doubt to discover that he has beautiful gift to share with the world – just in time for Christmas! With the help of his sister, Leo discovers music and develops a passion that gives him a big voice and helps his confidence soar. A beautifully illustrated book filled with heart and hope that will inspire kids to believe in themselves and learn that not all gifts come wrapped in a box.

My Merry Christmas

by Sally Lloyd-Jones

From Sally Lloyd Jones, author of the Jesus Storybook Bible, comes the wonderful My Merry Christmas! What can lovingly wrapped presents tell us about the true meaning of Christmas? How about twinkling lights, angels, and stars?In this illustrated rhyming storybook, children will learn the significance of favorite holiday symbols – and in the end, they’ll discover the sweetest gift of all.

The Christmas Story for Children

by Max Lucado, Randee Frazee and Karen Davis Hill

This retelling of the Christmas story, taken from The Story for Children, is sure to become a favorite family reading tradition. Beautifully illustrated by Fausto, The Christmas Story for Children tells about the birth of a special baby whose story is filled with love for us all. Young readers as well as their parents will appreciate the beautiful words and artwork that convey the message that we are all loved and cherished. A wonderful new tradition to begin this Christmas!

The post Christmas Books for Young Readers appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

But where do we start? How do we introduce them to the Bible in a way that entices them, and encourages them to learn more? Well, we think this Bible Activity Book is a good starting point. It’s fun, creative and will provide kids with key information about Bible stories like Adam & Eve, Jonah & the Big Fish and more!

Simply click here, download the activity book and then print out! 

{{CLICK HERE TO REDEEM FREE BIBLE ACTIVITY BOOK FOR KIDS}}

The post A Fun & Creative Way to Teach Children God’s Word appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

As the number of Bibles for kids continues to grow, it can seem like a daunting mission trying to find the perfect one for your child. There are rhyming Bibles, storybook Bibles, illustrated Bibles, NIV Bibles, KJV Bibles and so many other versions to consider. So, we’ve trawled our Children’s Bible store to bring you our top recommendations for children of all ages – from toddlers to teens!

While we can’t list all of our favorites here, these are some of the Bibles we think will help your child on his or her journey with God. For more options, click here to shop our full Children’s Bible range by age.

BIBLES FOR KIDS AGED 0-2

Candle Bible for Kids, Toddler Edition

A beautifully designed and illustrated Bible that featuring 36 beloved Bible stories from the Old and New Testaments simply retold for young children. While it’s not a board book, the Bible features a padded cover as well as study pages to prevent ripping!

Baby’s First Bible

Introduce your toddlers to important characters like Adam and Eve, David and Goliath, Mary and Joseph, and of course Jesus with this Bible storybook. Created by bestselling author Melody Carlson, this Bible is full of lullaby rhymes and precious illustrations that children will love!

BIBLES FOR KIDS AGED 3-5

My First Hands-On Bible

Here is a Bible that doesn’t just retell the Bible stories – it also includes Scripture from the easy-to-understand Holy Bible, New Living Translation. In addition to the 85 key stories from the Bible, this version features activities, fun illustrations, and prayers.

The Complete Illustrated Children’s Bible

A first reader your children will truly treasure! This colorful Bible features nearly 300 beautiful two-page illustrations to capture even the youngest child’s imagination and heart. Written in a straightforward and engaging language, children are sure to enjoy their time spent reading this collection of stories from the Old and New Testament.

BIBLES FOR KIDS AGED 6-8

NIrV Kids Devotional Bible

Complete with a year’s worth of devotions, this Bible will help children to develop a habit they’ll want to keep up for years to come. The New International Reader’s Version (NIrV) is easy for young readers to read and understand – as well as being a great stepping stone to the NIV! Other features of this Bible include fun weekend activities, illustrations, and a dictionary.

CSB Kids Bible

This Christian Standard Bible is loaded with full-color pages and also features large, easy to read type – making it the perfect Bible for young readers. Study aids throughout will help to expand your child’s Bible knowledge and connect to the people, places, and events they are learning about. We think you’ll find the CSB’s blend of accuracy and readability make it a trustworthy resource for children to study and memorize.

BIBLES FOR KIDS AGED 9-12

KJV Holy Bible for Kids

Featuring 24 striking illustrations throughout, this is a Bible that will encourage kids to dig in and grow their faith! Containing the complete Old and New Testament of the King James Version, it features big, easy reading text and the words of Jesus in red letter. Children will learn the stories of how God created the universe, rescued His people from slavery, sent His Son to forgive our sins, and more.

NIV Adventure Bible

The NIV Adventure Bible is one of our bestselling children’s Bibles… and with good reason! Featuring full-color throughout to ensure the stories are even more engaging for young readers. Other features include ‘Did You Know?’ facts throughout, hands-on activities, a dictionary for looking up tricky words, a color map to help locate places in the Bible and so much more!

BIBLES FOR KIDS AGED 13+

NIV Bible for Teen Girls

Designed for girls aged 13 to 18, this Bible is packed with challenging insights, smart advice and discussion about the realities of life – perfect for helping teen girls grow in faith. It also features character profiles of women in the Bible as well as readings for teen girls by popular authors such as Bethany Hamilton, Christine Caine and more.

NIV Bible for Teen Guys

Again, this Bible is perfect for ages 13 to 18. It is designed to help discover God’s will for all areas of life, including relationships with family, friends, sports, girls and so much more. This Bible features the complete text of the NIV, as well as character profiles of men in the Bible, plus readings by popular Christian authors like Mark Batterson, Kyle Idleman and more.

Can’t find what you are looking for? Click here to take a look inside our Children’s Bible store!

The post Bibles for Kids of Every Age appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.

1. World’s Smallest Perplexus

It’s the original Perplexus taken to a new extreme – and it’s guaranteed to keep little brains occupied for hours on end! Designed for ages 6 years and older, this toy features the same design as the original, and is played exactly the same way. Perfect for taking along on any summer travels!

2. Fidgitz Brainteaser Game

This three-dimensional mechanical puzzle is a real brainteaser for children 8 years and up. It twists and it turns, all in a unique fluid motion that will mesmerize kids for hours. The aim of the game is to manipulate the puzzle until one side is blue and the other all white. Perfect for developing problem solving skills!

3. Rubiks Cube 3×3 & Rubiks Junior Bear

The Rubiks Cube 3 x 3 puzzle cube is perfect for ages 8 years and older.  It’s made from molded plastic – so no more stickers or cheating! As for the smaller children, the Rubiks Junior Bear is easy to grip and a simple puzzle to solve. Ideal for ages 4 years and older.

4. Fidget Spinners

Now, if you haven’t heard of these, we have to ask – where have you been?! The fidget-spinner has really taken off and is now the must-have item for kid’s across the country. This unassuming little items are perfect for small hands and have been said to make the perfect fidget toy. They help with concentration, increased focus and stress release!

5. IQ Fit

The aim of the game is to fit all the 3D-puzzle pieces on the game board in a way that it turns into a flat, 2D-image without holes. With over 100 increasingly-difficult challenges, the IQ Fit is portable, compact and great for travelers of all ages!

6. Compose Yourself

This game teaches children how to start writing their own original music… perfect for any budding Beethoven’s out there! Designed for ages 6 years and older, children just need to arrange the cards in a visual pattern, enter the codes using game software and then – here’s the great part – they can hear their piece played by a full symphony orchestra at Abbey Roads Studio!

For more brainteasers, puzzles and games – click here! 

The post Brain Teasers, Puzzles & Games Perfect for Kids appeared first on Christianbook.com Blog.