Berkeley Parents Network: Religious Books for Kids

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Religious Books for Kids

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Introducing different religious beliefs to toddler
Children's Bible
Book for 7-year-old about world religions
More reviews
Books about Christmas
Religious & Spiritual Recommendations

Introducing different religious beliefs to toddler

April 2006

My husband and I are not religious, do not go to church, and are not likely to start anytime soon. My husband grew up without any religion (and is a fine individual); I grew up in a christian-ish church but consider myself religiously neutral/agnostic. I'd like to get my 2.5 year old daughter a children's bible to introduce her to the main stories - I think it's an important part of cultural literacy. However, I'd also like to introduce her to something similar for Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddism, Paganism, Shamanism, etc. Plus folklore, mythology... Are there any specific story books you can recommend? Pictures are a plus for a kid her age. Looking for books for this age and the upcoming years. Thanks! Heather

I'm the storyteller at Northbrea Community Church, and I think it's great you are interested in teaching your daughter about the stories in different world religions--it's what I do almost every Sunday at Northbrea! There are many places where you can find anthologies of stories, some from one particular religion and some from a variety of world religions. You might start looking at books from Barefoot Books--they publish wonderful theme-based anthologies with beautiful illustrations. But those might be better when your daughter is a little older. For now, since toddlers are very interested in other children, you might try a couple of DK books--there are two that come to mind right away: ''Children Just Like Me,'' and ''Children Just Like Me: Celebrations.'' The first one is more secular, but it's a nice, very visual way to show children what children look like in other parts of the world, how they dress, what they eat, what they play with. The second book introduces some of the major celebrations in other cultures and religions, including Chinese New Year, Purim in Jewish communities, Holi in India, Eid ul-Fitr that ends Ramadan in Muslim communities, and Epiphany in Christian communities. Plus there's lots more. It's probably best to stick with stories and the celebrations for very young children.

Later on, when kids have more abstract thinking capabilites you might discuss different belief systems, but it can be confusing too early. As for Bibles to introduce Judeo-Christian stories, again I'd recommend DK, this time their Children's Bible. It stays pretty close to the stories and has illustrations plus interesting geographical and archeological spot photos. Some of the stories in the Bible can be pretty confusing for a very young child, so be sure you read through the stories first and choose those that you think will be best for your daughter--you don't have to teach everything at once. I hope you enjoy reading these stories too--there are so many wonderful things in our world's religious traditions! Carolyn West

My husband and I are exactly where you are. My daughter heard the ''Noah's Ark'' song recently (i.e. It rained..and poured...for forty...days-ies days-ies..) and wanted to know the story behind the song. I found a great book, ''The Children's ILLUSTRATED BIBLE'' with stories retold by Selina Hastings, printed by DK Press (Dorling Kinderseley). If you know DK Press, they have really nice layouts and illustrations for children's books. My daughter really enjoyed the stories and they were just the right length for her 5-yr-old mind (about 1-2 pages per). I have to warn you, though, the stories open up many questions, like, Did this really happen? Is this a true story? Who is God? I wasn't as prepared to deal with those and am still looking for the book to help me with some good answers. Agnostic mom who cares about religion

hello Heather, I think children love to learn about religions of all kind and the God is something great to them--without all the difficulties and questions we come to as we grow older. I commend you on wanting to introduce you daughter to all this--it is a great opportunity to real dwell on the meaning of existence and the greatness of human life. And to really instil wonder!

I would suggest going to the Oakland main library down town (you don't have to live in Oakland to get a library card there and it is really easy to renew online to avoid late fees...). They have a pretty good religion section with all kinds of stuff--stories and pictures... And also try to browse online or at barnes and noble or boders and just look for something you like. There are some really bad (from my very educated religious perspective) children's bibles but there are also some beautiful, simply lovely books out there as well. Many children's books touch on some very deep philosophical/theological points. For beautiful Catholic Christian stuff look for Brian Wildsmith--his picture books are simply beautiful. I think he did some Old Testament stories as well. There is Tomie de Paola, Josephine Nobisso, and many other very talented artists and authors. Sagrada, the bookstore on Telegraph in Oakland has a great children's book collection--and I believe that many religions are represented there. I picted up a great picture book called ''What does God look like?'' Also, Waldorf stuff might interest you... good luck! Carmelite

If you are looking for a wide variety of great religious stuff, I'd go to Sagrada. It is a marvelous small store run by a fantastic couple. It is in Oakland near 51st and telegraph, I think....Across from the little mall where Genoa dlecatessan is. Sagrada in North Oaklans (Temescal neighborhood?) is the place where folks from my liberal catholic berkeley church go for stuff for their children and friends. But Catholic stuff is just one portion of their inventory. They have items from a wide range of spiritual practices; items from the very traditional to the very non-traditional. Also, they have a wonderful section for children. I highly recommend it. They work hard on getting multi-cultural childrens' books and they know their inventory quite well. They could probably find you a book to meet your needs. They are in the phone book. Anon Mom

Children's Bible

Jan 2005

Does anyone have a recommendation for a really good children's bible? I am looking for a kids' bible that: is non sexist, doesn't refer to God always as a ''Him'', has nice wording and is not guilt-inducing, and that preferably has nice illustrations. We are exploring Christianity and faith, and would like to become more familiar with bible stories, but do not wish to be traumatized by them ;-) ! Is this too much to ask? Thanks for your suggestions. anon.

My husband and I have loved reading Bible stories to our 3 and a half year old daughter and have also spend a great deal of time teaching Sunday School for all ages (nursery through high school). The Bible we currently are excited about for our daughter is the ''Read with me Bible'' published by Zonderkidz. It is in the NIrV (New International readers Version) and has 106 stories in it (the familiar ones we know and love) and wonderful, full color illustrations. The language is traditional, but the stories are delightful and there is no fear, intimidation, or guilt associated with the stories. This Bible retails for $11.99 at Christian Book Distributers (1-800- 247-4784 or www.christianbook.com).

Another Bible you may want to explore is Max Lucado's ''Hermie and Friends Bible'' that is a version of the International Children's Bible. It is written in age appropriate language for children accompanied by cartoon characters (Hermie the caterpillar and Flo the fly for example) that give extra insight. This Bible retails at $24.99 and can be found at www.thomasnelson.com.

If you are looking just to familarize your child with Bible stories, you may want to rent some Veggie Tale movies from the video store. These movies do a great job of telling Bible stories in a very non-threatening, kid friendly way. One of our current favorites is ''Esther, the Girl who became Queen.'' In this movie, Esther is a scallion (or some other long green vegetable) and she saves her people (who are peas for some reason) because of her position as queen. This video goes right along with the book of Esther in the Bible, but, amazingly, in an action packed 30 minutes!

Hope that helps and good luck with your faith journey. Amy

My 10 month old daughter was christened in August and as a gift, she received the coolest bible I've ever come across for ages 4- 8...and would you believe, it meets all your criteria!!?! I only saw God referred as a ''he'' once in my skimming of the book. It's called THE RHYME BIBLE STORYBOOK by L. J. Sattgast (published by Zonderkidz)and has 38 classic stories from the bible all in verse. I think you'll be happy with this choice! Michelle

I am a consultant for Usborne books. Usborne books are a leader in educational, interactive and unique books. We have a wonderful line of children's bibles and bible stories. You could check them out on my web site at www.usborne101.com or call me for more info 510-799-0265. Melissa

I don't have a specific Bible to recommend, but I'd inquire at your local United Church of Christ (see http://ucc.org/ to search for one). These churches are committed to inclusive language (to the point of irritating me sometimes, lol).

Best of luck. Would you let us know when you find what you're looking for? I think I'd like that. Jennie

Book for 7-year-old about world religions

Does anyone know of a book written for children that describes the world's religions? We have a fairly mature 7-yr old with very good reading skills whose classmates come from a variety of religious backgrounds. She frequently asks us questions we can't answer, so we'd like to find something we can read together.

At www.bibliofind.com, I found these:
Parrinder, G.: World Religions. From Ancient History to the Present. ;
Facts on File Publications, New York, NY, 1971. 528 pages, soft cover.
Very  good. Book ID:HS417. Offered for sale by Gail's Books at US$10.00
Similarly,
Parrinder, G.: THE WORLD'S LIVING RELIGIONS ; Admirably thorough
study. Pan 69 Pb VG 202pp ind. Please quote no: 12637 category: WORLD
RELIGIONS Offered for sale by Phenomenal Books at #4.00
I have seen that book before and almost bought it -- it looked good!
Apparently the seller or lister thinks so, too. I guess Parrinder in
general would be a good choice.
There are also several books available in new bookstores, such as Will
and Ariel Durant's books. I read Will Durant's "The Story of
Philosophy" when I was 11 and enjoyed it.
The following also looked fascinating, as it includes texts from the
religions themselves (note that this is an old book):
Frost, S. E., Jr.: The Sacred Writings of the World's Great Religions
; New
Home Library, 1943. 2nd Edition, Good-, no d/j, 8vo, 410 pp., fep
removed and  binding visible at that point, underlining in a few chapters,
Hinduism, Zoroastrianism,  Taoism, Confucianism, Jainism, Buddhism, 
Judaism, Christianity, Islam,
Shinto, Sikhism, Mormonism, Christian Science. Includes introductions
to religion and  texts., Cloth Bds, Religion Theology (UR#:MATEBASE002642) 
Offered
for sale  by No Garbage Books at US$6.95 and is also (as UR#:1710) offered for
sale by  REV. D. A. SCHROEDER at US$8.00
Good luck!

I saw a couple of good choices:

One in particular, the Encyclopedia of World Religons by Ellwood and Alles, seems to aimed at a Young Adult market and is fairly comprehensive. This in particular would be useful in the Bay Area, where there is such diversity.

from the Amazon review:

"Nearly 500 entries cover topics from prehistoric and ancient religions, major contemporary world religions, concepts, symbols, and personages. The entries for major religions are the longest, covering two or three pages and subdivided into sections that discuss history, beliefs, practices, organizations, and significance"

Another book, which looks quite lovely is: Growing Up : From Child to Adult by Anita Ganeri. It approaches religons from the standpoint of their coming of age rituals This one is aimed at 4-8 year olds.

One World, Many Religions : The Way We Worship by Mary Pope Osborne. This one focuses on six religons, but is written for 9-12 year olds.

And, if you want to focus on the stories that people of faith use: Sacred Myths : Stories of World Religions by Marilyn McFarlane looks really great. (this is also for 9-12)

I'd be very interested to know what you find particularly helpful.

April 2005

Re: concerned about daughter visiting very religious relatives
I haven't had to deal with this issue yet but I know it will come up in my family, too (my parents and siblings are rather fundamentalist Christians and we are raising our son as a fairly secular Jew - fun for all). One of the books people recommended to me might be a good starting place for your 9-yo - it's called ''What is God?'' by Etan Boritzer and provides a non- religious, non-denominational look at the diversity in all the great beliefs and the way in which we are all connected. For ages 9-12 reading level. It won't answer all her questions, but may help give some perspective on the stuff she'll hear at Sunday School. I'm looking forward to seeing others' advice! anon

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