Welcome to our recommendations for some of the top Christian children’s books for ages 5-10. We wanted to present books based on a variety of genres (bible stories, lessons taught (purpose & identity), and attractive illustrations). In the list below, you’ll find a brief summary of each book and the values or lessons taught in the content and/or illustrations. We hope you find it helpful!
Tommy’s Balloon: A Tale of Purpose, Restoration, and Joy
by Don James
Tommy’s Balloon is a heartwarming Christian children’s book about a young boy named Tommy on a journey of self-discovery. With beautiful illustrations and rhyme, children will be drawn into the lessons taught in the book.
Tommy’s father, an inventor, gives him a special gift: a vibrant yellow balloon. This simple yet meaningful gift becomes a powerful symbol of his own life: that just as his balloon was made to be filled and empowered by helium, he was created in love for an amazing purpose, to be a child of God, filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
The balloon, bright and full of potential, mirrors the the journey we all experience. It highlights the difference between filling our hearts with worldly distractions and embracing the love of God, for which we were made. In his journey, we see his delight in spending time with his father and his father’s delight in teaching him and giving him good gifts which demonstrates how we are to relate with our Heavenly Father.
Lessons/Values: This book helps children understand that they were created to be filled with the love of God, the Holy Spirit, and that it is embracing what they were created for that brings them fulfillment. It also illustrates how interested our Heavenly Father is in us, and how he can give us precisely what we need to help us learn and grow, and how we are to trust him with a child-like faith. The book also highlights reconciliation between siblings, an important lesson for all.
The Jesus Storybook Bible
by Sally Lloyd-Jones
The Jesus Storybook Bible introduces children to the idea that the Bible is one continuous narrative pointing to Jesus Christ. This collection of Bible stories presents a cohesive picture of salvation, from creation to Christ’s resurrection. Each story emphasizes how Jesus is the central figure of the Bible, even in the Old Testament. The language is engaging for children while remaining faithful to Scripture. It’s a tool that conservative parents will appreciate for its Christ-centered approach to the Bible.
Lessons/Values: This book helps children understand the unity of Scripture, emphasizing God’s eternal plan of salvation through Jesus. It teaches children about the fall, sin, and the promise of redemption, fostering a deep appreciation for God’s grace and love.
Indescribable: 100 Devotions About God and Science
by Louie Giglio
Indescribable combines scientific facts with biblical truths to show children the wonder of God’s creation. Each devotion begins with a fascinating scientific observation and ties it back to Scripture, demonstrating how science and faith are not in conflict but complement each other. This devotional appeals to children’s curiosity about the world, while grounding them in the truth that God is the Creator of all things. The devotions encourage children to marvel at God’s handiwork in nature, reinforcing a biblical worldview of creation.
Lessons/Values: This book affirms the biblical teaching of God as Creator, promoting a view of science that is rooted in Christian faith. It encourages children to see the beauty of creation as evidence of God’s power and design, aligning with conservative Christian views on science and creation.
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The Action Bible is a graphic novel-style retelling of the Bible that engages children with vibrant illustrations and action-packed storytelling. Created by renowned artist Sergio Cariello, this book presents over 230 biblical stories in comic book format, covering both the Old and New Testaments. It is aimed at children ages 6-12 and brings to life the most important moments in Scripture—from the creation story in Genesis to the ultimate victory of Jesus in Revelation.
The vivid and dramatic illustrations capture kids’ attention, while the dialogue and narrative make the Bible stories accessible and exciting. Characters such as Moses, David, and Jesus are portrayed as heroes on a divine mission, which helps younger readers connect emotionally and intellectually with the moral and spiritual lessons of the Bible. With a focus on storytelling, The Action Bible emphasizes how God’s plan unfolds across history, drawing readers into the biblical narrative in a fresh and memorable way.
Lessons/Values: Many stories focus on characters who trust God in difficult circumstances, teaching children to have courage and faith in God. It also emphasizes God’s plan for redemption through Jesus Christ, highlighting forgiveness and grace. Also, the importance of following God’s guidance, even when it’s challenging, is a key message throughout.
The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden
by Kevin DeYoung
This book retells the story of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, focusing on the grand narrative of sin and redemption. It uses creative illustrations to depict the key moments in Scripture where God’s plan of salvation unfolds. Children learn about how sin entered the world through Adam and Eve’s disobedience and how God promised a “snake crusher”—Jesus—to defeat sin and death. It’s a powerful way to introduce children to the gospel and the continuity of God’s redemptive plan throughout history.
Lessons/Values: The book emphasizes the biblical doctrines of sin, judgment, and redemption. It clearly presents Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promise to save His people, making it an ideal resource for teaching children about the necessity of Christ’s sacrifice.
The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross
by Carl Laferton
This book tells the overarching story of the Bible, from the Garden of Eden to Jesus’ death and resurrection, emphasizing how sin created separation between God and humanity. It illustrates the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross as the way to restore that broken relationship. The narrative is simple enough for children to understand yet theologically rich, presenting sin and salvation in a clear, biblical framework. It’s an excellent resource for conservative parents who want to introduce their children to the gospel message.
Lessons/Values: The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross reinforces the concepts of sin, redemption, and salvation through Christ. It teaches children about the seriousness of sin and the hope found in Jesus, aligning with conservative Christian theology.
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The Oak Inside the Acorn” by Max Lucado is a touching and beautifully illustrated story about a small acorn’s journey to becoming a mighty oak tree. The book follows the acorn from its early days, feeling uncertain and small, to eventually growing into a large oak tree that provides shade, shelter, and beauty to its surroundings. Along the way, the acorn is guided by the wisdom of its mother, who assures it that God has a unique plan and purpose for it, even when it doesn’t understand its potential.
The story reflects on the Christian belief that each person is created with a divine purpose, and while life may bring moments of doubt or insecurity, God’s design for everyone is good and perfect. As the acorn learns to trust in its God-given path, it teaches children to have faith in their journey and be patient as they grow into who they are meant to be.
Lessons/Values: The book encourages children to trust in God’s plan, that He has a special purpose for their lives, even if they cannot see it yet. It also emphasizes that growth takes time and that it’s okay to not know all the answers immediately. It also teaches that everyone has unique gifts and that God’s plan for each person is different but equally valuable.
Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing
by Sally Lloyd-Jones
This devotional offers bite-sized reflections on various aspects of the Christian faith, using simple language and beautiful illustrations to convey deep spiritual truths. Each devotion includes a Bible verse and a thought that highlights God’s love, His faithfulness, and His promises. It encourages children to trust in God and understand His care for them in all circumstances. Conservative parents will find this resource helpful for instilling strong biblical values in their children from an early age.
Lessons/Values: The devotions teach children about God’s character, His care, and His trustworthiness. It encourages children to grow in their faith, understand God’s love, and build a strong foundation on biblical truths.
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Little Pilgrim’s Progress by Helen L. Taylor is a simplified adaptation of John Bunyan’s Christian allegory The Pilgrim’s Progress, designed to engage younger readers. The story follows Christian, a young boy, on a journey from his hometown, the City of Destruction, to the Celestial City. Along the way, Christian encounters numerous characters and challenges, such as Obstinate, Worldly Wiseman, and the Slough of Despond, all of which symbolize spiritual trials and temptations. Throughout his adventure, Christian learns to rely on God’s Word and the guidance of fellow believers as he presses forward on his path toward salvation.
Lessons/Values: The book conveys the importance of perseverance in faith, showing children that the Christian journey is filled with obstacles but guided by God’s promises. It illustrates how courage, trust in God, and making wise choices lead to eternal rewards. The story also emphasizes the importance of companionship and encouragement from fellow believers. It teaches children that while the road may be difficult, God provides everything needed to reach the ultimate destination—heaven.
You Are Special
by Max Lucado
You Are Special tells the story of a village of wooden people who place stars on those they admire and dots on those they see as flawed. Punchinello, the main character, is covered in dots and feels worthless, but when he visits his maker, Eli, he learns that his worth comes not from what others think of him but from the fact that he was made by his Creator. This story encourages children to look to God for their identity, rather than seeking approval from others. It reinforces the idea that they are loved and valued by God, regardless of how the world judges them.
Lessons/Values: This book teaches children that their worth is rooted in God’s love and their identity as His creation. It emphasizes that approval from others is fleeting, but God’s love and acceptance are unchanging, reflecting key conservative Christian teachings about identity and self-worth.