Most of us TGC editors are parents, and we’re also book lovers who want to cultivate a culture of reading within our families. Whether you have children of your own or kids in your life whom you love (nieces, nephews, grandchildren, friends), you’re likely looking for some quality books to give as Christmas presents.
We’re here for you!
The following is a curated list of book recommendations from TGC editors for kids in different age groups. The majority of these books are theologically solid Christian books, but some are secular books that nevertheless embody values Christians can embrace. Whatever the age of the child you’re shopping for this Christmas, you’ll find some quality book options below—books they’ll enjoy and also benefit from as they grow in wisdom and knowledge of the truth.
Board Books (Ages 0–2)
Wherever You Go, I Want You to Know (Board Book) by Melissa Kruger (The Good Book Company, 2022). The fun rhymes and engaging pictures will remind kids and grown-ups alike about what’s most important in life: following Jesus.
God Rescues and God Wins by Jared Kennedy (New Growth Press, 2022). Show kids how God keeps his promises and takes care of his people by raising up Old Testament heroes like Moses, Joshua, David, and Esther.
Does God Sleep? by Amy Gannett (B&H Kids, 2022). It’s never too early to introduce children to God’s omnipotence, and this book does it in a concrete way for little minds.
The Moon Speaks by Jason Duesing (B&H Kids, 2021). Through beautiful pictures and poetry, this board book shows how God’s creation bears witness to his attributes.
Baby’s Carry Along Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones (HarperFestival, 2020). From the author of The Jesus Storybook Bible, this book is a lovely introduction to Bible stories in pleasing rhyme.
Found and Loved: A Picture Book Set by Sally Lloyd-Jones (Zonderkidz, 2019). This gift set includes two books—Found (inspired by Psalm 23) and Loved (inspired by the Lord’s Prayer)—as well as a special edition art print.
Picture Books (Ages 3–7)
The King and the Dragon by James W. Shrimpton (Crossway, 2022). In this theologically rich book—beautifully illustrated by Helena Perez Garcia—the redemptive story of Scripture is (very appropriately) framed in terms of slaying a great dragon.
Meg Is Not Alone by Megan Hill (Crossway, 2022). In a world of loneliness and fear, the local church is a haven of diverse, supportive, hope-filled community. This book reminds us the church is always ready to help.
Polly and the Screen Time Overload by Betsy Childs Howard (Crossway, 2022). This is a fun, timely conversation starter for families who recognize our media habits have as much to do with spiritual formation as they do with screen time.
Why Do We Say Good Night? by Champ Thornton (New Growth Press, 2019). This bedtime story with beautiful illustrations by Rommel Ruiz teaches kids that God made the night, sees in the dark, and watches over his children like a shepherd protects his sheep.
God’s Very Good Idea by Trillia Newbell (The Good Book Company, 2017). The glorious diversity of God’s people is on full display in this vividly rendered, gospel-centered book, which shows how Christ came to save all kinds of people.
Middle-Grade Books (Ages 8–12)
The Dragon and the Stone by Kathryn Butler (Crossway, 2022). With a great deal of inventiveness and a touch of whimsy, Kathryn Butler takes the reader on a perilous ride that they won’t want to end. Great for a read-aloud! This is the first book in the Dream Keeper Saga.
The Biggest Story Bible Storybook by Kevin DeYoung (Crossway, 2022). The latest in DeYoung’s Biggest Story series, this impressive volume (with excellent illustrations by Don Clark) provides great bedtime reading for kids 6–12, as the Bible’s epic story is broken down into 104 short chapters (two per week, if you’re aiming to go through it in a year).
The Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of Riddles by Champ Thornton and Andrew David Naselli (New Growth Press, 2022). If you know kids who like the Bobbsey Twins or Hardy Boys, they’ll love this book that teaches a redemptive-historical theme through a creative sibling adventure. This is the first book in the Kámbur Chronicles series.
Little Pilgrim’s Progress (Illustrated Edition) by Helen L. Taylor, envisioned and illustrated by Joe Sutphin (Moody, 2021). It’s hard to imagine a better or more beautiful introduction to Bunyan’s classic work.
Young Adult Books (Ages 13–15)
10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (And Answer) About Christianity by Rebecca McLaughlin (Crossway, 2021). A clear, helpful exploration of the challenges to faith that every teen will encounter.
Growing in Godliness by Lindsey Carlson (Crossway, 2021). With an engaging mix of humor and solid biblical wisdom, Carlson reaches young teen girls where they are—and helps them to move forward in the grace of the gospel.
Everything Sad Is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri (Levine Querido, 2020). A masterfully told true story of a Christian family’s escape from Iran and adjustment to America.
CSB Seven Arrows Study Bible (B&H Kids, 2019). This resource is a “how-to” study Bible aimed at helping teenagers learn a Bible study method that will serve them for the rest of their lives.
Laurus by Eugene Vodolazkin (Oneworld Publications, 2016). The more ambitious adolescent reader will love this 384-page contemporary novel, set in medieval Russia. Sprawling and unpredictable, the novel makes Christlike virtue and faithfulness attractive in a spellbinding way.
Family Read-Alouds (All Ages)
Good Night Classics by C. S. Fritz (NavPress, 2022). This collection tells familiar fairy tales with an inventive gospel slant.
The Dead Sea Squirrels by Mike Nawrocki (Tyndale Kids, 2022). A charming pair of squirrels who lived in Jesus’s day team up with modern kids to provide a lighthearted series of stories that teach gospel lessons through humorous misadventures.
A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus (Margaret Ferguson Books, 2021). Three orphaned siblings displaced from London by WWII must demonstrate resolve and navigate (kid-sized) moral dilemmas as they search for a place to call home.
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