Bibliography · The Spiritual Child: The New Science on Parenting for Health and Lifelong Thriving by Lisa Miller This is the book on which Brian based his sermon series. Miller presents

Beautiful Moon: A Child’s Prayer by Tonya Bolden

At bedtime, the young main character says his prayers and uses the moon as a way to

connect his prayers to those in need everywhere.

God Created by Mark Francisco Bozzuti-Jones

This creation story does a good job of showing diversity, whether among God’s people

or his world.

The Quiltmaker’s Gift by Jeff Brumbeau

When a generous quiltmaker finally agrees to make a quilt for a greedy king but only

under certain conditions, he finally undergoes a change of heart. Great story to teach

the concept that happiness doesn’t come from material possessions.

What a Wonderful World! by Suzanne Chiew

As a parent and baby bear explore the world throughout the changing seasons, the ani-

mals express gratitude to God. The rhyming text and subject matter will help make

the concept of gratitude accessible to young children.

Thank You, God, for Everything by August Gold

Daisy witnesses her parents expressing gratitude to God and is thus encouraged to do

so herself. A good book to encourage the idea of how gratitude leads to happiness,

rather than the other way around. Halperin’s illustrations are beautiful as well.

The Three Questions by Jon J. Muth

Nikolai asks his animal friends to help him find the answers to three important ques-

tions: “When is the best time to do things?” “Who is the most important?” and “What is

the right thing to do?” Beautiful illustrations make this an enjoyable starting point for

conversations.

It Will Be Okay: Trusting God through Fear and Change by Lysa TerKeurst

The two main characters, Little Seed and Little Fox, are reluctantly facing change.

Through their story, children will be reminded that God is with us through new and

scary situations.

Old Turtle by Donald Wood

At a time when all the living things of the world could communicate, an argument broke

out over who and what God is. Old Turtle, in his wisdom, settles the argument in this

parable which promotes our relationship with the earth and all the beings that inhabit it.

Bibliography

Picture Books

Chapter Books

In Front of God and Everybody: Confessions of April Grace by K.D. McCrite

In the summer of 1986, 11-year-old April Grace, who lives on a rural farm in

Arkansas with her family, has her sense of Christian charity tested when a

snobby couple from San Francisco moves into a run-down house. Her grand-

mother, who lives just across the field from April’s family, takes up with a loud

and rude Texan, further tests April’s Christian beliefs, especially when her grandmother

is at risk of being conned.

Faith, Hope and Ivy June by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

During a student exchange program, seventh-graders Ivy and Catherine learn about the

other’s lives, homes, and communities and discover common ties despite the differences.

The Great, Good Summer by Liz Garton Scanlon

Ivy Green, the twelve-year-old main character, has a mom who may or may not have

run off with a charismatic preacher. Ivy and her new classmate, Paul try to track down

Ivy’s wayward mother and see the Space Shuttle to fulfill a dream of Paul’s.

Non-fiction Titles

Let the Whole Earth Sing Praise by Tomie DePaola

DePaola combines the book of Daniel and Psalm 148 to explore the creation story and

to celebrate the environment.

Giving Thanks: Poems, Prayers and Praise Songs of Thanksgiving

edited by Katherine Paterson

More than 50 graces, poems, and praise songs accompanied by exquisite cut-paper illus-

trations. A beautiful way to express thanks and expose your family to a wide range of

cultures, religions and voices.

K is for Kite: God’s Springtime Alphabet by Kathy-Jo Wargin

On Morning Wings: Adapted from Psalm 139 by Reeve Lindbergh

This simple retelling of Psalm 139 shares how God knows and loves us

deeply.

Non-fiction Titles for Older Readers

I Believe: The Nicene Creed illustrated by Pauline Baynes

The well-known Christian profession of faith is illustrated in a fashion typ-

ical of illuminated manuscripts. Although the wording is traditional, the

book may foster a conversation about what exactly we believe.

A Faith Like Mine: A Celebration of the World’s Religions Seen Through the

Eyes of Children by Laura Buller

The information in this book comes through the child believers themselves

in this accessible and interesting book.

I Believe In — Christian, Jewish and Muslim Young People Speak about Their

Faith by Pearl Gaskins

100 Chicago-area teens were interviewed for this book. Although it may

be too lengthy to read cover-to-cover, selecting a variety of interviews will

help start conversations about diverse beliefs.

Faith: 5 Religions and What They Share by Richard and Michele Steckle

This book gives you both general and detailed information about Bud-

dhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism.

Titles for Parents

Inside Out Families: Living the Faith Together by Diana Garland

Garland encourages families to serve in the community together to not

only promote a deeper understanding of each other but also of what God is

doing in the world. She argues that service develops a strong faith in chil-

dren that will carry them through to adulthood.

Holding Your Family Together: 5 Simple Steps to Help Bring Your Family

Closer to God and Each Other by Rich Melheim

The book that explains the concept of Faith 5 and which lays out a plan to

create a home where all members feel valued, loved and heard.

The Spiritual Child: The New Science on Parenting for Health and Lifelong

Thriving by Lisa Miller

This is the book on which Brian based his sermon series. Miller presents

the science to emphasize the power of spirituality.

Parenting with Presence: Practices for Raising Conscious, Confident, Caring Kids

by Susan Stiffelman

This book provides help to parents who want to use spiritual principles to

everyday childcare. A variety of parenting topics are addressed: communi-

cation, taking responsibility, stress, cultivating empathy, etc.