{"id":292172,"date":"2026-02-25T07:00:09","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T13:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/christianchronicle.org\/?p=292172"},"modified":"2026-02-24T14:09:35","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T20:09:35","slug":"three-good-reads-for-your-kids-bookshelf","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/christianchronicle.org\/three-good-reads-for-your-kids-bookshelf\/","title":{"rendered":"Three good reads for your kids\u2019 bookshelf"},"content":{"rendered":"

The best time of the day is cuddling up with my daughter and reading her favorite books before bed. Seeing the sense of wonder on her face is one of the great joys of life.<\/p>\n

As an early childhood educator with a background in child development, I recognize that the benefits of reading aloud to our children are innumerable, and not just intellectually.<\/p>\n

Reading books to our children helps foster familial connections, teaches important lessons and prepares them to be students of the best book, Scripture.<\/p>\n

\n\n
\n

\u2018Zeke\u2019s Sunday\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Chantelle<\/a>

Chantelle Marie Swayne. \u201cZeke\u2019s Sunday.\u201d<\/strong> <\/a>Independently published. 2025. 29 pages. $14.99.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cZeke\u2019s Sunday,\u201d<\/a><\/strong> written and illustrated by Chantelle Marie Swayne \u2014 a member of the Northern Lights Church of Christ<\/a> in Fairbanks, Alaska \u2014 portrays the rhythms of a Sunday morning as a parent and child prepare for and engage in worship.<\/p>\n

Large-print words and sweet, simple illustrations allow for an easy read for the littlest of ears. While a few of the actions described may stretch the understanding of the intended audience, a visual step-by-step flow helps create a familiar routine.<\/p>\n

Repeat readings of the book will open the door to discussing how we worship God on Sundays and every day of the week. \u201cZeke\u2019s Sunday\u201d is a wonderful selection for introducing our youngest children to the restfulness of Sundays.<\/p>\n

\u2018When I Talk to God, I Talk About Feelings\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Chrissy<\/a>

Chrissy Metz and Bradley Collins. \u201cWhen I Talk to God, I Talk About Feelings.\u201d<\/strong><\/a> Flamingo Books. 2025. 32 pages. $18.99.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cWhen I Talk to God, I Talk About Feelings\u201d<\/a><\/strong> provides a beautiful springboard for understanding feelings and bringing them to God in prayer.<\/p>\n

Written by Chrissy Metz and Bradley Collins, the book can help provide the words and descriptions many children lack to understand their emotional state.<\/p>\n

The cadence of the text allows for a smooth read aloud. Additionally, the attractive forest scenes illustrated by Lisa Fields help bring to life the feelings discussed through cute woodland creatures and dramatic use of color.<\/p>\n

Combining the message of \u201cWhen I Talk to God, I Talk About Feelings\u201d with other aspects of prayer will help to teach and encourage your children to pray to God daily.<\/p>\n

\u2018Fail-a-bration!\u2019<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"Brad<\/a>

Brad Montague and Kristi Montague. \u201cFail-a-bration.\u201d<\/strong><\/a> Dial Books. 2024. 40 pages. $18.99.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cFail-a-bration!\u201d<\/a><\/strong> by Brad and Kristi Montague \u2014 members of the Jacks Creek Church of Christ<\/a> in Tennessee \u2014 is a story that shows us that everyone makes mistakes.<\/p>\n

Everyone deals with disappointment. What matters more is how you respond and grow. The illustrations are fun and unique, offering a great background for this desperately needed message.<\/p>\n

While this is not a Christian book per se, one could easily draw parallels and connections to our need for God\u2019s love and forgiveness. The authors\u2019 suggestion of throwing a party in the face of mistakes and disappointments may be over the top, but it does give the book a quirky charm.<\/p>\n

The book even includes a list of ideas for your very own party. \u201cFail-a-bration!\u201d is an amusing option to help older children learn the skill of rejoicing because we tried, even if we failed.<\/p>\n\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t<\/promotion-zone>\n\t\t\t<\/promotion-zone>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

All three of these books are excellent choices to add to your children\u2019s bookshelf. Use them to connect to your children, develop their love of reading and deepen their understanding of God and his world.<\/p>\n

\n

COURTNEY BRADFORD<\/strong> is an early childhood educator turned stay-at-home mom and minister\u2019s wife. Her family worships at the Signal Mountain Church of Christ in Tennessee.<\/p>\n

As an Amazon Associate, we earn money from qualifying purchases made through the links on this page.<\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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