Guest Author - Diana Pederson

Books for Children

I LOVE reading through new books for children. It is so important that parents take the time to read daily to their children. Even in today’s busy world, this is of major importance because it positively influences your children towards reading. For younger children, learning to sit and listen is an important skill to learn before they enter school.

Here are four books from various divisions of Kregel, Inc. Would one or more of them be suitable for your child, grandchild, niece, or nephew? Alternatively, why not make a gift of one or more of them to your church library, Christian preschool, or children’s teacher or worship leader?

Tim Dowley & Peter Pohle. Tabernacle Model. Kregel Publications. 2005.

I remember studying the Tabernacle as part of Vacation Bible School when I was in the ninth grade. We created our own models of the Tabernacle. It would have been so much easier for the teachers if this book was available for each class member.

The authors provide some information on the Tabernacle and its importance in Jewish life. The remainder of the book consists of a diecut model for the teacher or student to put together. This model is created to scale and colored realistically. It appears to be easy to construct.

Margaret Williams. The Shepherd Who Searched. Candle Books. 2006.

This children’s story is based on Luke 15:1-7, the parable of the lost sheep. I find it an easy book to read outloud to either a single child or a Sunday School class! The words are simple enough for even young children in preschool or kindergarten to understand. It is a nicely illustrated book. The story teaches all the principles taught in Christ’s parable.



Allia Zobel Nolan. God’s Wonderful Plan. Kidzone. 2006.

God’s Wonderful Plan is told by a caterpillar. He goes through his life praising God for the things he sees and even for the long rest. He shares how he trusts that what God has for him at the end of his rest will be good.

There is a green caterpillar, made of fabric and wire, that weaves through the book. Due to this item, it is not a book suitable for handling by very young children. I believe ages 3 to 4 or even 5 will enjoy the book along with seeing the caterpillar’s progress.


Jeannie St. John Taylor. How I Pray for my Friends. Kidzone. 2006.

Erik is a young child. This book is written from his perspective. First he tells the readers how he prays to God (eyes closed). Then he shares things that happen to his friends and tells how he prays to God about the situation faced by his friends.

Children will learn how to communicate with God by praying. They will also learn that fancy words, a special posture, or a special location are not required to pray.

Recommendations

These books will assist any adult in sharing important Christian concepts with the children in their life. Each book was well written and illustrated—important things if children are to sit still long enough to hear the story and perhaps even discuss the story later.