Title: The Christmas Surprise Author and Illustrator: Steph Williams Published by: The Good Book Company Price: RRP £2.99 reduced to £2.54 or 10 for £2.10 each Good for: a gift for young children unfamiliar with the Christmas story Best bit: It’s funny! And it talks about what Jesus’ name means (rescuer) Worst bit: Not really anything. I probably wouldn’t have put … Read more
Title: The Nativity By: Bethan Lycett and Hannah Stout Price: £3.50 Published by: 10 of those Useful for: children aged 2-7 Best bit: The lovely artwork and simple, easy-to-read Christmas story including Simeon and Anna Worst bit: The rhyme isn’t always as smooth as it could be, but still enjoyable. More: This is a simple, … Read more
Title: Advent Journal for All ages Author: Nick and Becky Drake from Worship for Everyone Illustrator: Connie Buck Published by: Worship for everyone and Gas Street Church Price: £7.99 each, two for £15, or 3 for £20 Good for: Anyone wanting a quick but real way to connect with God during Advent, especially those who would like four themed songs … Read more
Title: Camp survival Written by: Olly Goldenberg Published by: Children Can Price: £6.99 Useful for: children age 7-11 years old Best bit: Really funny story weaving age-appropriate Christian life choices for children into a choose your own adventure book! Worst bit: The cover image is fab and I was hoping for more similar pictures in the … Read more
Title: The Promise and the Light By: Katy Morgan Published by and available from The Good Book Company Best bit: 25 short chapters telling the story of Jesus’ birth in an imaginative, but true-to-the-Bible way, perfect for children aged 5-11 years old Worst bit: no pictures, and I would love an audio version! More thoughts: … Read more
Title: The Adventure of Christmas By: Ed Drew RRP: £6.99 Published by and available from: The Good Book Company Best bit: Short but meaningful daily Advent devotionals with a picture for each day and something for all ages – from under-fives to adults! Worst bit: Only a few creative activities for people with other learning … Read more
A really simple way to pray without using words is to build a Duplo house and give it a title such as: The House of Peace. Invite people to choose a Duplo person to represent someone they know who needs more peace / they’d like God bless with peace and put them inside the house. … Read more
Title: Whistlestop Tales – around the world in 10 Bible stories Author: Krish and Miriam Kandiah Illustrator: Andy Gray Price: RRP £10.99 (Available from WHSmiths for £9.36) Hardback, 230 pages Published by: Hodder Faith Perfect for: children age 7-11 who enjoy funny pictures and a good story Best bit: hilarious, dynamic artwork coupled with rich story … Read more
Do you love watching seeds grow? Why not link this with praying for something to grow? A fun and satisfying seedling to watch is a sunflower. Take a toilet tube and press in the sides of one end to make a little compostable pot. Fill it with compost or soil then place one seed on … Read more
Grow some simple seeds and read some Bible stories about seeds. What do you notice (about your seeds and the stories!)? We like growing and eating pea shoots because a) you can grow them very cheaply from dried peas from the cupboard b) they sprout and grow very quickly c) they are packed full of … Read more
In the run-up to Easter, there are always lots of questions about good Easter books for children, so here’s a list of my favourites. Each book has notes about what I like and what age I’d use them with. I hope it helps you choose the best Easter books for your family, and maybe even … Read more
Naomi Elliott is helping children play as a way of learning and growing in their faith. She’s passionate about open-ended play (where children are free to create their own rules and meaning) and using natural and easy-to-come-by items rather than expensive, bought items. In this post she shares about a Holy Week Box she’s created: I … Read more