Telling the Story of Salvation History as lived through Sacred Scripture is one of the most fantastic ways we can capture the holy imaginations of our children. An added layer of of illustration comes through picture books about the Bible. 

Looking for solid Catholic children's Bibles? Check out this post.

Picture Books about the Bible

Many authors throughout the years have presented Bible stories through sketches and stories, paintings and prose. We've gathered some of our favorites below, broken into the Old and New Testaments.

Old Testament

Creation + the Fall

Creation by Gennady Spirin

Paradise by Fiona French

The End of the Fiery Sword by Maura Roan McKeegan

Noah's Ark

Noah's Ark by Peter Spier

Noah's Ark by Jerry Pinkney

The Tower of Babel

The Tower of Babel by William Wiesner 

The Patriarchs

Sarah Laughs by Jacqueline Jules Moses + the Exodus

Jacob and Esau by Mary Auld

Joseph by Brian Wildsmith

The Coat of Many Colors by Jenny Koralek

Benjamin and the Silver Goblet by Jacqueline Jules

Moses + the Exodus

Moses by Margaret Hodges

Moses: The Long Road to Freedom by Ann Keay Beneduce

Exodus by Brian Wildsmith

The Prophets

Jonah and the Whale by Rosemary Lanning

The Book of Jonah by Peter Spier

Into the Sea, Out of the Tomb by Maura Roan McKeegan

Daniel and the Lord of the Lions by Gloria Jean Pinkney

The Story of the Call of Samuel by Bryn J. Brock and Karin A. Childs

The Story of Ruth by Maxine Rose Schur 

The Angel & the Donkey by Katherine Paterson 

Kings + Queens

David and Goliath by Beatrice Schenk De Regniers

The Lord is My Shepherd by Gennady Spirin

The Wisest Man in the World: A Legend of Ancient Israel by Benjamin ElkinNew Testament

To Everything There is a Season by Diane and Leo Dillon

Kings and Queens of the Bible by Mary Hoffman

Queen Esther Saves Her People by Rita Golden Gelman 

The Story of Esther by Eric A. Kimmel

New Testament

Mary by Brian Wildsmith

St. Joseph's Story by Geraldine Guadagno

Jesus by Brian Wildsmith

The Twelve Apostles by Marianna Mayer

St. Peter's Story by Marion Thomas

The Miracles of Jesus by Tomie dePaola

Loaves and Fishes by Helen Caswell

The Parables

The Parables of Jesus by Tomie dePaola

Parable of the Good Samaritan by Helen Caswell

Parable of the Vineyard by Helen Caswell

Parable of the Sower by Helen Caswell

Parable of the Bridesmaids by Helen Caswell

The Paschal Mystery

The Easter Story by Brian Wildsmith

The Way of the Cross by Inos Biffi

The Thornbush by Michael Laughlin

Easter by Fiona French

 

 

Do you or your children have favorite children's books about the Bible? Let us know in the comments! 

 

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April showers bring May flowers! With Easter and warm weather just around the corner, 'spring' into spring with these Catholic picture books for April! This month celebrates Saints such as Saint Bernadette and Saint George.

 

Catholic Picture Books for April

 

This I Know by Clay Anderson

Based on the beloved children's song Jesus Loves Me, this book has playful rhymes and colorful illustrations that your children will love.

 

Saint Bernadette and the Miracle of Lourdes by Demi

Packed full of beautiful illustrations, this book serves as an excellent introduction to the life of Saint Bernadette.

 

'Twas the Morning of Easter by Glenys Nellist

"'Twas the morning of Easter, before the sun rose, Two guards on a hillside were trying to doze. Now Jesus had died, only three days before, A huge stone was in place, sealed over the door." Written with a catchy rhythm, 'Twas the Morning of Easter is the perfect Easter basket gift.

 

God Gave Us Easter by Lisa Tawn Bergren

This board book is a sweet read while still providing thoughtful insight. Follow Papa Bear and Little Bear as they discuss Easter.

 

Saint George and the Dragon by Margaret Hodges

Saint George and the Dragon is a Caldecott Medal Winner and on top of that an altogether beautiful read.

 

Cloud of Witnesses: A Child's First Book of Saints by Katie Warner

With simple, short quotes from each saint and an illustration to accompany it, Cloud of Witnesses is the perfect book for introducing saints to littles.

 

Queen Esther by Tomie dePaola

This book tells of a Jewish queen who not only loved her people and the Lord but stood by her Faith in times of distress.

 

Pascual and the Kitchen Angels by Tomie dePaola

Pascual, patron saint of kitchens, would not cook. But he trusted in the Lord and when he prayed, the angels cooked.

 

That Grand Easter Day! by Jill Roman Lord

That Grand Easter Day! takes us to that day Mary came to the tomb and Jesus was nowhere to be seen.

 

Seven Clues: A Catholic Treasure Hunt by Scott Hahn and Maura Roan McKeegan

Written by renowned author Scott Hahn and children's author Maura McKeegan, Seven Clues follows three children on their treasure hunt that aids in deepening their Catholic Faith. A great read during Sacraments season!

 

Bernadette: The Little Girl from Lourdes by Sophie Maraval-Hutin 

Born in France, Bernadette was a young girl who had a miraculous encounter with Our Lady of Lourdes. 

 

Saint George and the Dragon by Jim Forest 

Saint George was one of the first martyrs of the early Church. He is usually regarded as almost a mythical man. Jim Forest writes of the legend of Saint George, a brave Christian soldier who staunchly defends the princess and the villagers, while also addressing the symbolism behind the legend. 

 

What are YOUR favorite picture books for the Easter season? Drop in the comments! 

 

 

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The temperature drops and we reluctantly put on our puffer coats. Hot chocolate and blazing fires are soon to be a staple in the daily routine. Below we will feature some of our favorite Catholic picture books for December! Celebrate the seasons of Advent and Christmas with these delightful picture books. Continue reading

Bringing kids to Mass is often a sacrifice of praise in and of itself. Even when tantrums and bathroom breaks are avoided, there's the threat of "boredom."

Children have a relatively short attention span as it is, but when they’re bored… Prepare for the whispering, “Are we almost done?”  to repeat steadily until the end of Mass.

This is natural and understandable. It also offers us an opportunity to train their attention, patience, and understanding of the importance of being at Mass (even when we're bored).

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It's the third commandment—the final one pertaining to our love of God. Keeping holy the sabbath is doable when it comes to getting to Mass on Sundays. But the rest that God commands on the sabbath for our benefit? Not so easy to attain, especially in family life. Continue reading

With spring creeping close and Lent beginning, March features feast days such as Saints Perpetua and Felicity, Saint Katharine Drexel, and Saint Patrick. Lent is a great season to slow down and turn our hearts and minds toward the Lord. Reading picture books as a family is a great way to do that.

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Preparing for First Communion is a beautiful experience for children and parents alike. Many children will receive their first Communions this spring and early summer, so naturally, preparation is on our minds. We want them to have a memorable encounter with the Eucharist. We want to do our part—inasmuch as we can—to prepare them for this intimacy with Jesus. Continue reading

What made Scott Hahn became Catholic?

Two words: the Liturgy.

Of course, there was more to it than that, but in The Lamb's Supper, he reveals why attending his first Catholic Mass was a major step toward communion with Rome.

Scott Hahn walked into that parish as an interested but a slightly critical, casual observer. He left as a convert. Granted, he didn’t immediately drop everything and say “I want to be a Catholic!” But his conversion was largely founded upon his understanding of the biblical roots of the Mass.

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We have heard about the importance of praying the Rosary, especially as a family. But family life can be chaotic, especially with multiple children. The family Rosary, at least in our house, is not quiet, focused, or at all what I idealize. But the grace is in that. Our efforts to pray a family Rosary are not futile and not without merit.  Continue reading

It’s still cold outside, with a few warm days popping up to remind us spring will come again. February features feast days such as Our Lady of Lourdes, Saint Scholastica and Saint Valentine. Cuddle close with these Catholic picture books for February! Continue reading