Children's Books with Christian Themes
Blanca's Feather by ISBN: 9780873587433Publication Date: 2000-02-25Saint Francis of Assisi Day is celebrated in Mexico and many other countries, including the United States, each year on October 4. Since the twelfth century, men, women, and children have paraded their newborn farm animals and pets to the local church to receive a blessing that will protect them from disease and predators. In Blanca's Feather, Antonio Hernandez Madrigal weaves together the rituals of this ceremony with the special friendship between a girl and her pet. Rosalia can't wait to take her hen, Blanca, to the blessing, but when it's time to leave for the chapel, Blanca is nowhere to be found. When Blanca finally comes out from her hiding spot, she is surrounded by a fluffy batch of newly hatched chicks.
Awards:
- Henry Bergh Children's Book Award, 2000, Finalist
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
By and By by ISBN: 1534426361Publication Date: 2020-01-14A stirring picture book biography about gospel composer and preacher Charles Albert Tindley, best known for the gospel hymn "We'll Understand It Better By and By." His childhood was far from easy, with backbreaking hours in the fields, and no opportunity to go to school. But the spirituals he heard as he worked made him long to know how to read the Gospel for himself. Late at night, he taught himself to read from scraps of newspapers. From those small scraps, young Charles raised himself to become a founding father of American gospel music whose hymn was the basis for the Civil Rights anthem "We Shall Overcome." Told in lilting verse with snippets of spirituals and Tindley's own hymns woven throughout, Carole Boston Weatherford's lyrical words and Bryan Collier's luminous pictures celebrate a man whose music and conviction has inspired countless lives.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A Church for All by ISBN: 9780807511794Publication Date: 2018-05-01A church where all are welcome. On Sunday morning, we gather together. We are every color. Every age. Rich and poor. Our church is open, affirming, and accepting. We believe in love instead of hate. There's room for everyone! This book celebrates a spiritual community that embraces all people--no matter their age, race, class, gender identity, or sexual orientation--in love and faith.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Enduring Ark by ISBN: 9789380340180Publication Date: 2013-05-14In this Indian version of the Biblical tale, talented Bengali Patua scroll painter Joydeb Chitrakar leads the reader from a deluge of water to a rainbow of hope. A book that can be leafed through in the traditional way or unfolded out as an accordion, the vibrant illustrations and concise text provide a singular approach to an ancient, universal story.
Awards:
- USBBY Outstanding International Book Honor List
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hush Harbor by ISBN: 9780822579656Publication Date: 2008-01-08In the early nineteenth century, enslaved Africans are not allowed to gather together in groups. for Simmy and his family, that means they must worship in secret. If they are caught, the punishment will be terrible. Simmy's job is to watch for danger while the others pray and sing as the Spirit moves them. Will he be able to keep the hush harbor safe?
Awards:
- Society of School Librarians International Book Awards, 2009, Best Book, Language Arts Picture Book
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Noah's Ark by ISBN: 1587172011Publication Date: 2002-09-01For 40 days and 40 nights rain poured from the heavens, enveloping the world. Only Noah had been warned by God of the great floodand only Noah could save life on earth. This powerful story of salvation has fascinated people of all ages for centuries. Now, four-time Caldecott Honor-recipient Jerry Pinkney captures all the courage, drama, and beauty of this ancient parable in rich, glorious paintings. Full of sensitive detail and emotion, his art brings new life and meaning to an important message of peace. This elegant edition of Noah's Ark promises to give readers strength and hope for many years to come.
Honors:
- Caldecott Honor Book
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Preaching to the Chickens by ISBN: 9780399168567Publication Date: 2016-10-11"John wants to be a preacher when he grows up-a leader whose words stir hearts to change, minds to think, and bodies to take action. But why wait? When John is put in charge of the family farm's flock of chickens, he discovers that they make a wonderful congregation! So he preaches to his flock, and they listen, content under his watchful care, riveted by the rhythm of his voice. Celebrating ingenuity and dreaming big, this inspirational story, featuring Jabari Asim's stirring prose and E. B. Lewis's stunning, light-filled impressionistic watercolor paintings, includes an author's note about John Lewis, who grew up to be a member of the Freedom Riders, chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, and demonstrator on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. John Lewis is now a Georgia congressman, who is still an activist today, recently holding a sit-in on the House floor of the U.S. Capitol to try to force a vote on gun violence."
Awards:
- Cybils Awards, 2016, Nominee, Juvenile and Elementary Nonfiction
- Golden Kite Award, 2017, Honor, Picture Book Illustration
- New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books of the Year, 2016, Winner, Children's Book
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What Is Given from the Heart by ISBN: 0375836152Publication Date: 2019-01-08This final, magnificent picture book is a poignant and uplifting celebration of the joy of giving. "Misery loves company," Mama says to James Otis. It's been a rough couple of months for them, but Mama says as long as they have their health and strength, they're blessed. One Sunday before Valentine's Day, Reverend Dennis makes an announcement during the service-- the Temples have lost everything in a fire, and the church is collecting anything that might be useful to them. James thinks hard about what he can add to the Temple's "love box," but what does he have worth giving? With her extraordinary gift for storytelling, McKissack--with stunning illustrations by Harrison--delivers a touching, powerful tale of compassion and reminds us all that what is given from the heart, reaches the heart.
Awards:
- Coretta Scott King, John Steptoe Illustrator Award for New Talent winner