the good book

Recent Picture Books from New Growth Press: My First ABC Book of Bible Verses, Something Scary Happened, Our Great God

New Growth Press consistently publishes high quality resources for churches and families. We've enjoyed many of their devotionals, picture books, and chapter books. Here's a ...
Read More

Recent Christian Picture Books: God’s Signpost, The God Contest, and The 10 Commandments

Whew! It's sooo exciting to get boxes of books on my doorstep, but sometimes the picture books get lost in the shuffle. Here's a round-up ...
Read More

The Weary World Rejoices, edited by Melissa Kruger

The Weary World Rejoices is a collection of Advent readings from the Gospel Coalition that relate to the Advent wreath. For teens and up. The ...
Read More
cover of awaiting the manger

Awaiting the Manger by Ocieanna Fleiss

Awaiting the Manger, an Advent devotional for teens and up, uses stories from the Old Testament to point to the coming of Jesus. Awaiting the ...
Read More

He Came Down From Heaven by Laurel Sauder

He Came Down From Heaven offers 25 days of biblical readings and cultural enrichment for families who celebrate Advent. He Came Down From Heaven: A ...
Read More

Teaching the Faith: *The Illustrated Westminster Shorter Catechism

A new edition of the Westminster Shorter Catechism uses cartoon illustrations as an aid to understanding and discussion. *The Illustrated Westminster Shorter Catechism in Modern ...
Read More

The Story of God With Us, The Story of God Our King, and The Forgotten King

Three beautiful picture books emphasize the promise that God will one day dwell with us and that He will restore the glory of His people ...
Read More

Bright Star: The Story of Esther by Holly Mackle, illustrated by Marlena Sigman

Bright Star is a lively-written volume in Kaleidoscope's series of Bible storybooks for elementary-age children that adds helpful context to the Scriptural account. Bright Star: ...
Read More

Why Your Church Nursery Needs a Library

The Lord has been challenging my reading skills and assumptions lately, both humbling and teaching me in the process. I had offered to teach a ...
Read More
cover of finding jesus on upside down days

Finding Jesus on Upside Down Days by Jill A. Miller

Finding Jesus on Upside Down Days is a gentle introduction to the idea of family devotions for those with young children. Finding Jesus on Upside ...
Read More
cover of light before christmas

The Light Before Christmas by Marty Machowski

The Light Before Christmas is a thoughtful family Advent devotional that focuses on Christ as the light of the world. The Light Before Christmas by ...
Read More
cover of story of us

*The Story of Us by Mitali Perkins and illustrated by Kevin & Kristen Howdeshell

The Story of Us tells the full redemptive story of Scripture in poetic form, using the classical 4 elements of earth, air, fire, and water. ...
Read More

*Baby Believer Board Books

Theologically solid Baby Believer series provides a beautiful way to introduce littles to Scripture and church doctrine. Baby Believer board books series by Danielle Hitchen, ...
Read More

Big Theology for Little Hearts

Crossway's Big Theology for Little Hearts series attempts to introduce important Christian concepts through the medium of board books. The Church; Creation; The Holy Spirit ...
Read More
cover of God Rescues

God Rescues and Taste & See: 2 Picture Books

God Rescues and Taste & See, new picture books from New Growth Press, offer parents colorful ways to introduce big theology concepts to children. God ...
Read More

*Wonderfull: Ancient Psalms Ever New by Marty Machowski

Wonderfull is a guide to the Psalms that introduces young people to modeling their devotional life after that of the Psalmist. Wonderfull: Ancient Psalms Ever ...
Read More

*God’s Attributes by Jill Nelson

God’s Attributes is an accessible, kid-friendly way to approach the greatness of God as we learn to trust Him. *God’s Attributes by Jill Nelson. P&R, ...
Read More

*The Biggest Story Bible Storybook by Kevin DeYoung

The "Biggest Story" brand continues with a family-friendly Bible Storybook that provides food for thought even to grownups. *The Biggest Story Bible Storybook by Kevin ...
Read More

More Than a Story by Sally Michael

More Than a Story assumes that all of Scripture is written for instruction of all ages, and that both parents and children will benefit from ...
Read More

A Jesus Easter by Barbara Reaoch

Explore the story of Easter with A Jesus Easter, a family devotional for Lent with interactive questions and journaling prompts. A Jesus Easter: Explore God's ...
Read More

Unfolding Grace for Kids

Unfolding Grace for Kids leads middle-graders and younger through the Bible with selected readings and introductions. Unfolding Grace for Kids: A 40-Day Journey through the ...
Read More

*Bare Tree and Little Wind by Mitali Perkins

Bare Tree and Little Wind reminds readers that Jesus is the Real King, and He is coming again. *Bare Tree and Little Wind by Mitali ...
Read More

*Something Better Coming by Megan Saben

Something Better Coming builds anticipation for the Easter season as it builds faith in young hearts. Something Better Coming by Megan Saben, illustrated by Ryan ...
Read More

The Apostles’ Creed by Ben Myers

A vibrantly illustrated picture book that helps parents explain the historic Apostles' Creed to their children. The Apostles' Creed: For All God's Children by Ben ...
Read More

Bible Review: ESV Reformation Study Bible, Student Edition

ESV Reformation Study Bible, Student Edition. Ligonier, 2021, 2400 pages. Reading Level: Teens, 12 and up Recommended for: Ages 12 and up The ESV Reformation ...
Read More

*Big Questions Series by Chris Morphew

The Big Questions Series raises—and answers—life's big questions on a level that middle schoolers will understand and appreciate: suffering, life after death, and more. *The ...
Read More

The Adventure of Christmas by Ed Drew

The Adventure of Christmas offers short, 10-minute family devotions based on the biblical narrative of the first Christmas. The Adventure of Christmas: A Journey Through ...
Read More

*The Dawn of Redeeming Grace by Sinclair Ferguson

Winsome and pastoral, The Dawn of Redeeming Grace is a thoughtful Advent meditation on Matthew 1-2 for teens and up. *The Dawn of Redeeming Grace: ...
Read More
cover of Is Christmas Believable

*Is Christmas Unbelievable? by Rebecca McLaughlin

Rebecca McLaughlin answers four questions everyone should ask about the Christmas story, beginning with the historicity of Jesus Himself. A great resource for teens. *Is ...
Read More
The Promise and the Light book cover

The Promise and the Light by Katy Morgan

An engaging and thought-provoking retelling of the Christmas story through the eyes of biblical characters. The Promise and the Light by Katy Morgan. The Good ...
Read More

The Redeemed Reader Bible Pilgrimage: How and Why

My Story and His I was raised in a denomination that took the Bible very seriously: “We speak where the Bible speaks, and are silent ...
Read More

A Bible Reading Pilgrimage in Three Parts

Bible Pilgrimage, Part 1: Reading the Bible with Young Children Almost 10 years ago (in January, 2012), before Megan and I joined the official Redeemed ...
Read More

*Proverbs For You and Solomon Says: 2 Books for Graduates

Two recent, excellent books on Proverbs offer biblical wisdom and counsel, perfect for new graduates. Note: both of these books target new adults (and up). ...
Read More

*The Promise by Jason Helopoulos

The Promise takes readers from the beginning of God’s story through the fulfillment of his redemptive purpose, with striking illustrations and compelling prose. *The Promise: ...
Read More

Bible Infographics for Kids

Bible Infographics for Kids presents Bible facts and concepts in an entertaining, memorable way. Bible Infographics for Kids by Harvest House Publishers, illustrated by Brian ...
Read More

Bible Review: NLV Brave Boys and Courageous Girls

The Bible for Brave Boys and The Bible for Courageous Girls: New Life Version. Barbour, 2020, 944 pages (text size unavailable) Reading Level: Middle Grades, ...
Read More

Bible Review: NLT Girls Life Application Study Bible

NLT Girls Life Application Study Bible. Tyndale House, 2016, 1568 pages (8 point font). Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: Ages 9-13 Girls ...
Read More

Read the Bible in 2021

As we head into 2021 after a tempestuous 2020, one thing remains certain: The Word of the Lord stands forever (Isaiah 40:8). Reading God's Word ...
Read More

*Hosanna in Excelsis by David and Barbara Leeman

Sing a new song every day of Advent with Hosanna in Excelsis, an Advent devotional that offers a different Christmas hymn each day of Advent. ...
Read More

A Better Than Anything Christmas by Barbara Reaoch

Dig in to the Christmas story a bit more intentionally this year with A Better Than Anything Christmas, a family Advent devotional with interactive questions ...
Read More

*The Friend Who Forgives by Dan Dewitt

In The Friend Who Forgives, we read about impatient, impetuous Peter and his faithful, forgiving friend Jesus. *The Friend Who Forgives: A True Story About ...
Read More

Jonah and the Very Big Fish by Tim Thornborough

Jonah and the Very Big Fish has fun with language and offers the full story of Jonah--there's more than the whale! Jonah and the Very ...
Read More

Bible Review: NIV Heart of Gold Bible

NIV Heart of Gold Bible. Zondervan, 2019, 1088 pages (9 point font) Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 8-12 Though “girls” is ...
Read More

Bible Review: NIV Ultimate Bible for Girls

NIV Ultimate Bible for Girls. Zonderban, 2019, 1504 pages (9 point font) Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 8-12 The Ultimate Bible ...
Read More

Bible Review: NIV Artisan Collection Bible for Girls

NIV Artisan Collection Bible for Girls. Zondervan, 2019, 1600 pages (9.9 point font) Reading level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 12-up The title ...
Read More

Bible Review: NIrV Illustrated Holy Bible for Kids

NIrV Illustrated Holy Bible for Kids. Zondervan, 2019, 1632 pages (8 point font) Reading Level: 3rd grade Recommended for: Ages 4-8 This new edition of ...
Read More

Bible Review: CSB Seven Arrows

CSB Seven Arrows: the How-to-Study Bible for Students. B&H Kids, 2019, 1350 pages (9.5-point font) Reading Level: Teen, ages 12-15 Recommended for: ages 13-18 “Seven ...
Read More

CSB Heart of God Study Bible for Teens

CSB Heart of God Teen Study Bible. Baker, 2019, 1712 pages (9-point font) Reading Level: Teen, ages 12-15 Recommended for: ages 12-18 The theme of ...
Read More

Exploring the Bible Together by David Murray

Exploring the Bible Together launches families on a year-long journey through Scripture in a way that’s both practical and effective. Exploring the Bible Together: a ...
Read More

*Get Your Story Straight by Kristen Hatton

Get Your Story Straight is a straightforward devotional guide that invites teens to study the story of Scripture, focusing the real hero of the story. ...
Read More

A Family Easter

What were you doing last February? Possibly, after Valentine’s Day passed and stores cleared their shelves for St. Patrick’s, you were seeing some Easter chicks ...
Read More

5 Lent Devotionals (for Protestants)

Do you observe Lent? Did you know that there are Lent devotionals written with Protestants in mind? The early church officially began marking Lent liturgically ...
Read More

*Love Came Down At Christmas by Sinclair Ferguson

Love Came Down at Christmas is an excellent devotional for Advent for teens and up: meditations on 1 Corinthians 13 by Sinclair Ferguson. *Love Came ...
Read More

*Unwrapping the Names of Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu

Mediate on the names of Jesus during Advent with this helpful, inspiring family devotional. *Unwrapping the Names of Jesus: An Advent Devotional by Asheritah Ciuciu. ...
Read More

Bible Review: NASB Children’s Edition

This brand-new Children's Edition of the New American Standard Bible is a must-have for NASB users. NASB Holy Bible, Children’s Edition, Three Sixteen Publishing, 2019, ...
Read More

Bible Review: CSB Defend Your Faith

The Defend Your Faith Bible equips middle graders for apologetics with arguments for the reasonableness and accuracy of the scriptures. CSB Defend Your Faith Bible: ...
Read More

Bible Review: CSB Study Bible for Girls (and Boys)

Though more of a devotional Bible than a study Bible, this edition offers thought-provoking questions and application features. CSB Study Bible for Girls.  Baker, 2018, ...
Read More

Bible Reviews: NIV God’s Treasure, Polar Adventure, and Incredible Creatures

Three recent editions of the NIV from Zondervan target adventurous kids and fantasy lovers. NIV God’s Treasure Holy Bible.  Zonderkidz, 2018, 1216 pages (font size ...
Read More

Bible Review: the Stampede of “Creative” Bibles

A coloring Bible may make a lovely gift for the right recipient, but is it the best choice for reading and studying? The appearance of ...
Read More

Sweeter Than Honey by Melissa Deming

Sweeter Than Honey offers readers a clear, step-by-step approach to studying the Bible. Sweeter Than Honey: Cultivating an Appetite for the Word of God by ...
Read More

Preparing for Jesus by Walter Wangerin, Jr.

Preparing for Jesus is a fresh, imaginative Advent devotional that looks at each of the biblical characters in the Christmas story, trying to learn from them ...
Read More

*Wild Bells: A Literary Advent by Missy Andrews

Wild Bells: A Literary Advent offers a beautiful Christian literary work, such as a poem, along with a reflection for each day of the Advent ...
Read More

*Prepare Him Room by Marty Machowski

Celebrate the birth of Christ with stories, Scripture, and song in this Advent family devotional guide, perfect for busy families or used in a classroom ...
Read More

*Hallelujah: A Journey Through Advent with Handel’s Messiah by Cindy Rollins

Enjoy both Handel's Messiah and the season of Advent with this succinct-yet rich-guide to both. A good Advent family devotional option for busy families! *Hallelujah: A ...
Read More

The Flood of Noah by Bodie Hodge & Laura Welch

Was there a worldwide flood?  The various legends of such a phenomenon are explored and compared in this interactive history book.  All ages The Flood ...
Read More

Becoming a Better Bibliophile

I keep convincing myself that I would be a better person if I simply buy another book. These will make me more godly. This will ...
Read More

Mega List of Bible Reviews!

Here in one handy post are all the children's Bibles reviewed over the last six years by RedeemedReader, with links. I (Janie) started reviewing children’s ...
Read More

Bible Review: CSB Read-to-Me Bible

Designed for parents of preschoolers, the CBS Read-to-me Bible offers a straight path from familiar Bible stories to the text itself. CSB Read-to-Me Bible.  B&H ...
Read More

Bible Review: CSB Kids’ Bible

The CSB Kids' Bible, in various formats, provides ease of reading with helpful inserts.  Ages 8-12 CSB Kids’ Bible. B&H Kids, 2018, 1568 pages. Recommended ...
Read More

Bible Review: NIrV Seek and Explore Holy Bible

The NIrV Seek & Explore Bible takes a learning-styles approach that will be helpful for some kids but distracting for others.  Ages 6-10 NIrV Seek ...
Read More

Bible Review: NIV Kids’ Visual Study Bible

The NIV Kids' Visual Study Bible presents helpful notes, illustrations, and infographics in a unique layout.  Ages 8-12 NIV Kids' Visual Study Bible, Zonderkidz, 2017, ...
Read More

*Big Picture Bible Crafts by Gail Schoonmaker

A great resource for Sunday school or art class, these Bible crafts will help kids learn while they create.  All ages *Big Picture Bible Crafts: ...
Read More

*Bible Review: ESV Big Picture Bible

The ESV Big Picture Bible for pre-through-primary ages, features over 315 age-appropriate illustrations of unusual perspective and appeal. ESV Big Picture Bible.  Crossway, 2015, 1375 ...
Read More

*Comforting, Training, and Teaching Minds: Catechism Devotionals by Starr Meade

Family devotionals centered around the Heidelberg and Shorter catechism are based on Scripture and are designed to help families memorize the catechisms. *Comforting Hearts, Teaching Minds: ...
Read More

The Wonder of the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp

The Wonder of the Greatest Gift offers a complete Jesse Tree experience with devotional and ornaments for the whole family to enjoy. The Wonder of ...
Read More

Giant Christmas and Advent Book List for All Ages

We love Christmas and Advent at Redeemed Reader, and we've reviewed lots of related resources over the years. Advent begins on December 1, and the ...
Read More

*The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible by Jared Kennedy

The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible strikes the right balance between scriptural faithfulness and a preschooler’s comprehension. *The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible by Jared Kennedy, illustrated ...
Read More

The Biggest Story ABC by Kevin DeYoung

The full-Bible sweep covered by Kevin DeYoung’s The Biggest Story is back, in board book format! The Biggest Story ABC by Kevin DeYoung, illustrated by ...
Read More

Sola Scriptura: The Bible is Pre-Eminent Among Books

500th Anniversary of the Reformation Tomorrow is the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther's famous act: the nailing of his 95 Theses on the church door in ...
Read More

Wisdom & Wonder, Week 5: Work and Words

Introduction: Our two Wise Up chapters for this week are “Looking to the Ants” (Week 8, p. 87) and “Honesty is the Best Policy” (Week ...
Read More

Wisdom & Wonder: All About God’s Word (Links!)

God's Word is a Treasure Did you know that there are a wealth of Bible-related resources here at Redeemed Reader? Children's literature is not our ...
Read More

The New City Catechism Devotional

The devotional guide to the Gospel Coalition's New City Catechism is a helpful resource for re-discovering the lost practice of oral instruction and memorization. The ...
Read More

Bible Review: NIrV Love Letters From God

Like the new Jesus Calling children's Bible, Love Letters from God is based on purported personal communications from the Almighty. NIrV Love letters from God ...
Read More

Bible Review: NLT Live Holy Bible

This teen-oriented Bible combines study helps with creative elements like original photos, poems, and space for personal response. NLT Live: Holy Bible.  Tyndale  Publishing House, ...
Read More

Bible Review: NKJV Airship Genesis Kids’ Study Bible

David Jeremiah’s “Airship Genesis” children’s outreach provides a platform for this NKJV Bible. NKJV Airship Genesis Kids’ Study Bible.  Thomas Nelson, 2016, 1504 pages Recommended ...
Read More

Bible Review: NKJV Color Code

The Color Code Bible uses different colors to highlight passages reflecting seven major Bible themes, which may help readers keep those themes in mind. NKJV ...
Read More

Bible Review: NIV Investigators

This kids' study Bible uses a detective theme to introduce readers to textual facts and background, but also a touch of textual criticism. NIV Investigator's ...
Read More

Bible Review: NIV the Plans I Have for You

This devotional Bible might be best appreciated by fans of Amy Parker's popular picture book. NIV The Plans I have for You Holy Bible. Zonderkidz, ...
Read More

Musical Mondays and Theology Thursdays: How to Use Christian Resources with Kids

We love to track down solid biblical resources for you to use with your families, Sunday School classrooms, and Christian school classrooms. Not only do ...
Read More

Beauty and the Beast – Devotional #3

Once upon a time there was beautiful girl who became a queen. . . .  And her name was Esther.  There's a definite fairytale quality ...
Read More

Beauty and the Beast – Devotional #2: the Beast

See our first Beauty and the Beast Devotional if you missed it! This is part of our Beauty and the Beast Adventure which is focusing ...
Read More

Pastor, Blogger, Author, Editor: More Church History Recommendations for the Whole Family!

We've spent all month reading and learning about church history. It's been such a rich study with interviews and book reviews, but we are not ...
Read More

*The Radical Book for Kids by Champ Thornton

This fun and friendly compendium of Bible facts, everyday knowledge, history, how-to, wise counsel, apologetics, and doctrine is a terrific resource for every Christian kid. ...
Read More

*The Book of God by Ben Avery

This comprehensive, accessible guide to the history of the Bible in graphic-novel format will have young readers referring to it again and again. *The Book ...
Read More

*The One O’Clock Miracle: A True Story About Trusting the Words of Jesus by Alison Mitchell

Humorous illustrations enliven this picture book that retells the story of Jesus healing a father's son. *The One O’Clock Miracle: A True Story About Trusting the ...
Read More

*The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross by Carl Laferton and Catalina Echeverri

This picture book beautifully brings the creation-fall-redemption story to life!  *The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross: the True Story of Why Jesus Died and ...
Read More

*God’s Design by Sally Michael and Gary Steward

Sally Michael's newest Making Him Known family devotional delicately handles roles of men and women, sexuality, and gender issues in a manner that invites whole ...
Read More

*The Biggest Story by Kevin DeYoung

A vibrantly illustrated retelling of the story of the Bible: Jesus's redemption of God's people. *The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the ...
Read More

Bible Review: *HCSB Essential Teen Study Bible

The HCSB Essential Teen Study Bible presents 99 “Essential Doctrines” with extensive scriptural backup and application. *The HCSB Essential Teen Study Bible.  B&H Kids, 2016, 1312 ...
Read More

Bible Review: *The NLT Jesus-Centered Bible

*NLT Jesus-Centered Bible.  Group Publishing, 2015, 1440 pages.  (Available in hard- and soft-cover editions.) Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 12-17 Bottom ...
Read More