Our Favorite Books for Kids 2016

The most important gift you can give your children is a loving relationship with Christ. And the second most important gift, we might say, is a love of words and reading! Here is a gift guide of some of our favorite new children’s books that have come out in 2016 that will encourage your kids’ educational and spiritual growth and teach them important lessons about God’s love! ~FaithGateway Family

1. Glimmer Girls series from Natalie Grant

From multi-Grammy award nominated Christian artist Natalie Grant, this delightful new Glimmer Girls chapter book series came out in 2016 and features twins Mia and Maddie and their sidekick little sister, LuLu, as they embark on adventures and mischief thanks to their famous mom who travels all over the world singing beautiful songs and a slightly wacky and sometimes negligent nanny named Miss Julia. Learn more…

2. Berenstain Bears Classic Collection (Box Set)

This is not just one book, but 10 – and that’s a good thing since it would be way too hard to choose a favorite! For the first time, 10 beloved Berenstain Bear® Living Lights™ books are together in one collection! These are some of the most beloved stories, with Biblical messaging learning the Golden Rule, the importance of kindness and forgiveness, how to say prayers, and much more. Learn more…

3. Good Good Father

You have heard a thousand stories, but the truth in the pages of Good Good Father will move your heart. This beautiful picture book, written by Grammy award-winning Christian music artist Chris Tomlin and Pat Barrett (Housefires), leaves children with a greater understanding of who God is and of who they are because they are loved by Him. Learn more…

4. 7 Days of Awesome

With a Dr. Seuss feel, 7 Days of Awesome rhymes its way through each day of creation and encourages children to ponder God’s wisdom in creating this wonderful world. Accompanied by charming, animated illustrations by Colin Jack, this whimsical read-aloud book will be sure to delight both children and their parents. Learn more…

5. That’s Not Hay in My Hair

Juliette leaves behind the Manhattan jungle life for Texan farm life, and—don’t tell anyone—she’s actually excited about it! Learn more…

6. Baby Wren and the Great Gift

The Baby Wren and the Great Gift, written by bestselling author Sally Lloyd-Jones and illustrated by Jen Corace, is a picture book that prompts children to recognize the wonder of creation and all the amazing gifts he has given us. Learn more…

7. I Am: 40 Reasons to Trust God

Creator, Comforter, Healer, Friend. God’s names tell us who He is, what He is like, and what He does. This beautiful book covers 40 of the Bible’s many names and descriptive titles for God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Through Bible stories, short devotions, and prayers, children discover the meaning of each name and how it relates to their lives. As they develop understanding of God’s character and His love for them, children will grow to know, love, and trust the great I Am more and more. Learn more…

8. I Can Learn to Pray

Help your children develop a closer relationship with God through prayer. The more we talk with God in prayer—bringing Him thanks, praise, joys, hurts, confessions, and requests—the stronger our faith becomes. We’re not always sure how to pray . . . but Jesus says that prayer is something to be learned. And what better time to learn how to pray than during childhood, when habits that will last a lifetime are formed? This 52-week experience is a terrific guide for families to understand prayer. From “Wow!” and “Thank you!” prayers to “I’m sorry!” and “Help!” prayers, children will learn what it means to draw near to God and to be changed by Him. Learn more…

9. Young and Beardless

John Luke Robertson of the Duck Dynasty family offers advice he has learned about becoming a man and shares his unique life experience about what it’s like to be raised as a Robertson. Young people will find wisdom and advice on subjects that really matter, what to let go of, and how to find purpose for your life. Learn more…

10. NKJV Airship Genesis Kids Study Bible

In the Airship Genesis: Legendary Bible Adventure, the Genesis Exploration Squad is commissioned to embark on a series of adventures that takes them throughout the Bible. Each mission is a learning experience, both in biblical understanding as well as character building. Learn more…

11. Liked: Whose Approval Are You Living For?

Would you rather be liked online—or loved in person? Social media can be great. But for girls growing up in a generation saturated with social media, getting enough “likes,” comments, and online friends can become an unhealthy obsession. In Liked, Kari Kampakis offers positive and powerful insights to help girls navigate the digital age. Applying God’s timeless truths to modern realities, this unique resource dives deeply into topics like social media, friendship, identity, and faith—while ultimately encouraging habits that lead to real and lasting relationships. Learn more…

12. God Made You Nose to Toes

For out last selection, a chance to pre-order an adorable new book, releasing Jan 3, 2017!

Help little ones understand that God created each part of their bodies so they can enjoy life and everything in it. In this delightful padded cover board book by well-known author and family therapist Leslie Parrott, children can follow along with Toucan––with a great big nose––as he helps them learn God loves each one of them completely. Learn more…

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Your Turn

Which one is your favorite children’s book from 2016? We want to hear from you!