10+ Best Christian Books for 6-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect reading material to nurture faith and imagination in your little one? Discovering the right Christian books for 6-year-olds can be a delightful adventure into stories that entertain and teach valuable life lessons. Keep reading as we explore various lists of Christian books that are ideal for 6-year-olds, each promising to engage their minds and hearts in meaningful ways.

Fun Christian Books for 6-Year-Olds

• The Beginner's Bible by Zondervan, illustrated by Kelly Pulley
  • Genre(s): Children's Bible Stories
  • Synopsis: This book provides a colorful and simplified retelling of the most beloved stories from the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to biblical stories in a way that's easy to understand and engaging, with bright illustrations that capture the imagination.
  • Perfect for: Young children who are just starting to explore their faith and enjoy vibrant, visually stimulating illustrations.

• God Gave Us You by Lisa Tawn Bergren, illustrated by Laura J. Bryant
  • Genre(s): Christian, Family
  • Synopsis: A heartwarming story about a little bear cub who learns from her parents how much she was wanted and loved even before she was born.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a wonderful book for reinforcing the message of unconditional love and the special bond between parents and children.
  • Perfect for: Children who appreciate stories about family love and those beginning to ask questions about where they come from.

• The Tale of Three Trees by Angela Elwell Hunt, illustrated by Tim Jonke
  • Genre(s): Christian, Folklore
  • Synopsis: A traditional folktale about three trees on a mountain who dream of what they want to become, but God has different, grander plans for them.
  • Why we recommend this book: This story beautifully illustrates how God's plans are bigger and better than ours, teaching children about hope, dreams, and divine providence.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love stories with moral lessons and those interested in tales that involve nature and destiny.

• If Jesus Lived Inside My Heart by Jill Roman Lord, illustrated by Amy Wummer
  • Genre(s): Christian, Conceptual
  • Synopsis: A rhyming book that explores the idea of Jesus living inside the heart of every child, guiding and inspiring them to be kind and helpful.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps children understand the presence of Jesus in their lives and encourages them to reflect His love in their daily actions.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are beginning to learn about empathy, kindness, and the teachings of Christianity.

• The Pumpkin Patch Parable by Liz Curtis Higgs, illustrated by Nancy Munger
  • Genre(s): Christian, Seasonal
  • Synopsis: This story uses the metaphor of a farmer turning a simple pumpkin into a glorious sight to explain how God makes us full of light.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a fantastic seasonal read that ties the fun of fall and Halloween to spiritual enlightenment and transformation.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy seasonal stories and learning about how everyday activities can have a spiritual significance.

Educational Christian Books for 6-Year-Olds

• God's Wisdom for Little Boys by Jim George and Elizabeth George, illustrated by Judy Luenebrink
  • Genre(s): Christian, Character Development
  • Synopsis: This book offers simple, rhyming verses alongside Scripture to teach young boys virtues like kindness, honesty, and respect.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Moral development, understanding of biblical principles
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides practical lessons from the Bible tailored specifically for young boys to help them grow into Godly men.
  • Perfect for: Young boys who are learning about character and parents seeking to instill Christian values.

• God's Wisdom for Little Girls: Virtues and Fun from Proverbs 31 by Elizabeth George, illustrated by Judy Luenebrink
  • Genre(s): Christian, Character Development
  • Synopsis: This book uses the Proverbs 31 woman as a model to teach young girls about virtues such as helpfulness, creativity, and obedience.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Ethical and moral reasoning, understanding of Scripture
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a delightful way to introduce young girls to the qualities of a godly woman through engaging illustrations and poetry.
  • Perfect for: Little girls and parents who want to nurture a biblical worldview in their daughters.

• The Parable of the Lily by Liz Curtis Higgs, illustrated by Nancy Munger
  • Genre(s): Christian, Seasonal
  • Synopsis: A farmer's daughter receives a mysterious gift that eventually blooms into a beautiful lily, symbolizing forgiveness and the resurrection of Jesus.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of forgiveness, Easter significance
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully ties the themes of forgiveness and renewal to the Easter story in a way that's easy for kids to understand.
  • Perfect for: Children exploring the deeper meanings of Easter and families looking for a faith-based holiday story.

• Just In Case You Ever Wonder by Max Lucado, illustrated by Toni Goffe
  • Genre(s): Christian, Family
  • Synopsis: This book assures children of their importance and place in the world, emphasizing that they are loved by their families and by God.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-esteem, reassurance of God’s love
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a comforting read that reinforces the unconditional love parents and God have for their children.
  • Perfect for: Young readers needing affirmation of their worth and families seeking a nurturing bedtime story.

• The Prayer That Makes God Smile by Stormie Omartian, illustrated by Shari Warren
  • Genre(s): Christian, Prayer
  • Synopsis: The book explains how praying makes God happy, and teaches children how they can talk to God about anything.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of prayer, spiritual communication
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages a lifelong habit of talking to God openly and with joy.
  • Perfect for: Children learning about prayer and families who prioritize spiritual growth.

Challenging Christian Books for 6-Year-Olds

• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Christian Allegory
  • Synopsis: Four siblings enter a magical land called Narnia through a wardrobe, where they must battle an evil witch with the help of Aslan, a wise and powerful lion.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features rich allegories and a complex narrative structure that can challenge young advanced readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with profound spiritual lessons, making it both exciting and enlightening.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fantasy and are ready to explore deeper themes.

• Dangerous Journey: The Story of Pilgrim's Progress by Oliver Hunkin
  • Genre(s): Christian, Adventure, Classic
  • Synopsis: An abridged and illustrated version of John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," focusing on Christian's journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses older language and complex allegories to discuss the Christian faith.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces children to classic literature and teaches important Christian values through a captivating narrative.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who enjoy epic tales and moral lessons.

• A Child's Garden of Bible Stories by Arthur W. Gross
  • Genre(s): Bible Stories, Christian
  • Synopsis: A collection of well-known Bible stories retold for children, from Creation through the New Testament.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents biblical events in a more detailed and sophisticated manner than typical children's Bible stories.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a solid foundation in Bible knowledge, essential for spiritual growth and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Children who are ready for a deeper exploration of biblical stories.

• The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden by Kevin DeYoung, illustrated by Don Clark
  • Genre(s): Christian, Biblical Narrative
  • Synopsis: This book traces the storyline of the Bible from the Garden of Eden to Christ's resurrection, focusing on God's plan of redemption.
  • Why this book is challenging: It connects multiple Bible stories into one cohesive narrative, requiring readers to follow complex concepts and themes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps children see the big picture of the Bible's message in a visually stunning and intellectually engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in understanding the overarching story of the Bible.

• The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name by Sally Lloyd-Jones, illustrated by Jago
  • Genre(s): Christian, Bible Stories
  • Synopsis: A collection of Bible stories that are uniquely written to connect directly to Jesus and His message of love and redemption.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses a unique narrative approach to link Old and New Testament stories to Christ, providing a deeper theological understanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a fresh perspective on Bible stories, emphasizing their connection to Jesus, which can deepen a child's faith and understanding.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories that reveal deeper meanings and connections.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're exploring ways to help your 6-year-old develop good reading habits with Christian books, you're in the right place. Here are some fun and effective exercises designed specifically for young readers. These activities not only make reading enjoyable but also instill a deeper understanding and appreciation of the stories and values in Christian literature.

• Read and Reflect
  • What it is: Read a story and then discuss its moral or lesson.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and comprehension.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions that relate the story to the child's experiences.

• Picture Story Guessing
  • What it is: Look at pictures in the book and guess the story or message.
  • How it helps: Enhances imagination and predictive skills.
  • Tips: Let the child explain their thoughts freely before reading the text.

• Story Sequencing
  • What it is: Rearrange story cards or pictures in the order they appear in the book.
  • How it helps: Boosts understanding of narrative structure and memory.
  • Tips: Start with fewer cards and increase as they get better.

• Character Role Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book with costumes or props.
  • How it helps: Deepens engagement and empathy for characters.
  • Tips: Use simple props from around the house to make it more fun.

• Memory Verse Challenge
  • What it is: Memorize a verse from the story each week.
  • How it helps: Improves memory and helps internalize spiritual values.
  • Tips: Repeat the verse together at different times of the day.

• Creative Drawing
  • What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Allows expression of understanding and perspective.
  • Tips: Display the drawings to encourage pride in their work.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine will not only improve your child's literacy skills but also their understanding of Christian values. Remember, the key is consistency and making sure that reading time is always fun and engaging. Happy reading!