Adams, James P. The Prince Mammoth Pumpkin (New York, NY, Mahwah, N.J.: Paulist Press, 1998).

A heartwarming story of a farmer who tends a wondrous pumpkin. What happens to the pumpkin and the farmer means change beyond expectation.  A modern parable of life, loss and redemption, good for ages 8 and up.

Andreae, Giles (illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees). Giraffes Can’t Dance (London: Orchard Books, Watts Publishing, 2001).

Cute pictures and whimsical rhymes characterize this story of Gerald the Giraffe who wants to dance, but is ridiculed when he tries… until he finds his own music and style. A celebration of all that makes us unique.

Baylor, Byrd. Everybody Needs A Rock (New York, NY: Simon and Schuster, 1974).

A young girl offers ten rules for finding the perfect rock and gives the reader hints on why human beings have been drawn to rocks since the dawn of the ages. Illustrated with stark and desert images.

Baylor, Byrd. The Table Where Rich People Sit (New York, NY: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1994).

Another Baylor classic, this time dealing with a girl from an impoverished family who overhears a comment and realizes she is poor.  When she tells her parents, they all sit down and make a list of their riches.

Brown, Margaret Wise. The Runaway Bunny (New York, NY: Harper Collins. Revised in 1995)

A well-loved family favorite since its first publication in 1942, the lilting prose and gentle illustrations tell a story of a loving parent who will go to any extreme to reassure her child. A wonderful depiction of the Prodigal Son story, the parable of the Lost Sheep, or the way that God loves each one of us.

Brumbeau, Jeff. The Quiltmaker’s Gift (Duluth, MN: Pfeifer-Hamilton, Inc. 2000)

A dizzying riot of beautifully colored illustrations.  This book tells the story of a greedy king and a magical quiltmaker who refuses to make the king a quilt until he gets rid of some of his possessions. A wonderful story of sharing – or a good introduction to quilting!

Collington, Peter. A Small Miracle (New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf, 1997).

My most favorite Christmas book.  A wonderfully touching, magical story about a nativity scene that comes to life, told entirely with beautiful illustrations so that young children can tell YOU what happens as the story as it unfolds.

Demi. The Empty Pot (New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company, 1990).

A magnificent story of a little boy named Ping, set in China and told with colorful pictures. Fabulous message about the importance of doing your best, regardless of the outcome.

Gellman, Marc. Does God Have a Big Toe? (New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers, 1989).

A wonderfully funny collection of Old Testament stories told by a Jewish rabbi. For example, creation: “Before there was anything, there was God, a few angels and a huge swirling glob of rocks and water with no place to go. The angels asked God, “Why don’t you clean up this mess?” And so God does just that. A new way to look at ancient stories.

Gellman, Marc. God's Mailbox (New York, NY: Morrow Junior Books, 1996).

Gellman’s second book deals with stories such as Moses receiving the Ten Commandments (“Rock Words”) and the blessings of Jacob and Esau (“Bless Me Too!”)  All stories are told as midrash, the Jewish tradition of telling stories about Bible stories, adding dialogue and details, often with very humorous results!

Howe, James. I Wish I Were a Butterfly (San Diego: Voyager Books, Harcourt Brace & Company, 1987).

A little cricket is desperately unhappy and wishes to be a beautiful butterfly until a wise spider helps him see himself in a new light and realize how special he is.  Spectacular illustrations by Ed Young.

Ladwig, Tim (illustrator) Psalm Twenty-Three (New York: African American Family Press, 1993).

A new take on an old favorite. The text is simply Psalm 23 (NIV) but is poignantly illustrated using a modern African-American family in a fast-moving urban environment. Very touching, very real. Also, look for Ladwig’s The Lord’s Prayer book.

Lucado, Max. You Are Special (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1997).

The story of the Wemmicks, small wooden people, and of Punchinello who although sometimes shunned by other Wemmicks learns he is of great value after talking with his creator.

Martin, Ann M. Leo the Magnificat  (New York: Scholastic Press, 1996).

The true story of a homeless cat who wanders into a small Episcopal church and becomes part of the community: sleeping in the Christmas costumes, wandering into services, waiting for treats at parish dinners, and being loved by all.

Pilkey, Dav God Bless the Gargoyles (San Diego: Voyager Books, Harcourt Brace & Company, 1996).

A lovely rhyming story for anyone who has ever felt unloved. When gargoyles overhear people calling them ugly, angels rush in to bless and befriend them, scattering “songs of rebirth” upon all who wrestle with loneliness or grief.

Sasso, Sandy Eisenberg. God’s Paintbrush (Woodstock, Vermont: Jewish Lights Publishing, 1992)

A comforting book about all the ways God’s presence can be seen in the world around us, written by a Jewish rabbi and mother.  Also includes questions to discuss with your child as you read.  Pretty much anything by Sasso is a must-have for parents or godparents!  Also check out In God’s Name or But God Remembered: Stories of Women

Spier, Peter. Noah's Ark (New York, NY: Doubleday, 1977).

A wonderfully detailed picture book with no words. A great way to breathe new life into a familiar story by creating descriptive images you may never have thought of… like what the ark looks like after everyone leaves!

Stevens, Rick. God’s Quiet Things (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing, 1994).

A soft, soothing book that explores the quiet wonder of God’s creation.  Lovely illustrations and gentle rhymes make this a perfect quiet time or bedtime book for parents and children.

Williams, Margery. The Velveteen Rabbit (New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company, 1983).

This classic children’s story from the 1940’s explores the power of love to make us all real.  The story of a well-loved bunny and the nursery magic that makes him ‘real’ because of a little boy’s love.

Wood, Douglas. Old Turtle (Duluth, MN: Pfeifer-Hamilton, 1992).

This lovely, award-winning book looks at how all the animals of the earth see God and how Old Turtle stops them from arguing.  Enchanting book for all ages!