There are two types of books which are really very useful in children’s ministry.  One is the bible story book: either a straight or disguised re-telling of a biblical story or truth.  These are the books usually featured in the Christian bookshops such as Koorong, or the Good Book bookshop at Maitland. These are essential for those teaching  SRE and giving children’s messages. A few I have found lately which are reasonably priced (about $5) and which have big pictures and simple text are:
The Good Samaritan (Luke 10: 25-37), Cecil the Lost Sheep (Luke 15: 1-7), Bob the Bird (Matt 6: 25-26), and Basil the Branch (John 15:1, 5).

Another type is the good quality picture or story book which, in its storyline, provides many gateways to scripture.  Who would ever think that a story titled "Miss Lily’s Fabulous Pink Feather Boa" would be able to teach young children so effectively about unconditional love and forgiveness?  Or that "The Paper Bag Princess" would speak so eloquently about how appearances are not as important as reality.  This is one book which made me laugh out loud in the bookshop as I got to the last page! 

If you need to describe how big God is, or how strong, then you can’t go past My Daddy is a Giant. Another book which explains love in unexpected ways is “The Man who loved Boxes”, and for explaining how faith is passed on in families try reading “Love you Forever” without crying.  My family asked my why all the books I like best make me cry, and my answer is that they are the best ones!

All the books mentioned in this article are available for loan from CEY Ministries. To visit and have a browse, please get in touch with the cey staff through the links on our team page.