Recommended books to read with your child or on your own.
Wee Watermark Reading
For Kids
Lenten/Easter Season
“The Donkey who carried a King” by respected theologian, author, and educator R.C. Sproul is a story within a story. In this sweet Easter tale, the story begins with a boy named Reilly who is always picked last for game time with his peers. Reilly’s upsetting day spurs his grandfather to sit him down and tell him a story about a little donkey who also often wondered if he would be chosen to do anything special. The book then goes on to tell the tale of Davey the donkey, who unexpectedly finds himself at the center of a significant event – carrying a king into Jerusalem. Through Davey's eyes, readers embark on a delightful adventure that imparts timeless truths about the true nature of greatness and the importance of fulfilling one's unique role in the grand tapestry of life.
R.C. Sproul skillfully blends storytelling with deep theological insights, creating a captivating and accessible narrative that resonates with readers of all ages. "The Donkey Who Carried a King" is more than just a charming fable; it's a beautifully crafted exploration of purpose, grace, and the unexpected ways in which our lives can be woven into the greater story of redemption. This is a great book to read to your kids during the Easter season (or year round) to remind them not only of gratitude, service, and humility, but of Jesus’ sacrificial love for us. Recommended for ages 8 and older, and includes a Parent’s Guide to help foster a deeper understanding of the story.
"The Garden, the Curtain, and the Cross" by Carl Laferton is a captivating and beautifully illustrated children's book that skillfully weaves together the foundational elements of the Christian faith into a compelling narrative. With vivid imagery and accessible language, Laferton takes young readers on a journey from the perfection of the Garden of Eden, through the somber curtain of separation in the temple, to the transformative power of the Cross. This thoughtfully crafted story not only communicates the core message of the Gospel but also instills a deep sense of wonder and awe about the redemptive plan that unfolds throughout history. A perfect blend of theology and storytelling, this book provides an engaging introduction for children to understand the significance of Christ's sacrifice and the joyous hope found in His resurrection. "The Garden, the Curtain, the Cross" is an invaluable resource for parents, educators, and anyone seeking to share the timeless message of salvation with young hearts. This is another book perfect to read to your child during the Easter season! Also available in board book form.
“Darkest Night/Brightest Day” is a family devotional for the Easter season and two books in one! In the first half, Darkest Night, families read through devotionals that focus on the last week of Jesus’ life, beginning with his triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and ending with the sealing of his body in the tomb. The day that Jesus died was the darkest night for all who grieved His death. It was the darkest night for Mary, who watched her son ridiculed, beaten, and nailed to the cross. It was the darkest night for the disciples who walked with Jesus and held hope that He would redeem Israel. It was indeed the darkest night for all who believed in Him. But the story of Jesus, as we know, does not end there! After you finish the last section of Darkest Night on Holy Saturday, flip the book over and transition to reading Brightest Day. This section records the story of Jesus’ resurrection and the fifty days that followed. These passages are based on accounts from the Gospels and the book of Acts. Brightest Day presents the stories of those changed by the redeeming power of Christ’s resurrection and invites you, the reader, to be changed just as the people in the stories were changed.
From Gayle Boss, the author of “All Creation Waits”, a book of essays to be read during the season of Advent, comes the book “Wild Hope”, a collection of stories for the Lenten season. This book focuses on the lives of animals on the brink of extinction, with each essay about these endangered species tying back to the promise of hope and resurrection that is found at the cross. As Boss states in her introduction, “The purpose of Lent has always been to startle us awake to the true state of our hearts and the world we’ve made. Which wakes an aching, wild hope that something new might be born of the ruin.”
A unique and captivating way to experience the purpose of Lent, these essays will inspire not only a “wild hope” for the promise that God continues to make all things new, but also resilience, solace, and a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world. I’d recommend this book for older kids as well as adults.
Tsh Oxenreider is the author who wrote the beautiful and compelling book “Shadow and Light: A Journey into Advent”. My family and I loved reading her Advent devotions each night during the Christmas season, complete with scripture readings, a question to ponder, artwork to look up, and a song for each reading. I was very excited to see that she had also written a similar book for Easter! This devotional begins with Ash Wednesday and takes the reader all the way through Holy Week, helping you and your family meditate and rejoice in the transcendent miracle of Easter. If you are seeking a more in depth and meaningful way to experience the liturgical traditions of Lent, I highly recommend reading through this book with your family. Recommended for older children and adults alike!
Picture Books and Bibles
"Psalms of Wonder" by Carey Wallace is a beautiful introduction for children into the world of the bible’s most poetic book. Readers of all ages will embark on a transformative journey through the timeless and profound poetry of the Psalms. With a delicate blend of scholarship and poetic insight, Wallace illuminates the Psalms, inviting readers to explore the universal themes of joy, lament, faith, and wonder. "Psalms of Wonder" is not only an exploration of the sacred but also a celebration of the poetic beauty that transcends time. Wallace's eloquent prose breathes new life into these ancient texts, making them accessible and resonant for adults or children seeking solace, inspiration, and a connection to the profound mysteries of the human spirit. This book is a captivating exploration of the Psalms, inviting readers to discover their own moments of wonder within the sacred verses. The illustrations by Khoa Le are stunning, filling every page with color and bringing Wallace’s interpretations to life. Highly recommended for kids of all ages.
I can’t say enough about the absolutely gorgeous illustrations in “The Biggest Story”. In this book by Kevin DeYoung, artist Don Clark brings each bible story to life in full, vivid color like you’ve never seen before. DeYoung, a bestselling author, pastor, and father of nine, takes readers on an exciting journey through the Bible, from the garden of Eden to the cross, illustrating how everything from Genesis to Revelation is a beautifully connected picture pointing to God’s redeeming love for us—a story that brings us back to the garden. This book is recommended for kids of all ages, either to be read to or read on their own. It’s also available in board book form for toddlers and babies.
If you have a child in Wee Watermark they might recognize the beautiful illustrations from our Sunday curriculum. There is also a children’s bible version of this book. Everything is linked below!
The Biggest Story
The Biggest Story Bible Storybook
The Biggest Story ABC
Scholar and professor N.T. Wright is a favorite around Watermark so when I found out he was authoring a children’s bible storybook I pre-ordered it immediately! When it finally arrived in the mail it did not disappoint. This beautifully illustrated version of 140 bible stories draws connections from Genesis to Jesus, showcasing God’s faithful love and enduring promises for the youngest of readers. Like “The Biggest Story”, this children’s bible doesn’t just recount the biblical tales you may have grown up with—each story serves as a vibrant thread in the larger canvas of God's plan, connecting the Old and New Testaments to reveal a cohesive and awe-inspiring picture of God’s love for His creation, fully revealed in the life and teaching of Jesus. Recommended for all ages!
"The Apostle's Creed for All God's Children" is a beautifully crafted and accessible exploration of the foundational beliefs that unite Christians across generations. Written with clarity and grace, this book translates complex theological concepts into language that children can understand, fostering a deep understanding of the Christian faith. Through engaging storytelling and vibrant illustrations, each aspect of the Creed comes to life, offering young readers a meaningful connection to the timeless truths it encapsulates. "The Apostle's Creed for All God's Children" serves as a valuable resource for families, providing a bridge between the rich traditions of the Christian faith and the inquisitive hearts of young believers. This book is an invitation for children to explore, understand, and embrace the profound and enduring tenets of the Christian creed in a way that is both accessible and inspiring. We have several copies of this book to loan out in our lending library located in the lobby at Watermark.