Tag Archives: Christian books for kids

Tony Funderburk Posted on by

If you’re a Christian, and you have kids or grandkids, or had kids or grandkids at one time, maybe you’ve considered Christian rhyming books for them.

By the way, Christian rhyming books aren’t actual Christians.

Because inanimate objects can’t be Christians. And I added that in there because there are some people who have some sort of aversion or opposition to using the word Christian as part of a label. So, I just wanted to clear that up for ya.

Anyway…

I read some information about why there does seem to be a significant portion of the Christian community who enjoys or likes Christian rhyming books. And here’s what the article said are reasons for that:

  • “Educational Value: Rhyming books can help with language development, including phonemic awareness, which is crucial for early reading skills. They make learning fun and engaging, which is particularly appealing to young children.
  • Moral and Spiritual Lessons: Books that rhyme can convey Christian values, Bible stories, or moral lessons in a memorable way. The rhythm and repetition can aid in memorization of key messages or prayers.
  • Entertainment: Rhymes are naturally appealing to children due to their musical quality. This can make reading time more enjoyable, encouraging a love for reading from a young age.
  • Cultural and Religious Identity: For Christian families, books that combine faith-based content with rhyming can serve as a tool for passing down religious traditions and teachings in an accessible format for young minds.

Some popular examples might include Bibles for children that:

  • Use rhyme to simplify and explain scriptures.
  • Include Christian morals like sharing, kindness, or the story of Jesus, told through rhymes
  • Share prayers written in poetic form

However, preferences can vary widely based on individual family values, the specific denomination of Christianity they follow, and their approach to child-rearing. Some might prioritize books with explicit religious content. And others might be more focused on general moral lessons. The kind that align with Christian values but aren’t overtly religious.”

I’ve never written any Christian rhyming books to help with language development or phonemic awareness. But I DO hope they are fun and engaging and that they convey Christian values, Bible stories, or moral lessons in a memorable way. Parents who’ve bought have said they appreciate the Christian messages I’ve shared and that their kids enjoyed them. So I’ll take them at their word.

And because that feedback I’ll keep writing and publishing Christian rhyming books that say things like:

Spiral through the galaxies
And circle through the stars.
Rocket to your earthly home
Past Venus and past Mars.
Make a landing, safe and sound,
And look up at the skies
And know, for sure, God made it all.
You’ll know ’cause you’ve got eyes. © 2021

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

Yeah, I’ve got a sneaky way of saying things. Not every word or sentence I write. But certainly in some key places. Including places like books and music for kids. There are others who use this tactic for more sinister reasons?

The difference between me and them is I just told you about my sneaky way.

And actually, the sinister crowd is getting bolder these days. They realize there’s no real reason to hide or disguise their despicable deeds. Because even the Christian community has decided that you’re not supposed to judge.

That’s not only non-biblical, it’s a nonsensical destructive message/mantra.

I’ll tell you right now that if you’re a “judge not” person, either from a Christian or secular perspective, you should probably avoid buying any of my books and/or music. Especially the ones for kids. Because I can’t imagine you’d like the way I encourage kids to use their brains the good Lord gave them. And that’s because I encourage them to ask God (and trust Him) to help them make better choices, decisions, and judgments.

I’ll include the lyrics to one of the songs in my Bedtime Buckaroos lullaby songs collection that has a very subtle example of my sneaky way. See if you can figure out what and where it is in these lines:

The Silver Horse

In a night where colors drifted
Through the air on threads of light,
And the sounds of darkness shifted…
Came an incandescent sight.
All the creatures of the prairie
Were as still as they could be,
But it wasn’t something scary
As they all would clearly see…

The Silver Horse with diamond eyes…
It flew across the turquoise skies
And landed with a mighty force
And stars shined on the Silver Horse.

There were whispers in the gold wheat
And some rumors in the rye,
But the creatures all got cold feet
When it came to asking why…
Any horse with such a shimmer
Would be in this humble place.
But their hope began to glimmer
Just by gazing at the face…

Of The Silver Horse with diamond eyes…
That flew across the turquoise skies
And landed with a mighty force
And stars shined on the Silver Horse.

Then a tiny prairie sparrow
Flew up on the horse’s head.
It was nervous to the marrow,
But still here is what it said…
“Why would such a stunning creature
Choose to grace us with its light?
We don’t have one glowing feature.”
And the horse said “Cause it’s right.”  © 2012

Get the book with the secret link to the songs when you click or tap the link below:(https://www.amazon.com/Bedtime-Buckaroos-Sing-along-color/dp/B0898WLZ5L)

If you’re not ready to buy anything, you should subscribe to my Tony’s Rhyme and Reason Daily Devotional. Because the flashes of light I share on my website come directly to your inbox. So you can spend your valuable time reading instead of searching. And, to show my sincere appreciation for your time and attention, I’ll send you download links to books and music, right away. Kids from 3 to 103 can enjoy these fun goodies.

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Tony Funderburk Posted on by

According to some information I read, recently, Christian books for kids are supposed to “beautifully blend faith, morals, and storytelling.” And that should help provide “essential tools for young readers’ spiritual and moral growth.”

And apparently Christian books for kids come in various genres.

Because the variety helps children “enjoy and grasp the content appropriate to their developmental stage.”

So, here are some types of Christian Books for Kids

  1. Bible Storybooks: Simplified retellings of Bible stories meant for young audiences. And they often feature bright, engaging illustrations and interactive elements to help kids internalize the lessons.
  2. Devotional Books: Short, daily readings that connect to scriptural lessons. And they often include a mix of Bible verses, prayers, and practical applications to help kids start their days with spiritual reflection.
  3. Moral Stories and Parables: Designed to teach specific moral lessons or Christian values. And they use familiar characters and engaging plots to illustrate key teachings in an accessible format.
  4. Interactive Books: Often with comicbook style illustrations to make Bible stories more appealing, especially to older kids. And that dynamic design is said to hold children’s attention better.

What do you think? Does that sound about right to you so far? I’m pretty sure I’ve seen books from all those genres in bookstores and online. But do you think there are other genres or types? I kinda do.

But why should there be specific kinds of books aimed at kids?

I found some more information about what kids should get out of books with a Christian worldview. And it seems like there are three main benefits. These books should:

  • Nurture Faith: Captivating stories and relatable characters help kids learn about God’s love, the life of Jesus, and why we even have biblical teachings.
  • Builds Moral Foundation: Based on values like honesty, kindness, and compassion. Stories often present characters facing moral dilemmas to help guide kids through similar situations in their own lives.
  • Enhance Family Bonding: Families that read and discuss Christian books together tend to connect better on a spiritual level. And that helps kids feel comfortable enough to explore and ask questions about their faith.

So, that’s what other sources say.

I believe I’ve written Christian books for kids that fall into one or more of those categories. But, for the most part, I also go one more step. And maybe it’s a step most kids and/or their parents don’t prefer. Or maybe they DO.

Either way, the extra step I take is to connect Rhyme and Reason.

Because, I’ve always believed that it’s almost easier to remember something when it rhymes. Especially when the rhyme has rhythm connected to the reader’s heart. And when that rhyme is connected to logic and reason, not just emotions, I believe the benefits can be eternal. I call it sort of a stick-to-your-spiritual-ribs kind of message.

But what do I know?

I’m just a poet whose iambic pentameter
Drives words that live inside this Christian parameter.
But maybe time will show that these rhymes and these reasons
Helped some kids live with joy through some difficult seasons.

That’s my hope.

If you’re like that, too, jump on the The TRUTH. And join the growing band of believers who enjoy my books, daily rhymes, songs, and videos about the power of God’s love.

Stay tuned,

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