Books about God and Spirituality for Young Readers
Boritzer, Etan. What Is God? Illustrated by Robin Marantz. (Firefly Books, 1990). From School Library Journal: "Major world religions are introduced in combination with the well-known teachers representing them (Moses, Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed), and whose words evolved into a library of Holy Books: the Bible, the Torah, the Koran, the Sutras, and the Vedas. Similarities are drawn among these faiths, showing common strands of truth and prayer as a universal tool of communication with God." (Gr. 1-5)
Carlstrom, Nancy White. Does God Know How to Tie Shoes? Illustrated by Lori McElrath-Eslick. (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 1993). Katrina has a lot of questions about God, and drawing on the verses of Psalms, her parents answer them. For example: What Does God Wear? "You are clothed in splendor and majesty. He wraps himself in light as with a garment" (Psalm 104:1-2). Some may feel that God is being anthropomorphized, but the gorgeous illustrations and the list of references from the Psalms make this a worthwhile choice for teaching and sharing. (Gr. 1-4)
Delval, Arie-Hélène. Images of God for Young Children. Illustrated by Barbara Nascimbeni. (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2011). "Even though we cannot see or touch God, the Bible does describe many ways that we can still discover God in our world." This volume offers a collection of them, presented in accessible language while remaining true to "the spirit of the biblical texts." God is light, God is a secret, God is life. Colorful pictures suit the simple text well. WARNING: God is always referred to as "he"[sic], and Jesus is mentioned twice, but the book can still be useful for Jewish learning. (Gr. 1-4)NOTE: Not to be confused with Images of God by John and Katherine Paterson (Clarion Books, 1998), which is EXTREMELY Christian.
Gold, August. Thank You, God, for Everything. Illustrated by Wendy Anderson Halperin. (G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, 2009). Dad thanks God for “this beautiful day” every morning, and it gets Daisy wondering what she should thank God for. Her mother tells her to look around. Thus begins Daisy’s journey as she thinks about all the things in the world for which she is grateful: for waking up and doing all the things she can do, for the people in her life, for animals and nature, and for God Himself (Herself, Itself). An author’s note introduces the concept of gratitude. (Preschool - Gr. 3)
Harris, Annaka. I Wonder. Illustrated by John Rowe. (Four Elephants Press, 2013). As a little girl and her mother walk through nature, she has a lot of questions about the things that surround them. This one is not really about God or Spirituality, but about asking questions and being able to say "I don't know," which are also important when thinking about God and Spirituality. (Gr. 1-3)
Krohn, Genendel. Who Is the Builder? Illustrated by Tirtsa Pelleg. (Feldheim, 2002). A young boy explores his world and wonders who built it. He sees a palace and meets the man who built it. Following this logic, he ponders whether the sun, moon, or stars are the builder. Finally, God speaks to him and tells the boy that He is the One Who built the world and created the sun, moon and stars. Based on the Midrash about Abraham. (K-Gr. 2)
Kroll, Virginia. I Wanted to Know All about God. Illustrated by Debra Reid Jenkins. (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 1994). Using a double-spread question and answer format, young readers learn to relate to God through everyday experiences. The oil paintings add to the gentle mood of the books. (Preschool - Gr. 2)
Kushner, Rabbi Lawrence and Karen. Because Nothing Looks Like God. Illustrated by Dawn Majewski. (Jewish Lights, 2000). A book for slightly older readers that presents the same themes (often with the same language) as Where Is God?, the authors provide "an exploration rather than a description" in order to spur spiritual awareness. (K-Gr.3).
Kushner, Lawrence and Karen. What Does God Look Like? Illustrated by Dawn W. Majewski. (Skylight Paths, 2001)."God looks like nothing and nothing looks like God" answers the question posed in the title. But the book goes on to enumerate many things that you know are there, but cannot see including the wind, a mother's love, and the mood created by a song. The colorful pictures will attract the eye, but the concepts are a little deep for those who read board books. (Preschool - Gr. 1)
Kushner, Lawrence and Karen. Where Is God? Illustrated by Dawn W. Majewski. (Skylight Paths, 2000). The titular question is answered with "in the first red tomato," "in homemade gifts," and "in the tiny hands of a baby." Simple yet profound, colorful (and diverse) pictures created universal appeal. (Preschool - Gr. 1)
Rubabshi, Leah Chana. The Hidden Artist. Illustrated by Phyllis Saroff. (HaChai, 2004). A boy looks at different aspects of nature. The story is told in rhyme with the repeating refrain, "With all this beauty great and small, I wonder, 'Who's behind it all?' Because I see the truth must be, An Artist drew this world for me."At the end, the boy surmises that Hashem (God) is the Artist. Gorgeous illustrations that complement the easy flowing rhyme make this book a stand out. (K-Gr.3)
Sasso, Sandy Eisenberg. God's Paintbrush. Illustrated by Annette Compton. (Jewish Lights, 1992 and 2004). One of the most beloved books embraced by readers of all affiliations, this classic is told in the first person, who looks at elements of nature and poses questions that young people ponder (What would make God laugh? What would make God hurt?). The vibrant illustrations complement the text as the world unfolds in beautiful color. Supplementary materials (available separately) make this book appropriate for all ages (including adults). (K-Gr. 4)
Sasso, Sandy Eisenberg. What Is God's Name? Illustrated by Phoebe Stone (Skylight Paths, 1994). Because God is God, there is no one "right" way to see the Divine, who can be a Creator, a Healer, a Father, a Mother, and a Friend. The deep blue backgrounds for the illustrations make the colors pop, amplifying another simple story with deep meaning. (Preschool- Gr. 1)
Compiled by Chava Pinchuck - updated November 12, 2015