10+ Best Christian Books for 4-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for Christian books for 4-year-olds that blend fun storytelling with spiritual lessons? You've come to the right place! Whether you're a parent, guardian, or educator, finding age-appropriate books that convey meaningful messages can be a delightful adventure. Keep reading to discover our curated lists of Christian books perfect for captivating the curious minds of young children. Let's dive into a world where faith meets fun in every page turn!

Fun Christian Books for 4-Year-Olds

• God Gave Us You by Lisa Tawn Bergren, illustrated by Laura J. Bryant
  • Genre(s): Christian, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: A charming story where a little bear cub asks her parents where she came from, and her parents explain how God created her as a special gift to them.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a sweet, reassuring message about being loved and wanted, which is perfect for young children's emotional development.
  • Perfect for: Young children who enjoy bedtime stories and parents looking for a faith-based message about the importance of family.

• The Beginner's Bible: Timeless Children’s Stories by Kelly Pulley
  • Genre(s): Christian, Bible Stories
  • Synopsis: This book includes simplified retellings of some of the most beloved stories from the Bible, with colorful illustrations to capture the attention of young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces major biblical stories in a way that is easy for preschoolers to understand, fostering an early interest in Bible reading.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who are just starting to explore their faith and enjoy vibrant, engaging illustrations.

• If Jesus Lived Inside My Heart by Jill Roman Lord, illustrated by Amy Wummer
  • Genre(s): Christian, Rhyming Book
  • Synopsis: A rhyming book that explores a child pondering what it would be like if Jesus were a living presence in his everyday life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's great for instilling Christian values through simple, relatable scenarios that make the concept of Jesus’ love very tangible for young minds.
  • Perfect for: Children who love rhyming stories and parents who wish to discuss spiritual presence in a relatable way for kids.

• The Tale of Three Trees: A Traditional Folktale by Angela Elwell Hunt, illustrated by Tim Jonke
  • Genre(s): Christian, Folklore
  • Synopsis: This folktale tells the story of three trees on a mountain, each with grand dreams for their future, only to discover that God has even better plans for them.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully illustrates how God’s plans are greater than our own, teaching children about hope, faith, and the purpose in God’s design.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy stories with moral lessons and anyone who appreciates folklore.

• One Lost Sheep by Rhonda Gowler Greene, illustrated by Margaret Spengler
  • Genre(s): Christian, Counting Book
  • Synopsis: This book takes young readers on a fun counting adventure as a shepherd tries to find his one lost sheep, offering a playful twist on the biblical parable.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines learning numbers with the message of God’s love and care for each of us, making it educational and spiritually enriching.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are learning to count and enjoy playful, brightly illustrated stories.

Educational Christian Books for 4-Year-Olds

• When God Made You by Matthew Paul Turner, illustrated by David Catrow
  • Genre(s): Christian, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This vibrant book celebrates the individuality and creativity of each child, emphasizing that God created everyone with unique talents and a purpose.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-esteem, creativity, individuality
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a joyful, poetic exploration of how God's design makes every child special and valued, perfect for boosting young readers' self-confidence.
  • Perfect for: Young children who are beginning to explore their own identities and talents.

• Found: Psalm 23 by Sally Lloyd-Jones, illustrated by Jago
  • Genre(s): Christian, Bible Stories
  • Synopsis: A heartwarming adaptation of Psalm 23 that portrays God’s comfort and protection in a way that’s accessible and reassuring to young children.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Spiritual comfort, familiarity with Psalms
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a gentle introduction to a beloved Psalm, fostering early spiritual growth and comfort in God's presence.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who need comforting bedtime stories and an introduction to biblical texts.

• Maybe God Is Like That Too by Jennifer Grant, illustrated by Benjamin Schipper
  • Genre(s): Christian, Spiritual Growth
  • Synopsis: A young boy living in the city searches for signs of God's presence in his daily life, discovering that God can be found in acts of kindness, patience, and love.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Awareness of God in daily life, understanding of Christian virtues
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages children to see and appreciate the divine in everyday moments and interactions.
  • Perfect for: Children curious about how spirituality intersects with daily life and those learning to recognize the characteristics of God.

• God's Very Good Idea by Trillia Newbell, illustrated by Catalina Echeverri
  • Genre(s): Christian, Diversity
  • Synopsis: This book celebrates God’s plan for diversity, showing children how people from all backgrounds and abilities reflect God’s image and are part of His good plan.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Diversity awareness, inclusivity
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the beauty of diversity and inclusivity from a Christian perspective, teaching children the value of every person.
  • Perfect for: Young readers learning about cultural and personal differences and the importance of accepting and celebrating each individual.

• Love Does for Kids by Bob Goff and Lindsey Goff Viducich, illustrated by Michael Lauritano
  • Genre(s): Christian, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: Adapted from Bob Goff’s bestselling book for adults, this version shares true stories about love in action, encouraging kids to live a life full of love and purpose.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, active kindness, purposeful living
  • Why we recommend this book: It translates powerful lessons into kid-friendly stories that inspire children to engage with the world around them with love and purpose.
  • Perfect for: Children and families who enjoy real-life stories with moral lessons and practical applications of faith.

Challenging Christian Books for 4-Year-Olds

• The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones, illustrated by Jago
  • Genre(s): Christian, Bible Stories
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Jesus Christ at the center of every Bible story, highlighting how all stories point back to Him. It includes narratives from both the Old and New Testaments.
  • Why this book is challenging: It connects complex biblical narratives in a way that emphasizes their relation to Jesus, requiring a deeper level of understanding and engagement.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique and thoughtful interpretation of the Bible that helps young readers understand the overarching story of Jesus in Scripture.
  • Perfect for: Young children who are ready for a deeper understanding of biblical stories.

• The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden by Kevin DeYoung, illustrated by Don Clark
  • Genre(s): Christian, Biblical Narrative
  • Synopsis: This book traces the storyline of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation, focusing on God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, depicted as the "Snake Crusher."
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses symbolic language and a sweeping overview of the Bible, which introduces complex theological concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively distills the Bible’s grand narrative into a format that captivates and educates young minds about God's redemptive plan.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy epic stories and parents looking for a book that teaches the gospel in a clear, engaging way.

• The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross by Carl Laferton, illustrated by Catalina Echeverri
  • Genre(s): Christian, Theology
  • Synopsis: This book explains why Jesus died and rose again, and why it matters, by taking readers on a journey from the Garden of Eden to God's perfect new creation.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles the doctrines of sin, redemption, and resurrection with a narrative that spans the entirety of Scripture.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a clear and powerful explanation of key Christian beliefs in a story format that resonates with young readers.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who are beginning to ask deeper questions about God and the Bible.

• Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing by Sally Lloyd-Jones, illustrated by Jago
  • Genre(s): Christian, Devotional
  • Synopsis: This collection of simple yet profound devotional thoughts is designed to inspire and deepen a child's understanding of God.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents theological concepts and reflections that encourage deeper thinking and spiritual growth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses beautiful illustrations and accessible text to nurture a child's relationship with God and encourage reflective thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy quiet time readings that provoke thought and spiritual reflection.

• The Ology: Ancient Truths, Ever New by Marty Machowski, illustrated by Andy McGuire
  • Genre(s): Christian, Systematic Theology
  • Synopsis: This illustrated children's book introduces abstract theological concepts in a systematic and accessible manner, covering topics from God's nature to the Church.
  • Why this book is challenging: It simplifies complex theological doctrines into forms that young minds can begin to understand, providing a foundation for deeper biblical studies.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great resource for instilling a robust theological foundation in children, preparing them for lifelong faith.
  • Perfect for: Children who are intellectually curious about their faith and parents who wish to provide a deeper understanding of Christian beliefs.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Introducing young children to the joy of reading can be a delightful experience, especially with Christian books that often carry meaningful messages of faith, love, and kindness. Here are some fun and engaging exercises designed for 4-year-olds to help them develop good reading habits early on. These activities are simple enough for little ones to enjoy and benefit from, while also incorporating the spiritual values found in Christian literature.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Flipping through the book and talking about the pictures before reading.
  • How it helps: Encourages imagination and helps children predict the story, enhancing comprehension.
  • Tips: Ask questions about the pictures to make connections to the story.

• Read and Act
  • What it is: Reading a story and then acting out scenes or concepts.
  • How it helps: Makes reading interactive and helps with memory by linking physical activity to the story.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the acting fun and engaging.

• Story Retell
  • What it is: After reading, the child tries to retell the story in their own words.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding and recall abilities.
  • Tips: Encourage them by asking leading questions about the plot and characters.

• Reading Aloud Together
  • What it is: You read aloud to the child and gradually let them read words they recognize.
  • How it helps: Builds vocabulary and phonics skills, and introduces them to sentence structure.
  • Tips: Point to each word as you read to help them follow along and recognize words.

• Matching Words to Pictures
  • What it is: Using flashcards with words and pictures from the book.
  • How it helps: Helps with word recognition and understanding the meaning of words.
  • Tips: Start with words that represent simple and familiar objects or concepts in the book.

• Sing the Story
  • What it is: Creating simple melodies or using familiar tunes to sing parts of the story.
  • How it helps: Enhances memory and makes reading a fun activity.
  • Tips: Keep the melody simple and repeat often to help them remember.

These exercises are not only fun but also instill a love for reading and a deeper understanding of the values taught in Christian books. Remember, the key is consistency and making each reading session enjoyable and stress-free. Happy reading!