10+ Best Christian Books for 7-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for Christian books for 7-year-olds that will captivate their imagination while instilling valuable lessons? You’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re a parent, guardian, or educator, finding age-appropriate, engaging Christian literature for young readers can be a delightful adventure. Keep reading as we explore a variety of Christian books perfect for 7-year-olds, each packed with stories and teachings that resonate with young hearts and minds.

Fun Christian Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones, illustrated by Jago
  • Genre(s): Christian, Children's Bible Stories
  • Synopsis: This book retells the stories from the Bible in a way that is engaging and understandable for children, emphasizing that Jesus is at the center of God's great story of salvation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to biblical stories through beautiful illustrations and captivating storytelling, making the spiritual lessons accessible and enjoyable.
  • Perfect for: Children who are just beginning to explore their faith and enjoy vivid illustrations.

• The Beginner's Bible: Timeless Children’s Stories by Kelly Pulley
  • Genre(s): Christian, Children's Bible Stories
  • Synopsis: With simple text and bright art, this Bible storybook offers a perfect introduction to the Bible for young children, featuring stories from the Old and New Testaments.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's designed to capture the imagination of young readers and help them understand the Bible through memorable stories.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are new to Bible stories and appreciate engaging, colorful illustrations.

• God Gave Us You by Lisa Tawn Bergren, illustrated by Laura J. Bryant
  • Genre(s): Christian, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: A polar bear cub learns about how she was a gift from God to her parents, reinforcing themes of love and family.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming story that helps children understand their own worth and the love of their parents and God.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy sweet, affirming stories and animal characters.

• 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 ambitions, and how they each play a role in the life of Jesus, fulfilling their dreams in unexpected ways.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique perspective on a spiritual tale that teaches about God's plan for everyone, encouraging patience and faith.
  • Perfect for: Children who like stories with moral lessons and those interested in tales of destiny and purpose.

• If Jesus Lived Inside My Heart by Jill Roman Lord, illustrated by Amy Wummer
  • Genre(s): Christian, Rhyming Picture Book
  • Synopsis: A rhyming book that explores the idea of Jesus living inside the heart of every child, guiding them to be kind, honest, and generous.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses simple rhymes to convey deep spiritual truths, making it easy for children to understand and remember.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy rhythmic expressions and are beginning to explore their personal faith.

Educational Christian Books for 7-Year-Olds

• Adventure Bible for Early Readers, NIrV by Lawrence O. Richards
  • Genre(s): Christian, Children's Bible
  • Synopsis: This Bible is specifically tailored for early readers, featuring the New International Reader's Version (NIrV) that uses simpler language suitable for children. It includes various illustrations and callouts that help explain the biblical concepts clearly.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, biblical knowledge, moral reasoning
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an accessible introduction to the Bible with engaging features that help clarify the stories and their teachings.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are beginning to read independently and have an interest in spiritual growth.

• God's Wisdom for Little Girls: Virtues and Fun from Proverbs 31 by Elizabeth George, illustrated by Judy Luenebrink
  • Genre(s): Christian, Virtues, Character Development
  • Synopsis: This book takes the principles found in Proverbs 31 and simplifies them for young girls, encouraging virtues like kindness, honesty, generosity, and respect.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Character building, understanding of virtues, biblical principles
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a practical and sweet guide for young girls to learn about virtues through biblical wisdom.
  • Perfect for: Young girls who are learning about how to apply biblical teachings in everyday life.

• The Lord's Prayer for Little Ones by Allia Zobel Nolan, illustrated by Trace Moroney
  • Genre(s): Christian, Prayer, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This book offers a child-friendly explanation of the Lord's Prayer, breaking it down into manageable, understandable parts with charming illustrations.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of prayer, spiritual development, memorization
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a gentle introduction to a foundational Christian prayer, making it relatable and memorable for young children.
  • Perfect for: Children who are starting to learn about prayer and the importance of spiritual conversations with God.

• My ABC Bible Verses: Hiding God's Word in Little Hearts by Susan Hunt, illustrated by Yvette Banek
  • Genre(s): Christian, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book introduces children to Bible verses for each letter of the alphabet, accompanied by stories that help illustrate the verses in practical, engaging ways.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Alphabet recognition, scripture memorization, moral and spiritual lessons
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively integrates learning the alphabet with spiritual education, making scripture memorization enjoyable and effective.
  • Perfect for: Young children who are just learning their letters and parents who want to incorporate scripture into their learning.

• The Parable of the Lily by Liz Curtis Higgs, illustrated by Nancy Munger
  • Genre(s): Christian, Parable, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: A story about forgiveness and transformation, this book tells the parable of a mysterious gift that turns out to be a beautiful lily. It teaches about grace and the true meaning of Easter.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of parables, themes of forgiveness and renewal
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully illustrated story that conveys deep spiritual truths in a way that's accessible to children.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories with a moral and families looking for a meaningful Easter story.

Challenging Christian Books for 7-Year-Olds

• The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Christian Allegory
  • Synopsis: Four siblings enter the magical world of Narnia through a wardrobe and find themselves caught up in a struggle between good and evil, represented by the noble lion Aslan and the wicked White Witch.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features rich allegorical themes and a complex narrative structure that goes beyond simple storytelling.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating adventure that also offers profound lessons about courage, sacrifice, and redemption.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy fantasy and are ready to think about deeper moral questions.

• 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 the Bible from the Garden of Eden to Christ's resurrection, focusing on God's plan of salvation.
  • Why this book is challenging: It condenses complex biblical narratives into a format that is intellectually stimulating for children who are advanced readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a sweeping overview of biblical events in a visually stunning and theologically rich way.
  • Perfect for: Children who are curious about the Bible's big picture and appreciate vibrant illustrations.

• Dangerous Journey: The Story of Pilgrim’s Progress by Oliver Hunkin, based on John Bunyan's work
  • Genre(s): Christian, Classic Literature Adaptation
  • Synopsis: An adaptation of John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," this book follows Christian on his dangerous journey to the Celestial City, facing many foes and challenges along the way.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses somewhat archaic language and complex allegorical content that requires higher-level thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to classic literature while imparting lessons about perseverance and faith.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who enjoy epic tales and are up for a challenging read.

• The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross by Carl Laferton, illustrated by Catalina Echeverri
  • Genre(s): Christian, Theology
  • Synopsis: This book explains the gospel story from creation to Revelation, focusing on why Jesus died and rose again, and what that means for us.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles complex theological concepts in a way that is accessible yet thought-provoking for young minds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps children understand the core message of Christianity in a clear and engaging way.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are ready to explore deep theological questions in a format that respects their growing intellects.

• The Ology: Ancient Truths, Ever New by Marty Machowski
  • Genre(s): Christian, Systematic Theology
  • Synopsis: This book is a systematic theology for children, explaining biblical truths in a structured and detailed manner through stories and illustrations.
  • Why this book is challenging: It presents in-depth theological concepts in a systematic way that requires careful thought and comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great resource for children to begin understanding the doctrines of the Christian faith with clarity.
  • Perfect for: Young theologians who are not only curious about biblical stories but also the deeper doctrines behind them.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 7-year-old develop great reading habits while exploring Christian books, I've got some fun and effective exercises for you to try out. These activities are designed to make reading a more engaging and enriching experience for young readers. Let’s dive in!

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special, cozy corner dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a welcoming and comfortable environment that encourages regular reading.
  • Tips: Let your child personalize the space with their favorite cushions, lights, or decorations.

• Story Map Creation
  • What it is: Draw or craft a map based on the settings and events of the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and helps the child visualize the story’s world.
  • Tips: Use colorful markers, stickers, or even digital tools to make the map interactive and fun.

• Character Role-Play
  • What it is: Act out scenes from the book with your child taking on the role of a favorite character.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding of character motivations and emotions.
  • Tips: Use simple costumes or props to make the role-play more exciting and memorable.

• Reading and Drawing
  • What it is: After reading, have your child draw a scene or a character from the book.
  • How it helps: Encourages creative expression and helps with recall and interpretation of the story.
  • Tips: Display their artwork at home to show how much you value their effort and creativity.

• Book-Based Questions Jar
  • What it is: Create a jar filled with questions related to the themes, characters, and plot of the book.
  • How it helps: Promotes critical thinking and discussion about the book.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to pull out and answer a question each day, perhaps during dinner time.

• Reading Rewards Chart
  • What it is: Implement a chart where your child can earn stickers or marks for each book or chapter they read.
  • How it helps: Motivates children to read more frequently through a visual progress display and rewards.
  • Tips: Offer meaningful rewards that align with your child’s interests, like a trip to the bookstore or extra bedtime stories.

These exercises aren’t just about reading; they’re about creating a whole world of imagination and learning around the books. By integrating these fun activities, you’re setting the stage for a lifelong love of reading and a deeper understanding of the values taught in Christian literature. Give them a try and watch your little reader flourish!