PBT Series: For Our Youngest Children #1

At present, I’m writing a lectionary-based Sunday School curriculum for toddlers and preschoolers. I’ve been discovering some fabulous age-appropriate God Books for very young children. Today's book is in a series of books. Other titles are listed below. You may find newer ones not listed. Thankfully publishers of faith-based books are better considering diversity, developmental differences, important language & social-emotional skills, and what delights very young children!

If you are interested in learning more about Trinity Treasures, my scripture-based preschool Sunday school curriculum that features picture books & children’s Bibles, contact me at hannaschock@bellsouth.net. Right now, free lessons are emailed if you agree to fill out the monthly feedback form.

Picture Book: God Finds Us
Author: Jennifer Hilton & Kristen McCurry

Illustrator: Natasha Rimmington 

Summary: This is a seek-and-find board book about how God is everywhere, God will always love you, and God will always find you.  It begins with the profound question: Where is God? 

It follows some animal characters as they play, like a lamb named Ava. She is hiding behind a bush. God is with Ava even there. 

When Ava pops out, a positional phrase is used (next to). These are important for early language development. God is still with Ava next to the bush. 

 Jo is behind the tree. God is with him too! 

And Rufus might be behind a rock, but God is with him there and when Rufus is in front. 

Descriptive sensory words are here. Prickly, brown Hal is in the water, but God is with him, even when he is out of the water.  

Uri is above the buildings with her smooth, orange beek. God is with her!

A summary sentence says that "God is next to, behind, in front of, in, and above us all." 

Hanna’s Comments: These books end with a helpful section for parents and teachers called Helping Your Child Take First Steps in Faith. For this book, Psalm 139:3 is featured in that section. You'll find details about developmental characteristics of very young children, how to make faith connections, and further ideas, such as playing a particular kind of Peek-a-Boo game while emphasizing God's presence. There are many books in this series such as...

God Made Us All

God’s Wonderful World

Pray to God!

Thank You, God

Good Morning, World

We’re Better Together!

I Can Help

God Made Feelings

Clap, Sing, Dance

Everyone Gets Upset

I also really like the many Spark House Bibles for children. At least 2 versions are for very young children. Look for the Frolic First Faith name.

Original Publisher & Date: Spark House Family, 2016

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 1 and up, Toddler and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. (Psalm 139:3); I am with you always (Matthew 28:20); God’s Spirit dwells in you (1 Corinthians 3:16)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a very young child at your family home or religious home and emphasize God’s constant presence.