R.C. Sproul was a well-known pastor and teacher whose ministry has impacted great numbers of people (see the resources page for a link to his ministry, Ligonier). But while Sproul is often remembered for his excellent sermons and books on theology, his children’s books may be the best works he has ever written. His stories are gripping and have captivated not only my daughters’ hearts but mine and my wife’s as well. This particular book, The Priest with Dirty Clothes, tells the story of a young priest who is unfit to preach before the King because of his muddy garments. But the King’s Son intervenes and clothes the priest in His clean royal robes, making the priest worthy to appear before the King.

Written by Marty Machowski (the author of The Ology), this volume is my daughters’ favorite Bible story book. Many other Bible story books are certainly helpful and serve as excellent resources, but Machowski’s The Gospel Story Bible is the most detailed and thorough of all the Bible story books I’ve read. The beautiful illustrations and vivid depictions are also quite gripping, leaving my daughters wanting to read more after my wife finishes their morning stories.

Based on the text of Psalm 23, this book tells the story of Sammy (a beloved sheep) and his good and loving Shepherd. Sammy encounters another sheep in the field next to his who has no name, who is sick and underfed, and whose shepherd does not care for her. One day, Sammy sees “My Friend” cast down and on the brink of death, but Sammy’s Good Shepherd rescues the downcast sheep and purchases her to be part of his flock. All three of my daughters love this story and are captivated as they watch the sickly and nameless sheep become not only “My Friend” to Sammy but “Precious” to the Good Shepherd. 

The Lightlings recounts the story of a kingdom whose subjects love the light. But one day the lightlings rebel against the King and can no longer stand to be in His presence, fleeing the Kingdom of Light and choosing to live in the shadows away from the King and His Light. Nevertheless, the King works to redeem his subjects, ultimately bringing them back to the light.

If you are looking for a way to teach church history to your children (or to easily learn it for yourself), this fun and well-illustrated book is a good place to start. My daughters have enjoyed this book over the years and remember many of the people and places recounted in the book!

Also written by R.C. Sproul, The Prince’s Poison Cup recounts the story of a young prince who redeems his subjects from their rebellion. In order to save his people, the prince must drink a bitter cup full of poison, but in doing so he not only redeems his people but softens their hearts as well.

An excellent resource for children ages 1-3, this board book presents the overall narrative of Scripture through the ABCs. Written by Kevin DeYoung and illustrated by Don Clark, this is the best beginning book I have found for kids in this age range (my youngest daughter enjoyed the story and pictures before bed when she was 3 and even 4, and the themes have served as a foundation on which to continue her discipleship).

In a world where our children are continually taught that there are more than two genders and where people are said to determine their own identity, this short book shows God’s good design for sexuality and His beautiful purpose in creating boys and girls to be male or female. 

In yet another story by the late R.C. Sproul, Davey the Donkey is continually overlooked for “important” jobs and is only used for menial tasks. But one day, Davey is chosen to carry the Lord Jesus before He would head to the cross. A humbling story of how God uses His creatures (and His people!) to accomplish His purposes in His time. 

The Biggest Story is a short and colorful book that relays the overall storyline of Scripture in a way that kids can understand and remember. My daughters have enjoyed reading this book over and over and can articulate the overarching story of Scripture, at least partly as a result of reading this book!

Written by Bruce Ware, this book is a great help for discussing the things of God with older kids (potentially 9-13). Ware graciously and helpfully explained God and the Gospel to his own children, culminating in this work. 

Also written by Marty Machowski, this beautifully illustrated picture book teaches children to realize that our own temptations and subsequent choices lead to bad consequences, enabling children to understand that we must take responsibility for our own actions and encouraging them to seek the forgiveness and mercy that God graciously provides. 

As explained more in my top-twelve book list, this series rivals both The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings and may turn out to be one of the best fictional works of this generation. The link below directs to the complete original series (note that while this is a 4-book set, an actual “box” set is not currently available).

This four-book set includes the first two books of the Archer Series and the Tales of Old Natalia, two excellent Green Ember stories that fill out the history of the original series. This set includes The Last Archer and The First Fowler from the Archer Series and The Black Star of Kingston and The Wreck & Rise of Whitson Mariner from the Tales of Old Natalia. My oldest daughter has read me both complete series, and I can testify that they are just as good if not better than the the original!

In this final book of the Archer Series, Jo Shanks assists Emma on a mission to unite the citadels in a battle against the Preylords. This book is my oldest daughter’s favorite Green Ember book of all time!