The Best Christian Books for Babies (Gestation through Age 1)

Here are my reviews of the best Christian children’s books for the youngest people on earth. 

Three are “must-haves,” especially “’J' Is for ‘Jesus'" by Twin Sisters, and three are Honorable Mentions, including two created by Theotots.

“God Made You” by Lori Froeb

The front has a mirror, the back page crinkles, and there are pages with “peekaboo” felt. This is a nice introduction to biblical names like Adam, Eve, Noah, Mary, and, of course, Jesus. The back also has Psalm 139:14, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” This is a bit larger than most cloth books.

The number of pages with text is: 4/5

The number of sentences per page is about: 3

The number of words per sentence is about: 3

The writing style is: These are sweet, biblical rhymes, “Jesus loves and cares for you!”

“’J' is for ‘Jesus’” by Twin Sisters

Ideas in this book include:

Jesus is God’s only son, the chosen one. He’s a gift if we only believe. We can pray and get His grace. There is only one way. We can live with Him in eternity. Jesus died for our sins and was resurrected. We’re invited to praise Him.

What’s commendable:

The rhyming, substantive message is accompanied by high contrast (good for babies) black and white cheery pictures with bits of color.  A code on the back leads to 10 free Christian kids' songs.

The number of pages with text is: 8

The number of sentences per page is about: 1

The number of words per sentence is about: 9

The writing style is: It is rhyming and clear.

I personally memorized this book and regularly recite it to my little ones.

JESUS (Little Words Matter) by Holli Conger

The ideas are related to the birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

The clear simplicity is a perfect introduction for babies age 6-12 months.

The number of pages with text is: 10

This book has 12 words related to Jesus. Examples include, “baby (with nativity picture)”, “king (with Palm Sunday picture),” and “Cross (empty cross picture with sad raccoon family onlookers).”

Honorable Mentions:

“Jesus Loves You, Baby!” by Ruth Yvonne Hauck

Ideas in this book include:

God’s sovereignty, obedience, prayer, Christ's sacrifice for our sins, new life in Christ, God’s love, truth in God’s Word, Jonah, The Lost Sheep, discipling your children, and creating a personal parenting vision statement

This book would be good to read aloud to a group of children. The large font and pictures make it ideal for showing to a room full of kids.

The number of pages with text is: 22 and Bible Stories, “Personal Parenting Vision Statement,” “A Care And Discipleship Guide,” etc.

The number of sentences per page is about: 0.75

The number of words per sentence is about: 1

The writing style is: This book consists mostly of the poem called, “God’s Gracious Gift.”

“You Heard My Prayer” by Ruth Yvonne Hauck

This short, highly illustrated, sentimental story in English and Mandarin features a pregnant mom praying Scripture for her child, her son’s response to the gospel, and a call to full-time ministry.

Check this out:

“Would you like to read a sweet, simple story about a believing family?

Journey with Youzhi, Haolun, and little Yu as Yu learns about Jesus and responds in faith and obedience.

Gift this to children, moms, and Mandarin speakers to share gospel truths--like that Christ died for our sin and rose again.”

“Baby’s Special Bible” by Corien Oranje

This is a large, relatively heavy book with high contrast pictures, rhymes and songs, and comforting messages about God’s loving care and protection.

In Jesus,

Ruth