• Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Big Books, Little Ears

Reading chapter books to toddlers, preschoolers, and beyond

  • Books to Read Aloud
  • Tips for Reading Together
  • Book Activities
  • Books for Moms
  • About
  • Contact Me
You are here: Home / Uncategorized / FIVE Tips for Reading Bible Story Books with Multiple Ages (Plus a Lenten Challenge)

FIVE Tips for Reading Bible Story Books with Multiple Ages (Plus a Lenten Challenge)

February 16 by Kristin Wynalda

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email

This is a very special guest post from a lovely children’s author who I’ve shared A LOT about before. (She has a board book on this list of my favorite Easter picture books about Jesus, and a different board book that I thought was one of the top board books of 2022.) The reason I share so much about her books is because I think they’re so good! I like the TRUTH wrapped up in sweet rhymes for our littlest listeners. Her newest book is no exception. Read on to learn about it, and get some tips for reading Bible story books to families with a wide age range.

This post contains referral links for these products. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It does not cost you extra to purchase through my links.

Earlier this month, I celebrated the release of my eighth children’s book. Published by Paraclete Press, My Tender Heart Bible introduces littlest ones to twelve of my favorite stories from the Old and New Testament, rendered in poetic rhyme which, both individually and together, point to God’s redemptive love. Each retelling is accompanied by a Bible citation, a beautiful illustration by Sandra Eide, and a Heart Moment of prayer. The book is inspired by memories of sitting with my own children when they were little to read or re-tell Bible stories so they could grasp just how much God loved them.

Because the collection is presented in board book format, the book is pitched for ages 0 – 4. However, I have noticed in my interactions with kids up through age 8, that it definitely has broader appeal.

This is great new Bible story book for families looking for a Bible story book that can be read simultaneously with multiple ages as part of a family Bible time or bedtime routine. With that in mind, here are five tips for reading My Tender Heart Bible (or the Bible story book of your choice) to multiple ages.

Tips for Reading Bible story books to a wide age range

  1. PREVIEW THE STORY WITH WONDER. Before reading the Bible story you’ve selected, take a few minutes to preview it together. Let different ages focus on different things. Littlest ones can point to and name clues they see in the illustrations. Pre-readers can do that plus also look for letters they recognize, or even a name they might recognize like GOD or JESUS. Let your oldest ones wrap up the preview by actually reading the title of the selection as well as the verse citation. Let them share what they might already know about the story and let them guess and wonder what it might be about.
  1. READ THE STORY TOGETHER WITH JOY. Now is the time to just read and enjoy the story, pausing to ask questions along the way. Let your littlest ones point to things in the pictures that correspond with the text. Your older ones can, again, point to words they recognize. And all through this, you, as the parent, can also ask your own questions or add context based on your understanding of the story.
  1. DIG IN DEEPER with a BIBLE DIVE!  As a parent, teacher, author and Christ follower, I think it’s important that our kids know that the stories about God that we share aren’t made up or random. They come from God’s Word. That’s why in My Tender Heart Bible, I wanted to be sure to include Bible citations for each story, so that families and their little ones could know the source and read God’s actual Word for themselves. This is a task that your older ones can take charge of with their own Bibles and then read the Bible passages to their younger siblings and you. They will LOVE doing this, I promise, at least if your kids are anything like mine!
  1. HAVE A HEART MOMENT TOGETHER.  Just reading reading God’s Word isn’t enough. It begs us to respond! So, after reading your chosen Bible story, be sure to take a few moments to connect the story to your children’s experience. Help them see how it is relevant to them today. Let it touch their hearts, and maybe yours too, and be a reminder to all that God is good, that He keeps His promises, and that He loves you and them very much.
  1. WRAP IT ALL UP IN PRAYER.  Wrap up your Bible story time in prayer, thanking God for stories from God’s Word that remind us about God’s love for us. This is a sweet opportunity both to model prayer with your child and also to let them add to the prayer in their words. If you are reading My Tender Heart Bible, I have included a “Heart Moment” prayer for each story to help you do this. 

EASY Lent Reading Plan Using ONE Book

And now for the Lenten Challenge!  Nothing too pressured and very flexible — but wouldn’t it be neat to set aside 12 “Bible Heart Moments” with your little ones between now and Easter to read 12 stories that point to God’s redemptive love and culminate with the glorious resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ on Easter morning?

Here’s a map for doing just that using My Tender Heart Bible.  Sweet blessings to you all! (And it starts next Wednesday so you have time to order your copy.)

  • March 1, 2023 Creation Joy Genesis 1:1 – 2:3
  • March 5, 2023 God’s Garden Genesis 3:1-24
  • March 8, 2023 Star Promise Genesis 15:1-6
  • March 12, 2023 Great Escape Exodus 14:10-31
  • March 15, 2023 Tasty Blessings Exodus 16:11-18
  • March 19, 2023 Brave Queen Esther 14:13-17
  • March 22, 2023 Welcome, Jesus Luke 2:8-19
  • March 26, 2023 Dove Love Matthew 3:13-17
  • March 29, 2023 Precious Children Mark 10:13-16
  • April 2, 2023 Worry Cure Matthew 6:25-33
  • April 5, 2023 Donkey Parade Luke 19:35-38
  • April 9, 2023 Easter Joy Matthew 28:1-10

About the Author: Laura Sassi has a passion for telling stories in prose and rhyme. She is the author of five picture books including the best-selling Goodnight, Ark, which was a 2015 Christian Book Award Finalist (and which I reviewed on this list of Christian baby books); Goodnight, Manger (which I reviewed with other great Christmas picture books about Jesus); and Love Is Kind, which was a 2020 Anna Dewdney Read Together Award Honor Book (and which can be found on this list of great non-romantic Valentine’s Day picture books). Check out more at her website.

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email

Filed Under: Uncategorized

More stuff to help you…

Stinky Spike

cover of Baseball Around the World

Baseball Around the World: Author Interview

3 Myths About Reading Aloud that You Need to Stop Believing

Primary Sidebar

Hello! I’m Kristin.

It can be hard to find good Christian books, so I do the work for you through thorough Christian book reviews! That doesn’t mean I only look at Christian books – it means that I review all types of kids’ books through the lens of my faith. Let’s find you something to read aloud!
  • Join the conversation on Facebook!
  • Follow me on Instagram!

There's more to read!

Join the newsletter list to receive the latest content from Big Books, Little Ears. Get tips, book suggestions, and deals that are only sent out in my newsletters!

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

I won't send you spam, and I'd never sell your information. You can unsubscribe at any time. Powered by ConvertKit

Looking for something?

More articles you might like:

  • Picky Mom Review of The King of Easter: Jesus Searches for All God’s Children
  • Review of The Bright Side, and Interview with the Author
  • FIVE Tips for Reading Bible Story Books with Multiple Ages (Plus a Lenten Challenge)

Footer

Legal Stuff

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

Website Disclaimer and Disclosures

Copyright Big Books, Little Ears© 2023

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT