Okay, I admit that the title is corny, but I simply couldn’t resist. “Consider using children’s books that aren’t categorized as religious” didn’t have quite the same ring to it!
A good children’s book can be utilized in many ministry settings: as the basis of a children’s sermon, as a valuable addition to a Sunday School lesson or as an option for children who complete activities before the rest of the class.
When choosing a book, don’t feel limited to those that retell Bible stories or are specifically written as Christian books. There are many wonderful children’s books that aren’t classified as “religious”.
For example, Bert and the Broken Teapot (unfortunately no longer in print) is a book that has been a favorite of our family for many years. In the book, Bert (of Sesame Street® Ernie and Bert fame) breaks a teapot that has special significance to his friend, David. “My friend Bert is more important to me than any teapot,” David eventually tells him, summing up in one line the book’s overall message of the importance of love, friendship and forgiveness. Now there’s a message appropriate for children of all ages!
A word of caution: Do read and evaluate a book before you use it. Just because a book is in print doesn’t guarantee that it is worthwhile!
Happy reading!
~Sally Hoelscher