A wealth of good children’s literature is available these days. High-quality production and stunning illustrations mean that we are spoilt for choice as far as visual impact is concerned.
However, the old adage ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ has never been more true. Although children learn a lot through what they see, ultimately we need to teach our children the truth of God’s word. Jesus Christ is the Word made flesh – He was not described as a picture, or music, made flesh. Judge a book by its artwork if you must, but ask yourself these questions:
Is the book God-centred? Does this material focus on God and the gospel or is it child-centred, focusing on a pretty story or a morality lesson? Does the book tell the reader what God has done? Books and sermons can make the same mistake where the reader and listener are told what to do rather than rely on what has been accomplished for them on the cross.
