Here are a few books that teach children how to appreciate God and their bodies.
God Made Me by Una Macleod (ISBN: 978 1 857 922 899). This is a great first-word book. With bright colours and simple words. Something to shove in your nappy bag or the pram.
Training Young Hearts is a set of books introducing children to God’s purpose for ears, hands (What Are Hands For? ISBN 978 1 784 988 937), eyes, mouths and feet. These books are perfect for toddlers and have a strong connection between the gospel and glorifying God with our bodies.
God Made Me in His Image by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb (ISBN 978 1 645 070 764). This is one of the more in-depth children’s books I’ve read on God’s creation. If your child loves nature and animals this will be a hit. The author does a good job of helping children appreciate creation’s diversity. Through a strong narrative with a good gospel message, the author helps children appreciate beauty in all its variety.
For young girls (pre-teens) I recommend A Beautiful Mystery by Heather Thieneman (ISBN 978 1 527 105 263). This book emphasises God’s design and variety in beauty of all shapes and sizes. It steers away from the rule-based modesty approach and helps young girls appreciate how to glorify God with their inner beauty. This is a book I wish had been around when I was a young girl. Its Biblical message will help pre-empt a lot of destructive thoughts about beauty and womanhood.
For teens and young adults try the Track series book Body Image by Julie Lowe (ISBN 978 1 527 110 045) and spend some time researching the other topics in this growing and varied series. There is bound to be something your youngsters will find helpful – and, at around 100 pages or less, they are quick reads.
