Stories, songs and the things we do every day give us plenty of opportunities to talk with our children about kindness, courage and faith. Here are some books to explore together, plus a few for our own reading as parents.
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Living books and character building (ages 4–7)
These story collections give children characters to care about and choices to think about. Read them aloud, enjoy the pictures and let conversation happen naturally. Choose individual stories to suit your child’s interest and understanding.
- The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh — Gentle, funny stories about friendship, patience and caring for people with different personalities.
- A Beatrix Potter Treasury — Animal adventures that open conversations about choices, mistakes and consequences.
- The Complete Brambly Hedge — Beautifully illustrated stories about a community of mice sharing work, celebrations and everyday care.
- The Children’s Book of Virtues — Stories and poems that explore honesty, compassion, courage and other qualities we hope to nurture.
- James Herriot’s Treasury for Children — Warm animal stories that invite children to notice another creature’s needs and respond with care.
Discipleship for children
Sometimes a story helps us talk about something a child finds difficult, such as telling the truth or wanting to fit in. These picture books connect those familiar situations with following Jesus, forgiveness and the courage to do what’s right.
- Arlo and the Keep-Out Club — A story about peer pressure and choosing what’s right even when it might mean being left out.
- Gwen Tells Tales: When It’s Hard to Tell the Truth — A story about admitting mistakes, telling the truth and receiving God’s forgiveness.
Family discipleship
Faith can be part of the ordinary things we do together: singing, eating, talking and getting ready for bed. These resources offer ways to bring it into family life.
- Our Hymns, Our Heritage: A Student Guide to Songs of the Church — Hymns with music, lyrics and background stories to help your family sing with understanding.
- Habits of the Household — A book for parents about practising faith through everyday rhythms, from mealtimes to bedtime.
For our own reading as parents
These two books are for adults. They offer ideas about how we approach our children’s education and make room for our own learning too.
- Mother Culture: For a Happy Homeschool — Encouragement to keep reading, learning and developing your interests while caring for your family.
- For the Children’s Sake — An introduction to Charlotte Mason’s approach to childhood and education, rooted in a Christian understanding of the child.
Start with whatever interests your family. One story or one hymn is enough for today.
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