Stuff We Like

We are constantly being asked where we got this or that book, or what kind of a gift we might recommend for a child's baptism, First Communion, or another of life's milestones... even Christmas presents!  So, we thought we would post a few of our favorite things here, just in time for your holiday shopping, or any occasion!  Happy gifting!

Psalms for Young Children, by Marie-Hélène Delval
ISBN-10: 0802853226
ISBN-13: 978-0802853226

Psalms - the sacred songs.  Beautiful, expressive, and abstract the Psalms sing of our life with God, in a range of emotions - something just beginning to develop in children.  Psalms for Young Children paraphrases a collection of psalms using kid-friendly language, and uses beautiful images to help young children begin to express their own emotions.

Images of God for Young Children, by Marie-Hélène Delval
ISBN-10: 9780802853912
ISBN-13: 978-0802853912

Can you tell we simply love this author?!  In Images of God, Delval takes often abstract descriptions of God (God is joy, God is light, God is wisdom, etc.), and presents these images of God in simple language that children can understand, and can spark beautiful conversations about God between you and your children.

The Jesus Storybook Bible, by Sally Lloyd-Jones
ISBN-10: 0310708257
ISBN-13: 978-0310708254

One of our favorite gifts to give to newly-baptized children at FLC is this book.  We are New Testament people - living in the knowledge of the resurrected Christ.  As such, we read all of Scripture this way - with the knowledge that the entire time God is working for our good.  Now, imagine Bible stories told this way - hinting, always, at the Good that is to come.  That is this book.  You will LOVE reading these stories with your children, and hearing these beautifully paraphrased stories again in a new way.

Praying in Color Kids Edition, Sybil MacBeth
ISBN-10: 1557255954
ISBN-13: 978-1557255952

See how a box of crayons or makers can lead to an incredible experience of prayer and reflection with your child!  Available in an Adult's edition, too!  See below.

Praying in Color; Drawing a New Path to God, Sybil MacBeth
ISBN-10: 1557255121
ISBN-13: 978-1557255129

Living the Promises of Baptism; 101 Ideas for Parents
ISBN: 9781451401318

You light the candle every year on the anniversary of their baptism, but do you ever wonder how you can more easily incorporate daily reminders of your child's baptism into every day life?  This nifty little book has more than one-hundred ideas, categorized by theme and age-level.  Big bonus - it's under $10!  Call Augsburg Fortress (1-800-328-4648) or order online: www.augsburgfortress.org).

Welcome, Child of God, by Anne Ylvisaker
ISBN: 9781451401332

A perfect companion to Living the Promises of Baptism, or a great gift for a young child who has recently been baptized, Welcome, Child of God board book features colorful illustrations that help children connect to their baptism.The back cover features a song written specifically for the book, as the text is intended to be sung!  Also under $10!  Call Augsburg Fortress (1-800-328-4648) or order online: www.augsburgfortress.org).

Water, Come Down! by Walter Wangerin Jr.
ISBN-10: 0806637110
ISBN-13: 978-0806637112

A beautifully written and illustrated book that introduces children to baptism.  Includes discussion starters about the significance of baptism, its biblical roots and importance in our lives today.  Even older children who are wondering what baptism is all about will enjoy this book!

Vibrant Faith Prayer Cubes

Even toddlers get into this one!  From Vibrant Faith, a set of three cubes, each side with its own short prayer.  Put one at the dinner table, one at your child's bedside, and one in the car and you've got an easy way to say a quick prayer any time of day!
For pricing and ordering information, call Vibrant Faith: 1-877-239-2492.

Faith Talk With Children Cards from Vibrant Faith

How many times have you asked your child, "What happened at school today?"  Only to hear, "Nothing," as a reply.  We want to converse with our children, but sometimes having to think of the questions on our own is overwhelming.  Designed for children ages three to eleven, these cards will help you in beginning meaningful conversations about God's presence and faithfulness in all of your lives.  For pricing and ordering information, call Vibrant Faith: 1-877-239-2492.

Spark Story Bible
ISBN: 9780806670492

This award-winning Bible is what we present to our 3 year-olds class every year.  And every year, I have parents and grandparents asking where they can buy more for older siblings or other relatives.  This easy to read aloud children's Bible opens God's word to little minds through colorful art and creative language.  With 150 Bible stories from both Old and New Testaments, the Spark Story Bible equips children age 2 though 8 with an excellent Biblical foundation.  To order, call Augsburg Fortress (1-800-328-4648) or order online: www.augsburgfortress.org).

Spark NRSV Gift Bible
ISBN: 9781451401936

This NRSV translation Bible is Children and Family Ministries' choice for 3rd grade Bible presentation.  Featuring stickers that introduce Bible marking methods to help children connect to what they're reading, the Spark NRSV Bible helps children explore the Bible in a more personal way.  It also includes introductions to each of the books using child-friendly language that even the adults who read with them will find engaging and informative.  A great gift at any age!  To order, call Augsburg Fortress (1-800-328-4648) or order online: www.augsburgfortress.org).

Plug and the Paddywhacks App
Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch
The app is FREE, episodes are $.99 each

"Join Plug & the Paddywhacks as they discover a wild and wondrous world beyond the walls of the Plex - an epic allegory that illustrates the effect of our choices, the power of redemption, and the difference one person can make in the world."



Sugarcrash Kids

From their website...
"Sugarcrash Kids is music and stories for the imaginative family. We create live shows, albums, and a popular bi-weekly podcast called The Cramazingly Incredifun Sugarcrash Kids Podcast. "