A Child’s Book of Character Building

By Ron and Rebekah Coriell

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Ages 4–8. This book goes through a list of character traits, and for each one, has 4 stories to demonstrate it — at work, at play, at home, and a story from the Bible. Each story is one page and has an illustration. They are short, and perfect for doing at the end of dinner as a family. There is also a Book II.

Creative Family Times

By Will and Lindy Wilson

TBD

Everyday Graces

By Karen Santorum

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This book is moralistic and quotes some verses from the Bible to support the good behaviors it promotes, but does not make any connection to God’s Word as our foundation.

The Children’s Book of Virtues

By William J. Bennett

TBD

The Gospel for Children

By John B. Leuzarder

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This book has 6 sections: God, The Bible, Sin, Jesus, Repentance & Faith, Counting the Cost. Each section contains 5–10 bullet points to memorize about the topic, and contains scripture references for each one.

There is a little illustration associated with each bullet point to help with memorization.

The Biggest Story

By Kevin DeYoung

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“God and Me” Series

By Joel Beeke

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Ages 4–8. View on Heritage Books

Little House Series

By Laura Ingalls Wilder

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Ages 5–15. Not focused on teaching the gospel, but a great series of books that demonstrate good character. Integrity and charity are often discussed.

The audio books narrated by Cherry Jones are brilliantly done — I highly recommend them.

Focus on the Family Cottontail Series

By Pamela Kennedy

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Ages 3–4. Board books. For very young kids (i.e. one sentence per page).

Young Companion Magazine

By Pathway Publishers

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An Amish magazine relevant for teens and up. Contains stories that convey the application of Biblical concepts to everyday life.

Clubhouse Jr. Magazine

Focus on the Family

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Ages 6–8. focusonthefamily.com/clubhouse-jr-magazine

Uncle Arthur’s Bedtime Stories Series

By Pamela Kennedy

I have only read the first book. The stories are mostly set in the mid-20th century. Some are ok, but many are moralistic in nature. Some of them teach a need for believing in Jesus, but don’t go deep into that. Many stories do not reference the Bible at all. With all the other good books available, this probably isn’t worth trying to get your hands on.

A Hive of Busy Bees

By Effie M. Williams or DeVern Fromke

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Each chapter (~15 minutes) is a story about children who neglect living out a particular virtue, and the consequences that follow. This book is available for free online:

A-Hive-of-Busy-Bees.pdf

Ages 5–12. There is a sequel (just as good) called “Another Hive of Bees”. Various sources online indicate different authors for these books; I am not sure which is correct.

Leading Little Ones to God

Marian M. Schoolland

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Ages 5–10. This is a good book for explaining to children fundamental concepts such as what the Bible is; who God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are; how one becomes a Christian; and how we are to live and grow in our faith. Chapters are small (5 minutes), and end with a memory verse, a prayer, and questions that review key concepts. A great book to use at the end of dinner or at bedtime.

Wisdom and the Millers

Mildred A. Miller

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Ages 5–12. Another great book of short chapters (5–7 minutes), each one focused on a verse from Proverbs, describing a godly character trait.

Created For Work

Bob Schultz

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Ages 7+. This book was written for boys, but the lessons are applicable for all kids. It teaches virtues relating to valuing the work we do, and having integrity in it. Would be good reading even for kids into the late teen years.