World Religions for Students With Elementary Reading Levels

The very excellent and funny blogger Craftwhack (where irony meets creativity and explodes) asked me to come up with a list of religious and/or spiritual books for kids. It's funny because I have had this list every bit a "draft" for over a year. I'm not certain if I am exactly qualified to postal service on best world faith books for kids because I rarely grace the inside of a church these days and my groundwork in religious studies is spotty, to say the least.

My mom is Buddhist and taught at a Buddhist Sunday school earlier she got married. She'southward Japanese and was forced to relocate during WWII since she was and so patently a threat to U. S. security. She and her family landed in a remote part of Utah; nosotros think nearly where in that location was underground testing for nuclear weapons. Her neighbors were friendly and spent a lot of time debating the claim of the Mormon organized religion to her versus Buddhism in an endeavor to catechumen her.

My father, equally an immigrant from mainland Prc, was not religious. Even so, he wasn't opposed to us kids being exposed to religion. Nosotros went volunteer basis just, to the local Presbyterian church down the street. My parents were happy to drop me off and pick me up but I always thought it was weird that they weren't in church when I was at Sunday school. To be honest, I was only in that location for the comic books. One comic book a week would be handed as a take-abode keepsake for each class attended. It was on the Bible, of class, merely I loved the Old Testament stories. The power of graphic novels!

In that location were always Buddhist services that my family attended for weddings and funerals. And, equally Buddhism dictates, in that location are anniversaries of one's expressionless relatives that are additional services held each yr and we e'er went to those. It wasn't until years later that I realized that there were likewise services held in English! Non simply was it boring to sit through an entire service in Japanese but nosotros never got the jokes. We'd have to elbow my mom and ask, "What did he say?" There were a few messages that I call up from Buddhist services and they ever seemed to revolve around the lotus flower which, from climbing from the bottom of the muddy pond to flower, was a message that was both poetic and inspiring.

In 2nd grade, I made a new best friend Wendy, who was Mormon. I learned to cross my arms and bow in her religious classes that I religiously attended. I'1000 not certain why I went but it was enjoyable plenty. They didn't require me to memorize the chapters of the Bible which is what my old Sunday school seemed fixated on.

By high school, my close friend Natalie took me to a few Cosmic masses. Catholicism continues to baffle me. And I always felt outed and isolated by not existence able to receive the cracker. Non to mention that everyone had to stride over me to get in and out of their seats. The rituals of Catholics must exist comforting but equally an outsider, it was similar existence in a foreign land.

My mother-in-police is a Baptist. It's the Korean Baptist version and she's heavily involved in the church. I had gone to Baptist church building camp with my all-time friend from Junior High and it was a kumbayah type of camp talking constantly near your feelings and love for Jesus. I wasn't against information technology, and I appreciated being included in the wafer anniversary only I didn't have the same connexion to Jesus that they did. My female parent-in-police force church building seems focused on Jesus, or at least they don't seem to talk about it every bit much exterior of the church, and more nigh a Korean feel where Korean ex-pats have reason to come across each other weekly to consume together.

My husband worships at the church of golf and I can understand that. It'southward a religious feel for him to commune on the golf course, and definitely more and then on some courses than others. Water views seem to accept the closest connectedness to god for him, every bit do well-designed holes by Robert Trent Jones.

And and so my kids are bereft of the religious "mixed-plate" that is my background. At that place was a brief — very brief — window where my oldest, Music Lovers, wanted to get church building, but that window closed equally her friends shared with her their dislike of attending religious classes. We visited a number of churches in our neighborhood, finally finding one that was "simply right." We have yet to nourish though.

I do think that the Bible is as important every bit reading classics or Shakespeare and then, my only real try in religious studies, has been to find children's books on religion including the Bible, and read them to my kids, usually nether protest. Notwithstanding, my oldest likes the Book of Ruth too!

What books are you lot using to teach your kids about spirituality? Delight share!

p.s. I have more book lists on Globe Faith here:

Muslim: sixteen Wonderful Ramadan Books for Kids of All Ages

Hindu: Elevation ten Diwali Books for Kids

Hindu: Durga Purga and the Festivals of Republic of india

Buddhist: Zen Picture Books to Teach Mindfulness

Jewish & Hindu: Diwali and Hannukah Picture Book of the Twenty-four hours

Earth Religions: Booklists on Globe Religions (lists of book broken downward by organized religion at Multicultural Children's Book 24-hour interval diversity books for kids resources)

Books on World Religions for Kids (this is a volume list)

Information technology's as well broken out past holiday and/or religion.

• Various Thanksgiving Books for Kids
• Diverse Christmas Books for Kids
• Muslim Books for Kids
• Jewish Books for Kids
• Hindu Books for Kids
• Buddhist Books for Kids
• Confucianism & Taoism Books for Kids
• Baha'i Books for Kids
• Day of the Dead Books for Kids
• Las Posadas Books for Kids

Best Earth Religion Books for Kids

ten. Zen Shorts  past Jon J. Muth

"Michael," said Karl. "There'south a really big conduct in the backyard." This is how three children meet Stillwater, a giant panda who moves into the neighborhood and tells amazing tales. To Addy, he tells a story about the value of material appurtenances. To Michael, he pushes the boundaries of expert and bad. And to Karl, he demonstrates what it means to hold on to frustration. With svelte fine art and unproblematic stories that are filled with dear and enlightenment, Jon Muth — and Stillwater the bear — present 3 ancient Zen tales that are sure to strike a chord in everyone they touch.

I love this picture book that delves into Chinese philosopher Chuang Tzu every bit well as the ideas behind Zen Buddhism.

9. Spy for the Night Riders Martin Luther  series past Dave Jackson

Young Karl Schumacher helps protect Martin Luther who is condemned of heresy but doesn't know whom to trust. Ages viii-12.

This historical chapter book series for ages nine and upwards helps to explain how religions evolved throughout history. This is a good signal since religions are oft a pawn of politics and ability struggles masked in a veneer of respectability.

8. The Bible past Sheldon Mayer

In 1975, "DC Comics" published a comics adaptation of the Bible every bit part of a series of tabloid-sized comic books. This starting time book in the projected series adjusted the earliest chapters of the book of Genesis, including the stories of "The Garden of Eden", the Flood, and Sodom and Gomorrah. Now, for the showtime fourth dimension, DC reprints this hard-to-find archetype in a deluxe hardcover edition.

You knew I had to have a graphic novel version of the Bible, correct?!

vii. Sacred Myths: Stories of Earth Religions  by Marilyn McFarlane

Sacred Myths retells the best-loved stories of vii world religions: Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism. Also Native American and Globe-based traditions. Introduces the basic tenets of each organized religion; approved by religious authorities. Elaborate illustrations full of texture, depth, and mystery, conveying the richness of spiritual heritage. Beautiful spread of The Golden Rule expressed in each religion.

I like how this book ties in mythology from ancient cultures to our electric current large world religions. It's for ages 9 and up.

half dozen. The Very First Easter by Paul Fifty. Maier

The Gold Medallion Award-winning team of the renowned aboriginal historian and the gifted illustrator make the story of Jesus decease and resurrection come alive for children anile 5 to 10. Difficult questions are asked, reasonable answers given. For family reading or religious pedagogy.

I was able to explain the significance of Easter to my kids when queried only just barely. I obviously need to bone upward on this book which I own so I have no alibi for side by side year!

five. My Get-go Read-Aloud Bible  by Penny Boshoff

Designed for children and parents to share, this Bible storybook combines simple retellings of more than fifty stories paired with basic learning skills for immature children. Parents can help their children principal concepts including opposites, number recognition, rhyming words, and context clues while sharing the nuts of faith. Talking points, songs, and activities, and parent notes make this the perfect volume to turn to again and over again.

There are many great Bible storybooks for kids and this i does the trick nicely.

4. One Earth, Many Religions: The Way We Worship past Mary Pope Osborne

Religious understanding is equally important today as any other time in history. In this highly acclaimed book, Mary Pope Osborne introduces readers to the six major religions of the world. I World, Many Religions covers the history, beliefs, and practices of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. All accept had a deep effect on the laws and community of every land. They take shaped art, literature, music, and pedagogy. They have given the world magnificent stories, songs, buildings, holy objects, ceremonies, and festivals." From the Introduction to Many Religions, One World. Best-selling children'due south author Mary Pope Osborne presents an accessible and elegantly crafted volume that introduces young readers to the world'southward seven major religions. Vi short readable capacity–perfectly targeted to fourth, fifth, and sixth graders–detail the history, beliefs, and practices of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. Amply designed and featuring l oversized color photographs and a total complement of reference materials, including a map, timeline, and bibliography, this book provides a thorough and thoughtful presentation of the diverse means people worship around the world.

-Outstanding introduction to globe religion for immature readers.
-Unanimously praised when beginning published in 1996
-Newly updated reference materials such as a glossary, map, timeline, and bibliography complete this fantabulous book.
-Features over l total-colour photos.

That this is from Magic Treehouse writer Mary Pope Osborne is enough to go me to buy this book! That covers many religions from a cultural point of view makes it a Religious studies book of pick for ages nine and up.

3. Where Does God Live? by Holly Bea

A lively and inquisitive young girl named Promise has a favorite pastime: asking questions. She asks everyone she knows but almost anything. One day her musings lead her to a really big question: Where does God alive? She talks to her mom. She questions her fauna friends. Finally, it is her wise and gentle grandmother whose lifetime of faith offers Hope, the respond that she and all of us can take into our hearts. Information technology is an reply whose simplicity does honor to the Creator.

This picture book is a good place to commencement with preschoolers and is perfect for ages 4 and up.

2. Muhammad  by Demi

Born in Mecca in the year 570, Muhammad grew into a sensitive and thoughtful man who believed deeply in the worship of one truthful god.

In his fortieth year, Muhammad experienced a revelation from the angel Gabriel that he, Muhammad, was the messenger of God. Over the side by side twenty-three years, he received many such revelations, all of which were written downwards by scribes at the time of revelation to go the Koran, the sacred scripture of Islam, a religion that is practiced by nearly one-quarter of the world's population and holds as its most sacred tenet that at that place is no god but God.

Through articulate text and stunning illustrations based upon those of traditional Islamic expression, the award-winning artist Demi here introduces the remarkable life of the Prophet Muhammad for immature readers.

I think it is more important than ever to give our children an understanding of Islam and that information technology's really not so different from the teachings of Jesus Christ. Demi does a cute task with this gorgeously illustrated avant-garde film book to explicate who Muhammad is and therefore what Islam is all well-nigh.

Yous can practically build your entire world religion bookshelf with just Demi books.

1. What is God?  by Etan Boritzer

What is God? is an eloquent introduction to the ideas behind God and faith, and brings forward complex ideas in a way children will understand. It is written with a unproblematic clarity and beautifully illustrated with only the right blend of seriousness and humour.

What is God? compares different religions — Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism — and their holy books, looks at misunderstandings and arguments among people of different religions and talks virtually praying likewise every bit feeling connected to everything in the world.

If you want to talk nearly spirituality with a child, or innovate them to philosophy or religion, or just help them to brainstorm to center themselves and their feelings almost the world, this volume is a groovy beginning.

For the child with more questions than you accept answers and ponders spirituality deeply, this picture book is for ages 6 and upwardly.

More Great Earth Organized religion Children's Books

Fly Costless! by Roseanne Thong and Eujin Kim Neilan

"Fly free, wing free,

in the sky so blue.

When you do a good human action,

it will come back to you."

The idea of karma, a belief in the Buddhist religion of cause and effect of our deeds, is illustrated here. Each person is connected in this story starting with Mai who is tenderly feeding caged sparrows wishing for their release. She and her family unit don't have the money to buy the sparrows to ready them gratuitous, simply her kindness starts a  chain reaction of adept deeds. This pic book beautifully conveys an of import tenet of Buddhism in a way that kids can understand and emulate. [pic book, ages four and up]

Renee C. of Mother Daughter Volume Reviews suggests A Organized religion Like Mine past Laura Buller.

Nosotros ended upwards using Mary Pope Osborne's One World, Many Religions: The Way We Worship.

More Books on World Religions for Kids

Shiva by Demi

Shiva is the Hindu god of dearest, righteousness, forgiveness, longevity, protection, wellness, and prosperity.e is ane of the three great Hindu gods who affect the universe. In fact, Shiva equally "Lord of the Dance", has all three powers to create, preserve, and destroy the universe. Demi's stunning illustrations referencing Hindu iconography bring to life the story of Shiva and his family and their place in the Hindu religion. [motion-picture show volume, ages v and upward]

Buddhism in Thailand by Frances Hawker and Sunantha Phusomsai, photography by Bruce Campbell

Baan, at eight years quondam, is invited to get a Buddhist monk and leaves his family unit during the rainy season to learn more than about Buddhism. His grandfather, a rice farmer, was a monk for 2 years. There is a special initiation ceremony every bit Baan becomes a monk. He learns meditation, the 10 rules for being a young monk, and performs tasks such as fetching water. After three months, Baan returns dwelling subsequently completing a leaving ceremony. There is someone special that is coming home also! This is a gentle story of family and the Buddhist faith. [nonfiction motion picture book, ages 6 and up]

Talking to God: Prayers for Children from the World's Religions by Demi

The prayers used in unlike world religions are detailed in this beautifully illustrated picture book. The book begins with several of Christianity's popular prayers: Our Father in sky, The Lord is My Shepard, and Hail Mary, total of grace. Next, learn virtually Judaism'south popular prayers Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord, The Lord bless you and go along you, and Wherever I go, but You lot (Lord)! Islam follows with God is most Great, In the Name of God, the Cloudless, the Merciful. Hinduism contributes ii prayers: O God, yous are the giver of life and May the Lord protect usa. Buddhism, Taoism, and Shintoism have very brusque prayers. The book concludes with American Plains Indian and Central African prayers: O Great Spirit and I shall sing a song of praise to God.

By reading all the prayers from the earth's religions, it's articulate how similar the letters are. [picture show volume, ages 4 and up]

Phenomenon Man: The Story of Jesusby John Hendrix

It's not easy to give a new spin on the story of Jesus but John Hendrix manages to keep his story fresh and heady. His illustrations practise a lot of the heavy lifting in this regard. The miracles that are chronicled in the Bible from curing the sick, to walking on water, to dividing the loaves and fishes to feed a huge crowd are viewed from the perspective of a doubting disciple. The final miracle of resurrection makes this a great book for Easter but I like this for anyone who wants to learn about Christianity. It's a beautiful motion-picture show volume with a captivating story that feels less "Lord's day School boring" and more "activity-adventure exciting." [picture book, ages 4 and upwards]

Everyone Prays: Celebrating Faith Around the Globe past Alexis York Lumbard, illustrated past Alireza Sadeghian

It's non easy finding a motion picture book for preschoolers or toddlers that explains the differences and similarities of world religions. I like how Alexis York Lumbard includes the worshippers of less well-known religions like Sikhs, Jains and those who follow the Shinto mode.  With uncomplicated text and inviting multicultural illustrations, kids can experience like earth religions unite the states more than split up us. [picture book ages 4 and up]

When God Made Yous by Jane G. Meyer, illustrated by Megan Elizabeth Gilbert

This movie book celebrates multicultural diversity with a message that God made all these children, special and unique. [picture book, ages four and up]

Jesus Helps Me past Callie Grant, illustrated by Missi Jay

This board volume uses animals to show parallels between how this relates to Jesus. There is as well a quote from the Bible for each example.  This is a volume that is meant to grow with your child. Toddlers will enjoy the animals and Bible quotes, and older kids tin can discuss the connectedness. [lath book, ages 2 and upwardly]

Saint Anthony the Smashing by John Chryssavgis and Marilyn Rouvelas, illustrated by Isabelle Brent

Anthony of Arab republic of egypt lived a long time ago, just he left behind a legacy of spirituality that focused on monasticism, fasting, and prayer every bit the style to a pure heart. His teachings accept helped endless others on how to live with love, joy, courage, and peace. This is a message that is still relevant today. [pic book, ages vi and upward]

Becoming Buddha: The Story of Siddhartha by Whitney Stewart & Sally Rippin

I notice the format and the font difficult to read in this avant-garde picture volume but I do love the illustrations. Information technology tells the story of Siddhartha; even before he was born, wise men foretold of the nascency of a child of wisdom. Queen Maya knew that her son was this gifted male child. Siddhartha gave up his wife, his baby, and his wealth every bit a prince to become a monk. He became Buddha afterward he gained enlightenment, and spent the rest of his life teaching others the Four Noble Truths.

• Life is a bike of suffering, samsara, and endless bike of nascency, expiry and rebirth.
• Suffering is caused by a desire for pleasure and an avoidance of difficulty — past thinking only of yourself.
• The stop of suffering comes when you are gratuitous from desire and selfishness.
• To eliminate desire and selfishness, y'all must human activity with kindness and compassion for all beings, and with an awareness of your listen and heart. [avant-garde picture book, ages ten and up]

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p.s. Related posts:

Children's Books on Holi, the Hindu Bound Festival

Hindu Picture Book by Demi

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Easter Eggs Pysanka Style: Video, Motion picture Books

Ramadan Children'due south Books from Muslims in KidLit

Top ten: All-time Middle Eastern American Children's Books

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All-time #OWNVOICES CHILDREN'South BOOKS: My Favorite Diversity Books for Kids Ages 1-12 is a book that I created to highlight books written by authors who share the same marginalized identity as the characters in their books.

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Source: https://www.pragmaticmom.com/2012/05/top-10-world-religon-childrens-books/

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