Three Great New Kids Books! – Spring 2025
By Lindsey Cornett
Englewood Press Managing Editor
& Connoisseur in Books for Young Readers
When it comes to religious books for children, it’s worth remembering that pastel illustrations of cartoon woodland creatures are not enough to make theology accessible and meaningful for young readers. Here, I’m highlighting three new picture book releases created by authors and illustrators who understand this. Each of these books takes their intended audience into full consideration and capitalizes on children’s natural sense of wonder and imagination. What’s more is that each of these books, in its own way, does not teach children merely the how or what of faith. Rather, they each explore God’s character, narrating and illustrating God’s presence, gentleness, creativity, and redemption. The metaphor and imagery they use are memorable and even inventive, and I think any of the books below would be a valuable addition to a family or church library.
Andy Johnson and the March for Justice
Esau McCaulley and Emmanuel Boateng (illustrator)
Hardback: Convergent Children’s, 2024
Buy Now: [ BookShop ] [ Amazon ] [ Kindle ]
I loved McCaulley’s first picture book (Josey Johnson’s Hair and the Holy Spirit) and was excited to read another book for young readers from McCaulley. This title focuses on Josey’s younger brother, Andy, who loves to fight. At the beginning of the story, he is caught up in battling his siblings and seeking revenge. My children loved Andy; my 9 year-old, in particular, was hooked from the first mention of lightsabers and swords. When the Johnson family participates in a protest with their congregation, Andy learns that the fight for justice in America is on-going and that words and community can be valuable tools for the battle. McCaulley draws on both scripture and history in explaining why Christians must advocate for justice. Some of the text is a bit didactic, but that is more than made up for by the relatable family dynamics, expressive illustrations, and deep meaning. It is a perfect read for Martin Luther King Day, which is when I read it to my kids, but I anticipate it being a valuable book in the years ahead, when Christians are likely to be called upon to fight on behalf of the marginalized.
God’s Perfect Peace
Glenys Nellist and Natalie Merheb (illustrator)
Hardback: Paraclete Press, 2025
Buy Now: [ BookShop ] [Amazon]
Nellist is a prolific writer of Christian books for children, and those who have enjoyed her work in the past (like the Little Mole or Good News! series) will find much to love in her newest title. Taking its inspiration from both Isaiah 26:3 (“You will keep in perfect all who trust in you,”) and 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way,”), the book offers prayers and blessings meant to be shared with children at bedtime. (In fact, the book’s website says it is part of the “Bedtime Blessings Series,” though I believe this must be the first title in said series.) In these prayers, a variety of relatable similes help kids imagine what God’s peace is like (e.g. a blanket, a whisper, a hug) and also encourage them to find peace and rest in the knowledge of God’s presence, love, and care. Like many picture books in this “bedtime” genre, the illustrations feature sweet animal families, but they are high-quality; I love the extra hand-drawn details and deep, saturated colors. I can imagine many parents reading this book to comfort a child after waking from a nightmare or as a consistent part of their bedtime routines. The book also includes blank spaces in the end matter for a child’s name to be inscribed, making this a great choice for gifting.
The Hole by Lindsay Bonilla
Lindsay Bonilla and Brizida Magro(illustrator)
Hardback: Nancy Paulsen Books, 2025
Buy Now: [ BookShop ] [ Amazon ] [ Kindle ]
In this emotional and impactful picture book, we meet a little boy whose younger brother has passed away, leaving a hole in his heart, his home, his family, and his days. As you might imagine, this is not a lighthearted story. Bonilla does not gloss over this family’s sorrow; in fact, feeling grief in its fullness is what this story is all about. As I read, I felt the main character’s isolation, despair, and anger so acutely, due in no small part to the evocative illustrations. The book’s design expertly uses white space, full-page spreads, and hand-written text to emphasize and reinforce the story’s emotional depth. I, too, felt like I was falling down, down, down into the hole.
But like all good children’s literature, The Hole doesn’t leave you in your despair. Instead, the book explores the gift of memory, suggesting in a kind and gentle way how a child might hold tightly to their memories and in so doing, honor their losses and heal their hearts. This is a both/and book: it uses the gift of imagination to help its protagonist and we, the reader, hold both sadness and joy, grief and hope.
Of the books on this list, The Hole is the only one that is not explicitly religious in nature, but I can imagine it sparking conversations about the ways God comforts us, Jesus’s own experience of grief, and more. I think this book will have wide-appeal, and with good reason.
Lindsey Cornett
Lindsey Cornett is a loud talker, obsessive coffee drinker, and lover of the written word who lives in downtown Indianapolis with her scientist husband, 3 kids, and crazy Bernedoodle. Most days, you’ll find her wrangling the dog, managing snacks, reheating her coffee, and trying to savor as much joy and gratitude as she can in the middle of these very full days. Lindsey writes a monthly-ish email newsletter about the intersections of faith, community, and curiosity at lindseycornett.substack.com.
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