Picture Book World Religions

An introduction to Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism is provided through a beautiful and engaging selection of picture books, allowing our children to explore the differences and similarities to their own lives. With this first exposure to religions of the world, we allow our children to begin a journey of understanding, tolerance and celebration for the diversity of human expressions of faith.

Sacred Places

Introductory session on world religions. Stunning collages representing the variety of places where people worship.

Sacred Texts

An introduction to some of the sacred texts of world religion, including the Bible, presented as a library of books written long ago in which can be found wisdom for Christians, Jews, Muslims and Unitarian Universalists.

Adam and Eves First Sunset, God’s New Day 

Judaism. A story from the Garden when Adam and Eve discover the blessings of night and day.

Cain and Abel: Finding the Fruits of Peace 

Judaism. Cain’s violence stems from not being able to express his frustration in this beautiful tale based on a midrash (Jewish story about a Bible tale).

Rama and Sita, A Tale From Ancient Java

Hinduism. A retelling of an epic Hindu saga that conveys, for children, the drama, intensity, and richness of the Hindu faith for children.

Night Lights: A Sukkot Story

Judaism. On a dark night full of mysterious noises, Daniel and his older sister Naomi set out to sleep in their family sukkah.

Lighting a Lamp: A Diwali Story (Festival Time) 

Hinduism. Describes the Hindu holiday of Diwali.

Lights for Gita

Hinduism.  A Hindu girl living in the United States wonders what Diwali will be like.  She finds a new perspective and a new way of celebrating, instead of being disappointed.

Tenzin’s Deer 

Buddhism. Day by day, Tenzin nurses an injured deer, but soon has to understand how to love enough to let her go.  A story about the power of compassion and the guidance of dreams among other Buddhist beliefs.

The Brave Little Parrot

Buddhism. A Buddhist Jataka tale of hope and courage.

Savitri, A Tale of Ancient India

Hinduism. Savitri is a beautiful Indian princess but it is her loyalty and wisdom that impresses the gods.

Best of Tenali Raman 

Hinduism. Tenali Raman, a trusted advisor and friend to the king, is known for his wit and cleverness, as well as his wisdom and honesty.

Jesus 

Christianity. His entire life in a clear and vibrant story.

The Hundredth Name

Islam. A little boy hopes that his camel will learn the hundredth name of Allah and feel proud.

Sitti’s Secrets 

Islam. An American girl misses her “sitti”, or Palestinian grandmother who lives across the ocean.

The Day of Ahmed’s Secret

Islam. He has learned to write his name in Arabic, a good moment in many young children’s lives and one that English speaking children will relate to.

Buddha in the Garden 

Buddhism. How a young boy finds enlightenment close by while the rest of the monks are out in the world searching for enlightenment.

Zen Shorts

Buddhism. A panda moves to a neighborhood and shares stories with the children.  These are simplified Zen koans told in a very appealing way.

The Wisdom Bird: A Tale of Solomon and Sheba

Judaism. Teaches respect for different peoples and forms of wisdom.

Noah’s Ark

Judaism. Classic illustrations convey the entire tale from the Bible, including God’s role.

Joseph 

Judaism. From the desert tents of the Hebrews to the pillars of the Pharaoh’s temple, great illustrations portray the story.

The Moses Basket 

Judaism. Miriam, Moses’ sister, plays a major role as a strong female problem solver.

The Story of Queen Esther

Judaism. A strong female character saves her people.

The Story of Daniel in the Lions’ Den

Judaism. Lilting verse and a humble Daniel.

Jonah and the Great Fish

Judaism. Large illustrations add an otherworldly sensation to the storm and the whale’s belly.

David and Goliath (A Bible Story)

Judaism. A fun treatment with lamb commentary on the bottoms of the pages.

The Easter Story

Christianity. Concentrates on the events during Holy Week.

Exodus

Judaism. A genius illustrator tells the story of the Hebrew escape from slavery without extraneous interpretation.

The Mountains of Tibet

Buddhism. Based on the Tibetian Book of the Dead, a look at reincarnation simple enough for young children that can be expanded to cover all kinds of choices as part of being human.

Fasting and Dates: A Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr Story (Festival Time)

Islam. A description of an Islamic holiday with simple text.

Mary, Mother of Jesus

Christianity. Mother Mary’s story from her friendship with Elizabeth to her ascent into heaven.

For Every Child

Concluding session about the rights of the child by UNICEF. “Allow us to say our own prayers in our own words, whether in churches, temples, synagogues or mosques . . .”