From Hanukkah to Diwali, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, or the bodhi tree, religious beliefs and celebrations have infused human experience since ancient times. We’ve collected ten of our favorite picture books that celebrate the traditions and connectedness that spiritual beliefs can bring into our lives. Enjoy!
The Remember Tree by Stefanie Hohl, illustrated by Wes Wheeler
Years ago on Christmas Eve, Grandma pulled out a wooden box filled with carefully carved ornaments. As she unwraps each ornament, Grandma shares a riddle—and teaches her granddaughter the meaning of the symbol. Warm and inviting, this story helps children understand how modern symbols of Christmas coincide with the holiday’s Biblical roots.
The Gift of Ramadan by Rabiah York Lumbard, illustrated by Laura K. Horton
It’s Ramadan, which means that Sophia’s family fasts from sunup to sundown. Grandma says that fasting makes you sparkle inside, and Sophia loves sparkles! But when hunger gets the best of her, she eats a cookie—has she ruined her chance to sparkle? This sweet story introduces children to the traditions and meaning of the holy month of Ramadan.
The Story of Hanukkah by David A. Adler, illustrated by Jill Weber
Once farmers and shepherds, ancient Jews worshiped in the temple in Jerusalem, where a light, called the ner tamid, was always kept burning. When the Greek army attacks Jerusalem and destroys the temple, the Jews have only enough oil for one night of burning the light in the temple—but the ner tamid burns for eight nights! This simple story gives a wonderful overview of why Hanukkah is celebrated and what its traditions represent.
Under the Bodhi Tree: A Story of the Buddha by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Kailey Whitman
When Prince Siddhartha was born, his mother dreamed of a white elephant, an omen of a special child. As a young man, Siddhartha realizes life’s hardships and seeks to help those in need. After learning from others, he sits beneath the heart-shaped leaves of the bodhi tree to meditate until he finds answers within himself. After days of meditation, his spirit awakens to the interconnectedness of life, loss, joy, and pain. Now known as the Buddha, Prince Siddhartha spends the remainder of this life spreading his message of peace. With beautiful illustrations and lyrical text, this story teaches children the history and foundational message of Buddhism.
Diwali (Celebrate the World) by Hannah Eliot, illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan
Long ago, Hindu people celebrated Diwali in homage to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, who they hoped would bless them with bountiful crops and prosperity. People all over the world still celebrate Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, for five whole days! With delicious food, plenty of lights, and visits to loved ones, each day is dedicated to honoring family, friends, and the goddess Lakshmi—in hopes of good fortune in the coming year! This book uses simple descriptions and fun, colorful illustrations—a perfect way to introduce readers to the meaning of the festival of Diwali.
When God Made You by Matthew Paul Turner, illustrated by David Catrow
When God made you, he made you with special gifts all your own! God knows you inside and out, and his dream is for you to follow your dreams. With colorful, expressive illustrations, this rhyming book describes what many people of faith believe about God, His relationship to everyday life, and ways in which this belief can shape daily actions.
What Do You Believe: Religion and Faith in the World Today by DK Publishing
From ancient belief systems to modern spiritual ideas, religion and spirituality has infused human life from the beginnings of recorded time. This extensive exploration of religious faiths through time includes timelines, descriptions of main world religions, a map detailing where religions began, and even compare-contrast statements regarding religious topics. Packed with information, this book is guided by the belief that no matter what you choose to believe, more understanding will bring greater peace and tolerance into the world.
Yo Soy Muslim: A Father’s Letter to His Daughter by Mark Gonzales, illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini
If you ask questions about the meaning of humanity, if you’re faced with questions you cannot answer, and if you struggle to find kindness in others, you can say “Yo soy Muslim” (I am Muslim). In those words, the narrator reminds us, is a reminder that you were created by Allah. Those words will teach you where you came from and how to hear God. Full of colorful, engaging illustrations, this book teaches readers of the power that can come with faith.
The Night Before Eid: A Muslim Family Story by Aya Khalil, illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh
When Teita arrives from Egypt, Zain knows it’s time to prepare for Eid! Better yet, Teita is finally going to teach him how to make the sweet treat, ka’ak. Together they bake, decorate, and enjoy the treat together. At the end of the story, readers can learn more about Eid and the history of ka’ak—with a recipe included as well! This story includes colorful illustrations and lots of information about this traditional celebration at the end of the Ramadan fast.
Rising by Sidura Ludwig, illustrated by Sophia Vincent Guy
As Shabbat approaches, the narrator and his mother prepare the traditional challah bread. While the bread rises and the narrator waits, his pregnant mother reminds him that all good things take time to grow. And when the family shares the bread together, they add salt for tears and honey for good things to come. This beautiful, lyrical story even includes a glossary of Hebrew terms– as well as the author’s personal challah recipe!
I hope you enjoyed these Ten Favorite Religious Picture Books!
For more great ideas, feel free to check out 10 Favorite Scary Picture Books or 10 Favorite Holiday Books.
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