Books for Children and Young Adults

The Moon Shines Out of the Dark
by Stephanie Dowrick and Anne Spudvilas
Our Price $25.00

Harry loves to know when things are going to happen. Exactly. Mum usually says, 'Time to get up.' 'Time for the bus' and 'Time to sleep now, Harry.' But Mum's been away for ages. And Harry has had to guess what's coming next. One cold, cloudy night, Harry stays awake, thinking and wondering....Will the moon shine out of the dark? Beautifully illustrated and tenderly told, this heartwarming story of a little boy and his parents is a stunning collaboration by two bestselling and award-winning creators.
from the Publisher

Prayers Before the Bell: Inviting Christ into the Classroom
by Betty Manion (Ligouri)
Our Price $19.95

Never be without a prayer again!
Prayers Before the Bell offers catechists, teachers, and parents more than 250 original prayers to guide students through the school year and liturgical calendar as well as special occasions. Each week's theme is reinforced with a discussion question, scripture passage, and 5 daily prayers that support students as they grow in their relationship with God. A section of special-occasion prayers covers topics such as exam days, athletic events, 100th Day of School, holidays and graduation.
from the Publisher

Formational Children's Ministry: shaping children using story, ritual, and relationship
by Ivy Beckwith (Baker Books)
Our Price $21.95

We want to raise faithful children. But are churches today helping to fulfil that mission? Or do our children's ministries look more like entertaining baby sitting services than places where true spiritual formation happens? In Formational Children's Ministry, Ivy Beckwith helps ministers and parents create ministries that capture children's imaginations, not just to keep them occupied, but to live as citizens of the kingdom of God. She asks big questions, such as

• What if we taught children how the stories of God, church history, the local community, and the child intersect and speak to one another?
• What if children's ministry was less about downloading information into kids' heads and more about leading them into these powerful compelling stories?

If you're ready to create a place where children truly feel a part of God's story, where they don't just learn information but live it, this book is your first step.
from the Publisher

Story Assemblies for the School Year: 36 assemblies with five-minute stories, teacher's notes and RE follow-up
by Edward J Carter (Barnabas)
Our Price $20.95

This book is full of memorable stories, designed to engage and delight pupils at primary level. These stories are essentially parables about God and the events in the Bible, creatively told to help children understand the big story of God's love for the world. Pupils are invited to imagine themselves as part of the story and also encouraged to think about their own values and behaviour, not by learning the right answers to give, but by making a leap of imagination and identifying themselves with the characters in the stories.

There are six themes in total, each with its own easy-to-make storytelling prop. The stories within each theme are divided into six weekly episodes, covering a wide range of contemporary values and topics. Together the stories cover the whole school year, with a key theme and a story in six parts for each half-term period. At the end of each half-term there is a special assembly to mark that part of the school year: harvest, Christmas, etc.

As well as being ideal for collective worship, there are practical follow-up ideas to help children connect with the stories in the classroom. The six themes cover:

• God's creation
• The message of the the Old testament prophets
• Stories about Christian values
• The story of Holy Week and Easter
• Jesus' resurrection and ascension
• The journeys of the apostle Paul

Leadership for Students: A Guide for Young Leaders
by Frances A Karnes and Suzanne M Bean (Prufrock Press, 2nd Edition)
RRP $29.95, Our Price $28.45

This second edition of Leadership for Students: A Guide for Young Leaders explodes with positive ideas and activities that will help your students discover their leadership abilities. The activities throughout this book stimulate the exploration of ideas and encourage critical thinking about leadership. Students will find guidance and advice that emphasise leadership skills in a variety of settings, including leadership in the classroom, school activities and the community. Including real-life stories on how students took on leadership positions, this book is a must-read for anyone wanting to make a difference.

The book includes a Leadership Action Journal that allows students to record their thoughts and actions as they develop their leadership skills. With exciting learning activities like conductng a survey on the characteristics of being a good leader, organising a debate on leadership, interviewing community leaders, and developing and implementing a plan for becoming a leader, this is the essential leadership book for the 21st century.
from the Publisher

365 Meditations for Teens
Ed by Sally Sharpe (Dimensions)
Our Price $26.95

'What do other people think of me?' 'Will my parents ever understand me?' 'What if I "mess up" or fail?' 'When will I meet "the one" for me, and how will I know?' 'Is there a God, and does God really care about me?' 365 Meditations for Teens gives teens the opportunity to 'listen in' as twelve talented adult and four teen writers explore these and other important questions, sharing insights and words of wisdom and about life and the Christian faith.

Though each writer contributes a unique personality and style, the common message of encouragement to teens everywhere is this: God loves you unconditionally and is always there for you. If you put your faith in the never-failing love of God, you will find yourself standing on a foundation that cannot be shaken when the things of this world seem to be tumbling down around you — or even down upon you!

Monthly themes include 'Popular Culture: Comparing God's Values to the World's Values'; 'Making Wise Choices'; 'What Does it Mean to Be a Disciple of Christ?'; and 'Keys to a Happy Life.' Each daily meditation takes just a few minutes to read, begins with a passage of Scripture, and ends with a prayer, making this book an ideal gift that will help any teen enrich and deepen his or her faith journey.
from the Publisher

365 More Meditations 4 Teens
Ed by Sally Sharpe (Dimensions)
Our Price $28.95

God wants to spend time with you. If you are like most teens, you have a crowded schedule. Your days are crammed with school activities, and a multitude of other diversions. But the truth is that spending just a few minutes alone with God each day will enrich your life more than anything else you could ever choose to do.

God wants a relationship with you. God wants to talk with you, give you encouragement, and hear all about your challenges, your concern, your frustrations, your hurts and your joys. This book will help you develop a relationship with God and grow in Christian faith by guiding you through simple daily steps for spending time with God. Whether you start in January or June, you will find a short reading for each day of the year, including a Scripture verse, a brief devotion, and questions to think about or talk about with other teens.

As you make your way through the book, you'll meet a group of adult and teen writers who have experienced similar challenges, questions and needs. Although their writing styles and personalities are unique, their purpose is the same: to offer you encouragement and help for understanding God's word and for living out your faith in your everyday world.
from the Publisher

500 Prayers for Young People: Prayers for a new generation
by Martin Saunders
Our Price $22.95

Here are 500 prayers for every occasion. Prayers for relationships; for problems; for saying thank you; for crying out in anger or pain; for times of spiritual dryness; for times of starting again. They can be used for worship together, and for worship alone. They can open up new possibilities, and help to bring a bad day to a better close.

This book is primarily for use by young people themselves, but it will also prove a valuable resource for worship leaders and youth workers. It will make an excellent baptism or confirmation gift from a parent, grandparent or godparent.
from the Publisher

Creative Ideas for Quiet Corners: 14 visual prayer ideas for quiet moments with children
by Lynn Chambers (brf)
Our Price $15.95

One of the most significant responsibilities of any Christian parent, godparent, grandparent, minister or children's work leader is to help children to learn what it means to speak and listen to God through prayer. Yet space for prayer is often, at best, pushed into a corner.

This book offers 14 creative suggestions designed to encourage both adults and children to find space for prayer, by creating a physical prayer space in the home or in a place of worship that can be visited and enjoyed. The materials could be used to form an ongoing sacred space throughout the months of the year or offered at particular times — for example, during a school holiday or a season of the year such as Christmas or Easter.

Each prayer idea uses simple, easily found materials and needs minimal space to create a quiet, reflective corner. All the materials for creating such a space have been carefully chosen to nurture an understanding for both adults and children of what it means to come into the presence of God, to listen and to be still. Alongside the visual tableaux, the book offers practical support to enable people of all ages and abilities to move at their own pace and at their own level into a sense of quietness and prayer. Each quiet corner includes the following elements:

• Introduction
• Getting started
• Stilling
• Bible focus
• Staying with the story
• Living with the story
• Prayer response
• Living the journey

The Children's Sermon: Moments with God
by Janet S Helme (Chalice Press)
Our Price $23.95

'Every person who provides the children's sermons would benefit from Janet Helme's book. Greeting the children with a smile, Rev Janet has a concise message with pictures and other sensory objects. She communicates on their level, asking questions, explaining words, and teaching them to pray alone.'
from Tylene Trout, parishioner in Rev Helme's church.

The Adolescent Journey: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Practical Youth Ministry
by Amy E Jacober
Our Price $20.95

Our programs are ordered, our events constructed, with an eye toward what is current to mass youth culture. In the process, far too often we overlook the fact that there is a journey taking place. A child is becoming an adult. A human being is struggling to apprehend the divine. A person is seeking answers to profound questions: Who am I? Do I matter? Where do I belong?

Any Jacober proposes a bilingual conversation, core to the concept of practical theology, between the theological and psycho-social context of adolescence. Youth ministers must consider the story of the student, the ministry and God's epic narrative, in which individuals and communities alike have a role. Drawing from the work of significant theologians and ethicists, as well as current research in adolescent developemnt, Jacober presents an often inspiring view of youth ministry as participation in God's reconciling work among adolescence.
from the publisher

The Fruit of the Spirit for Everyday Life!: For teachers, catechists, parents and seekers
by John Coleman
Our Price $20.95

This little book offers a realistic values/virtues approach to living that can be easily adopted as a whole school approach, within a church community, for families or individuals seeking to deepen their inner awareness of 'what our lives are really about.'

This book explores a rediscovery of the fruit of the Spirit, as cited in Galatians 5:22, for our everyday lives. Understanding this gift may be life changing for the young and the not-so-young. While each of us may be bombarded with a myriad of options from which to choose for our lives — the fruits of the Spirit are steadfast, constant and true guides for the inner journey. Becoming people of such fruits as kindness, goodness, patience or self control not only has the ability to offer one personal fulfilment, they hold a treasure for our day.
from the publisher

Jerusalem at the Time of Jesus
by Leen and Kathleen Ritmeyer (Abingdon Press)
Our Price $22.95

Open up the world of Jerusalem in the first century with Jerusalem at the Time of Jesus. The combination of artistic restorations and on-site photographs transports you back almost 2000 years. See the remains from the period preserved in and around the present-day walls of Jerusalem. Then walk the streets of the city in the time of Jesus with the minutely detailed reconstruction drawings.

Locations depicted include the Pool of Silaom, site of Jesus' healing of the blind man; the Bethesda Pools, where the man paralysed for 38 years was healed; and the Palatial Mansion where it is likely Jesus was interrogated by the priests and elders while Peter waited in the courtyard outside. Alternative routes for the "Via Dolorosa" and the two sites identified as Golgotha are also shown.
from the publisher

Aerial Atlas of the Holy Land: Discover the great Sites of History From the Air
by John Bowker, Photography by Sonia Halliday and Bryan Knox (Firefly Books, Hardback)

Immerse yourself in the fascinating and compelling history of this remarkable region with a series of unique and stunning images that will inspire all readers. In addition to the breathtaking aerial photographs and specially commissioned full-colour maps, the Aerial Atlas of the Holy Land includes a glossary that provides biblical and geographical terms and an appendix of recommended readings highlighting significant Bible passages.

From the River Jordan to the Hill Country to the Coastal Plain, this spectacular work of photography presents a complete visual look at an area of the world that is richly saturated in culture and history. This book is a timely portrait of an area steeped in historical significance and will captivate you with its:

• Comprehensive explanation of the biblical and cultural significance of these great sites of antiquity
• Series of stunning images of these eminent archaeological sites, accompanied by illuminating facts about the richness and complexity of their history
• Absorbing, full-color map spreads that depict compelling topographical, historical, biblical and cultural information.

A beautifully coloured illustrated children's book depicting an imaginary journey of St Cecilia travelling the world and listening to the sounds of different musical instruments. Accompanied by a heavenly dove, the Holy Spirit, she visits many countries and listens to the sound of trumpets, bells, the balafon (!), basque pipes, organ, balalaika..... Finally St Cecilia makes a full orchestra that together make a song of 'sacred praise.'
from the Publisher

Tell Me What God Made
Words and pictures by Joni Walker (Concordia Publishing House, 2006)
Our Price $10.95

This little poem and the sweet illustrations that go with it explain that God created the world and everything in it, even Jesus, our Saviour.
from the Publisher

Things I Do in Church
by Julie Stiegemeyer, illustrated by Kathy Mitter (Concordia Publishing House, 2002)
Our Price $9.00

Help young ones participate in worship ... through the things they do. Turn each page to discover how the things we do in church show our love for Jesus, who is at the centre of it all.
from the Publisher

Things I Hear in Church
by Julie Stiegemeyer, illustrated by Kathy Mitter (Concordia Publishing House, 2002)
Our Price $8.50

Help young ones participate in worship ... through the things they hear. Turn each page to discover how the things we hear in church teach us that Jesus is at the centre of it all.
from the Publisher

Things I See in Church
by Julie Stiegemeyer, illustrated by Kathy Mitter (Concordia Publishing House, 2002)
Our Price $8.50

Help toddlers participate in the church service ... through the things they see. Children ages 2 to 5 feel included in the worship service when they better understand what is happening. Take this book along and teach your child to see Jesus at the centre of it all.
from the Publisher

Things I See at Baptism
by Julie Stiegemeyer, illustrated by Kathy Mitter (Concordia Publishing House, 2006)
Our Price $9.00

Help little ones understand what happens during Holy Baptism. Turn each page to discover how the things we do and see in church show our love for Jesus, who is at the centre of it all.
from the Publisher

Here is a delightful collection of some of the best-loved verses in the Bible – including psalms and proverbs, prayers and blessings, and, of course, the prayer Jesus taught..

Here is a book to treasure
from the Publisher

Children relate to stories and there was never a better storyteller than Jesus. With delightful illustrations and easy to read text, this is an ideal introduction to his simple, short and often very funny stories, sharing truth, love and wisdom with young children. This omnibus edition includes eight of Jesus' best loved stories.
from the Publisher

Boys and girls — even toddlers — love the soothing sound of rhyme! And now they can enjoy thirty-five delightful, classic Bible stories retold through lilting verse and rollicking, read-aloud rhyme in The Rhyme Bible Storybook!

Rhyming books are always among children's best-loved treasures, and The Rhyme Bible Storybook is certain to become a well-worn favourite! Filled with vivid, joyful illustrations, each story teaches important Bible truths while giving children a reading time that's packed with giggles, chuckles, and fun!
from the Publisher

Here are the great tales of the Bible, retold in 100 richly illustrated episodes. Each one is a delight to read and ponder.

'A retelling of the principal Bible stories ... rarely accomplished with more freshness or charm.'
School Librarian

A superbly illustrated new edition of a children's favourite. Retells the stories of the Bible in a clear, lively style that retains the poetry of the traditional text. Colour photographs of people, places and wildlife, together with maps of the Bible lands, provide a detailed background. Features quotations from the King James Bible with reference to chapter and verse.

Prepared in full consultation with education experts, scholars and religious advisers — supports National Curriculum at Key Stage 2, making it ideal for school projects.
from the Publisher

Faith Confirmed: Preparing for Confirmation
by Peter Jackson and Chris Wright (SPCK).
RRP $26.95, Our Price $25.60

Faith confirmed is an introduction to what Anglican Christians believe. It is written for people intending to be confirmed into the Anglican Church and for all those who want to know more about the key elements of Christian belief in an interesting and enjoyable way. Each section of the book contains a clear explanation of what Anglicans believe, illustrative stories that explore the meaning of those beliefs, questions encouraging the reader to think the issues through, Bible study and opportunities for prayer and reflection. The reader is encouraged to apply beliefs to everyday life.
from the Publisher

Preparing to Receive the Spirit: (Confirmation)
from Celebrating Our Lives Series (Harper Collins Religious).
Our Price $9.95

(This) is a workbook for children who are preparing for Confirmation. The units in Preparing to Receive the Spirit explore the following themes: Christians as witnessing to the world; being contemplative for the world; bringing healing to the world; bringing joy to the world; possessor of God's spirit for the world; and preparing to be anointed.

Preparing to Receive the Spirit contains:

• a theological reflection on Confirmation for the parent, teacher and catechist;
• an outline of the liturgical celebration for the Sacrament of Confirmation;
• a range of activities to develop and explore themes;
• line illustrations on each page;
• prayer services to complete each unit.

Growing With the Spirit: (Confirmation)
from Celebrating Our Lives Series (Harper Collins Religious).
Our Price $9.50

The celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation is an important moment in the life of the Christian family. Growing with the Spirit is a work book for young children who are preparing for Confirmation before they have received the Sacrament of the Eucharist. The units in Growing with the Spirit explore the following themes: Showing we care; Being a thoughtful and prayerful person; I can make a difference to the world; I can bring joy to the world; God's Spirit is in my heart; and Preparing to be anointed in my Church family.

Growing with the Spirit contains:

• a theological reflection on Confirmation for the parent, teacher and catechist;
• an outline of the liturgical celebration for the Sacrament of Confirmation;
• a range of activities to develop and explore themes;
• line illustrations on each page;
• prayer services to complete each unit.

Also in this series, and with similar contents, are:

Preparing to Make Peace: (Reconciliation)
from Celebrating Our Lives Series (Harper Collins Religious).
Our Price $9.95

(This workbook is) for children who are preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The units in Preparing to Make Peace explore the following themes: My family; Me and God; The family of the Church; Making peace in the family of the Church; My family and other families. complete each unit.
from the Publisher

Preparing to Celebrate: (Eucharist)
from Celebrating Our Lives Series (Harper Collins Religious).
Our Price $9.95

(This workbook) provides information and activities to assist children in deepening their understanding of this important Sacrament in terms of the parish family. The units in Preparing to Celebrate explore the following these: I am welcome; My family celebrates; We share meals; The parish family listens to stories about Bod and Jesus; The parish family celebrates Jesus' meal; The parish family sends me out.
from the Publisher

My Illustrated Prayer Book: For Young Readers Aged 4-6
Illustrated by Chantal Stewart (Broughton Publishing)
Our Price $14.95

This book contains excertps from A Prayer Book for Australia — Holy Communion.

In Their Midst: Worshipping With Children
by Judith F. Hall (Broughton Publishing)
RRP $39.95, Our Price $37.95

This work presents liturgical activities for children aged 3-12 years. Facilitators will find these activities take children and the whole church community into the heart of the liturgy. At each step in the liturgy, Judith F Hall offers new and delightful ways to worship which will encourage children to find inners stillness before God. Through joyful play and focused activity children engage their imagination towards a closer awareness of God's loving presence.

Sample activities:

• Gloria Play Mat: Give grateful praise
• Follow the Lantern: Integrate the Word
• Trinity Play Mat: Encounter the creed
• Please Prayer Cards: Love joins us together in prayer
• Forgiveness Ritual: Receive God's grace
• New Commandment Puzzle Box: Delight for small children

Singing and Praying Together: A Communion Book for Young People
from A Prayer Book for Australia (Broughton Books)
RRP $24.95, Our Price $23.70

In celebration of Holy Communion, God's people gather together. They celebrate God's gift to the world of his Son, Jesus, and join in song and prayer. They break bread and share it, and go forth in joy to bring Christ into the world.

Singing and Praying Together is the ideal companion for young people in their celebration of Holy Communion. The beautiful illustrations and clear text help them play their role to the full in this sacred liturgy.
from the Publisher

What We Do in Church: An Anglican Child's Activity Book
by Anne Kitch (Morehouse Publishing)
Our Price $11.95

With interactive puzzles, color-by-number pages, word finds, and more, this fun-filled activity book can help children ages 4-7 grow to a deeper understanding of Anglican worship life. From learning about the participants in the entry processional, to colouring the vestments of the priest and deacon, to identifying the amazing things our senses tell us about the Eucharist, this book a treasure trove for kids and their families.

Forty one-page activities are followed by a four-page parent guide designed to promote parenting in the pews and offer tips for using these activities with children.
from the Publisher

Welcome to the Lord's Table: Activity Book
by Margaret Withers (Bible Reading Fellowship)
Our Price $8.95

Every page in this book has been designed to help you mark a very important journey. Step by step it will help you to learn all about belonging to God's family. So it's about you and God.
from the Publisher

When I'm Feeling Loved
by Trace Moroney (The Five Mile Press, 2007)
Our Price $12.95

Feeling Loved is the most wonderful feeling. It makes you feel safe, warm, protected and special.
How can you help your child to feel loved? In Notes for parents at the back of the book, a child psychologist offers some helpful insights.
from the Publisher

When I'm Feeling Scared
by Trace Moroney (The Five Mile Press, 2005)
Our Price $12.95

Anyone would be Scared of some things, like dangerous animals! But lots of other things aren't really as scary as they seem.
What do you do when your child is feeling scared? In Notes for Parents at the back of the book, a child psychologist offers some helpful insights.
from the Publisher

Other books in this series include: 'When I'm Feeling Jealous', 'When I'm Feeling Kind', 'When I'm Feeling Lonely', 'When I'm Feeling Sad', 'When I'm Feeling Angry', and 'When I'm Feeling Happy'.

Water bugs and Dragonflies: Explaining Death to Young Children
by Doris Stickney (hardback, Pilgrim Press).
Our Price $11.95

How can we answer the many questions young children have about death? Looking for a meaningful way to explain to neighborhood children the death of a five-year-old friend, Doris Stickney adapted the graceful fable about the water bug that changed into a dragonfly.

This gift edition features enchanting full-color paintings by Gloria Ortiz Hernandez, an artist whose work has been exhibited in Europe, South America, and the US.
from the Publisher

Saying Goodbye to a Parent, $31.95
Saying Goodbye to a Grandparent, $31.95
Saying Goodbye to a Brother or Sister, $31.95
Saying Goodbye to a Pet, $31.95

This series is put out by the Child Bereavement Trust, UK. It focuses on how to understand and cope when someone you love dies.

The series aims to help children understand and manage the facts and feelings surrounding bereavement in a sensitive, open and accessible way. It acknowledges that death and grieving are natural and part of life. It also looks at the different responses that bereaved children experience – from anger and fear to guilt and confusion. It discusses the importance of answering children's questions honestly and of allowing them to be involved in saying goodbye to the person or pet they have loved.

This series offers practical suggestions for managing grief, reassures children that support is there for them, encourages children to ask questions and share how they are feeling, give ideas for keeping hold of their memories of their loved person or pet.
from the Publisher