Bible Board Books: Tiny Hands and For the Bible Tells Me So

Tiny Hands Series: Hymns, Promises, and Prayers, edited by Hanah Estes, Illustrated by Jessica Hiatt. P&R Publishing, 2023, 14 pages each.

Reading Level: ages 0-3

Recommended for: ages 2-4

At 5.75” square, these board books are just right for tiny hands. And for parents who like their bedtime reading straight from the source, the text relies on scripture and traditional hymns. We’ll start there: Hymns introduces little ones to eight great songs of the church, beginning with “Holy, Holy, Holy” and ending with the “Old Hundred” Doxology. If older children are learning these songs, toddlers will love having their own copy to follow along. Prayers begins with an adaptation of Mary’s Magnificat, followed by scriptural prayers of David, Hannah, Daniel, Paul, Jesus (the Lord’s Prayer), and the glorified saints of Revelation—also the Levitical priestly prayer. Promises lifts passages about God’s protection, provision, and care.

Bible passages are translated into simple English by Ian Daguid, and with a little q & a four-year-olds can understand the sense. Illustrations are colorful and attractive, though some may be a bit abstract in their symbolism. Traditionally-minded families will find much to appreciate in these little books.

Overall Rating: 4

• Worldview/moral value: 5
• Artistic/literary value: 3.5

*God Hears Me, God Speaks to Me, and God Cares for Me by Kristen Wetherell, illustrated by Grace Habib. Crossway, 2023, 22 pages each.

Reading Level: ages 0-4

Recommended for: ages 1-4

These books address doctrine of prayer, the doctrine of Scripture, and the doctrine of creation and providence respectively, but in a way that doesn’t seem like doctrine. The author uses a simple rhyming scheme to draw in young ears and minds, with interactive prompts to encourage participation. God Hears Me includes directions for the children to look sad or happy, to raise or stretch out their hands, and to repeat simple phrases. God Speaks to Me begins by illustrating God’s voice in nature (with sound effects the children can imitate) and goes on to present his word in Scripture as authoritative and reliable. God Cares for Me pictures animals (more sound effects) with the refrain “our God cares for them,/ and he cares for me.” The concluding pages encourage children to “Now look—” at the birds of the air, the flowers of the field, and finally Jesus, God’s greatest expression of love and care.

The text is based on specific scripture passages, referenced in the Note to Parents along for suggestions for a simple devotional time. The final word in each book is “me,” and the final page in each one features a lift-up flap with reflecting paper underneath, so children can see themselves reflected and, it’s hoped, relate God’s word, care, grace, and providence to themselves.  The simple, colorful illustrations are of boys and girls and animals that little one can easily relate to. These books are fun to read with sound, Bible-based theology.

Overall Rating: 5

• Worldview/moral value: 5
• Artistic/literary value: 5

Read more about our ratings here.

More at Redeemed Reader:

• Reviews: We’re fans of the Baby Believer Board Books (starred review). The Big Theology for Little Hearts series is worth checking out,, too.
• Resource: Does your church nursery have a library? Here’s why it should.
• Reflection: Gladys Hunt’s thoughts about board books.

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