Lent is a season of preparation, a time to turn our hearts toward Jesus as we journey with Him to the cross. It is rich with meaning, tradition, and spiritual depth. But how do we invite our children into this sacred time in a way that speaks to their hearts? How do we help them experience Lent, rather than simply observing it?
One of the most powerful ways to do this is through good books.
Children love stories. They understand the world through the rhythm of a good tale, through characters who struggle, persevere, and grow. And Lent, at its heart, is a story, the greatest story ever told. It is a journey from ashes to Alleluias, from darkness to light, from death to resurrection.
By filling our homes with beautiful, well-told stories during Lent, we give our children a framework to better understand this season. Books become a way to disciple them, to teach them not just what Lent is but why it matters.
Choosing Books for Lent
The best Lenten books do more than just tell a Bible story. They invite children to feel the weight of sin and the beauty of grace, to walk alongside Jesus in His suffering, and to long for the joy of Easter morning. Here are some of my favorite children's books for Lent:
Twas the Season of Lent by Glenys Nellist
Glenys Nellist is one of my favorite children's book authors! I love her "Twas" series, especially Twas the Season of Lent! 'Twas the Season of Lent is a 40-day devotional and storybook that explores the life, words, and works of Jesus and encourages families to draw closer to God during the Lenten Season. This book focuses on Jesus's mission to the least, the lost, and the lonely, with each story and accompanying prayer prompt encouraging children to try to be more like Jesus and to do what God calls them to.
Make Room: A Child's Guide to Lent and Easter by Laura Alary.
Make Room presents Lent as a special time for creating a welcoming space for God. This unique book integrates themes of hospitality and self-giving that echo Jesus’ life. Make Room invites children to wonder about the story, to encounter Lent with all their senses, and to experience activities in Lent as part of a life of discipleship.
Make Space for Jesus: Learning About Lent and Easter by Laura Alary
Also from Laura Alary, this is a simple board book for the youngest readers to experience the story of Jesus at this important time of year. With simple text and soft, watercolor illustrations, Make Space for Jesus teaches young children about Jesus’ way of compassion, welcome, and generosity, and suggests little ways that we can make room in our hearts for others, like smiling and saying hello. This reassuring little book makes it clear that sadness is not the end of the story but gives way to joy and new life.
Corresponding to the 40 days of Lent, this beautiful book gives you 40 stories about who Jesus is, getting you ready for Easter. Starting with Jesus’ time in the temple as a boy and ending with His appearances after the resurrection, The Easter Storybook invites readers into the big picture of God’s love. Each of the 40 full-color, beautifully illustrated stories includes a Bible passage and a conversational question to guide families through the Easter season together.
What We Do In Lent by Anne E. Kitch
Fun activities that teach children and their families about the holy season of Lent. These fun-filled activities for home, pew, or church school, help children ages 4-7 learn about the seasons of Lent and Easter. This book includes mazes, crossword puzzles, connect the dots, and more. 41 pages of activities and a 4-page parent guide designed to promote parenting in the pews. Includes family Lenten devotionals. Suitable for any Christian denomination that follows the liturgical calendar.
Making It a Lenten Practice
Using books as a discipleship tool during Lent doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as gathering in the evenings with a cup of tea and a story, reading together after morning prayers, or setting aside one night a week for a longer reflection. The goal is to let these stories shape your home, your conversations, and ultimately, your children’s understanding of Lent.
As you walk through Lent together, may these books open the door to deep discussions, heartfelt prayers, and a richer experience of this holy season.
What are some of your favorite books to read during Lent? Let’s build a beautiful list together!
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