Lent is not my favorite season. There. I said it out loud. It’s a rough one for me, but I’m making a serious effort NOT to pass my ‘bad attitude’ towards this holy time down to my children.
I’ve looked for ways to teach my young kids about their relationship with God and helping others and making sacrifices during the Lenten season. Each year I work to try new things and see what works and what doesn’t. (Let’s be real, there’s been a lot that hasn’t worked!) Last year we did the Jesus Tree from Nancy over at Catholic Sprouts. My kids LOVED it! (You can buy it here.) So we are planning to do it again this year. And I have a few new ideas up my sleeve. (Backyard stations of the cross? We shall see!)
But as you all know, I love books. There’s no better way to teach kids than by curling up with them to read a book. Most holidays and seasons are FULL of book lists, but Lent is one that doesn’t have quite so many options.
This is why I’ve put this list together! Consider it my Lenten offering to you. I’ve tried to give as many options as possible. One for each day of Lent if necessary! This list is full of prayer books, reflection books, beautiful picture books, religious stories retold, Catholic fiction stories, stories of sacrifice, and stories of giving to others.
So, this Lent, find some books that might work for you and your family and have blessed, beautiful, and holy Lent!
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Books of Prayer/Reflection for Children
God Gave Us Easter is a great story for sharing the reason for Easter in simple terms. It shows ‘new life’ found where things are seemingly dead and it reiterates the story of Jesus and the promise that he would come to take care of our sins. (Ages 3-7)
Humphrey’s First Palm Sunday is a sequel to Humphrey’s story as a young camel when he first met Jesus when he was just a baby. Now he is much older and wiser and is present during Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. The pictures are beautiful and the camel’s goofy nature brings fun to the story. This story stays true to the story of Palm Sunday and is great for kids. (Ages 4-8)
The Donkey That No One Could Ride is a simple story about a young, scared donkey. He meets a man who asks him to carry him on an important ride. The little donkey does not feel he is worthy, but the man gives him courage. He agrees to the job and as he carries the man through Jerusalem and people call him a prophet, the donkey feels special. (Ages 3-7) For a full review of this book and other Anthony DeStefano books, read our blog post 
The Parable of the Lily tells the story of a farmer’s young daughter who receives a bulb as a gift. She is disappointed and the gift is forgotten and eventually thrown into the garden. She is surprised when she wakes up on Easter morning to find a Lily blooming in its place. Part of a series of parables for little children, this story shares the message of forgiveness and new life. (Ages 3-8)
The First Easter Bunny is simple story that shares the story of Jesus’s death and resurrection told through the eyes of a rabbit. Perfect for an Easter gift! (Ages 4-8)