The 10 best apologetics picture books for preschoolers
Help your little ones discover the wonders of faith early with these 10 best apologetics picture books for preschoolers. Each picture book features charming stories and colorful illustrations that gently explain why God is real, truth matters, the resurrection happened, and Jesus loves us—perfect for sparking joyful family conversations and building a strong foundation. This curated list of books is ideal for children ages 3 to 6.
With these Christian picture books, you’ll be sharing:
Core truths about who God is and how we receive redemption through Jesus.
How Jesus died, rose again, and invites us into his family.
That the universe had a beginning and God created it.
A mom reads a Christian apologetics picture book to her preschooler, highlighting the joy of introducing Christ and the reasons to believe in Jesus early and in a fun and engaging way.
Top 10 apologetics picture books for preschoolers
1. ‘The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross' by Carl Laferton
Carl Laferton, author and series editor of gospel resources, created this bestselling illustrated picture book in the “Tales That Tell the Truth” series to explain salvation to young children. With vibrant artwork by Catalina Echeverri, it traces God's story from the Garden of Eden's perfection, through sin's separation symbolized by the temple curtain and how it was torn as a symbol of gaining direct access to God, and Jesus’s death and resurrection. This Christian book clearly teaches why Jesus died and rose, delivering the best news ever for ages 3-6.
2. ‘The Ology: Ancient Truths, Ever New' by Marty Machowski
Marty Machowski, a pastor and father of six, authored this stunningly illustrated beginner's theology book to help children understand core Christian doctrines. In “The Ology,” siblings Carla and Timothy discover an ancient book in a cathedral cellar, unfolding truths about who God is, his attributes, sin, salvation, and Jesus' redemptive work through engaging stories, analogies, and Scripture connections. This systematic yet story-driven resource explains God clearly. It’s adaptable for family reading for ages 4-12.
3. ‘Jesus Rose for Me' by Jared Kennedy
Jared Kennedy, a family ministry expert, also authored “Jesus Rose For Me,” which traces events from Palm Sunday to the resurrection, showing Jesus as King who died and rose powerfully, inviting children to trust him and join his family forever. With modern, vivid illustrations by Trish Mahoney, this engaging, conversationally written story celebrates that Jesus is alive every day, for ages 3-7.
4. ‘Pig and the Accidental Oink!' by J.D. Camorlinga
J.D. Camorlinga, a husband-and-wife team with backgrounds in Christian apologetics and art from Biola University, created the “Picture Book Apologetics” series to equip young children with reasoned defenses of faith. In “Pig and the Accidental Oink!,” siblings James and Ruth encounter a grumpy pig who claims the universe began by accident rather than God's design. Their father guides them through a simple version of the Kalam Cosmological Argument, helping them understand why belief in a Creator is reasonable. This colorful picture book introduces foundational apologetics concepts gently, encouraging early critical thinking and family discussions for ages 4-8.
5. ‘Jesus Came for Me' by Jared Kennedy
Jared Kennedy, a family ministry expert, wanted to make Christmas personal for young children. “Jesus Came For Me” shares how Jesus was born, from Zechariah's announcement to the wise men's visit. It traces Jesus' birth as God becoming a baby — sharing good news and joy for all. With vivid illustrations, this conversational story invites toddlers and preschoolers to believe and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, for ages 3-7.
6. ‘Possums and the Empty Tomb' by J.D. Camorlinga
J.D. Camorlinga, a husband-and-wife team with backgrounds in Christian apologetics and art from Biola University, created the “Picture Book Apologetics” series to equip young children with reasoned defenses of faith. In “Possums and the Empty Tomb,” siblings James and Ruth meet a trio of possums who challenge the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. The children thoughtfully defend the historical evidence for the empty tomb and resurrection. This colorful picture book gently introduces resurrection apologetics, promoting critical thinking and family discussions for ages 4-8.
7. ‘Chameleon's Can of Worms' by J.D. Camorlinga
J.D. Camorlinga, a husband-and-wife team with backgrounds in Christian apologetics and art from Biola University, created the “Picture Book Apologetics” series to equip young children with reasoned defenses of faith. In “Chameleon's Can of Worms,” siblings James and Ruth meet a relativistic chameleon while fishing, who steals their bait and claims truth and morality are subjective. Their mother teaches them about absolute truth grounded in God, helping them defend objective right and wrong. This colorful picture book gently introduces moral apologetics, fostering critical thinking and family discussions for ages 4-8.
8. ‘Why God?' by Dan DeWitt
Dan DeWitt, an apologetics professor with a passion for storytelling, wrote this illustrated picture book to make big questions about God accessible to young children. In “Why God?,” curious Thomas wonders why we believe in God and, with his sister Hope, explores how there is a Creator. This book gently introduces evidence for God's existence, opening hearts to His wonders and including a parent connection section to help families discuss the story. It’s ideal for ages 4-8.
9. ‘How Do We Know God Is Really There?' by Melissa Cain Travis
Melissa Cain Travis, a Christian apologist with a science background, authored this illustrated picture book series to introduce young children to evidence for faith. In “How Do We Know God Is Really There?,” young Thomas stargazes with his father in their tree house and asks how we know God exists. Together, they explore the wonder of creation and basic cosmological evidence pointing to a divine Designer. This engaging, beautifully illustrated story gently teaches the teleological argument, drawing on Psalm 19, and invites family discussions for ages 4-8.
10. ‘The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible' by Jared Kennedy
Jared Kennedy, a family ministry expert, wrote “The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible” for toddlers and preschoolers. It features 52 retold Old and New Testament stories. With bright illustrations by Trish Mahoney, it traces God's promises fulfilled surprisingly through Jesus, highlighting redemption, grace, and mercy in simple, compelling ways. Each story ends with a discussion question, incorporating fun elements like counting and patterns, to share God's love clearly for young hearts ages 2-6.
‘Just in Case You Ever Wonder' by Max Lucado
While not an apologetics book, “Just in Case You Ever Wondered” is still one to read with your preschooler. Max Lucado, a New York Times bestselling author, wrote this beloved board book to assure young children of God’s unwavering love. With tender new illustrations by Eve Tharlet featuring parent and baby bears, it parallels a parent's enduring presence with God's unconditional love: from birth through fears, changes, and even to heaven. This timeless story introduces little ones to Jesus' great love, perfect for ages 0-4.
Looking for more apologetics book recommendations?
➡️ Ultimate guide to the 27 best Christian apologetics books
➡️ Our curated list of Christian testimony books
Mackenzie Ryan Walters is the author of “Faith Storytellers: Unleash the Power of Your Story,” which shares Christian testimonies and stories, as well as curated lists about Christian books, gifts, and more. A national award-winning education journalist who’s covered a presidential campaign and been inside NASA, Mackenzie now edits the Faith Storytellers website and is passionate about lifting up and sharing the story God is writing in the world.
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