Books on Spirituality

I agree with the suggestion of Max Lucado books. They are wonderful. My favorite is "You are Special."

GREAT question!
I recently asked at the local library, a whole section dedicated to every spiritual path, just dandy! Also might peruse Chopra's Seven Spiritual Laws for parents, 'cause as we well know kids learn by example.
Good job mommin'!

I absolutely love the Max Lucado books. They have some really great messages.

You would really appreciate the selections at www.forsmallhands.com and www.montessoriservices.com. They are the same company, just the parent/home supply catalog and the school supply catalog, but anyone can order from either one. Peace education is part of traditional Montessori curriculum so there are several books written about being peaceful and mindful in daily life. Everything I have purchased from those sources has been top-quality and very carefully selected.
You may also be interested in the book "A World of Faith," which is beautifully illustrated and touches on basic beliefs of many different religions. It's written for children, but I have found it informative, too.
Best wishes!

-"I Chose You"
http://www.amazon.com/Chose-You-Lindsey-E-Shumway/dp/1555...

-"Precious Moments Holy Bible"
http://www.amazon.com/Precious-Moments-Holy-Bible-Pink/dp...

-Any of the Veggietales Books. We mostly watch their videos, but they have TONS of books, too.
http://www.amazon.com/s/qid=1247154510/ref=sr_gnr_spell?i...

you can also play games on the Veggietales website: http://www.bigideafun.com/veggietales/arcade/alphabet_sou...

We are a half jewish half christian family and when god came up with my six year old I wanted a book that came many perspectives so that he could find one idea he connected with. If you go to the official Montessori website and order their catalogue (you could probably order online and skip the catalog) they have some great stuff regarding spirituality. I think their catalogue is called "little hands". They have a book on death and one on god called "Who is God" that talks about different religions beliefs about who god is. The death book takes on the subject the same way teaching different cultures beliefs about what happens after death. They even have a book about differnet cultural traditions on lossing a tooth. Hope that is helpful.

All I See is Part of Me is a good one! You can probably find it on Amazon.com.

I'm glad you asked this question, I would like some books too. I know it doesn't answer your question but I just wanted to share another idea of helping your child with gratitude. Every night at dinner we always talk about something good that we are thankful for.
Also if you ever are looking for a "church" the Unitarian Universalist is a wonderful gathering place of all sorts of beliefs. I haven't gone in awhile, but it was eye opening that I could be spiritual without religion. I meet everyone from someone just looking for a community to blended families. ( such as Jewish and Christian) I have never meet a group of people with such a sense of community, peace and a spirit of giving. Nothing gets pushed down your throat. I only mentioned this because I never knew there was a group, and growing up in a Catholic house, I had missed being connected with others after I left the christian theology.
I know this wasn't helpful to your question, but good luck. I am excited to see other suggestions.

I don't of any specific books, but can think of two religions that would be likely to sell something that would work - Unity is a Christian church with very spiritual focus. Unitarian Universalist is religion that draws on all world religions and spiritual traditions (and happens to be the church I grew up in). They have books and such available through their association at uuabookstore.org. I know I've read about a book that sounds like what you're looking for and it seems like they sell it there. Good luck in your search!

I see that you have had several suggestions already. Mine is not really for your child, but for you. I dont have lots of time for reading, so I listen to books on tape. The ones that I enjoy more than others, is Dr. Wayne Dyer. He is often on PBS, so you can see him. Part of why I enjoy this one is that he shows examples and by example. I dont feel like I am being lectured or talked down to.

Another one I liked was by Zig Ziglar, Raising positive children in a negative world. Has a lot of good points.

Another one that I like is "The Secret". I know a lot has been said about this one. I watch it often when I need a boost up.

I dont know if there "one" perfect book, take what is helpful and works for you and move forward. Good Luck on what ever you decide, if you are looking for a positive path, you will find it, keep your eye on the prize.

There are some great books out there..look up Illumination Arts Publishing
"All I see is part of me" and "Fun is a feeling" by Chara M. Curtis
"Inside Out"
"One smile"
"Cassandra's Angel"
"To sleep with the Angels'
and many, many more.
Also, go to www.indigodreams.net --they have books and meditation CD's specifically for children that teach how to deal with anger, bully's, good eating habits, holding your own special space, etc.
I have all this stuff for my kids and they've been great!
Enjoy!
J.

I agree with the book of mormon stories response. Joseph Smith said "that a man would get closer to God by abiding by its precepts than by any other book".

We love the Max Lucado books for children. (He also writes adult christian books) They are still my favorites and even though the kids are older they still enjoy having me read these to them! They are also good books to use as converation starters. K.

Hello JF,

I am not sure if your daughter is still 3 1/2, but if she is this book is not for her. However, I was thinking more along the lines of you. If you read this book you be able to make lifestyle choices and actions that will help teach her a peaceful way of living and understand the world we live in today. The book is titled Shambhala The Sacred Path of the Warrior by Chogyam Trungpa. This book is very spiritual and does not lean off of one particular religion, but more on peacefulness and love.

I hope you find it enjoyable!
Good Luck,
C.

I am a member of the Foothills Unitarian Church in Fort Collins. It is a very open place where people are free to express their spirituality and you are encouraged to ask questions. Everyone there has different beliefs...and that is okay! One of the things that drew me to check it out was their religious education program for children. It is all about exposing children to different ideas and beliefs so that they may take their own spiritual path when they are ready. They often have books (for children and adults) for sale before and/or after services. I have found quite a few great books there. I would imagine if you did a web search for unitarian universalist books for kids you would find some good options also.

I once heard that Shel Silverstien wrote The Giving Tree, to let a friend know about what he had learned about God. I think it is important for everyone to know that God genuinely likes them just how they are.

If you are looking for christian books - Bible stories, values, answers, etc. Concordia Publishing House, cph.org is a great resource. We love books like the St Nicholas, that gives history, and Macaroni and Cheese, Hot Dogs and Peas (a book about being thankful). My daughter loves the touch and feel Bible Stories and ones with lift the flaps. The other nice thing is there there are usually warehouse sales and other good deals.

Also, whenever we go to the Boulder Public Library my daughter finds great books about everything. She loves, My First Chanukah by Tomie de Paola and they have other books about blessings and such. Good luck and keep reading.

Book of Mormon Stories - wonderful message, can get it for free, and brings peace to millions. You can check out www.mormon.org to see what they have under "free media". Enjoy! My kids love it.