5 Baptism Gift Books to Help Children Know Jesus

Laura Barry
Blog
21 Jul 2026
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Long after the baptism day is over and the family photographs have been put away, a thoughtful gift can still remind a child that they are loved, they belong and God is always with them.

A children’s Bible, or a picture book rooted in faith, can bring that message into ordinary moments. It might be read at bedtime, shared with a grandparent or picked up by the child as they grow. Over time, its stories can help them learn about Jesus and understand how much he loves them.

It is the kind of gift a family can return to long after the baptism day has passed.

Here are five baptism gift books that can help children begin to know Jesus.

1. NLT Baby Blessings Bible

Best for: A baby, newborn or very young child
Choose this book for: A complete Bible and a keepsake in one

The NLT Baby Blessings Bible is a gift a child can keep for years. It contains the complete New Living Translation Bible, along with pages where parents can record memories from their baby’s first months and years.

Its 24 keepsake pages include space for family details, birth information, first measurements, a first tooth, first steps and first words. There is also a presentation page for a personal message and a ribbon marker for saving a favourite passage.

The New Living Translation is easy to read aloud, which makes it a great choice for family reading while the child is young. As they grow, they can begin reading it all by themselves.

Why it makes a meaningful baptism gift

This is the most traditional keepsake Bible in the collection.

Unlike a Bible storybook for young children, it contains the full biblical text. The child may not read it by themselves for several years, but it is something they can carry with them through childhood and beyond.

The memory pages give parents a place to record the people and moments that mattered during the child’s early years.

A grandparent or godparent could also write a baptism message inside the cover, perhaps adding a favourite Bible verse or a short prayer. Years later, those handwritten words may be one of the most treasured parts of the gift.

2. The Lion Baby Bible

Winner of the 2026 IBPA Book Awards in the Religion category.

Best for: Babies and toddlers aged 0–2
Choose this book for: A gentle first introduction to Bible stories

Written and illustrated by Antonia Woodward, The Lion Baby Bible includes 45 short stories from the Old and New Testaments, written especially for babies and toddlers.

The stories use only a few words, and each one shares a simple message about God’s love. The warm, colourful pictures give young children lots to notice, while adults can point to the animals, people and familiar scenes as they read.

Why it makes a meaningful baptism gift

This is a book families can enjoy from the very beginning.

A baby will not understand the whole story, but they can look at the pictures and listen to the voice of a parent, grandparent or godparent. At this age, reading together is really about being close, sharing a quiet moment and helping books become part of everyday life.

As the child gets older, the stories can lead to simple little reminders such as:

“God made the world.”

“Jesus welcomes children.”

“God hears us when we pray.”

“Jesus loves you.”

The Lion Baby Bible is a lovely baptism gift for someone who wants to share Bible stories with a child from their earliest years.

3. Stories Jesus Told

Best for: Young children

Choose this book for: A warm introduction to the stories Jesus told

Jesus often told stories to help people understand what God is like and how he wants us to treat one another. In Stories Jesus Told, Nick Butterworth and Mick Inkpen retell eight of these stories for young children.

The book includes the Lost Sheep, the House on the Rock, the Precious Pearl, the Good Stranger and the Ten Silver Coins. The writing is easy to follow, with gentle humour and bright, lively pictures.

The stories are short enough for bedtime or a quiet read with a parent or grandparent. They touch on kindness, forgiveness, trust and looking after other people without feeling heavy or preachy.

Why it makes a meaningful baptism gift

This book gives children a chance to hear the stories Jesus himself told.

Sheep that wander off, a neighbour who stops to help and a house built on rock are easy for children to picture and remember. They can also lead to simple questions such as, “Who was kind in this story?” or “Why do you think Jesus told this one?”

It is a good choice for a family that enjoys reading picture books together. You can read one story at a time, whenever there is a quiet moment.

There does not need to be a lesson after every page. Sometimes simply sitting together and enjoying one of Jesus’ stories is enough.

4. The Children's Storybook Bible

Best for: Children aged 4–10

Choose this book for: A first Bible they can keep coming back to

Written by Deborah Lock, The Children’s Storybook Bible includes 80 stories from the Old and New Testaments.

As well as familiar stories, it includes parts of the Bible that do not always appear in children’s collections, such as the Psalms, Solomon’s wisdom, the prophets and Lamentations. The stories are arranged in order, from creation through to Jesus.

There are colourful illustrations throughout, along with maps, Bible references, a guide to difficult names and a glossary. Younger children can listen as an adult reads, while older children can choose stories to read on their own.

Why it makes a meaningful baptism gift

This is a great choice for a child who is ready for a Bible with a little more depth.

There is plenty to read, but it does not feel too grown-up. Children will find familiar people such as Noah, Moses and David, as well as stories and passages they may not have heard before.

At first, a parent might read one story at bedtime. As the child gets older, they may start choosing their own favourites, looking at the maps or finding the original passages in the Bible.

It is a book they can enjoy now and still find something new in as they grow.

5. God’s Colourful Kingdom Storybook Bible

Best for: Children aged 6–11

Choose this book for: A child learning about God’s worldwide family

Written by biblical scholar and father of four Esau McCaulley, God’s Colourful Kingdom Storybook Bible includes 31 stories from the Old and New Testaments.

Alongside well-known stories, it includes people and events that are often missed out of children’s Bibles. The stories show God’s love, justice and care for others, and remind children that his family includes people from every country, culture and background.

The book also touches on belonging, fairness, kindness and caring for people who are sometimes forgotten. The bold, colourful illustrations spread across two pages and give children lots to notice while they listen.

Why it makes a meaningful baptism gift

At baptism, a child is welcomed into the Church. This book helps show them that the Church is not only the people they see on a Sunday, but a worldwide family made up of all kinds of people.

It is well suited to children who are starting to ask questions about why people are treated differently and what it means to care for others. Parents and grandparents can use the stories to talk about welcoming people, standing up for what is right and treating everyone as someone loved by God.

After reading, you might ask, “What does this story tell us about God?” or “Who could we show kindness to this week?” Sometimes one small question is all you need.

Which baptism gift book should I choose?

The best choice will depend on the child’s age and the kind of book their family will actually use.

For a baby or toddler, The Lion Baby Bible has short stories that parents can begin reading straight away. The NLT Baby Blessings Bible is a better fit for someone who wants to give a full Bible, along with space to record family memories and early milestones.

For a young child who enjoys picture books, Stories Jesus Told introduces some of Jesus’ best-known parables through simple storytelling and lively illustrations.

The Children’s Storybook Bible suits a child who is ready for a larger collection of Bible stories, with maps, references and other features they can use as they get older.

For an older child, God’s Colourful Kingdom Storybook Bible explores belonging, fairness, compassion and the worldwide Church.

What should I write inside a book for a baptism?

You do not need to write anything long or formal. Just write what you hope the child will always know.

You could write:

On your baptism day, we pray that you will always know how much God loves you. We hope this book helps you learn about Jesus and reminds you that he is always with you. With all our love.

You could also add:

The child’s full name
The date and church of the baptism
How you are related to them
A short prayer
A Bible verse that means something to you

Before you give the book, write a few personal words inside the cover. Years from now, the child may still have the book you chose and the message you wrote for them.