JANUARY | GOD GIVES US RELATIONSHIPS
Best Books for Babies and Toddlers: January Edition
After the Christmas season — with its gatherings and grandparents and celebrations — January is a natural time to talk about the people God has placed in our lives. Our Monthly Menus curriculum anchors this month in a beautiful truth: God gives us relationships. We were made for connection because we were made in the image of a relational God.
This month's books are full of family, neighbors, belonging, and the joy of being known and loved by the people around us.
Never Too Little! by Steph Williams — With this engaging retelling of Mark 10:13-16, toddlers hear how they are never too little to be God’s friend. In fact, that is the most important relationship in their life!
Which Shape Should I Be? by Pamela Kennedy — This story revisits familiar shapes and invites children to notice how each one is different. It gently points to the deeper truth that God creates each of us uniquely and wants a relationship with each of us.
Curious Me! Families by Alison Behnke — This book gives toddlers language for family relationships, helping them name roles and recognize the people God has placed in their lives.
A Little Book About Food by Leo Lionni — Food anchors relationships. For young children it's shared routines and care; for adults it's a meal and conversation around the table.
The Trinity by Ryan McKenzie — This book introduces the Trinity with simple language and thoughtful illustrations. It opens a gentle door to the deepest relational truth of all: that God Himself exists in eternal relationship.
Tea Party Rules by Ame Dyckman — This is a charming story about a bear swept into an unexpected tea party. It’s a wonderful on-ramp for imaginative play while opening conversations about belonging and hospitality.
God’s Very Good Idea by Trillia Newbell — This story celebrates God’s design for relationships within His family, the Church. I appreciate that it comes in both hardcover and board book formats, making it accessible to a range of ages.
Every Neighbor by Sarah Nunnally — This newly published book highlights the beauty of diversity and the call to love our neighbors well. Bonus: it features ways to say "hello" in 12 different languages!
Want a simple, intentional way to use these books all month long without doing hours of lesson prep?
That's exactly what Monthly Menus was designed for. Each month's curriculum fits in a menu sleeve and is ready to guide your conversations, songs, prayers, and playtime.
👉 Grab the JANUARY Monthly Menu here
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