AUGUST | GOD MADE EVERYTHING
Best Books for Babies and Toddlers: August Edition
In the beginning, God made everything. If you've spent even five minutes with a baby or toddler, you know they believe this truth wholeheartedly. Every dog, every bird, every worm in the sidewalk crack gets a full, enthusiastic reaction. August is the perfect month to lean into that natural wonder and point it right back to our Creator.
This month in Monthly Menus, we begin where God begins His story: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." I chose the books in our book basket this month to reinforce this truth through animals, colors, shapes, and a whole lot of animal sounds.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Eric Carle — One of our family favorites for talking about animals! In addition to naming each animal and color, I always end up asking my little one, “What does a cat say?” Cue the loud “MEOW MEOW!” This one pairs perfectly with its companion book below.
Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? by Eric Carle — If Brown Bear teaches us to see, this one teaches us to listen. Roars, trumpets, and snorts are the perfect opportunity to remind little ones that God gave every animal its very own voice.
Noah and the Very Big Boat by Tim Thornborough — This whole series is my favorite! The onomatopoeia makes it easy to animate when reading aloud. Add some movement actions, and you’ve got a storytime full of giggles and truth. I love this one for August because it’s filled with animals AND echoes God’s character. God is faithful to keep His promises.
On the Farm by Davenport and Roberts — Babies are captivated by the bold black-and-white patterns. It encourages visual tracking and keeps them engaged during tummy time.
DK Baby Touch and Feel: Bible Animals — This simple, sturdy book pairs textures with different animals from favorite Bible stories. Little hands love it.
What Are Eyes For? by Abbey Wedgeworth — A gentle introduction to God’s design for our bodies, paired with Scripture and sweet illustrations. The lift-a-flap features keep hands busy.
God Made Animals by Michael Vander Klipp — This one is always a favorite in our Sunday School. Kids love carrying it around and looking at the pictures of different animals. It’s simple, sturdy, and easy for little hands to hold.
God’s Bright Beautiful Colors by Crystal Bowman and Teri McKinley — I love to use this book as a conversation starter with young children. Read this book, then easily transition to your own color scavenger hunt. “Look at all the beautiful colors God made!”
All The Colors That I See by B&H Kids— Since each month of Monthly Menus focuses on a different color, this book feels like a perfect fit! It connects every hue in God’s creation to His beauty and creativity. It’s a wonderful addition to your library that goes beyond most color books for this age, helping little ones see that every color points back to the Creator of all things.
Hello, Farm! Indestructibles Book — If you haven’t witnessed the showdown between a baby and an Indestructibles book, you’re in for a treat. These books can handle it all: drool, chewing, tearing, and getting crumpled at the bottom of my diaper bag. Truly indestructible! I love this one for its farm animal focus since animals naturally capture the attention of little ones.
Old MacDonald Had A Farm: Indestructibles Book— Ditto to everything I said about the Indestructibles series; these books can survive anything! I especially love this one as a companion to our August Monthly Menus theme since “Old MacDonald” is one of our focus songs this month.
Hello Hello Shapes by Brendan Wenzel — Since Monthly Menus highlights a new shape each month, this book fits right in! Wenzel showcases a diverse array of animals through familiar shapes. It’s playful, visually rich, and the whimsical creatures will keep little eyes glued to every page.
God Cares For Me by Kristen Wetherell— The rhyming truths paired with the charming illustrations make this a book we grab again and again. Even though this book is written for kids under four, the message that the God who made us also loves and cares for us deeply is a truth we need at every age.
Our Little Library: Volumes 1 & 2 by Tabitha Paige — My husband jokingly calls these “sad beige baby” books, but I say they’re the loveliest way to introduce little ones to animals (and other first words) through stunning watercolor art. They’re simple, peaceful, and beautiful.
Little Rabbits’ First Word Book by Alan Baker — This one feels nostalgic! Each time we turn a page, I love pausing to remind my little one, “God made that!” It’s a sweet, simple way to weave truth into early vocabulary learning.
God Chose Me! Celebrating Who God Made Me to Be by Lexa Hale — I enjoy the easy rhymes in this board book, and that it praises God for making each child unique. It beautifully balances celebrating who God made us to be while keeping the focus on Him, not on self.
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 August Monthly Menu here
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