In our increasingly multicultural world, many of us are interested in presenting our children to religions other than our own. And what better way to do that through books? The following is a list of books for the introduction of children ages 3-9 religions other than their own. They include two books for each of the five major religions of the world, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Christianity. There are a few mentions related to other traditions or prepared for older children, threw the end.
Buddhism
Becoming Buddha: the story of Siddhartha, Whitney Stewart - this is an introduction to the main themes of Buddhism through a narrative of the history of the life of the Buddha. One of the few offers of Buddhists targeting children this young, interesting illustration and fascinating history kept the interest of young children.
Peaceful piggy meditation, by Kerry Lee Maclean - this book introduces children to the meditation by portray as a tool that can be used to help them deal with difficult everyday situations more often face - had been ridiculed by his brothers, falling into the school, or served a dinner cannot be sustained.
Hinduism
A lamp of illumination: a history of Diwali by Jonny Zucker - geared for the younger end of this range of age, this book presents the Hindu festival of Diwali walking through the holding of a family of the day. It is part of the time series of Festival, a collection of books introduction of all the great religions holiday.
The little book of Hindu deities: the goddess of wealth on the sacred cow, by Sanjay Patel - this is not a book for children, but children love. The author is an animator with Pixar Studios and has pointed out the hip, colorful drawings of all the major Hindu gods, along with a brief description. An entertaining way for anyone of any age to learn about the Hindu pantheon.
Islam
Ramadan by Suhaib Hamid Ghazi - this book follows a young man named Hakeem through major rites of Ramadan, including fasting, prayer, and visits to the mosque. The illustrations are exquisite, capture of eyes and minds of children.
Salam: Story of an American Muslim boy, by Tricia Brown - a profile of a real-life American Muslim boy and his family, represented through simple text and pictures. This book presents the five pillars of Islam and cultural aspects of Islam as the hijab (veil of women) in an accessible way, as well as broaching the difficult issue of religious intolerance.
Judaism
What makes someone a Jew? by Lauren Seidman - rhyme text and color photographs, this book introduces children to the diversity of the Jews of the world. Focused on the shared principles of love and goodness, this book focuses more on a sense of inclusion than religious theology, but presents a powerful multicultural picture of modern Judaism.
Treasure of family of Beni for Jewish holidays, by Jane Breskin Zalben - for an introduction more informative but entertaining in early Judaism, try this collection of five stories about bear Beni and his family trials and tribulations while celebrating various Jewish holidays. These stories combine educational information and good storytelling of a rare form of religious books for children.
Christianity
First Christmas Humphrey, by Carol Heyer - this adorable version of the story of the Nativity is told from the perspective of Humphrey, a grumpy camel witnessing the event. Humphrey starts to appreciate the value of what is involved in, put aside their own grievances and learns the true meaning of Christmas - selfless giving and love.
The history of Easter, by Brian Wildsmith - the history of Easter is not easy to relay to children, with betrayal, suffering and prominent death. This beautifully illustrated version does justice, focusing on the deep meaning of each event without condensation on the details too. As in the previous book, an animal features prominently, this time the donkey Jesus riding in Jerusalem.
Honorable mentions
These books are designed for slightly older children, or try to religions other than those covered above.
One world, many religions: the ways we worship, by Mary Pope Osborne - study of religions around the world from perspectives of children, aimed for 9-12 years.
Religion (DK Eyewitness Series), by Myrtle Langley - another book of study for children aged 9-12, in the series of education known DK Eyewitness.
Meet Jesus: the life and teachings of a master loved, by Lynn Tuttle Gurney - accessible and universalist telling the life story of Jesus, suitable for Christian and non-Christian Liberals.
Moon walk by Anika Stafford - Aisha introduction to pagan festivals and celebrations throughout the year.
Short Zen, by Jon Muth - introduction to the Zen principles by a giant panda, aimed at children 9-12, but the images pulled my four-year-old in as well.
The Prince of elephant: the story of Ganesh, by Amy Novesky - beautifully illustrated story of Ganesh, the Hindu God.
Lisa Erickson is a MOM, teacher of meditation and writer. Visit his blog http://www.MommyMystic.wordpress.com for reviews of spiritual books and information on meditation and spirituality.