Read these great picture theology books

Looking for some good Christian children's picture books to read with your kiddos? As with so much else about the Christian faith, much of what's out there for kids is the same old-same old, filled with religious-ese that lacks vibrancy and a sense that this is real and useful to our everyday lives. 

The books by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso are a breath of fresh air.

Sasso was the second woman to be ordained as a rabbi in 1974, and the first rabbi to become a mother. She and her husband, Dennis, were the first rabbinical couple to jointly lead a congregation -- Beth-El Zedeck in Indianapolis.

Sasso holds a doctorate in ministry and is active in the interfaith community. Her books have been endorsed by Protestant, Catholic and Jewish religious leaders -- showing she does more than talk the talk.

Plus, she lectures on the renewal of spirituality and the discovery of religious imagination in children. Wow! This is something that is so needed within the worldwide church! This may be the key to getting away from the religious-ease churches are stuck in. Sasso's books create mystery and build upon religious stories in a new way.

Sasso's book, "In God's Name" reminds me of "Old Turtle" by Douglas Wood. Praised for the way this modern fable celebrates diversity and the unity of all people, "In God's Name" introduces children to the many seekers who are certain they've found THE name for God. But finally they come together and at least learn what God's name really is.

Other books, such as "A Prayer for the Earth: The story of Naamah, Noah's Wife," imagine who the people are who are merely named in the Bible. Much like the Midrash (the Jewish rabbinical literature), these stories add to our understanding of God.

Hennepin County Library has a great collection of Sasso's children's books.

Sasso's Children's Books

• God's Paintbrush, illustrated by Annette C. Compton, Jewish Lights Publishing (Woodstock, VT), 1992.
• In God's Name, illustrated by Phoebe Stone, Jewish Lights Publishing (Woodstock, Vermont), 1994.
• But God Remembered: Stories of Women from Creation to the Promised Land, Jewish Lights Publishing (Woodstock, Vermont), 1995.
• A Prayer for the Earth: The Story of Naamah, Noah's Wife, illustrated by Bethanne Andersen, Jewish Lights Publishing (Woodstock, Vermont), 1996.
• God in Between, illustrated by Sally Sweetland, Jewish Lights Publishing (Woodstock, Vermont), 1998.
• For Heaven's Sake, illustrated by Kathryn Kunz Finney, Jewish Lights Publishing (Woodstock, Vermont), 1999.
• God's Paintbrush, Jewish Lights Publishing (Woodstock, Vermont), 1999.
• What Is God's Name?, Jewish Lights Publishing (Woodstock, Vermont), 1999.
• God Said Amen, Jewish Lights Publishing (Woodstock, Vermont), 2000.
• Cain and Abel: Finding the Fruits of Peace, illustrated by Joani Keller Rothenberg, Jewish Lights Publishing (Woodstock, Vermont), 2001.
• Naamah, Noah's Wife, illustrated by Bethanne Andersen, Jewish Lights Publishing (Woodstock, Vermont), 2002.
• Adam and Eve's First Sunset: God's New Day, illustrated by Joani Keller Rothenberg, Jewish Lights Publishing (Woodstock, Vermont), 2003.
• Abuelita's Secret Matzahs, Emmis Books (Cincinnati), 2005.
• Butterflies under Our Hats, Paraclete Press (Orleans), 2006.