365 Bible Answers for Curious Kids

What inspired you to write 365 Bible Answers for Curious Kids?
As the mother of two children, I understand that growing up these days isn’t easy. Today, more than ever, children need to be informed, encouraged and reassured that God is real, that He personally loves them, and that He has a unique purpose for each of their lives. With this as my goal, a few years ago I wrote a book called If I Could Ask God Anything, featuring real-life questions from real-life kids about God, Jesus, the Bible and Christianity. Kids, parents and teachers wanted more! “Please write a 365-day devotional for kids,” they asked. So, I did!

Describe 365 Bible Answers for Curious Kids.
Day-by-day, naturally and gently, 365 Bible Answers for Curious Kids nurtures and grows the young reader’s knowledge and love of God through a deep and lasting personal relationship with His Son, Jesus. Each devotion begins with a Bible verse and ends with a short prayer, and is written so that it can be read and enjoyed on its own, anytime, anywhere! Many devotions include a “Want to know more?” cross-reference at the bottom of the page for the extra-curious child who wants to dig deeper and learn more. The book is written in fresh, clear, easy-to-understand language for kids of all ages and denominations. It’s not preachy. It’s not dry, dusty or boring. When I was writing the book, I imagined the voice of an everyday mom talking with her child, tenderly, lovingly – and with a little bit of humor, too!

What makes 365 Bible Answers for Curious Kids different from other daily devotionals?
In addition to introducing the young reader to knowing and loving God through faith in Jesus, the book also offers a complete introduction to basic Christianity! Day-by-day, over the course of one year, the book engages the reader’s heart and mind. In other words, with its unique Q & A format, 365 Bible Answers for Curious Kids is a devotional that’s both inspirational and educational. No other devotional does this!

What’s your favorite feature of 365 Bible Answers for Curious Kids?
I love the book’s emphasis on building the young reader’s faith vocabulary. I love the way the book is written for all denominations. I love the “Want to know more?” interactive cross-references for extra-curious kids. And I especially love the book’s incredibly helpful Index of Questions, which covers the following topics: Time; God; God’s Promises; Jesus; God’s Holy Spirit; The Bible; The Old Testament; The New Testament; Christianity; Prayer; The Church; Christian Seasons, Holidays and Traditions; Being a Christian Here and Now; Being a Christian Forever and Ever; Big Questions, and Famous Christians. Phew! There are, of course, zillions of questions about God and Jesus and Christianity – way more than can be answered in a single year – but I think kids and grown-ups alike will appreciate the book’s thorough research and accuracy for such a wide range of theological, historical, and faith topics.

What’s the number one question kids ask about God?
Little ones are very practical and literal-minded, and want to know answers to questions like, “If God is invisible how can I know He’s real?”; “What does Jesus look like?”; and “Will I see my pet in heaven?” Bigger kids ask bigger questions, such as “Can I believe in God and still believe in science?”; “Is it okay to pray before a test?” and “Does it matter to God how much time I spend online and watching TV?” I’ll never forget the day one of my fifth grade Sunday school students raised his hand and asked, “Mrs. Slattery, if God is all-powerful and all-loving, why does He allow evil to exist?” Yikes! Talk about a challenging question! The amazing truth is, big or small, children basically have the same questions about God as grown-ups.

What’s your favorite question in 365 Bible Answers for Curious Kids?
Oh, there are so many, I hardly know where to begin! Let’s see… Here’s a good one: “Is it true that an astronaut celebrated communion on the moon?” You will have to open the book and turn to the devotional for September 27 on page 282 to find out! I also love the question “Is it okay to question and sometimes have doubts about God?” The answer is yes! God loves it when His children ask questions. Questioning God is not unbelief. It’s the sign of a healthy, curious human mind! That’s why I encourage my readers to keep asking God questions. God loves a curious mind and a seeking heart.

What are your hopes and dreams for 365 Bible Answers for Curious Kids?
I absolutely love the thought of a young reader curled up in a quiet spot, lost in the pages of the book, and with each passing day being increasingly comforted and reassured of God’s reality and love. I also love picturing a mom or dad with a little one snuggled on their lap, reading and praying out loud together to their heavenly Father. With its Q & A format, the book is also perfect for family devotions around the kitchen table. You would be amazed at the lively conversation each day’s devotional can inspire!

Who benefits most from 365 Bible Answers for Curious Kids?
Oh, that’s easy! Everyone who has a precious little one in their life will want to share 365 Bible Answers for Curious Kids because it’s a book that promises to make a powerful positive difference in that child’s life. By “everyone,” I mean every mom, dad, grandparent, godparent, aunt, uncle, sibling, friend, Sunday school teacher, home schooling parent – everyone!