There are lots of great resources for under 5's. Carefully worded books and bibles with absolutely stunning illustrations that really open up the stories to the young enquiring mind. These recommendations come from my own experience using them in group settings and with my own under 5's at home and of course with an acknowledgement that all children are different but here are a selection that I and my children have particularly enjoyed.

Lion Children's have some amazing offerings.

"Hello God! Hello world! It's me!"

So says the little boy on page 9 of Baby Prayers and it always reminds me of my son's approach to life and makes me smile. There are some beautiful prayers and illustrations in this book, and although my son only really sits still for Thomas the Tank Engine stories he has taken interest we particularly like the 'Walls fall down'story, especially this part "Joshua was brave and strong.... The people came to a great big city with great big walls and great big gates. 'Oh dear,'said Joshua'". Then we practice marching! Anyway, I digress slightly but suffice to say these are good for teenies and would make great presents.

'My Little Bible Board Book'and 'My First Bible'also available from Lion are worth a look. The 'My First Bible'is great at presenting more of the Bible stories in sequence but brilliantly they are in very small chunks that you can read in 2 minutes. Although short, I don't think they detract from the meaning either and seem carefully worded. I'm not so keen on the pictures in this one, but that's a personal art critic thing, especially when we're spoiled with the beauty of Susie Poole and other Lion offerings.

'You are very Special'  by Su Box, illustrated by Suzie Poole is a lovely book, highlighting the uniqueness of each person and teaching that we are all special in the eyes of God. Great - especially if you're special little person is needs reminding of the fact.

Easter Journey by Susie Poole was given to my daughter by her Godmummy just before Easter and it proved a great book really opening up God's story in an innovative way. We both appreciated that this book put the Easter story in the context of God's whole story and provoked lots of questions about other Bible stories and how it all fits together. As usual Susie's artwork is AMAZING, really enhancing and giving impact to the story and I can't wait to get my hands on 'A Christmas Journey'  hoping it's as good.

 
Praise Baby is described as follows; 'This audio and video series targeted at 1 – 36 month olds, is the only series to combine proven early childhood development principles, biblical values, and the biggest Praise & Worship songs with fun interactive video'.

It is an amazing resourse and proven in my own household to be calming and relaxing to my 18 month old and my 4 year old at times when they are fracious (my childminder has also used it with the same effect!). I have also occassionally put it on later in the evening if the children wake and need calming to enable them to go back to sleep. Not only that, the songs speak to me too whilst the children enjoy the music and images. 

Praise Baby is usable in a creche and group setting too, as background or to put on for a few minutes to focus small children before a story time.  

Praise baby is american in origin but can be purchased through online Christian storeEden orAmazon but just make sure you purchase Region 2 DVD's otherwise they might not work on your player which would be  a shame because Praise Baby is worth shouting about, it's an excellent resource. For more information about Praise Baby check out 

I also think thatVeggie Talesare worth look with the upper end of the pre-school age group too. Because most of them are fairly short, fast moving and colourful they hold the attention of most children. My only criticism of Veggie Tales in relation to the length of the film is the cost, however if you shop around there are some deals, for example our localSt Andrew's Bookshop recently had a three-for-two sale, which helped a bit.

Veggie Tales are also availablehere