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The Book of Belonging: Bible Stories for Kind and Contemplative Kids
A Bible storybook to help the next generation of kids understand the rich diversity of God’s people, emphasizing identity, contemplation, and wonder.
The Book of Belonging is designed for families seeking a Bible storybook that reflects the diversity of God’s people and for every listener seeking a more expansive and wondrous view of God. The thoughtful text present some of Scripture’s most important and overlooked stories—including many female-centered ones—alongside old favorites reimagined to convey greater inclusivity, diversity, and historical representation.
Through narratives, mindful practices, and guided wonder moments, children and grown-ups alike will learn who God is and be reminded over and over that God tells each of us, “You are Beloved, you Belong, and you are Delightful.” Because when it comes to the love of God, everyone belongs.
The Book of Belonging features
Forty-two Bible twenty from the Old Testament, twenty-two from the New Testament
Historically accurate depictions of Jesus and God’s people, including original Hebrew and Greek names
Lifelong lessons that make it a perfect gift!
The Book of Belonging is designed for families seeking a Bible storybook that reflects the diversity of God’s people and for every listener seeking a more expansive and wondrous view of God. The thoughtful text present some of Scripture’s most important and overlooked stories—including many female-centered ones—alongside old favorites reimagined to convey greater inclusivity, diversity, and historical representation.
Through narratives, mindful practices, and guided wonder moments, children and grown-ups alike will learn who God is and be reminded over and over that God tells each of us, “You are Beloved, you Belong, and you are Delightful.” Because when it comes to the love of God, everyone belongs.
The Book of Belonging features
Forty-two Bible twenty from the Old Testament, twenty-two from the New Testament
Historically accurate depictions of Jesus and God’s people, including original Hebrew and Greek names
Lifelong lessons that make it a perfect gift!
Audible Audio
Published September 24, 2024
173 people are currently reading
2636 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
January 4, 2025
a lot of thoughts (in a good way)!! some minor quibbles: 1) the last supper story annoyed me (Jesus saying of the elements, "this is like my body/blood" ???!); 2) the inconsistency of the transliterated names was distracting; 3) I personally find the phrase "the messy middle" vague and cliche and unhelpful; 4) there are some profound gaps in the research, at least in what is cited in the endnotes (though it is probably unfair of me to expect this).
my most substantive critique is perhaps not a critique...I'm still working out my thoughts. over and again, the stories--and the anthropology that is implicitly and explicitly advocated for by the authors--emphasize the character, or the assumed reader, as the center of the story. "God's dream" for the world seems to be mostly about people believing correct things about themselves (that you belong, you are beloved, you are delightful). of course, I think this is true. but I think ultimately God's story is not about me, but about God. at the same time, I often believe untrue things about myself. how different I would be if I deeply trusted my belonging, belovedness, delightfulness? and, where do you start with children? where does the story begin? I don't know. I'm grateful for the setting to wrestle with this question.
in the end, I do think this is a wonderful book. I backed the project on kickstarter years ago and am so excited to finally engage with it in book form. I was worried it would be too woke for me and it's not. the illustrations are evocative, generative, and not only just an extension of the story telling but story telling in their own right. the focus on the stories of women and children are a necessary corrective to how we teach children the Bible. the "wonder moments" and "mindful moments" are so so so precious. I wept reading "the kids who heard the good news" on Christmas Eve (the story of the angels visiting the shepherds to announce Christ's birth). I want to be kind and contemplative, and I hope to someday have the great privilege and challenge of raising kind and contemplative children. I think I would read this to them (but probably not the last supper story).
my most substantive critique is perhaps not a critique...I'm still working out my thoughts. over and again, the stories--and the anthropology that is implicitly and explicitly advocated for by the authors--emphasize the character, or the assumed reader, as the center of the story. "God's dream" for the world seems to be mostly about people believing correct things about themselves (that you belong, you are beloved, you are delightful). of course, I think this is true. but I think ultimately God's story is not about me, but about God. at the same time, I often believe untrue things about myself. how different I would be if I deeply trusted my belonging, belovedness, delightfulness? and, where do you start with children? where does the story begin? I don't know. I'm grateful for the setting to wrestle with this question.
in the end, I do think this is a wonderful book. I backed the project on kickstarter years ago and am so excited to finally engage with it in book form. I was worried it would be too woke for me and it's not. the illustrations are evocative, generative, and not only just an extension of the story telling but story telling in their own right. the focus on the stories of women and children are a necessary corrective to how we teach children the Bible. the "wonder moments" and "mindful moments" are so so so precious. I wept reading "the kids who heard the good news" on Christmas Eve (the story of the angels visiting the shepherds to announce Christ's birth). I want to be kind and contemplative, and I hope to someday have the great privilege and challenge of raising kind and contemplative children. I think I would read this to them (but probably not the last supper story).
August 25, 2024
I am so pleased to be the first one to review this absolutely exquisite book! I just received my kickstarter copy and spent my afternoon reading it while my one-year-old slept on my chest. This book is as beautiful as I hoped it would be, and then some.
Leave it to two mothers to write the children’s Bible the little girl inside of me has longed for so desperately. This book ministers to my soul with its engaging and thought-provoking illustrations, incredibly thoughtful and inclusive language, intentional space for questions, mystery, emotional development, and wonder, and the demonstration of a God in whom we ALL belong.
I want to purchase 100 copies of this book and give it to every other family I know, because KIND and CONTEMPLATIVE kids will change the world. 🤍
Leave it to two mothers to write the children’s Bible the little girl inside of me has longed for so desperately. This book ministers to my soul with its engaging and thought-provoking illustrations, incredibly thoughtful and inclusive language, intentional space for questions, mystery, emotional development, and wonder, and the demonstration of a God in whom we ALL belong.
I want to purchase 100 copies of this book and give it to every other family I know, because KIND and CONTEMPLATIVE kids will change the world. 🤍
May 18, 2025
My consistent thoughts as I read this book:
🌳 in this bleak, broken world, I’m so glad we have such a good, hopeful, beautiful Story & God to share with Ava.
🌳 all the wonder moments? YES! So much of the Bible is narrative — not a scientific proof text. It was written to show us what God is like, prompt us to ask questions and meditate.
🌳 thank goodness God is illustrated in such a beautifully androgynous manner; and all the illustrations are so thoughtful, colorful, inclusive, imaginative.
🌳 all these stories about girls & boys in the Bible! particular shout out to the story of Zelophehad’s 5 daughters 🫶🏻
🌳 in this bleak, broken world, I’m so glad we have such a good, hopeful, beautiful Story & God to share with Ava.
🌳 all the wonder moments? YES! So much of the Bible is narrative — not a scientific proof text. It was written to show us what God is like, prompt us to ask questions and meditate.
🌳 thank goodness God is illustrated in such a beautifully androgynous manner; and all the illustrations are so thoughtful, colorful, inclusive, imaginative.
🌳 all these stories about girls & boys in the Bible! particular shout out to the story of Zelophehad’s 5 daughters 🫶🏻
November 6, 2025
Y’all ever forget God delights in you
This book was healing my inner child low key :) It’s so good for me to be reminded of the simplicity and tenderness of Jesus. I love reading kids bible/storybooks for that reason.
Loved the perspective of the author as well/just how different people with different backgrounds see/share a special perspective on who God is.
This book was healing my inner child low key :) It’s so good for me to be reminded of the simplicity and tenderness of Jesus. I love reading kids bible/storybooks for that reason.
Loved the perspective of the author as well/just how different people with different backgrounds see/share a special perspective on who God is.
September 13, 2024
I am a post-evangelical Christian mother trying to find a new way to teach my children about Christianity. I have open and honest conversations about my shifting theological views with my kids (ages 10 and 6). I was so heartened to see a section in the Book of Belonging about how the Bible was written by rich, educated men and the perspective is skewed because of that. Growing up in the white evangelical church, I deeply felt the lack of female representation in the image of God and biblical examples of Christ followers. I'm so grateful for the female representation in the Book of Belonging. When I first showed it to my daughter, she found "herself" in the pages within the first 5 minutes exclaiming, "That's me!" and pointing to one of the beautiful illustrations.
I also co-lead a neighborhood intentional faith community and we have a pretty eclectic way of teaching Sunday School. We've mostly avoided teaching Old Testament stories because we have a hard time framing them well for our kids in light of our view of God as compassionate. We're so excited to use the Book of Belonging for our Sunday School curriculum to teach them that they are beloved, delightful, and that they belong.
I was honored to support the Kickstarter campaign for this gorgeous, needed book and to receive my copy before the trade copy was available.
I also co-lead a neighborhood intentional faith community and we have a pretty eclectic way of teaching Sunday School. We've mostly avoided teaching Old Testament stories because we have a hard time framing them well for our kids in light of our view of God as compassionate. We're so excited to use the Book of Belonging for our Sunday School curriculum to teach them that they are beloved, delightful, and that they belong.
I was honored to support the Kickstarter campaign for this gorgeous, needed book and to receive my copy before the trade copy was available.
September 26, 2024
I want to give it 50 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“By the time Paul finished talking, his eyes were full of tears. Each journey had been a lesson. Each crowded table had been a gift. He turned to Lydia and explained, ‘Some of these friends are like me. They grew up with God, knew all the old stories and rules. Some of them are like you: They are new to God's family and new to God's ways. But didn't I tell you?
God's family is growing.’
Lydia grinned as Paul continued. ‘I tried to stop it at first. I thought the kingdom of God belonged only with Israel. But God changed my mind and opened my heart. God showed me that everyone belongs, and now I spend my life doing what Jesus did: inviting people into that belonging. Men and women. Insiders and outsiders. Powerful and powerless. God has always belonged with us, and we have always belonged with God. First in a garden, then a family, then a tent, then a kingdom, then in Jesus, and now in human hearts everywhere. God is blessing the whole world, and we get to be part of it!’
Lydia and her family talked with Paul and Silas late into the night, and they became fast friends. Soon, Lydia's grand house became home to its own crowded table of Jesus followers. Like the dye that stained her fingers purple, the good news of Jesus was seeping, permanent. It marked her, changed her, made everything different.” 272
“By the time Paul finished talking, his eyes were full of tears. Each journey had been a lesson. Each crowded table had been a gift. He turned to Lydia and explained, ‘Some of these friends are like me. They grew up with God, knew all the old stories and rules. Some of them are like you: They are new to God's family and new to God's ways. But didn't I tell you?
God's family is growing.’
Lydia grinned as Paul continued. ‘I tried to stop it at first. I thought the kingdom of God belonged only with Israel. But God changed my mind and opened my heart. God showed me that everyone belongs, and now I spend my life doing what Jesus did: inviting people into that belonging. Men and women. Insiders and outsiders. Powerful and powerless. God has always belonged with us, and we have always belonged with God. First in a garden, then a family, then a tent, then a kingdom, then in Jesus, and now in human hearts everywhere. God is blessing the whole world, and we get to be part of it!’
Lydia and her family talked with Paul and Silas late into the night, and they became fast friends. Soon, Lydia's grand house became home to its own crowded table of Jesus followers. Like the dye that stained her fingers purple, the good news of Jesus was seeping, permanent. It marked her, changed her, made everything different.” 272
September 26, 2024
I love this for kids, it's a much more inclusive way of teaching God, and God's love to kids. I'm not sure if I'm Christian, but this is the kind of one I'd want to be! ❤️❤️
So much work has gone into creating this resource so that people of all shapes, colors, abilities, etc. can see themselves in stories of God. And it's just plain beautiful.
So much work has gone into creating this resource so that people of all shapes, colors, abilities, etc. can see themselves in stories of God. And it's just plain beautiful.
August 31, 2025
I want everyone to read this book, young and old!
November 24, 2024
I would give it 1 million stars if I could. It’s perfect
November 4, 2025
Gelezen in Nederlandse vertaling.
Het kleine meisje in mij vindt het zo mooi.
Een poëtische, emotioneel intelligente kinderbijbel.
De illustraties vullen het verhaal aan. Ik heb nog de hele dag gedacht aan de flesjes met de emoties van Hannah, en hoe ze daarmee naar de tent van God rent.
Het kleine meisje in mij vindt het zo mooi.
Een poëtische, emotioneel intelligente kinderbijbel.
De illustraties vullen het verhaal aan. Ik heb nog de hele dag gedacht aan de flesjes met de emoties van Hannah, en hoe ze daarmee naar de tent van God rent.
September 26, 2024
I wept through this book. Bought this for my nephew, but had no idea just how bad my inner child needed to read this. It felt like an articulation and illustration of everything my soul has always known to be true about God. From a therapist perspective, I can’t help but think where my adult clients wrestling through religious trauma would be today if they had had access to this book as a child. Thank God for this book and the ability to unlearn and relearn even far into our adult years. Thank you Mariko and Rachel!!
February 17, 2025
‘Belonging. Beloved. Delightful.’
Can’t say enough good things about this beautiful book - whose intended audience is ‘kind & contemplative kids’ but I think all ages would find meaningful. The illustrations are lovely, the stories retold in thoughtful, honest, nuanced ways, & the through line of how we belong, we’re beloved, & we’re delighted in rings throughout. I’m excited to read this with my kiddo one day ❤️ 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Can’t say enough good things about this beautiful book - whose intended audience is ‘kind & contemplative kids’ but I think all ages would find meaningful. The illustrations are lovely, the stories retold in thoughtful, honest, nuanced ways, & the through line of how we belong, we’re beloved, & we’re delighted in rings throughout. I’m excited to read this with my kiddo one day ❤️ 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 24, 2024
Never did I think an introduction to a book would bring me to tears but this one did! The intentionality, prayer, and creativity poured into this book can be felt, helping me to feel seen and inspired from page one. Thanks to Mariko's words and Rachel's pictures, the truth of these stories rings even truer by representing the real people of the time and the world today.
March 14, 2025
this is a God i want to share with my children, and also with everyone. i think i cried every time i opened this book.
things i loved about this book:
- the beautiful illustrations
- the mindful / wonder moments (i could see little Chloë loving these. big Chloë loves them too.)
- how this book goes back to the Bible’s feminist roots by focusing on stories of empowered women (eschewing classic Bible storybook stories such as Joseph and replacing them with stories like the five sisters of Manasseh)
- how this book takes a mindful approach to the questions that disabled kids may have about many of these stories
- the gentle yet sound theology
- the “belong, beloved, delightful” motif throughout
- the inclusion of a chapter on Proverbs which is just so cool and well written
i could go on and on!! i want to reread it immediately and i want to buy a copy for everyone i know. this book healed something in me. a million stars.
things i loved about this book:
- the beautiful illustrations
- the mindful / wonder moments (i could see little Chloë loving these. big Chloë loves them too.)
- how this book goes back to the Bible’s feminist roots by focusing on stories of empowered women (eschewing classic Bible storybook stories such as Joseph and replacing them with stories like the five sisters of Manasseh)
- how this book takes a mindful approach to the questions that disabled kids may have about many of these stories
- the gentle yet sound theology
- the “belong, beloved, delightful” motif throughout
- the inclusion of a chapter on Proverbs which is just so cool and well written
i could go on and on!! i want to reread it immediately and i want to buy a copy for everyone i know. this book healed something in me. a million stars.
May 20, 2025
I loved this. Stories from the Bible told in new and compelling ways, in language easy enough for kids to understand. As the title suggests, it emphasizes belonging and belovedness, and encourages thoughtfulness and kindness.
February 28, 2025
like, 10000000000/10. loved.
September 17, 2024
I got my kickstarter copy of the book of belonging and it is healing me in a way I didn’t know I needed. The way Mariko describe these stories I’ve heard all of my life makes it feel like I’m hearing them for the first time. And the pictures are just breathtaking. I’m reading through the book as part of my quiet time and each time I sit down I end up in tears - mostly at the beauty of the Lords love for us. Three more copies of the book are already ordered for Christmas gifts for the littles I love and I can’t wait for them to read it!
September 12, 2024
My excitement for this book was so high that I started to fear it could not live up to expectations. I was so happy to be so wrong. This book exceeded my expectations in every way. The illustrations are incredible. My 6-year-old daughter pours over the images. I feel so at peace knowing her concept of who God is and what God might look like is being sparked with the imagination in these illustrations. The central message of belonging is so beautifully and thoughtfully woven throughout each story. I feel 100% confident in reading this with my daughter and I have not felt that with any other storybook Bible we have tried. Honestly, I find myself gravitating towards this book in my own free time because my heart is so eager to hear these familiar stories told with such lyricism, truth, and love. It has been healing for me to sit with this book on my own. Hagar’s Is story brought me to tears. The Wonder Moments are exactly what my younger self needed to hear and I feel so fortunate to be able to provide that experience for my own kiddo. Mariko Clark and Rachel Eleanor are a brilliant team. The love and scholarship they poured into this book is evident from the very first words. Even the inscription reads: this book belongs to:________ who belongs with God, is beloved by God, and is delightful to God. Wow. Just wow. I am continually blown away by this book and it will be treasured in my family for generations.
April 24, 2025
I think this star rating has more to do with where I currently am spiritually than it does with the overall quality of this book. I was so excited for a contemplative, progressive children’s storybook Bible! But it just came up short for me—like a lot of performative liberal language and emphasis but the heart of the stories still didn’t feel expansive enough for the thoughts I want to communicate to my kids about the God of the universe. I didn’t feel like my daughter was particularly engaged and it skipped around (often to emphasize obscure female-centered stories that are just a verse or two in the Bible) which made the overarching narrative feel a little disjointed and confusing. Again, I think a lot of my critique says more to do with my own complicated opinions about the Bible/Christianity right now. I can’t even tell you exactly what I’m looking for (in Christianity at large, let alone a storybook Bible!), but this fell a little flat for me.
September 12, 2024
I stumbled upon Mariko Clark’s (author) Instagram after a friend shared the Book of Belonging Kickstarter on her stories. I read the sample story of the 5 sisters and was shocked. Was this Mariko gal making this up? Was this really in the Bible!? I stopped scrolling, immediately went to my Bible and to my surprise, that story was right there! I had read the Bible, been to Sunday school, went to church 3 times a week, been employed by a church, taught and led children’s ministry. Not one source of curriculum, Bible storybook, pastoral influence, biblical teacher had ever pointed this small yet important story out. I didn’t even know it existed! Right then and there I knew this book was important, it was so needed. So, I supported my first ever Kickstarter. After 3 years of following the books creation process, I can definitely say it was worth the wait. I’m thankful to have this as a resource to help share my faith with my children and feel blessed to have it on our bookshelf.
October 4, 2025
“And then something lovely happened: It wasn’t the first time, and it wouldn’t be the last, but it was as if the world around them split open. The swaying grasses and dancing clouds peeled back to show a glimpse of heaven: God’s world. Like a grin breaking open with joy, like a door creaking to reveal a room full of wonders. Light and love poured out, and somehow Jesus entered in.”
This sacred imagining of Jesus’ ascension back to heaven is just one example of dozens I could share where I got goosebumps or teared up at the beauty of Mariko Clark’s storytelling and Rachel Eleanor’s illustrations. I love the Bible story choices, the emphasis on God’s naming of us, and so much more. We’ll be reading this one over and over again.
This sacred imagining of Jesus’ ascension back to heaven is just one example of dozens I could share where I got goosebumps or teared up at the beauty of Mariko Clark’s storytelling and Rachel Eleanor’s illustrations. I love the Bible story choices, the emphasis on God’s naming of us, and so much more. We’ll be reading this one over and over again.
December 21, 2025
This beautiful book is written for children, but it’s good medicine for grown-ups as well. It is a gentle retelling of Bible stories from Genesis to Revelation, focused on the three big names God has given to each of us: We belong. We are beloved. We are delightful to God. Throughout our lives, we hear messages that give us different names, but this book is written to continually remind us that we are who God says we are, and God is who God says he is. The illustrations are wonderful! One of the things I most appreciate about the Book of Belonging is that it is grounded in our true identity in God, instead of being grounded in original sin. Highly recommend this one!
September 24, 2024
I ended up with this book because I thought the concept sounded cool when I saw them present on it, so I supported their kickstarter. When I received word that it was coming, live and in print, I thought it would be a great gift for an upcoming 2 year old's birthday. But when I received it, I knew I couldn't give it away. It's beautiful and timely and interesting and thought provoking and just what I needed as a child, and STILL need as an aduly. Needless to say, I'm buying a second (and potentially more!) for the 2 year old and digging in to each of the stories on my own to explore the universality of the Bible and the little nooks of stories I missed in my traditional bible books growing up.
September 5, 2025
I have loved reading this with my 11 year old. She wanted to be more familiar with the Bible but I knew she wouldn’t be able to read the NIRV or similar by herself. I also knew every children’s Bible we have was too childish. Then we found these Bible stories for kind and contemplative kids. This is perfect for tweens. We are loving the discussions of feelings, identity and women’s stories. I wish I could send this book to every tween girl I know. We love the illustrations that show all kinds of bodies. We have such great conversations about who God is, how God brings Justice and blessing in hardship and who we are as a result, after reading these stories! Can’t say enough about it.
September 12, 2024
This is potentially the most stunningly beautiful and thoughtfully written book I’ve ever held. I don’t have kids of my own, but I am so grateful that this book exists for when that day comes, and that so many children (and adults!!!) now have this book that makes sure ALL readers see themselves reflected in the words and on the pages, while also providing space to pause, wonder, and ask questions.
Thank you to Mariko and Rachel for the endless hours, heart, soul, and passion you have poured into this book. I’ve read a lot of kid’s Bibles, and this is unlike anything else I’ve read or seen. It is truly something special 🙌
Thank you to Mariko and Rachel for the endless hours, heart, soul, and passion you have poured into this book. I’ve read a lot of kid’s Bibles, and this is unlike anything else I’ve read or seen. It is truly something special 🙌
September 12, 2024
My eyes started tearing up as I opened the Kickstarter copy of The Book of Belonging. This stunningly beautiful book is an heirloom in the making. From the gold-foiled pages to the thoughtful copy and immersive illustrations - this piece of art is one that can be shared with family and friends for years to come. It is a gift that Mariko and Rachel have worked tirelessly to put these words and images on pages for us to enjoy.
February 14, 2025
Beautiful bible story book that focuses on our relationship with God and how were were made to Belong with him. Loved that focus and how the stories were taught from that perspective 👏
And the artwork was thoughtful and stunning 🙌
And the artwork was thoughtful and stunning 🙌
February 18, 2025
I first learned about this book as a Kickstart project and was all in based on the premise that it would focus on telling stories from the Bible that included girls and women, rather than the patriarchal narrative that is typically used. When I finally held the finished book in my hands, I was overwhelmed by the sheer beauty and loveliness of it. Whatever my expectations had been, this book exceeded them a hundred times over. Everything about this book is the highest quality. The construction and paper itself is superb. The writing is beautiful and stays true to the message of Scripture throughout. I especially love that this is a book for kids (and adults!) of all ages. The illustrations are creative, amazing, and really bring the stories to life. I love this book and couldn’t recommend it enough.
December 27, 2024
positively lovely. for everyone!
May 9, 2025
I absolutely loved this book so much!! Reading this to my kids ministered to my soul greatly!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews