Faith grows when we surround ourselves with truth, wisdom, and stories that draw us closer to God. The best Christian books do exactly that because they help us understand Scripture, deepen our prayer life, and live our Catholic faith with greater peace and purpose.
Whether we're looking for something to strengthen our own spiritual journey or hoping to introduce our children to the beauty of faith, good books can make all the difference.
In this guide, we're sharing some of our favorite reads for both adults and kids, including thoughtful works that explore theology, comfort the heart, and nurture a lifelong relationship with Christ. Each one offers a simple but powerful way to bring faith into everyday life.
10 Best Christian Books to Read
Here are some of our favorite books to recommend and give as gifts. We've included both adult and child-friendly titles because faith formation begins at every stage of life:
1. Fundamentals of the Faith by Peter Kreeft
Fundamentals of the Faith by Peter Kreeft is a clear and engaging introduction to the core teachings of Christianity. Kreeft, a respected Catholic philosopher and theologian, organizes complex truths into short, readable sections that help readers understand what the Church believes and why it matters.
He writes with both depth and humor, explaining doctrines like the Trinity, grace, and the sacraments in a way that feels practical for everyday life. Each chapter includes thoughtful discussion questions that encourage reflection and conversation, making it perfect for small groups or personal study.
It's a book that strengthens understanding while deepening love for the faith, reminding readers that theology is not only intellectual but also deeply personal and life-giving, making it one of the best books for new Christians as well as those who have established their faith.
2. The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis
The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis is one of the most enduring spiritual classics in the Christian tradition. Written in the 15th century, it focuses on humility, obedience, and devotion to Christ in the quiet details of daily life.
Each section reads like a personal conversation between the soul and God, filled with wisdom about letting go of pride and finding peace in God's will. Though centuries old, its message feels timeless and deeply relatable.
The language is simple but profound, urging readers to put Christ at the center of everything they do. It's a book that calls us to genuine discipleship and offers comfort to anyone seeking a more prayerful, Christ-focused life.
3. My First Examen
My First Examen is a beautifully designed board book that introduces young children to the practice of the daily examen, a simple reflection that helps them grow in awareness of God's presence. Each page walks little readers through questions that encourage gratitude, honesty, and love, using soft colors and engaging illustrations.
It helps children think about their day: what made them happy, what they might do differently tomorrow, and how God was with them through it all. This book plants the seeds of a lifelong habit of prayerful reflection and self-awareness. It's one of those small but meaningful tools that helps families create faith-filled bedtime routines and teach children how to listen to God's gentle voice in their hearts.
4. No Greater Love: A Biblical Walk Through Christ's Passion by Edward Sri
No Greater Love: A Biblical Walk Through Christ's Passion by Edward Sri takes readers on a powerful journey through the final hours of Jesus' life. Drawing deeply from Scripture and Catholic tradition, Sri explains the meaning behind each moment of the Passion, from the agony in the garden to the crucifixion. He shows how every action of Christ reveals a love that's personal and redemptive.
The book helps readers enter into Holy Week with greater understanding and reverence, transforming what might feel familiar into something profoundly moving. With reflection questions and spiritual insights, it's perfect for Lent or for anyone who wants to grow closer to Christ through meditating on His sacrifice.
5. Joy to the World: How Christ's Coming Changed Everything by Scott Hahn
In Joy to the World: How Christ's Coming Changed Everything, Scott Hahn explores the Nativity story with fresh eyes, revealing the deep theological meaning behind the events of Christmas. He brings Scripture to life by showing how each person in the story, from Mary and Joseph to the shepherds and Magi, teaches us something about faith, trust, and divine joy.
Hahn's writing is both scholarly and approachable, making it easy for readers to see the Incarnation as the heart of God's plan for humanity. This book helps us experience Christmas not just as a holiday, but as a powerful reminder of God's love made visible in Christ. It's a beautiful read for Advent or any time we need to rediscover the joy of God coming near.
6. Searching for and Maintaining Peace: A Small Treatise on Peace of Heart by Jacques Philippe
Searching for and Maintaining Peace: A Small Treatise on Peace of Heart by Jacques Philippe is a gentle and deeply comforting guide to cultivating inner peace. Philippe writes about the importance of trusting God in every circumstance and learning to let go of unnecessary worry. His reflections are short, clear, and rooted in Scripture, making them easy to read and return to often.
He reminds readers that peace is a gift that grows through humility, prayer, and acceptance of God's will. This small book offers wisdom that feels timeless, practical, and incredibly soothing to the soul. It's the kind of spiritual companion that helps restore calm and perspective whenever life feels overwhelming, leading readers back to the quiet center where God dwells.
7. Peek-a-Boo Saints (Board Book)
Peek-a-Boo Saints is a joyful and engaging board book created for little ones who are just beginning to explore their faith. Through colorful illustrations and playful peekaboo flaps, children get to meet beloved saints in a way that feels interactive and fun.
Each page introduces a new saint, pairing a cheerful image with a short, faith-filled description that even toddlers can absorb. It's more than an activity book; it's a gentle introduction to the idea that holiness is real and attainable.
By engaging their curiosity and imagination, Peek-a-Boo Saints helps children associate faith with joy, kindness, and wonder. It's one of our favorite first books to gift at baptisms, birthdays, or any moment when you want to plant early seeds of faith.
8. Baby's 1st Catholic Book: A High-Contrast Book
Baby's 1st Catholic Book: A High-Contrast Book is designed especially for the earliest stages of faith formation, making it one of the best Catholic books for young children.
Babies are drawn to strong visual patterns, and this book uses high-contrast black-and-white imagery to support their visual development while introducing meaningful Catholic symbols. Each page features simple depictions of crosses, rosaries, churches, and other sacred elements, making it both visually stimulating and spiritually rich.
It's the kind of book parents can share during quiet moments, creating early associations between love, comfort, and the faith we live out at home. What makes it so special is its simplicity. Even before a child can speak, they're surrounded by reminders of God's presence and the beauty of Catholic tradition. It's a small but powerful way to begin nurturing faith from the very start.
9. Interior Freedom by Jacques Philippe
Interior Freedom by Jacques Philippe is a quiet treasure for anyone who longs for peace in the middle of life's busyness. Philippe's writing is simple but deeply wise. He explains how true freedom comes not from controlling our circumstances but from trusting God completely, even when life feels uncertain.
Each chapter invites readers to let go of fear and anxiety and to embrace the calm that comes from living in God's will. The examples he shares are practical and relatable, showing how to live with joy and faith in ordinary moments.
It's a book that speaks gently to the heart, helping us find peace that isn't dependent on perfection or success but rooted in knowing we belong to God.
10. Story of a Soul by St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Story of a Soul by St. Thérèse of Lisieux is one of the most beloved spiritual autobiographies in the Catholic tradition. It's one of those books every Christian should read. In this tender and honest account, St. Thérèse shares her “little way” of love, a path to holiness through small acts of trust, humility, and kindness.
Her reflections show that sainthood grows from simple faithfulness in everyday life, not from grand gestures. The simplicity of her words makes her story approachable for readers at any stage of their faith.
Each page feels like a conversation with a sister in Christ who encourages us to keep loving, even when it's difficult. It's a timeless reminder that holiness begins in the smallest acts done with great love.
Conclusion
The best Christian books have a way of meeting us right where we are, whether we're searching for peace, wisdom, or encouragement in daily life. They remind us that faith grows through learning, reflection, and simple acts of trust.
From deep theological insights to gentle children's stories, each book we've shared helps strengthen our connection with God and the beauty of the Catholic faith. These reads invite us to slow down, listen, and live with a greater sense of purpose and hope.
If you're ready to bring more faith-filled moments into your home, visit The Little Rose Shop Catholic store to explore our collection of inspiring Catholic books and gifts for every stage of life.