How can I teach my children about Christian beliefs...

[TheBreastmilksOnMe]

...that isn't necessarily from the bible or involves going to church? Are there any good books aimed at children that help them to understand the concept of Easter/Christmas etc that don't have an overly-religious tone, IYSWIM?

I'd like to inroduce the concept of my beliefs gradually and naturally to them via bedtime stories so it becomes a part of life to them as they are growing up so I was just wondering if anyone had any recommedations of good books that worked for them?

There are loads of books, but you can't substitute being part of a Christian community though.

What do you mean by over-religious?

Can you recommend any Mme? With regards to being part of a Christian community, I have a lot of beliefs that are Christian based as that is how I have been brought up but a lot of my beliefs are also parts of other religions and things I have learnt through reading and research so I wouldn't say I am truly Christian but I do want my children learn about Christian celebrations and as they grow then they can adopt other beliefs and most importantly search and question for themselves.

By overly-religious I mean finding a book that is light hearted and easy for a child to understand and relate to, not like the heavy, 'uncool' books I used to have to read as a child.

Things have moved on a great deal since the worthy Sunday School books of thirty years ago.

If there is a Christian bookshop (or big church with a book stall) anywhere in your town, they will have stacks of accessible children's books, which should hit the spot.

If you don't fancy venturing into such a "religious" establishment, try a mainstream bookshop. Our local W H Smith has a couple of shelves of Christian books, including story Bibles, books of prayers for children etc. None of them are heavy and they have bright, colourful pictures.

also things like at easter tell the story or say eggs represent new life etc. we go to a church play group which has a 10 min service, v relaxed and informal then play time. some mums go just for play afterwards. or as you talk about things drop in what people believe, think into conversation,

DS1 likes reading the stories from his toddler bible there's also a couple of Christian activity pre-school books that you can get from amazon. Which are lovely.
We've a fantastic nativity pop up book that we get out at Christmas, its also nice to have a nativity set they can play with.
Again all amazon.

I think a good childrens story bible is a good place to start.
Also a childs introductory guide to the bible.

We have several of both and read them one story a day until one is finished then start on the next.

There are good books about Christian beliefs etc (but I cant remember titles at the moment) but for that I find it easier just to take them to church and be part of our local church and all that goes on there.
(Actually thinking about it try the DK Eyewitness series, they have one called bible lands and another called Religion? I think!)

How old are your children? There are lots of lovely toys - like a Nativity set at Christmas, or a Noah's Ark. Or musicals like Joesph and the Amazing Technicolour etc or for olders like Jesus Christ Superstar. DVDs - MiracleMaker is an animated DVD that gives the life story of Jesus in stop motion animated form voiced by people like Ralph Fiennes. It's worthy but not too much so. There's a nice Christmas one, can't remember what it's called but it's told from the perspective of 3 quails who happen to see the Annunciation, then get trapped for a banquet at Herod's and hear about the wise men and escape in time to get to the stable and warn them. (worryingly voiced by Joe Pasquale )
But on books there is some amazing stuff...
More overt for babies and toddlers is "God Knows all about me" - lovely rhymes and tickly body parts. For coming at Bible stories from a different angle is a gorgeous old book called Donkey's Glory - a donkey family in 3 generations carry Mary to Bethlehem, assist Jesus growing up and then carry Christ into Jerusalem and witness the passion and resurrection. Nick Butterworth (Percy the Park keeper) has illustrated some lovely books on the stories of Jesus.....I can go on....
Then there are religious advent calendars, prayer cubes, hymn cds, trips to cathedrals (whispering gallery at St Pauls, tombs at Westminster Abbey, tours in any major cathedral frankly, the icon bits and sacred art at the V&A or the National Gallery...
but nothing beats a Church and/or parental example and/or involved godparents....

Can I help more? I have a 2 year old and have just started a sunday school at our Church and welcome all ideas and have thought about this a lot...

Christian bookshops have loads of childrens books. I'll take a look at our children's collection because we have an excellent Easter book. We also have sticker books etc.

We casually talk about God and Jesus. He is just part of our life. Also it helps if your local vicar is child-friendly. I think our vicar is our daughter's first crush!

The DVD referred to above is: The Quail's First Christmas. It's excellent.
www.amazon.co.uk/Quails-First-Christmas-Quest-King/dp/1400310504/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UT F8&s=books&qid=1270679523&sr=8-1

website with resourceswww.eden.co.uk/shop/search.php?keyword=children&category_id=683

You could take an interactive approach if your children are very young.

Goodness! What a lot of lovely replies! Thanks everyone, I will get stuck in to my research now! At the moment I only have 1 DS who is 19mths old but I plan to have more eventually! I am also a CMer so it would be useful to know of any books I can introduce to my mindees. Thanks again!

I found this for my DS

handy as it is hard pages, basic stories and nice bright colours

I love this it's spiritual and lovely