Religious Representation: A picture book response to mandated Ten Commandments posters in every classroom
Update: Lifting the paywall on this post and boosting this book list to the forefront again in response to the news that a federal court has allowed Louisiana to enforce a 2024 law requiring public schools to display poster-sized Ten Commandments in every classroom. The court's 12–6 decision overturned a previous lower court order that had blocked the state from enforcing the 2024 mandate.
I previously shared this picture book collection back in August in the post re-shared below.
(August 2025)
Texas has just passed a bill requiring all public school classrooms to prominently display the Ten Commandments with mandated poster dimensions and language, and no room for any alternative or additional displays. At 16 x 20 inches or larger, these posters will soon loom over students in every classroom, in what many are calling a direct violation of the separation of church and state.
Educators are already voicing concerns online, with some seeking quiet ways to resist. While hanging First Amendment posters nearby is one way to reassert the constitutional right to freedom of religion and speech, there’s another powerful, subversive tool: books.
By reading and sharing picture books that highlight diverse faiths, belief systems, and worldviews, we can help children understand that there are many ways to see the world, not just the one mandated by legislation.
Here is a curated list of picture books to help you expose little learners to different religions, cultures, and belief systems.
Picture Books ft. Different Religions and Beliefs
Find the full book list on Amazon | Bookshop, or click on the individual titles linked below.
Confuscianism
Confucius: Great Teacher of China by Demi | Introduces readers to Confucius, the influential Chinese philosopher whose teachings shaped society for over 2,500 years. Growing up during a time of war and suffering, Confucius devoted his life to promoting education, moral leadership, and compassion. His ideas, including the Golden Mean, “Never impose on others what you would not choose for yourself”, continue to resonate today.
Taoism
The Show-Off Monkey and Other Taoist Tales by Nark W. McGinnis | Introduces the timeless wisdom of Taoist philosopher Chuang Tzu through thirty-three engaging fables. Children learn lessons about humility, simplicity, contentment, and seeing the world through different perspectives.
Tiny Feet Between the Mountains by Hanna Cha | Soe-In may be the smallest person in her village, but when the sky turns dark and a mysterious smoke fills the air, she steps up to investigate. Deep in the mountains, she discovers a spirit tiger who has accidentally swallowed the sun! Soe-In uses her cleverness and courage to help both the tiger and her village, proving that even the smallest among us can shine the brightest.
Baháʼí Faith
Baháʼí Prayers for Children by Elaheh Mottahedeh Bos | Readers learn of the spiritual teachings of the Bahá’í Faith. Pairs brief, meaningful passages with warm, inviting artwork.
During Ayyám-i-Há by Elaheh Mottahedeh Bos | Ayyám-i-Há is a special Bahá’í festival celebrated with generosity, service, and love. Children explore the many ways families can honor this holiday: by giving gifts, spending time with loved ones, and creating meaningful traditions.
Islam
In My Mosque by M.O. Yuksel | Explores the vibrant world of a mosque, highlighting its beauty, traditions, and strong sense of community. From grandmothers reciting the Qur’an to children forming friendships and learning to help others, mosques are shown as places of love, connection, and belonging. A warm introduction to Muslim practices and the important role mosques play around the world. Backmatter includes an author’s note, glossary, and facts about notable mosques.
Salat in Secret by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow | A young Muslim boy named Muhammad receives a special prayer rug for his seventh birthday, the age when children begin performing salat. Determined to complete all five daily prayers, Muhammad is excited but anxious about praying at school, especially after witnessing how people react to his father praying in public. With gentle support from his teacher, Muhammad finds a way to stay true to his faith.
Dear Muslim Child by Rahma Rodaah | Affirming picture book that encourages Muslim children around the world to take pride in their faith, traditions, and identity. Reminds young readers that their stories matter and that their connection to Islam is something to cherish and celebrate.
Sikhism
A Vaisakhi to Remember by Simran Jeet Singh | A young Sikh girl adjusts to life in a new country after moving from India. As she longs for the familiar comforts of home, she wonders how her family will celebrate Vaisakhi in a place that feels so different. Through meaningful traditions, a visit to the gurdwara, festive food, and new friendships, she discovers that home can be rebuilt wherever love and community thrive.
Hair Twins by Raakhee MIrchandani | Every morning, Papa lovingly combs his daughter’s hair, using coconut oil and gentle care just like he does with his own. Whether it’s two twists, a long braid, or her favorite, a tight bun on top, she and Papa share a special “hair twin” bond, celebrating their connection through their matching styles.
The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh by Supriya Kelkar | Harpreet Singh loves expressing himself through bright colors, especially with his carefully wrapped patka. But when his family moves to a new snowy city, everything feels dull and gray. Struggling to find his joy and color again, Harpreet embarks on a journey to rediscover the vibrant spirit that makes him shine.
Buddhism
Kuan Yin by Maya can der Meer | Miao Shan is no ordinary princess: she loves meditating with forest creatures and embarking on adventures with dragons and tigers. Dreaming of spreading happiness and compassion, she defies her father’s plans for marriage and escapes with her sister Ling. Separated on their journey, Ling learns that love is the greatest power of all. Reunited, Miao Shan embraces her destiny as Kuan Yin, the goddess of compassion.
Buddhist Stories for Kids by Laura Burges | Retells ten Jataka Tales: ancient stories of the Buddha’s past lives as animals like a loyal parrot, mischievous monkey, and wise lion. Each story shares simple yet powerful morals about kindness, friendship, forgiveness, and doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
Where is the Buddha? by Thich Nhat Hanh | Minh loves visiting the temple and admires the Buddha statue surrounded by offerings of fruit. As he grows, Minh wonders: if the statue isn’t really the Buddha, then where is the Buddha? This book helps readers understand the true meaning of the Buddha and introduces basic Buddhist teachings and meditation in a way kids can grasp.
Zen Buddhism
Zen Shorts by Jon J Muth | Three children meet Stillwater, a gentle giant panda who shares ancient Zen stories with each of them. Through tales about the value of material things, the nature of good and bad, and handling frustration, Stillwater offers wisdom, love, and enlightenment that resonate with readers of all ages.
Zen for Kids by Laura Burges | Offers eleven engaging Zen-inspired stories for kids ages 4–8, each paired with reflections, questions, and 53 fun activities. Children learn important values like patience, kindness, honesty, sharing, and forgiveness through hands-on experiences such as writing haiku, practicing meditation, growing plants, and performing secret good deeds.
Hinduism
Ganesha’s Great Race by Sanjay Patel | Clever Ganesha and his speedy brother Kartikeya compete in a race around the world. While Ganesha knows he can’t win with speed, he uses his wits to find a creative solution. This retelling celebrates sibling bonds, family love, and the idea that there’s always more than one way to solve a problem.
Love is Here With You by Jyoti Rajan Gopal | A family lovingly sings their baby to sleep while calling upon Hindu deities like Ganesha, Krishna, and Durga to offer protection and peace through the night.
The Elephant Prince by Amy Novesky | Tells the origin story of Ganesh and how he came to have the head of an elephant. This poetic tale celebrates the deep bond between a mother and son, the kindness of an elephant, and the transformation of a boy into one of the most beloved gods in Hinduism.
Christianity
A Church for All by Gayle E. Pitman | aAjoyful celebration of an inclusive spiritual community where everyone, of all colors, ages, backgrounds, gender identities, and sexual orientations, is welcome. With a message rooted in love, not hate, this uplifting picture book affirms the power of faith spaces that embrace diversity and belonging.
A Child of God by Mauli Junior Bonner | Explores representation in faith through the eyes of a Black family. When the children question why angels and religious images don’t reflect their skin color or features, their father gently affirms that everyone can look like angels, through their actions and love.
Bible Stories for Kids by Bonnie Rickner Jensen | Featuring 52 Bible stories, one for each week of the year, this collection covers key moments from the Old and New Testaments, from Adam and Eve to the resurrection of Jesus. Each story includes Scripture, prayers, and kid-friendly discussion questions to help little ones engage and reflect.
Judaism
Too Many Golems by Jane Yolen | Mischievous Abi, the rabbi’s son, accidentally summons a crew of golems after secretly borrowing a sacred scroll to practice his Hebrew. Though they appear monstrous, the golems turn out to be friendly and helpful, creating unexpected magic and mayhem.
Sharing Shalom by Danielle Sharkan | A young girl finds joy in her Jewish identity, learning Hebrew, and feeling connected to her ancestors. But when her synagogue is vandalized, Leila begins to question what once made her feel proud. Through the support of her classmates and community, she discovers that differences can unite us.
On Friday Afternoon by Michal Babay | Leelee and her mischievous dog, Pickles, take on a busy Friday afternoon filled with mitzvot and mayhem! As the family rushes to prepare for Shabbat, Leelee’s good intentions lead to a series of chaotic, funny mishaps. With candle lighting fast approaching, will everything come together in time?
Indigenous Spirituality
Beery Song by Michaela Goade | A young girl and her grandmother live in harmony with the land on an island by the sea. As they gather salmon, herring eggs, and a variety of wild berries through the seasons, they sing to the earth and the earth sings back. Their journey is one of gratitude, connection, and honoring the generations before them.
The Hawk Shadow by Jan Bourdeau Waboose | Follows Serenity as she joins her brother, Big Ed, at his fishing spot on Hawk River, a place protected by the watchful spirit of the Hawk, Gekek. When Big Ed gets into trouble, Serenity bravely follows the Hawk’s shadow to help him.
This Land is a Lullaby by Tonya Simpson | A gentle bedtime poem that celebrates the sounds and sights of the Prairies and Plains on a stormy summer night. From dragonflies humming to thunder drumming and the northern lights shimmering, the book weaves a soothing song that connects Indigenous children to their ancestors and the land.
Overview of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confuscianism, and Taoism
One World, Many Religions by Mary Pope Osborne | An introduction to the six major world religions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. Designed for readers in grades 4-6, it covers the history, beliefs, and practices of each faith, highlighting their impact on culture, art, literature, music, and traditions worldwide. Featuring vivid photographs, maps, timelines, and reference materials, this accessible book fosters religious understanding and respect by showcasing the diverse ways people worship around the globe.
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Here’s to raising readers and leaders.
Happy Reading!
Maya
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