Christmas Gift Guide
Christmas Gift Guide
| Format: | Paperback |
| Page Count: | 320 |
| Size: | 5.5 in x 8.5 in |
| Weight: | 10.0 ounces |
| ISBN-13: | 979-8-8749-0077-9 |
| ISBN-UPC: | 9798874900779 |
| Published: | June 02, 2026 |
Stories Woven in Silver: Pointing Kids to the Gospel Through Children's Literature
Stories Woven in Silver: Pointing Kids to the Gospel Through Children's Literature
A Practical Guide to Raising Gospel-Centered Readers
From epic quests and evil villains to happily-ever-afters, there seems to be a formula for every good book. But good stories do more than entertain. They echo deeper truths that reflect the greatest narrative ever written. They speak truth, stir hope, and point us toward the ultimate happy ending: salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
This concise and practical guide helps parents and caregivers navigate the world of children’s literature through a gospel lens. Exploring Christianity’s most beloved children’s books, children’s author Kathryn Butler and book reviewer Korrie Johnson—both mothers themselves—offer wise advice and tools to improve read-alouds and biblical discussions with kids. Summaries of featured books include accessible content for quick reference, including a brief synopsis, key gospel themes, Scripture connections, and notes for discernment. With the help of this guide, these stories will work in the hearts of children as they recognize both the beauty and brokenness of the world and place their hope in Christ, the true Redeemer.
- Practical Resource for Parents: Advice and helpful notes for those approaching family read-aloud time as an opportunity for discipleship
- Offers Wisdom: Helps caregivers thoughtfully evaluate books while addressing topics such as magic, the role of bad guys, and other objectionable elements
- Concise: Designed for quick reference, these brief yet rich summaries provide the perfect tools for busy parents and caregivers
- Tools for Family Discipleship: Each book entry includes a short synopsis, gospel themes, Scripture connections, and notes for discernment
- Explores Beloved Christian Kids Books: Including The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Wingfeather Saga, and more
Authors:
Kathryn Butler is a trauma surgeon turned writer and homeschooling mom, who writes regularly for the Gospel Coalition, desiringGod.org, and other platforms on faith, medicine, and the power of great stories. She’s the author of many books, including the Dream Keeper Saga, a middle-grade fantasy series with Christian themes.
Korrie Johnson is a wife, a mom of three, and the founder of Good Book Mom, a ministry that reviews children’s books from a biblical worldview. She has reviewed thousands of books for her website, and she collaborates with 10ofThose to offer families a biblical alternative to Scholastic Book Orders.
Product Details
Table of Contents
Introduction: Stories That Point to the Greatest Story
Part One: All That Glitters Is Not Gold: Discernment for the Children’s Book Section
Chapter 1: Give Them Scripture First
Chapter 2: Choosing Kids’ Literature
Chapter 3: The Problem of Magic
Chapter 4: Much Ado About Shakespeare and Mythology
Part Two: Books Breathed Through Silver: Mining Read-Alouds for Riches
Chapter 5: Creating a Read-Aloud Rhythm
Chapter 6: Discussing Gospel Themes in Books
Chapter 7: The Chronicles of Narnia
Chapter 8: The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings
Chapter 9: The Wingfeather Saga
Chapter 10: The Wilderking Trilogy
Chapter 11: The Mistmantle Chronicles
Chapter 12: The Green Ember Series
Chapter 13: Series to Watch
Chapter 14: Old Treasures Newly Read
Chapter 15: Happily Ever After
Part Three: A Treasure Trove of Resources
Trusted Resources on Literature and Discipleship
Recommended Read-Alouds
Acknowledgments
Endorsements
“In Stories Woven in Silver, Kathryn Butler and Korrie Johnson invite families to discover the wonders of a good story. Beginning with Scripture and God’s grand narrative of redemption, they show how the greatest tales borrow from gospel themes—and how parents can use them to nurture faith. Practical and inspiring, this book equips readers to evaluate stories, build a meaningful family library, and delight in reading together. A must-read for parents and educators alike.”
Marty Machowski, Executive Pastor, Covenant Fellowship Church, Glen Mills, Pennsylvania; author, The Ology and the Redemption Tales series
“Stories Woven in Silver is a guide for finding treasure in great stories. It’s as if Butler and Johnson are saying, ‘Hey, look over here!’ and pointing out a shining truth nestled in Shakespeare or Tolkien or The Wingfeather Saga. They invite families to explore powerful tales, find a beautiful scene, hold it up like a jewel to God’s light, and witness the beauty of the gospel reflecting back to them—even in the darkness. This means Stories Woven in Silver is not just a guide to treasure. It is a treasure.”
Ginger M. Blomberg, author, Charlie and the Preschool Prodigal; mother of five
“Finally, authors with both biblical and literary understanding answer the common questions of faithful Christian parents (magic, mythology, and more) and offer practical guidance through some of the best children’s literature. This is a much needed and invaluable tool!”
Becky Aniol, Founder and Curriculum Designer, Living Heritage Homeschool Curriculum
“Kathryn Butler and Korrie Johnson have written a fantastic book that is gospel centered, biblically rich. It will equip you to intentionally utilize the best literature to help your children treasure Christ. Kathryn and Korrie are expert guides that teach you how to read books aloud to your family, offer helpful advice for choosing good literature, provide a list of books that your children will love to read, and show you how to have gospel conversations using the books you read with your family. Stories Woven in Silver belongs in everyone’s home, and we highly recommend it.”
Josh and Jen Mulvihill, authors; Hosts, The Gospel Shaped Family Podcast
“Stories Woven in Silver is a must have for every family. This is not a book that tells parents what their children should or should not read—rather, it shows them how to read with a kingdom mindset. Kathryn and Korrie give a framework, informed by Scripture, that helps parents think clearly and concisely about how to teach their children to read to the glory of God. It’s beautiful, refreshing, and incredibly needed today.”
Anne Sey, Founder, Library 4 Kiddos
“Stories Woven in Silver comes alongside parents and caregivers, equipping them to look at stories through a gospel-centered lens and encouraging them to pursue good and worthy books for their children. Building on a biblical foundation, Kathryn and Korrie shine a gospel light as they ask and address important questions regarding literature. The authors help their readers see how individual stories can point to the truest and greatest story, showing connections to Scripture, biblical themes, and gospel-centered ideas. With helpful summaries of featured books, this book is an excellent resource, and readers will find themselves referencing it again and again.”
Leah Nicklaus, Creator, Living Bright Homeschool