Children/Youth Material

View a sample lesson from Grade 4. 

View a sample lesson from Grade 5.

View a sample lesson from Grade 6.

Reviews:

Old Schoolhouse review

This third volume in the three-volume art curriculum set, Behold the Beauty, is designed to be used by teachers or homeschooling parents for kindergarten–6th grade. The ultimate objective of every lesson is exactly as the title implies: to behold the beauty of creation and to praise God in doing that. As students learn to more closely observe creation while rendering what they see in pencil, paint, or other artistic media, they will be trained to meet that objective. In serving that goal, the lessons teach how to use the elements of art, such as line, shape, and color, while introducing the principles of design, such as unity, variety, and focal point. Not only do students learn to behold the evidence of God's glory all around them by these means, they also learn to make objects of beauty in order to communicate that glory to others. The curriculum is based on the infallible Scriptures, and the twelve lessons of each grade level comprise a thorough, biblical, and systematic art education.

Behold the Beauty was also written with practical considerations in mind: to assist instructors who have had little or no training in art. The lessons are clear and easy to use, requiring minimal supplies without compromising objectives.

The author, Connie L. Meyer, is a wife and mother of five children and is a 1982 graduate of Calvin College with a BA in art education. She has used the lessons with her children and has helped teachers teach art in their classrooms. 

• 280 pages
• softcover, spiral bound
• ISBN: 978-1-936054-30-5

Related products: 

Behold the Beauty - Art Curriculum (Kindergarten & First Grade)

Behold the Beauty - Art Curriculum (Second & Third Grade)

What others have said about this curriculum:

"This book has been a great introduction to art fro my son. We've been using it for over a year now and have made many wonderful art projects. I even have his 2 yr. brother participate and he has fun. It teaches great art concepts and includes godly wisdom alongside."

"This is a great book. There is a small amount of prep (little more than making sure you have the materials), and no special skills required. I have been working through this with my 6 year old (started when she was 5. Her little brother also tries to do the projects (and is successful for the most part). Highly recommended."

Click the pdf to view sample chapters.

This Bible storybook is one of the RFPA's best selling publications! Come, Ye Children has been a favorite for almost 40 years! A Christian school teacher and gifted storyteller, the author tells 198 Bible stories from Genesis to Acts in language easily understood by young children. Each story is true to scripture and includes a thought to remember and an illustrative drawing.

This book is in its third edition, and for this current edition, the pictures have been edited so that they no longer include pictures of Christ.

• 606 pages
• hardcover
• ISBN 978-0-916206-27-7

PUBLISHED REVIEWS
"All Christian homes, schools, and church libraries should definitely add this to their holdings." —Christian Observer

"Each story is scripturally sound and written from a Reformed perspective, with the covenant theme woven throughout." —The Outlook

  Read a sample.

REVIEWS:

Kristin Stiles, from booksataglance.com

Rev. James Admiraal (as reviewed in the Jan/Feb 2020 issue of The Outlook)

Rev. Gary Eriks

Rev. Cory Griess

Michelle Hofman (as reviewed on The Young Calvinists blog)

Jim Regnerus 

The Three R's Blog

Jon Van Dyk (as reviewed in the January 18, 2020 issue of Christian Renewal)

Mrs. Ricky Pronk (as reviewed in the January 2020 issue of The Messenger)

Sarah Vandergugten (as reviewed in the April 3, 2020 issue of The Clarion)

 

We’re bombarded with antichristian messages everywhere in life, and from casual hookups to casual sex, our culture’s messages on dating are no different.

But Christians don’t have to follow these norms. The Bible gives us a better way.

It’s a way of chastity and wisdom. A way that understands that marriage—the end goal of dating—is for life. The person you marry will shape who you become spiritually. And that person will also be the father or mother to the children God is pleased to give you some day.

Pastorally and accessibly, Joshua Engelsma answers the practical questions of Reformed, Christian dating based on the truth that we must date differently—with marriage as the goal and scripture as the guide.

____________

Joshua Engelsma is a minister in the Protestant Reformed Churches of America. He lives in Doon, Iowa, with his wife, Courtney, and six children. He has served as pastor of Doon Protestant Reformed Church since 2014.

• 160 pages
• softcover
• ISBN 978-1-944555-59-7

ebook version is available in .mobi format (for Kindle users) and .epub (all other devices).

Read a sample.

 

REVIEWS: 

Rev. James Admiraal (as reviewed in the Jan/Feb 2020 issue of The Outlook)

Rev. Gary Eriks

Rev. Cory Griess

Michelle Hofman (as reviewed on The Young Calvinists blog)

Jim Regnerus 

The Three R's Blog

Jon Van Dyk (as reviewed in the January 18, 2020 issue of Christian Renewal)

Mrs. Ricky Pronk (as reviewed in the January 2020 issue of The Messenger)

Sarah Vandergugten (as reviewed in the April 3, 2020 issue of The Clarion)

 

We’re bombarded with antichristian messages everywhere in life, and from casual hookups to casual sex, our culture’s messages on dating are no different.

But Christians don’t have to follow these norms. The Bible gives us a better way.

It’s a way of chastity and wisdom. A way that understands that marriage—the end goal of dating—is for life. The person you marry will shape who you become spiritually. And that person will also be the father or mother to the children God is pleased to give you some day.

Pastorally and accessibly, Joshua Engelsma answers the practical questions of Reformed, Christian dating based on the truth that we must date differently—with marriage as the goal and scripture as the guide.

____________

Joshua Engelsma is a minister in the Protestant Reformed Churches of America. He lives in Doon, Iowa, with his wife, Courtney, and six children. He has served as pastor of Doon Protestant Reformed Church since 2014.

• 160 pages
• ISBN 978-1-944555-60-3

ebook version is available in .mobi format (for Kindle users) and .epub (all other devices).

 Click PDF icon to look inside the book.

Reviews:

Dr. Julian Kennedy review

Ryan Schipper review

Taylor Vink review

Old Schoolhouse review

Those were the Dark Ages, the days of knights and castles and kings and queens, of monasteries, Vikings, and monks. But one monk stood out from all the rest. One monk stood firm for the truth he believed though no one stood with him at all. This is the story of Gottschalk of Orbais, a light of truth in the darkness of his age—a light of truth in ours.

For several years the RFPA has discussed publishing books for younger readers and Gottschalk: Servant of God represents our first effort. This book is intended for junior high and high school ages. Because the story is intriguing and the history of Gottschalk is not well-known, adults will also enjoy this book and find it profitable.

• 160 pages
• hardcover
• ISBN 978-1-936054-88-6

Endorsements:

"Gottschalk is my hero."—Herman Hanko

"...students...student's parents, their elders and ministers. This is a volume they could all read with profound benefit."—Marvin Kamps

"Honestly, it is a very, very good book."—7th grade student

 

Ebook version available in .mobi format (for Kindle users) and .epub (all other devices).

Gottschalk: Medieval Confessor of God's Absolute Sovereignty

 Click PDF icon to look inside the book.

Reviews:

Dr. Julian Kennedy review

Ryan Schipper review

Taylor Vink review

Old Schoolhouse review

Those were the Dark Ages, the days of knights and castles and kings and queens, of monasteries, Vikings, and monks. But one monk stood out from all the rest. One monk stood firm for the truth he believed though no one stood with him at all. This is the story of Gottschalk of Orbais, a light of truth in the darkness of his age—a light of truth in ours. 

For several years the RFPA has discussed publishing books for younger readers and Gottschalk: Servant of God represents our first effort. This book is intended for junior high and high school ages. Because the story is intriguing and the history of Gottschalk is not well-known, adults will also enjoy this book and find it profitable.

• 160 pages
• ISBN 978-1-936054-89-3

Endorsements:

"Gottschalk is my hero."—Herman Hanko

"...students...student's parents, their elders and ministers. This is a volume they could all read with profound benefit."—Marvin Kamps

"Honestly, it is a very, very good book."—7th grade student

 

Ebook version available in .mobi format (for Kindle users) and .epub (all other devices).

 

Gottschalk: Medieval Confessor of God's Absolute Sovereignty

 Click PDF icon to look inside the book.

Reviews:

Mary Beth Lubbers

Our Everyday Harvest blog

Deputie Tribe blog

Hope in the Chaos blog

The Write Balance blog

• 36 pages
• hardcover
• ISBN 978-1-944555-43-6

Endorsements:

Click here to look inside the book!

What is your only comfort in life and death?

That I with body and soul, both in life and death, am not my own, but belong unto my faithful Savior Jesus Christ.

 

It’s comforting to belong to God because you know he will care for you. The Bible tells you that when you pass through the deep waters and when you walk through the fire, God will be with you.

I Belong is a picture book for ages four to seven that explains each comforting phrase of Heidelberg Catechism Question and Answer 1 to young children, in language that they understand. Colorful illustrations of a diverse group of children will capture readers’ imaginations as they learn what it means to belong to their faithful Savior.

This book can be used as a short book of devotions for families with younger children or can be read by older children on their own.

Joyce Holstege teaches kindergarten at Heritage Christian School, located in her hometown of Hudsonville, Michigan. She has taught at Heritage since 1995. Joyce holds a BA in English and Education from Grand Valley State University and is a member of the Protestant Reformed Churches. She enjoys reading, gardening, and all things arts and crafts.

Meagan Krosschell lives in Randolph, Wisconsin. She studies graphic design at Madison College and enjoys drawing, camping, and ice hockey. Meagan is also a member of the Protestant Reformed Churches.

Click here to read the review in the January/February 2022 issue of the Outlook

 

"Doctrinal Devotions for Little Ones"

A speech given by the author at the annual Association meeting of the Reformed Free Publishing Association on September 22, 2022 at Terra Square in Hudsonville, Michigan.

Free sample of the latest issue of our children's magazine. To learn more, visit ignitedbytheword.org.

Click pdf to read sample chapter.

REVIEWS: 

Kristin Dykstra

Sarah Mowery

Eva and Mina Boekestein (as reviewed in the July/Aug 2020 issue of The Outlook)

Prof. Ronald Cammenga (as reviewed in the July 2020 issue of The Standard Bearer)

Dr. Jason Van Vliet (as reviewed in the August 1, 2020 issue of Clarion)

Ave and her best friend Katie lived for many years as nuns in a convent in Nimbschen. But one day the two women and several other nuns decided they must flee the convent for the city of Wittenberg so that they could worship the Lord in a way pleasing to him.

Ave and Katie both eventually married. Ave moved away from Wittenberg, while Katie remained in the city with her new husband, Dr. Martin Luther. Over the years the women wrote each other many letters and remained close friends, “sisters in the Lord.”

Now almost three decades later, Ave has received a letter that Katie has died. Determined to share her friend’s faith, Ave begins to relay her memories of Katie and share the letters she has kept for all these years.

Ave desires that we learn what her friend Katie came to learn over fifty-three years on this earth: trust in the Lord. He strengthens the hearts of all who hope in him (Psalm 31:24).

• 208 pages
  
• softcover
• ISBN 978-1-944555-53-5

ebook version is available in .mobi format (for Kindle users) and .epub (all other devices).

Click pdf to read sample chapter.

 

REVIEWS: 

Kristin Dykstra

Sarah Mowery

Eva and Mina Boekestein (as reviewed in the July/Aug 2020 issue of The Outlook)

Prof. Ronald Cammenga (as reviewed in the July 2020 issue of The Standard Bearer)

Dr. Jason Van Vliet (as reviewed in the August 7, 2020 issue of Clarion)

 

Ave (pronounced "Ah-vay") and her best friend Katie lived for many years as nuns in a convent in Nimbschen. But one day Ave, Katie, and several other nuns decided they must flee the convent for the city of Wittenberg so that they could worship the Lord in a way pleasing to him.

Even after Ave married the pharmacist Barcilius Axt and Katie married the famous reformer Martin Luther and Ave moved away from Wittenberg for her husband’s work, the two women wrote each other many letters and remained close friends, “sisters in the Lord.”

Now almost three decades later, Ave has received a letter that Katie has died. Determined to share her friend’s faith, Ave begins to relay her memories of Katie and share the letters she has kept for all these years.

The Lord gave Katie many joys as a wife and mother, but he was also pleased to send her and her family many trials of faith. And so Ave desires that we learn what Katie came to learn over her fifty-three years: trust in the Lord. He strengthens the hearts of all who hope in him (Psalm 31:24).

• 208 pages
• ISBN 978-1-944555-54-2

ebook version is available in .mobi format (for Kindle users) and .epub (all other devices).

Praise His Majesty is a music book containing 254 Psalter (a songbook of Psalms) tunes arranged for beginning pianists. The 8½ by 11 book has a sturdy semi-concealed double wire binding and glossy nylon laminate covers. Teachers of piano will find this book a worthwhile supplement to their students’ course of study. Adults with limited experience on the piano may also find this book to be of value for their enjoyment. The beginning piano student will be able to play the first few songs after only a few piano lessons. The book gradually progresses to levels that are more difficult. Upon completion of this book, the student should be ready to play out of The Psalter itself.

• 180 pages
• softcover, spiral bound
• ISBN 978-0-916206-92-5

 

 Click pdf icon to view sample pages.

Reviews:

Rev. Joshua Engelsma

Rev. Dr. Don E. Galardi

Dr. Sacha Walicord

Rev. Grant Van Leuven

Convinced that instruction on marriage is for God’s youth early on, Pastor Cory Griess has provided a distinctive devotional aid for family worship. Parents, do not delay! Before our children enter the dating scene, where feelings tend to inhibit clear Christian thought, we must ground them now in scriptural principles. The youth of the church will soon make pivotal decisions in their dating years that will permanently affect their married lives. Here is a biblical, insightful, and practical guide for Christian parents, many of whom have vowed at baptism to train their children in the doctrines of scripture to the utmost of their power.—Pastor Jonathan Mahtani

• 112 pages
• softcover
• ISBN 978-1-944555-71-9

ebook version is available in .mobi format (for Kindle users) and .epub (all other devices).

Click pdf to read sample chapter.

 

Reviews:

Rev. Joshua Engelsma

Rev. Dr. Don E. Galardi

Dr. Sacha Walicord

Rev. Grant Van Leuven

Convinced that instruction on marriage is for God’s youth early on, Pastor Cory Griess has provided a distinctive devotional aid for family worship. Parents, do not delay! Before our children enter the dating scene, where feelings tend to inhibit clear Christian thought, we must ground them now in scriptural principles. The youth of the church will soon make pivotal decisions in their dating years that will permanently affect their married lives. Here is a biblical, insightful, and practical guide for Christian parents, many of whom have vowed at baptism to train their children in the doctrines of scripture to the utmost of their power.—Pastor Jonathan Mahtani

• 112 pages
• ISBN 978-1-944555-72-6

ebook version available in .mobi format (for Kindle users) and .epub (all other devices).

Click PDF icon to look inside the book.

REVIEWS

Old Schoolhouse blog reviews (Click on the link and scroll down to the bottom of the page for 40 reviews!)

Worth a Bowed head 

This alphabet book is a collection of Bible passages, short rhymes, and detailed illustrations designed to teach young children of their heavenly Father’s almighty power and his faithfulness to fulfill the promises he makes to them as children of his covenant. Use this book to instruct your children in the truths of salvation for all of God’s people and especially his littlest lambs.

• 32 pages
• hardcover
• ISBN 978-1-944555-27-6

Endorsements:

"Share this lovely ABC book with your youngest children. Mrs. Meyer’s colorful, detailed illustrations please the eyes; her simple, rhyming verses gratify the ears; and the selected scripture texts delight the soul. What better way to introduce our little ones to the alphabet than with the word of him who is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last?"

—Sarah Mowery, children’s and youth literature reviewer for Perspectives in Covenant Education

This book teaches children...

• what God’s law is: his ten words to his people
• how we obey God's law: by loving him and our neighbor
• why we keep God's law: to thank him for delivering us from our sin, to be assured that he has made us his children, and more

 

When we teach children about God’s law, we teach them about Jesus Christ. Jesus obeyed perfectly each one of the commandments in God’s law and died for all the times we have not kept God’s law.

This book explains and applies each commandment in two to three chapters, covering both what God forbids and requires. Chapters include discussion questions, a Bible memory verse, and a related psalm to be sung.

-

Ronald L. Cammenga is professor of Dogmatics and Old Testament Studies at the Protestant Reformed Theological Seminary in Wyoming, Michigan. He is a former pastor, and he and his wife, Rhonda, have eleven children and many grandchildren living in four states.

Ana Sebastián is a digital illustrator and visual development artist based in Madrid, Spain. Ana also likes to work with colored pencils and watercolors and enjoys reading and traveling in her free time.

Coming May 2023!

  Click the PDF to read an excerpt!

 

Review by Annemarieke Ryskamp, from The Outlook, Vol. 71, Issue 6

Review by Ken Kolk, retired professor of history

Review by John Van Dyk, from Christian Renewal, February 19, 2022

August 1862. Eighteen-year-old Harm van Wyke finds his quiet life in the Dutch Reformed community of Holland, Michigan, upended by the American Civil War. When it becomes clear the war will not be as easily won as once believed, President Lincoln calls for 300,000 volunteers to defend the Union. Harm’s minister, Rev. Albertus van Raalte, encourages the young men of his community to join the cause. Harm’s father bitterly opposes the idea. Harm hesitates to leave his home, but when his friends portray the war as a grand adventure, he gives in and joins them. Together, some eighty boys and young men from Holland join the 25^th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment.

As Harm and his friends travel to army camps in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and then Louisville, Kentucky, they face daily temptations to forget God and turn from their faith. Fellow soldiers think nothing of taking the Lord’s name in vain. They gamble, drink, and “forage” from neighboring homes and farms. Harm and his friends gather regularly to sing the old psalms and discuss the Bible, but still, on occasion, they stumble and fall.

As the war progresses, the boys from Holland battle Confederate General John Hunt Morgan in Western Kentucky, and endure an arduous march to Eastern Tennessee where they join the fighting around Knoxville. Later, they take part in General Sherman’s prolonged and bloody Atlanta campaign. Along the way, Harm and his friends face the harsh realities of war—exposure, disease, injury, and death. In the midst of such hardship, Harm’s faith is tried at every turn. His greatest conflict turns out to be spiritual. Will God give Harm the strength to stand for what is right, even if he finds himself opposed by friends?

_

P.M. Kuiper is a member of the Protestant Reformed Churches. In his free time he enjoys wandering the great outdoors, writing, reading good literature, and playing guitar. He resides in West Michigan.

Paula Barone is a member of the Protestant Reformed Churches and a former academic support teacher. She enjoys drawing, reading, and indoor rock climbing. She also lives in West Michigan.

Click here for the ebook.