New curriculum and catechism from Jared Kennedy lay the groundwork for teachingthe fundamentals of faith
Kids know the value of a promise. A parent’s commitment to go out for ice cream inspires hope, but disappointment reigns when the shop closes early. Broken promises can bring tears. Yet unlike human parents, our good and all-powerful God always keeps his word. His fulfillment is better than anyone could have imagined!
The Beginners Gospel Story Curriculum for Toddlers and Preschoolers (New Growth Press/March 2, 2026), written by Jared Kennedy, highlights God’s perfect promises through the stories of the Old and New Testament. Designed for children ages 2–5, each lesson centers around one of the stories from Kennedy’s popular The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible. The curriculum package includes:
- A teacher’s guide with 52 lessons and QR codes for weekly printable handouts,
- One copy of The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible which provides the Bible story text,
- One copy of Big Thoughts for Tiny Tots that includes a Bible doctrine question to go along with the lesson.
Each story’s theme is integrated throughout so that the songs, crafts, interactive questions, and games reinforce the story. With a total of 52 lessons, this Sunday school curriculum can be completed in one year and repeated with each new class of toddlers or preschoolers. The curriculum can also be used as a resource for homeschooling families.
Bold, colorful illustrationsby Trish Mahoney that capture and hold young children’s attention fill each component of the curriculum. Each week’s coloring pages correspond with the illustrations from The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible.
“In a joy-filled preschool Sunday school class, we cultivate implicit memories that can help children grow to love and embrace the good news. Toddlers and preschoolers soak up their teacher’s facial expressions and example,” Kennedy explains. “Habits form as they learn the weekly routine of coming to church, listening to God’s word, and responding through hands-on crafts and games. By God’s grace, the love and joy they’re shown in Sunday school will teach their hearts to love the church throughout their lives.”
The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible that the curriculum is based on has been a favorite of parents and preschool teachers for almost a decade, but the other book included in the curriculum, Big Thoughts for Tiny Tots: A Beginner’s Gospel Story Book of Questions and Answers, (also written by Kennedy), is a brand new resource that is also available for purchase on its own. This picture bookintroduces preschoolers to the fundamentals of faith with a series of simple questions and answers right on their level.
Teaching toddlers and preschoolers about the Bible doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. It can be as easy as starting to ask them a few simple questions. Little kids love to ask questions—it’s how they learn! Big Thoughts for Tiny Tots presents sixteen questions and answers in a simple catechism style to introduce children ages 2–5 to the gospel message. Each question and answer is accompanied by a Bible verse to show that what’s being taught is rooted in the Scriptures. For example:
Q) Who made the world?
A) God did. He made everything!
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1 CSB)
Mahoney’s bright illustrations will keep children engaged as they learn. As families read this book together again and again, repetition will instill the message of God’s Word in children’s little hearts and minds for a lifetime.
Jared Kennedy MDiv, ThM, serves as managing editor for books and curriculum at The Gospel Coalition and is the cofounder of Gospel-Centered Family, a ministry that points the next generation to Jesus. Kennedy is also the author of God Made Me for Worship, The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible, The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible Curriculum for Toddlers and Preschoolers, Keeping Your Children’s Ministry on Mission, The Story of Martin Luther, the Beginner’s Gospel Story series of board books, and the coauthor of Faith-Builder Catechism.
For review copy and interview information, contact:
Audra Jennings – audra@newgrowthpress.com
