When it comes to helping young children understand what it means to follow Jesus, Mateo’s Choice by Anne Marie Gosnell is a beautiful starting point. Written especially for kids ages 5 to 8, this story follows a little boy named Mateo as he faces one of the most important decisions of his life — choosing to follow Christ.
The book does a wonderful job of introducing the gospel message in a simple, engaging way. The illustrations are bright and full of life, and the vocabulary boxes throughout the pages make it easy for children to understand big spiritual words. I love how each part of the story gently guides young readers toward understanding salvation, discipleship, and what it means to grow in faith.
There’s also a Scripture memory chart at the back, making it easy for parents, teachers, or children’s ministry leaders to continue the conversation beyond storytime. It’s more than just a book — it’s a teaching tool for little hearts ready to learn about Jesus.
Whether you’re a parent, Sunday school teacher, or just someone who loves sharing faith with children, Mateo’s Choice is a book worth adding to your shelf. It’s a sweet reminder that no one is too young to begin a personal walk with Jesus.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Perfect for: Ages 5–8, Sunday school, and family devotion time.
At Salt of Heaven, we love books that help families grow in faith and nurture children’s spiritual journey. Mateo’s Choice is one of those timeless resources that plants seeds of truth and helps young readers understand the joy of choosing Jesus.