The Book of Belonging: Bible Stories for Kind and Contemplative Kids

Mariko Clark is a Japanese American author, mother, and storyteller on a mission to help kids embrace diversity and wonder. Her time as an editor with National Geographic Learning sharpened her ability to make complex topics accessible and engaging. She equips kids and caregivers with spiritual resources to navigate the messy middle, wrestle with tough questions, and find community in the journey. Mariko lives outside of Indianapolis with her husband and three sweet and spicy kids.

Rachel Eleanor is an illustrator known for doodles of questing travelers, friendly spirits, and all manner of creatures. She uses drawing as a way to explore the wilderness within and without, focusing on themes of spirituality and mindfulness. Her whimsical characters have inhabited books and stationery, championed brands, and even bedecked beverages. She lives in Atlanta with her husband, son, and tabby cat, where they enjoy taking long walks, picking flowers, and cooking with their friends.

"Biblical stories presenting a moving message, contemplative questions, and captivating illustrations."—Kirkus Reviews

"One of the reasons I’m excited about The Book of Belonging is because I share a passionate vision for freeing Scripture from some of the limiting expressions to which it has been confined."—Emily P. Freeman, New York Times bestselling author of How to Walk into a Room

"This book is a masterpiece. And I don’t use that word lightly. . . . It’s mindful, experiential, and unlike any other storybook Bible I’ve ever read. It’s thoughtfully illustrated. It’s safe for kids of all ages. It’s informative and hopeful and interesting. You might buy this book for a child and then keep it for yourself and buy another copy for the kid. It’s that good. It’s that beautiful. If you and your family engage the Christian faith in any way, this book should be on your bookshelves. I cannot say enough about it."—Matthew Paul Turner, #1 New York Times bestselling children’s author

"The Book of Belonging is one of the most important projects coming our way. If we can show our kids a more inclusive world, then maybe we won’t have to spend so much time unlearning as adults, and that excites me."—Brit Barron, pastor, comedian, author of Worth It and Do You Still Talk to Grandma?

"If the Bible has been weaponized against you but you long to love it, I cannot possibly recommend this highly enough."—Erin Moon, host of the Faith Adjacent podcast

"As a pastor, I love the Bible. Unfortunately, too many people uncritically endorse and assume whiteness and uncritically glorify violence. I’m excited by The Book of Belonging’s vision for a fresh story Bible that is more inclusive and contemplative."—Sean Isaac Palmer, pastor, author, Enneagram teacher

"The Book of Belonging is unlike any children’s Bible I have read. As a parent, I love that the stories are engaging and participative for children and parents alike. As a Bible scholar, I appreciate that the stories remain faithful to the original context and key themes of the biblical narratives. With its beautiful storytelling and its strong academic foundation, this book is truly a gift for families who have tried and failed to find a thoughtful—and solidly researched—children’s Bible."—Jennifer Garcia Bashaw, professor of New Testament Studies, Campbell University, and Nerd-in-Residence, The Bible for Normal People