In conversations about Christianity, one question often sparks curiosity and debate: Why does the Bible have extra books in some traditions and not in others? This topic not only offers rich theological history but also provides a great opportunity for families to explore Scripture and deepen their faith journey—especially with children.
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind the differences in Biblical canons and how parents, grandparents, and educators can introduce children to these teachings through interactive, age-appropriate tools like faith-based learning resources and quiet books. Let’s begin!
Understanding Why the Bible Has Extra Books
Many people are surprised to learn that Catholic and Orthodox Bibles include several books that Protestant Bibles do not. These texts are known as the Deuterocanonical books, and include titles like Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, and 1 & 2 Maccabees. The Protestant tradition often refers to these as Apocrypha and excludes them from its canon.
So why the difference?
Historically, the early Christian church used the Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, which included these additional books. Later, during the Protestant Reformation, Martin Luther and other reformers chose to align the Old Testament more closely with the Jewish Tanakh, which excludes the Deuterocanonicals.
Want to dive deeper into this topic? Check out this thorough breakdown by St. Catherine Roman Catholic Church explaining the origin and significance of these texts.
Why This Matters for Families Raising Faith-Filled Children
Understanding the history behind the Biblical canon can spark meaningful conversations with your children and grandchildren. But teaching these ideas to toddlers or young preschoolers may feel like a challenge. That’s where hands-on, faith-based tools can make a big difference.
Montessori-style learning emphasizes tactile, independent discovery. Imagine introducing the story of Noah’s Ark, the 12 Apostles, or the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit in a way that engages a child’s mind and heart. That’s exactly the goal of educational tools like the Mass Busy Book.
A Montessori-Inspired Solution: The Mass Busy Book
This beautifully designed 10-page felt quiet book offers a playful and thoughtful way for toddlers and preschoolers to learn about their faith. With certified safety standards in Canada, the USA, and Europe, it’s ideal for church settings, home use, or even as a travel companion during Mass.
✅ Included Activities:
- 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit
- The Lord’s Prayer Puzzle
- Jesus and the 12 Apostles
- The Good Shepherd
- Noah’s Ark
- Fruits of the Holy Spirit
- 10 Commandments Matching
- Bible Surprise Page
- Garden of Eden activity
- Discovery of Sacred Items like the Chalice & Tabernacle
🌿 These activities combine Montessori elements with Catholic teachings, encouraging self-guided learning, memory skills, and fine motor development.
What Parents and Grandparents Are Saying
This isn’t just theory—it’s a product that’s deeply touching families:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“So excited to share the Bible stories with my grandchildren with beautiful quality materials that are sturdy and easy to use.”
— Cris, Etsy Review (March 14, 2025)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“It is a great gift! Creative and interesting as well as quality. Perfect to keep those little ones from getting bored at Mass and yet having a Christian theme throughout. Well done!”
— Therese, Etsy Review (March 18, 2025)
These reviews reflect how the Mass Busy Book is more than just a toy—it’s a meaningful gift that bridges generations.
How to Introduce Faith with Fun and Purpose
Parents and caregivers can integrate the Busy Book into:
- Morning routines (start the day with a faith-based activity)
- Church visits (keep children focused and engaged)
- Quiet time or bedtime routines (explore stories like Noah’s Ark)
- Gift-giving for Baptisms, First Communion, or Easter baskets
💡 Pro Tip: Encourage children to explore each page independently, following the Montessori principle of hands-on, self-paced learning.
Complementary Resources for Catholic Families
To expand your child’s early faith education, consider pairing the Busy Book with:
- Children’s Picture Bibles – such as The Catholic Baby’s First Bible
(Catholic Company) - The Jesus Storybook Bible – popular for toddlers and preschoolers
(Zondervan Publishing) - The Ascension Kids Channel on YouTube – great faith-based content
(Ascension Kids) - Catholic Sprouts Podcast – short, daily faith messages for kids
(Catholic Sprouts) - EWTN Kids Resources – printables and faith-based videos
(EWTN)
These links not only build your blog’s SEO but also serve your readers with trusted tools.
Final Thoughts: Teaching Faith with Love and Intention
While the theological question of why the Bible has extra books may seem advanced, it opens the door to early conversations about the diversity of Christian tradition, Scripture, and values. And with tools like the Mass Busy Book, you’re not just telling stories—you’re shaping faith in a joyful, tangible way.
If you’re a grandparent, godparent, or parent looking to inspire little hearts, this felt quiet book offers a special way to plant seeds of faith that can grow for a lifetime.
🌟 Explore the book here:
👉 Mass Quiet Book – Catholic Felt Busy Book
💬 Join the Conversation!
Have you ever discussed why the Bible has extra books with your children or grandchildren? What tools have helped you pass on your faith in creative ways?
Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your story!
Comment (1)