Pairables: 53 short stories that link to the Bible’s Old Testament

Author(s): Jas Lonnquist (Author), Miley McMahon (Illustrator)
Price: $2.99       (Nov 24 – Dec 3)

Pairables, winner of the 2025 American Writing Awards, Children’s-Religious category, is a collection of lively short stories that pair with Bible accounts – a fresh, inviting path for middle grade children to explore God’s word!

Pranks, puppy training, scary stories by the campfire… Talia, age 13, Mika, 10, and Chloe, 7, are full of big ideas and bold curiosity. With every adventure (and misadventure), they discover treasure in God’s Word – truth that sets their hearts free. Each short story is a modern parable that pairs with an account in the Bible or an age-appropriate Bible history book. Because the action in the stories takes place among the children, the stories are inclusive of children in every type of home or life situation including traditional homes, foster care, single parent, grandparent-led home, and more. Pairables is warmly welcoming to all children with no barriers to understanding they are precious and seen by a wonderful God who loves them deeply!

How do the Pairables unfold? Here are three examples from the 53 stories:
* In “Substitute”, Talia’s class fears they’ll all fail a science test when their teacher is out sick, but a fun substitute teacher turns test preparation into a hilarious game show!
Pairs with: Genesis 3:7-24 – The Promise of a Savior.
When sin entered the world, so did pain and ugliness and death. But Jesus did something we can’t do – he became our substitute, lived a perfect life, and exchanged it for ours.

* In “Revenge Day”, Mika gets a note announcing a kid-initiated “Revenge Day” – a day for classmates to play pranks or take revenge. Talia warns Mika it’s worse than April Fool’s Day. Chloe thinks it sounds amazing and tries a few pranks of her own. But who gets the ultimate revenge on “Revenge Day”?
Pairs with: Genesis 42 – Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt.
When Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt seeking food during a famine, they have no way of knowing the kid brother they sold into slavery is now the second most powerful man in the country. Joseph has a perfect opportunity for revenge! But, then and now, revenge belongs to God alone.

* In “The Shadow Show”, kids doubt Mika when she promises a jungle animal show. But Mika’s small hands, with the power of the sun behind them, cast giant shadows of jungle animals to the delight of all.
Pairs with: 1 Samuel 17 – David versus Goliath
David defeats a huge enemy with the power of God behind him. Five practical strategies that helped David can help us today.

Each story includes:
• A reference pairing the story to an account in the Bible or a Bible history book.
• A verse to remember
• Thinky-thought life connections
• An encouraging prayer starter
• A whimsical illustration by teen artist Miley Joy

Also included:
• A topical index of Bible verses cited in the book – more than 120 in all!
• A “Do you need help” page
• Access to an online Bible history pairing chart
• Access to curriculum plans for schools, homeschools, and Sunday schools
• Access to crafts, games, and recipes from Pairables and Pairables 2

Jesus used parables to teach people because engaging stories make truth easier to understand and remember – as much as 70% better retention according to recent studies. When minds and imaginations are engaged, interest and retention soar!

The Bible is not too hard, too big, or too complicated for children to understand and love. Help your child, grandchild, or students start their Bible journey today with Pairables!

Also, for stories that pair with the New Testament, check out Pairables 2, 53 short stories that pair with the Bible’s New Testament!