Series
Children
Christopher & Christina Meet Lydia: The Purple Cloth Merchant
Christopher & Christina’s Time Machine Book 26
Step into the past and meet Lydia—the purple cloth merchant whose heart was opened to Jesus.
Join Christopher and Christina as their magical time machine takes them back to ancient Philippi, where they meet Lydia, a successful businesswoman whose life was changed forever when she heard the Apostle Paul speak about Jesus.
About This Book
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Through a gentle and engaging Bible story based on Acts 16, children will discover how Lydia listened, believed, was baptized, and joyfully opened her home to Paul and his companions. Her story teaches a beautiful lesson about faith, hospitality, courage, and sharing what is good with others.
Inside this inspiring Christian children’s book, young readers will find:
• A captivating time-travel adventure with Christopher and Christina
• The Bible story of Lydia told in a warm, child-friendly way
• An introduction to the real Lydia from Acts 16
• A simple prayer children can pray themselves
• Thought-provoking discussion questions for children and families
• A memorable faith lesson about opening your heart to Jesus
• A drawing activity that encourages children to respond creatively
• A gentle message about making our homes welcoming places for God and others
With its combination of Bible storytelling, history, faith, and meaningful activities, this book is ideal for Christian families, Sunday school teachers, children’s ministries, homeschoolers, and young readers who enjoy learning about the people of the Bible.
When the Lord opens your heart, He often opens your home, too.
Come along with Christopher and Christina on another journey through faith—and discover the inspiring story of Lydia, the purple cloth merchant.
What is Christopher & Christina Meet Lydia about?
Christopher and Christina travel in their time machine to ancient Philippi, where they meet Lydia, a successful businesswoman who sells purple cloth. Her life changes when she hears the apostle Paul speak about Jesus: she listens, believes, is baptized, and welcomes Paul and his companions into her home. Retelling Acts 16 in child-friendly language, the book draws out lessons about faith, hospitality, courage, and sharing what is good with others, and it shows how faith can shape the way a person lives and treats people. It also includes an introduction to the historical Lydia, a simple prayer for children, discussion questions for children and families, and a drawing activity.
Who wrote Christopher & Christina Meet Lydia?
It was written by Alfred Basta, a professor, author, and musician, with co-author Nadine Basta.
What genre is Christopher & Christina Meet Lydia?
It is a Christian children’s picture book, which means a short illustrated Bible story told through a time-travel adventure, with a prayer, discussion questions, and a drawing activity at the end.
Who is Christopher & Christina Meet Lydia for?
It is written for young readers interested in Bible people, and for Christian families, Sunday school teachers, children’s ministries, and homeschoolers.
Is Christopher & Christina Meet Lydia part of a series?
Yes. It is Book 26 of Christopher & Christina’s Time Machine, a picture book series in which two children travel back in time to meet people from the Bible, with each book visiting a different Bible character. You can find the series on Amazon.
Where can I buy Christopher & Christina Meet Lydia?
Christopher & Christina Meet Lydia is available in paperback and Kindle editions. The paperback ISBN-13 is 979-8172612022 (37 pages, published September 7, 2026).
Amazon (paperback) | Amazon (Kindle) | Indigo (author page)
About the author: Alfred Basta is a professor, author of Ward No. 8 and The Malgrave Letters, and musician as The Bastas Project.
Last updated: October 12, 2026
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