The Best Children’S Bible: A Complete Guide
Choosing the right children’s bible can be a daunting task for parents. With so many options available, how do you know which one is the best for your kids? If you’re looking for the best children’s bible that will teach biblical truths in a way kids can understand and enjoy, you’ve come to the right place.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: The Jesus Storybook Bible is widely considered one of the best children’s bibles due to its creative retelling of bible stories and focus on showing how every story points to Jesus as our savior.
In this comprehensive guide, we will compare the most popular children’s bibles on the market today. We’ll look at key factors like story selection, the reading level, illustrations, durability, and extra features.
Whether you want a bible stuffed with activities, a classic storybook, or an ebook, we’ve got you covered.
How to Choose the Right Children’s Bible
Consider your child’s age and reading level
When selecting a children’s Bible, it’s important to consider your child’s age and reading comprehension skills. Bibles aimed at toddlers and preschoolers often have very simple text and focus on short Bible stories with engaging illustrations.
For early elementary aged kids who are independent readers, look for a Bible with age-appropriate vocabulary and chapter divisions. Tweens and teens may appreciate a Bible with informative sidebars, maps, and timelines to provide context.
Consulting your child’s teacher or doing a quick online search for grade-level reading lists can help you determine the right reading level for your child’s age.
Think about which stories you want included
Children’s Bibles can vary widely in terms of which stories and passages are included from the full Bible text. Some focus exclusively on key narratives like Genesis, Exodus, the gospels, Acts, and Revelation. Others try to provide a broader sampling from across the Old and New Testaments.
Consider which stories and passages are most important for your child to learn based on your family’s faith tradition and values. For example, Catholic families may want to ensure their child’s Bible includes the Deuterocanonical books endorsed by the Catholic church.
Families wanting to teach the overarching narrative of the Bible may prefer a chronological Bible or a visual overview of the Bible. Think about not just the content you want included but also whether you want it ordered chronologically or by biblical book order.
Evaluate the illustrations
Given their shorter attention spans, kids are often drawn in most by a children’s Bible with engaging illustrations. Look for a Bible with pictures that are colorful, imaginative, and appealing to children. Illustrations can range from realistic to more cartoonish or whimsical.
Playful pictures that portray biblical figures with expressions and set against lively backdrops tend to be big hits with kids. The illustrations can also reinforce comprehension of the stories. Maps, graphs, and timelines are a plus too for helping kids visualize historical context and sequence.
Assess special features like activities and ebooks
Many children’s Bibles now come with supplemental content and activities to further engage kids. For example, some Bibles have sections with games, puzzles, coloring pages, and other interactive elements. This content is designed to reinforce the biblical stories and principles in a fun way.
Some children’s Bibles also have digital components like animated stories, narration, and games accessible through an ebook edition. These features enrich the experience and can help kids retain what they learn.
Consider how important extra bible activities are for holding your child’s interest and whether you want digital features.
Look for durable binding and materials
Since kids will likely use, carry, and play with their children’s Bible, it’s important to select one made from high quality and durable materials. Look for a hardcover or reinforced board book binding that will withstand regular use. Thick, sturdy paper pages are ideal—thin bible paper tears easily.
A bible made with quality leather or leather alternative cover material will also last longer. Choose a size that’s not overly large or heavy for your child to handle comfortably. Finding the intersection between durability and manageable size for little hands is key.
Reviews of the Top Children’s Bibles
The Jesus Storybook Bible
The Jesus Storybook Bible is a fantastic choice for young children who are just starting to learn about the Bible. This Bible uses simple, engaging stories to walk kids through the Old and New Testament in a way they can understand. The brightly illustrated pictures help bring the stories to life.
This Bible really focuses on showing how all the stories point towards Jesus as our savior. It’s a great foundational Bible that helps lay the groundwork for God’s plan of salvation.
The Beginner’s Bible
With over 30 million copies sold, The Beginner’s Bible is one of the most popular children’s Bibles ever. This Bible uses fun art and easy to read stories to introduce young readers to famous Bible characters and events. Stories cover creation, Noah’s ark, the birth of Jesus, and more.
The text is simple enough for early readers. This Bible is great for reading aloud together. The bright pictures and cartoon style make it really appealing for young children.
The Action Bible
For kids who love superheroes and action, The Action Bible brings the Bible to life like a graphic novel. With vivid illustrations and an energetic narrative style, this Bible presents stories from the Bible as epic adventures.
Key events like the Exodus or life of Jesus read like a fast-paced comic book. This draws in readers who may find a traditional Bible boring. The Action Bible is ideal for elementary aged boys who are hard to engage in Bible reading. It shows them just how exciting God’s Word can be!
Adventure Bible for Early Readers
The Adventure Bible for Early Readers is designed just for kids ready to read on their own. With a third grade reading level, the text is simple enough for early readers to navigate independently. Bright artwork and maps keep their attention. Bonus content like “Did You Know?”
facts help bring Bible details alive. With its story-focused approach, this Bible is wonderful for independent reading or bedtime stories. It will build a child’s confidence in their reading skills while helping them connect with the Bible.
The Big Picture Interactive Bible
The Big Picture Interactive Bible uses engaging features to help kids grasp the overarching narrative of the Bible. With a chronological approach, it shows how all the different stories weave together into one epic tale.
Comic book style illustrations, maps, timelines and quick summaries all help kids visualize the big picture. There are also interactive elements like coloring pages, board games, and removable stickers to reinforce learning.
This innovative Bible is excellent for visual learners who will appreciate seeing how the Biblical events connect from Genesis to Revelation.
Best Children’s Bibles by Age
Ages 2-4
The best children’s Bibles for ages 2-4 use simple language, bright colors, and engaging stories to introduce toddlers to the Bible. The Jesus Storybook Bible tells 21 stories from the Old and New Testaments in a child-friendly way that points to Jesus as the hero of every story.
The Preschooler’s Bible uses basic vocabulary and colorful illustrations to help young children understand important Bible stories. The Candle Bible for Toddlers features engaging artwork and simple retellings of 50 Bible stories.
These Bibles build a foundation of faith using vocabulary and concepts appropriate for very young children.
Ages 4-8
Children ages 4-8 benefit from children’s Bibles with more details, but still told in a compelling way that holds their interest. The Adventure Bible for Early Readers uses fun comic book-style illustrations and explores biblical stories with multimedia content.
The CNLT Beginning Reader’s Bible tells nearly 300 stories chronologically with vivid artwork. The International Children’s Bible uses simple language at a 3rd grade reading level. These Bibles expand on biblical knowledge while remaining engaging for young elementary-aged children.
Ages 8-12
Older elementary school kids are ready for children’s Bibles that tackle complex theological ideas while still being relevant. The NIV Adventure Bible includes detailed study notes to help preteens understand historical and cultural contexts.
The Deep Blue Kids Bible uses relatable language and applications to connect tweens to biblical truths. The NLT Hands-On Bible includes interactive features like charts, graphs, and maps to bring the Bible to life.
These Bibles encourage an emerging independence in how kids interact with and apply scripture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should my child read a real bible or a storybook bible?
Both real bibles and storybook bibles have benefits for children. Real bibles allow kids to engage with the actual scripture, while storybook bibles simplify stories and often have engaging illustrations.
Many parents start with storybook bibles when kids are very young, then gradually transition to real bibles as kids get older and can better understand the complex language and ideas.
Around ages 5-7, children become ready for real bibles written at a beginner reading level. Look for children’s bibles that use the true text of scripture but explain challenging vocabulary and break content into small sections.
The NIrV Adventure Bible for Early Readers and the CSB Read to Me Bible for Kids are great options.
What translation is best for kids?
For young children, storybook bibles translated at a basic English reading level are best. As kids progress to real bibles, look for a children’s bible translated into clear, simple language at about a 3rd grade reading level. Avoid archaic translations like King James.
The New Internation Children’s Version (NIrV) is one of the easiest for kids to understand. The Christian Standard Bible (CSB) and New Living Translation (NLT) are also excellent choices with plain, straightforward language.
Is it okay to let my kid read bible comics or cartoon bibles?
Absolutely! Bible comics and cartoons can make scripture really come alive for kids. The visuals help them visualize stories and understand concepts. Look for age-appropriate comics that adhere closely to biblical text.
Some good options are the Picture Bible for young readers and the Action Bible for older kids.
Use comics as a supplement to full bible reading, not a replacement. And be sure to discuss the content with your child to clarify any points of confusion.
Which children’s bible is most accurate?
For the most scripturally accurate children’s bible, look for versions that use the full text of a formal translation simplified for young readers. Avoid bibles labeled as “paraphrases” which often take too many liberties.
The NIrV Adventure Bible, the CSB Read to Me Bible, and the NIV Adventure Bible all stick close to their source translations.
For the most authenticity, you may wish to purchase a real bible translated for adults but written at a basic 5th grade reading level or below. The New Century Version (NCV) and New Living Translation (NLT) are excellent choices.
Conclusion
With so many excellent options, choosing the right children’s bible for your child may feel overwhelming. Focus on their age, reading level, and your goals, and you can’t go wrong. Scripture will come alive for kids through creative art, activities, and storytelling in these children’s bibles.
The earlier we expose children to God’s Word, the more it can shape their lives. With the help of these engaging bibles, your kids will build a firm faith foundation.
The Jesus Storybook Bible is our top choice for its imaginative storytelling and Christ-focused narrative. But classics like The Beginner’s Bible and The Action Bible are wonderful as well. Look for a bible that will draw your child in, teach them biblical truth, and inspire a lifelong love of God’s Word.
