What Children’s Bible Do You Recommend?

One of my favorite sights on Sunday mornings is to see a child carrying his or her Bible to church. They are usually SO proud of having their very own Bible. And many times it can be almost as big as they are!

If we want our children to grow up to love God and His Word, then we need to begin very young to read them stories from the Bible. For parents, this usually happens at bedtime and can be a powerful time of teaching them simple truths from God’s Word. And even if they can’t read yet, it’s important for children to have their own Bible with age-appropriate language and illustrations that help them follow along with the story.

One of my favorite sights on Sunday mornings is to see a child carrying his or her Bible to church. They are usually SO proud of having their very own Bible. And many times it can be almost as big as they are!

If we want our children to grow up to love God and His Word, then we need to begin very young to read them stories from the Bible. For parents, this usually happens at bedtime and can be a powerful time of teaching them simple truths from God’s Word. And even if they can’t read yet, it’s important for children to have their own Bible with age-appropriate language and illustrations that help them follow along with the story.

A child’s first ‘Bible’ may be as simple as a ‘board book’ with thick pages, large print, pretty pictures and a few stories from the Bible. To some, it may seem that this is just a storybook. But teach your children that this is their very own Bible that God has given them to learn more about Him. Teach them early to take good care of, respect and love God’s Word. As children grow and learn to read, they can move on to an ‘older’ version that fits their expanding needs.

We are blessed to live in a time where there are MANY versions of children’s Bibles to choose from. Because there are so many options available, I am regularly asked what Bible I would recommend for children. I’d like to share a few of my top recommendations:

The Beginner’s Bible for Toddlers – this Bible is a simplified version of the Beginner’s Bible. It includes easy-to-read stories along with child-friendly pictures. For children ages 1 to 3.

My First Study Bible– covers every book of the Bible either with stories or an overview of that particular book. Each book is introduced by a Bible character and includes explanation boxes giving additional facts regarding the story. For children ages 3 to 6.

My First Message Bible – introduces children to God's Word through “The Message” Bible text with lively illustrations and short lessons. Each story can be read in 10 to 15 minutes and includes fun activities for parents and children. For children ages 4 to 8.

The Jesus Storybook Bible – this Bible tells the Story beneath all the stories in the Bible. It invites children to discover that Jesus is at the center of God’s great story of salvation and at the center of their story too. For children ages 4 and up.

The Action Bible – includes over 200 fast-paced narratives in chronological order, making it easy to follow the Bible’s historical flow. Dramatically illustrated in a ‘comic book’ style. For children ages 8 to 12.

As you research various options, I would recommend looking these up online or in your local Christian bookstore. Keep in mind your own child’s personality and interests as you choose a Bible for them. You might also want to have them look through the Bibles with you as you make your choice.

Paul’s charge to Timothy is still true for us today:

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim 3:14-17).

As we “continue” learning God’s Word, let’s pass on the love we have for the Lord and His Word to our children. We can begin this process simply by giving them their very own Children’s Bible!