Five Best Bibles for Kids
Photo by Janko Ferlic on Unsplash
There is no substitute for the inspired Word of God. It is so important families read the actual Bible together regularly. But kids also need to be met where they are developmentally and creatively to fully engage with Scripture.
In Matthew 19:14, Jesus said, “let the little children come to me.” In the following phenomenal children’s Bibles we find the opportunity to do just that, laying a foundation of faith through a love of Scripture that will keep them their whole lives through.
These are five of my family’s favorite children’s Bibles. I hope they will become some of your favorites too.
Christine
Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids
Publisher
Faith Words
Minno Kids
Best for Kids
Ages 4-8
Best Read
> With a parent/adult
Why We Love It
The Laugh and Grow Bible for Kids is written by the same guy that brought us Veggie Tales and the What’s in the Bible? series. As such, it’s full of the same fun, kid-friendly imagery we’ve all come to know and love from his work.
Each of the 52 five-minute Bible stories ends with discussion questions to spark family conversation and a short focused prayer which makes it an incredible option for family devotions or bedtime reading.
My favorite part of this Bible, is that Vischer doesn’t shrink away from tackling difficult or theological questions. He just presents them in a way kids can understand. Tucked within sections titled “Tricky Bits,” “Fun Facts,” and “Everyday Truth” are absolute gems of Biblical understanding parents are sure to learn from as well.
Additional Note
If your little is not quite old enough for this Bible, try checking out the Laugh and Grow Bible for Little Ones: The Gospel in 15 One-Minute Bible Stories.
The Complete Illustrated Children’s Bible
Publisher
Harvest Kids
Best for Kids
Ages 4-8
Best Read
> With a parent/adult
> As a first Bible for young readers
Why We Love It
The beauty of this children’s Bible (for me) is in the organization of its content. Not only are stories divided by Old and New Testaments, the table of contents places each story within the greater arc of Scripture, dividing each testament into smaller categories (like Creation, The Rise of Israel, and The Time of the Prophets to name a few).
Every story is anchored to its reference in Scripture before the story’s summary so older kids or parents can read the full Biblical account on their own. Plus, each of the 169 Old Testament stories and 118 New Testament stories (yes, you read those numbers correctly!) are only two pages long, making them the perfect length for new readers to engage with God’s Word as they practice their reading skills. Each summary is so concise, there are many stories included in this children’s Bible that don’t make the cut in others – opening kids up to the depth of God’s Word.
The Biggest Story Bible Storybook
Publisher
Crossway
Best for Kids
Ages 4-10
Best Read
> With a parent/adult
> As a personal Bible for 2nd-4th grade kids
Why We Love It
First, the illustrations in this kid’s Bible are stunning. Using bold, bright colors, illustrator Don Clark creates a visual rendering of God’s Word that page after page, is an unfolding work of art.
Second, this Bible speaks in the language of story, weaving application for today and the heart of the gospel message into every selection of Scripture. Instead of focusing on Old and New Testament, DeYoung divides all of Scripture into seven parts (The Pentateuch, History, Poetry, The Prophets, The Gospels, Acts and Epistles and Revelation), emphasizing from the first written word to the final artistic stroke that Jesus is the very center of the biggest, grandest story that’s ever been told and the beating heart of God’s great love for us.
The Action Bible
Publisher
David C. Cook
Best for Kids
Ages 8-12
Best Read
> As a personal Bible for 3rd-6th grade kids
Why We Love It
I don’t personally love reading comics, but as a mom of three boys, I am so thankful the folks at David C. Cook invested in a Bible project to engage the hearts and minds of kids who do.
Using the lure and language most commonly associated with super heroes, The Action Bible solidly presents the stories of Scripture from a similar footing. Our God has done great things, both for His people and through His people. He is greater than any hero, stronger than any foe and has accomplished the impossible by securing our redemption through Jesus.
He is the Hero that deserves our time, energy and affection – a lesson our kids will learn as they breeze through the pages of this comic-book retelling of God’s redemptive story.
The Kingstone Bible Trilogy
Publisher
Kingstone Comics
Best for Kids
Ages 10-14
Best Read
> As a Bible study tool for 5th-8th grade kids
Why We Love It
The Kingstone Bible Trilogy is a massive, comic-book retelling of Scripture, illustrated by former Marvel and DC artists. My oldest son started by reading the Action Bible and wanting more, very quickly progressed through the pages of these books.
Each volume anchors the selected portion of Scripture it covers to a Biblical and historical timeline. Every page of every story is tied to the book, chapter and verse in the Bible that it illustrates. As such, it is a phenomenal Bible study tool, encouraging kids to read God’s inspired Word as they engage visually with the comic re-telling of Kingstone.
A Word of Caution
Some of the visuals in this trilogy can be quite graphic. While one son absolutely LOVED these books, another couldn’t quite handle the visuals (especially in the book of Revelation) and stayed with the Action Bible a little longer. Know your child and if you’re not sure, read it with them!