The Beginners Bible: Timeless Children’s Stories is a great place to start with young children birth through 3 years old. The Bible stories are told very simply with easy to understand word structure. Each story is approximately 7-10 pages long (a total of 3-4 paragraphs) and each begins with the story title and Bible reference(s). If it’s a new story to you, the presence of the reference allows you to read it from your Bible first to encourage more discussion (with older children). This makes it a perfect choice for a young child with a short attention span. The illustrations are eye-catching and colorful and the quick page turn will keep them interested as you read. Even though it is very simplistic, it is a very good resource to have on hand through their early reading years and could be one of the first Bibles they are able to read on their own.
Editor: Catherine DeVries; Illustrated by: Denis Alonso; Published by: Zonderkidz
Old Testament – 48 stories; New Testament – 46 stories
Our school uses The Early Reader’s Bible as part of the Bible curriculum for Kindergarteners. As the title suggests, this is designed to be a Bible for new readers—think ‘I can read’ book series. Each story starts with story title and Bible reference. There is also a ‘words to know’ box with frequent words to review with your child before you begin reading. While this is designed for a child to read on their own, if your child isn’t able to read with some fluency, I would encourage you to read with them and have them follow along with your finger under the words (or even better, use theirs!). You don’t want your child to dread Bible reading (or any reading) time. It is just as beneficial for you to read to them. Each story is approximately 6 pages—3 with text and 3 with beautifully illustrated pictures. At the end of the story, there is a ‘something to ask’ section with review questions from the story and a ‘something to do’ section that helps them understand how to apply the Word to their every day life.
Written by: V. Gilbert Beers; Illustrated by: Terri Steiger; Published by: Zonderkidz
Old Testament – 35; New Testament – 29
The Big Picture Story Bible is a BIG book with large, captivating illustrations. The book is divided by testament and in parts within the testaments. This story Bible does not provide Biblical references. The stories are simply and accurately told. My kids love to lay this one on the floor and look through the pictures together. There is a great bonus feature with this Story Bible. David Helm, the author, has provided a free read aloud version for families to download at the publisher’s website. It is a great chronological story Bible to have on hand.
Written by: David R. Helm; Illustrated by: Gail Schoonmaker; Published by: Crossway
Old Testament – 11 Parts (some contain more than one ‘story’); New Testament – 15 Parts (some contain more than one ‘story’)
Read-Aloud Bible Stories is set in five volumes, each containing five Bible stories. This isn’t a typical chronological storying Bible but rather a series of short stories from Biblical texts. These are big story books with beautifully drawn illustrations. The text in these read-alouds are perfect for engaging preschoolers. The language is simplistic and easy for little ones to understand. The stories included are listed below.
Written by: Ella K. Lindvall; Illustrated by: H. Kent Puckett (Vol. 1, 3, 4, 5) & Ken Renczenski (Vol. 2); Published by: Moody Press
- The Man Who Was Too Little
- The Man Who Couldn’t See
- The Boys and Girls and Jesus
- The Wind That Obeyed
- The Man Who Said, “Thank You”
- Simon and His Boat
- The Boy Who Went Away
- The Boy Who Shared His Lunch
- The Man Who Helped
- A Sad Day and a Happy Day
- How God Made the World
- Noah’s Big Boat
- God Gives His People Bread to Eat
- Daniel and the Lions
- Baby Jesus and the Good News
- Joseph and His Brothers
- The Baby in the Basket
- Joshua and the Big Wall
- David and the Biggest Man
- Jonah and the Big Fish
- The Foolish Farmer
- The Sheep That Was Lost
- The People Helper Who Wouldn’t Help
- Two Men Who Talked to God
- Two Me and Their Houses
The Beginners Gospel Story Bible is a great story Bible for 3-4 year old children (and even older!). This is one of our family favorites. The pages are filled with illustrations and questions that lead children not only to know the Bible story being shared but also to start understanding the deep truths about God that each story reveals. The author has carefully shared the text and ends each story with a question and answer that leads them to understand God’s Word has everyday application for our life. The Bible stories do have the reference at the beginning of each chapter. If you are just beginning a family devotional time with a child 3 years or older, this is a great Bible to start with!
Written by: Jared Kennedy; Illustrated by: Trish Mahoney; Published by: New Growth Press
Old Testament – 26; New Testament – 26
