The Jesus Storybook Bible is a family favorite and one we read often. There is a beautifully poetic style to Sally Lloyd-Jones’ writing that is absolutely captivating for children and adults alike and makes for one of the best read aloud versions. The Bible is sectioned into Old and New Testaments with a little over 20 stories in each. The author has crafted a unique title for each of the stories, but the traditional Bible story name and reference are included underneath her title. Each of the stories in The Jesus Storybook Bible show children how God had a plan for salvation from the very beginning and every story plays a key part in how God brought that about. The illustrations are beautiful and will have your child begging to read it again and again.
Written by: Sally Lloyd-Jones; Illustrated by: Jago; Published by: Zonderkidz
Old Testament – 21; New Testament – 23
The Gospel Story Bible: Discovering Jesus in the Old and New Testaments is hands-down my very favorite resource for this age group. The books above are all fantastic resources, but as our oldest grew we wanted to expose him to more stories than those Bibles offered—yet knew he wasn’t ready for a text-only Bible. There is an incredible value to the repetition of the main story line of Scripture but there also comes a time to build on the foundation those Bibles offer. This came for our oldest when he was around 5-6 years old. This Story Bible is a wonderful stepping stone. Marty Machowski includes those stories plus so many more. He splits time equally between the testaments. Each story is titled and includes the Bible reference. The stories are well told and begin to include Scripture quotations in each. The illustrations are more abstract and are beautifully done. Another thing we have loved with this Story Bible is that he provides a teaching application at the end of each story and a ”Let’s Talk About It!” section with questions to ask your children. As you read this Bible with your family, I promise you and your children will see God and understand His Word in a wonderful way. It’s a must-have resource for your home!
Written by: Marty Machowski; Illustrated by: A.E. Macha; Published by: New Growth Press
Old Testament – 78; New Testament – 78
More than a Story is a new story Bible that was published in 2020 by Truth 78, formerly known as Children Desiring God. Sally Michael worked under John Piper’s leadership as minister to children for 16 years at Bethlehem Baptist Church. She and her husband have devoted their lives to creating resources for parents to disciple their children that are God-centered and true to the Bible–and they are some of the best. This story Bible is no exception. If you’re looking for an in-depth family devotional journey through the Old Testament, this is what you want! Each story is told in a conversational style, frequently asking questions to engage your children. Each chapter ends with a section that will lead your family to consider what that particular story tells us about God and also includes some talking points and a prayer prompt. While we haven’t personally used this with our children yet, I can recommend it without hesitation and know you will grow in your knowledge of God as you lead your family through this. Her New Testament Story Bible should be released Fall 2021!
Written by: Sally Michael; Illustrated by: Fred Apps; Published by: Truth78
Old Testament Only – 90; New Testament arrives Fall 2021
The Children’s Bible in 365 Stories story Bible is another one our children’s school uses for grades 1-4. I find these stories to be told in a straightforward manner that is mostly faithful to the text (based off Good News Bible translation) and easy for the children to understand. It is a very factual account of Scripture, not interpretive. The stories are introduced with a title and Scripture reference and each take approximately 3-5 minutes to read. Many of these stories will be new and unfamiliar to your children (and possibly even you!), but it is a great tool to add more Bible knowledge to the basic framework of the Gospel Story. I would encourage you to read ahead and be prepared for questions before sitting down to read this one with your child. The illustrations are beautiful and more life-like, but some may have issue with how life-like some stories are presented.
Written by: Mary Batchelor; Illustrated by: John Haysom; Published by: David C. Cook
Old Testament – 237; New Testament – 128
The Golden Children’s Bible is much like The Children’s Bible in 365 Stories. It has been written in a clear, simple style for children and approved by an editorial board consisting of leaders from the Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish faiths. As such, you will find it to be a very matter of fact presentation of Scripture that is not interpreted. Scripture references are not given in the table of contents but are listed at the top of each page as you flip through the Bible itself, allowing you to reference as you desire. It is beautifully illustrated and engaging for older children. I would again encourage you to read ahead and be prepared for questions before sitting down to read this one with your child.
Published by: Golden Books Publishing Company
Old Testament – 229; New Testament – 154
The Child’s Story Bible is not one I have yet used with my children, but comes highly recommended to me by people I trust. This story Bible was written by a mother for her children, driven by the desire to create a resource to preserve the Bible story-telling heritage her mother had shared with her. She also wanted a story Bible that would be both faithful to the inspired, infallible Word of God and flow with the warmth and excitement to engage and captivate the hearts and minds of children. I’ve no doubt this is a treasure sitting on my bookshelf and cannot wait to share it with my children. This Bible has a few illustrations, but is mostly text.
Written by: Catherine Vos; Published by: Eerdmans