Bibles For Children: My Short Guide

The stories we share with our children can shape their imaginations for a lifetime.  The folks who bring together these books make choices, and these choices have changed over time.  Differences are readily apparent in what stories are shared, and how much to tell. 

It is almost impossible to distill scripture into child accessible language without the influence of mature interpretative issues.  These books are also shaped by the demands of publishing houses (and the theological stream of the publishers).  While almost any version is a worthy place to start, there are some that are my favorite recommendations.   As a professional religious educator I look at a few details.  

 Illustrations

• Is there a sense of deep love for God’s word?
• Do the illustrations reflect the West Asian setting of the Bible? 
• Are there any good and bad characters with lighter skin for the good and darker for the bad?  

Text

•  Which stories are included and which are not?
•  How are passages with doctrinal or sociological importance handled?
• Does it draw a reader/listener in?
• Most have sidebars or leading questions.  Do these fit within reasonable standards of interpretation?  

For Young Children 
My top recommendation is always the Lion Bible for Children.  Lion is the name of the English publisher of this tried, true and regularly updated children’s bible.  

• The illustrations are elegant and intriguing; 
• The story interpretations are well done, and 
• It has a considerably high volume of Bible stories.  
• Rarely available in local American bookstores, it is easy to find online.  
• They also have a Storyteller’s version which has a smaller selection and is aimed at younger readers and listeners.   Publisher: Lion Hudson Plc (February 1, 2008) ISBN-10: 0745960952

My second recommendation is the Spark Story Bible.  Sparkhouse is producing some of the best contemporary curriculum materials right now.  After several years with this Story Bible, I can tell you that:

•  The illustrations are engaging and thought provoking.  
• They can  seem silly to adult eyes, yet this is usually attached to the meaning of the story and truly helps bring a child into the text.  
• The storytelling is mostly accurate, if occasionally reflecting its Lutheran origins.  
• The publishers state that they tried to incorporate many of the Revised Common Lectionary lessons (OT and Gospel it seems).  Publisher: Augsburg Fortress (April 2009)

An easy to find suggestion is the Children’s Illustrated Bible from DK Publishing.  Actually all of their children and family Bibles seem to be quite good; so to their information book on Christianity.  I love the factoid sidebars that incorporate contemporary information about the Biblical regions, and it’s people.  These are widely available at large and small bookstores, as well as online.  Publisher: DK CHILDREN (February 21, 2005)  ISBN-10: 0756609356

If you are still looking for something else, take a look at the CHILDREN OF GOD STORYBOOK BIBLE by Desmond Tutu (yes you read that right).  There is a version available with a CD of the Archbishop telling the stories!  A careful selection told with his special love and intentions, this is a nice gift to a young person.  

You could also search for an out-of-print version: Catherine Marshall’s Story Bible.  It is certainly a storytelling version; and it has lovely illustrations made by children.

For older children 

First is another Spark text: THE SPARK BIBLE.   

• This is a straightforward NRSV Bible, without the Apocyrpha.  
• NRSV is what we use for Sunday Lessons and is at a high reading level.  
• However, the text is printed in a manner good for young eye. 
• Furthermore the sidebars are helpful for learning how to dialogue and reflect with Scripture. 
• It has nifty marking tabs and is a good complete Bible for an older school age child. 

Second option is a Common English Bible.  

• This is one of the newest and most well regarded translations.  
• It has been celebrated for both its translation accuracy and readability.  
• A version crafted for older children is this one.  
• I have only been able to look at the sidebars online; but they seem good.

If you haven't added at least one Bible to your children's bookshelf and bedtime reading then it is time to start.  Find a good Bible, spend time with it, and don't be afraid to meet questions with 'I don't know..who can we ask to learn more?'