***Guest post by Jeannie Cunnion***
If you’ve looked at Bibles for children in recent months, you’ve probably noticed just how many children’s Bibles exist. A vast selection of Bibles is a wonderful option to have, but it can leave you wondering how to choose a Bible for your child. I’ve spoken to countless parents who’ve gone into a bookstore with the intent to purchase a children’s Bible only to leave empty handed. They left not because they couldn’t find a Bible they liked, but because they found too many. The options are seemingly endless.
NIV, Adventure Bible, Hardcover, Full ColorThe Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name
A Child’s First Bible
The Beginner’s Bible: Timeless Children’s Stories
The Action Bible
The Unofficial Holy Bible for Minecrafters: A Children’s Guide to the Old and New Testament
NIrV, Faith Builders Bible, Hardcover
NIrV Once Upon a Time Holy Bible, Hardcover
NIV, Faithgirlz Bible, Hardcover
NIrV, Precious Princess Bible, Hardcover
NIrV, Super Heroes Backpack Bible, Imitation Leather, Red
NIV, Bible for Teen Girls, Hardcover: Growing in Faith, Hope, and Love
^^ We have copies of each of those and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them. ^^
How to Choose a Bible for Your Child
A key element in engaging our children in Bible reading is using a Bible with which they can relate. In Parenting the Wholehearted Child, I discuss the importance of encouraging an active relationship between our children and God’s Word. Now I’m working with Zondervan Publishing to empower parents in choosing a Bible that’s right for their children through the “How to Choose a Bible for Your Child” program (ChooseKidsBibles.com).
Before you plan to shop, here’s some helpful information oto consider before you choose a Bible for your child.
Types of Bibles
There are 2 main types of Bibles:
- Storybook Bible: a shortened, storybook-style adaptation of the Bible that may include scripture references, photos, or illustrations. This Bible is ideal for preschoolers, pre-readers, and newly independent readers.
- Full Text Bible: a full version of the Bible, just like an adult’s Bible. Editions for kids often feature age-appropriate supplemental devotional or learning elements. Full Text Bibles are ideal for new readers to adult readers.
Bible Versions
The 2 most commonly used Bible translations are the NIV and the NIrV:
- New International Version (NIV): is the most widely read translation and is known for presenting the Word of God in a language that is easy to understand yet true to the original text.
- New International Reader’s Version (NIrV): is a great stepping-stone translation to the NIV. It is ideal for emerging readers in need of simpler phrasing and shorter sentences.
Simple steps to help you choose a Bible for your child…
Now that you know the different types of Bibles and the most used translations, here are 5 things to consider when determining how to choose a Bible for your child.
Gender, Age, Reading Level
Identify the gender, age and reading level of the child: What is your child’s reading level? (not yet reading, beginner reader, or independent reader). Does your child have an interest in certain characters, colors, designs, or themes for boys or girls?
How will the Bible be Used?
Knowing whether the Bible is for devotions or study is important. Will it be used for church or youth group? Will it be used for family reading or story time?
Which translation will they understand?
Does your family or church have a preferred translation? Do you want a translation that meets your child’s current level of understanding, or one that exceeds it currently and they will grow into?
Shop the Options
Shop the options: Take your child along, if you can. Have them join you as you compare options side by side. Have them read a passage from different translations and tell you which one they understood best. Note which features and illustrations or cover designs that interest your child.
Use the Bible
Are you able to check out a copy from the library? Once you’ve made your purchase, spend some time acquainting your child with their new Bible. Read a favorite story or passage. Bookmark some favorite verses for your child to “discover” while reading. Use your child’s new Bible during family devotion time.
And here’s the best news! It’s neither too early nor too late to start reading God’s Word with your kids. While our young children cannot fully appreciate all the story has to offer, we must trust the story and the power of God’s Word. We’re planting the seed of faith in our children’s hearts and the story will grow in meaning for them as they grow in their understanding of the gospel.
By Jeannie Cunnion
Jeannie Cunnion is author of Parenting the Wholehearted Child (Zondervan). She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work. Her professional background combines counseling, writing, and extensive speaking about parenting and adoption issues for organizations such as Bethany Christian Services and the National Council for Adoption. Jeannie also enjoys blogging on her website (www.jeanniecunnion.com), serving as the Council Co-Chairman at Trinity Church in Greenwich, CT, and leading various parenting courses and Bible studies when she and her husband Mike aren’t cheering on their three boys at one of their sporting events.
While shopping for a Bible for them, grab a Bible coloring book to reinforce the lesson!
These are all great Bibles. Thanks for the opportunity to enter the giveaway.
I’d like The Jesus Storybook Bible for our grandchild.
What a great giveaway! My kids have been asking for new bibles. I love Zondervan, we’ve owned many through the “stages”.
I would also like to get the 101 verses that stick for teens! Would be a great tool for young and old.
I would like the Adventure Bible for Early Readers for my son. Thank you for the chance to win this Bible.
I like the Beginner’s Bible Collector’s Edition for my son that loves to be read to.
I like the Teen Study Bible and I would give this to my granddaughter if I won.
I like the book Brave Mom.
I would love to receive the Jesus Storybook for my girls.
The Adventure Bible also looks nice.
the teen study bible would be great for my daughter. thanks
I like the adventure bible for my nephew.
The Jesus Bible NIV for my 10 yr old niece.
I like the the
Adventure Bible for Early Readers NIrV for my son
I like the book “The Man in the Mirror”
i like The Adventure Bible
I have a large family with kids in each of the age groups for these Bibles. I would be happy to win any of them.
I would pick Adventure Bible for Early Readers NIrV for my goddaughter!
I would love to have the Jesus Story Bible for my grandson. I know he would love it.
I like the Jesus Bible, and I would give it to my son John.
Teen Study Bible Compact NIV.
My ABC Prayers.
I would actually like all of them as I have a child in each age group, but if we must choose one I’d go for: Adventure Bible for Early Readers NIrV
NIV Mom’s Devotional Bible, Compact
There’s 3 of the Bibles that I could give to someone. =)
The Jesus Bible NIV would be good for my 10 (almost 11) year old son.
The Jesus Storybook Bible would be great for my son that I’m about to have. (My due date is January 5th).
Teen Study Bible Compact NIV would be great for my 15 year old cousin!
So I’d like to win any of those to give to either my sons or my cousin. =)
Another product I like is the book The Guest Book. It looks really interesting. =)
The Adventure Bible for Early Readers would be perfect for my 6 year old daughter! Thanks so much for hosting this giveaway!
furygirl3132[at]comcast[dot]net
I really like the Jesus Storybook Bible from Zondervan. Thanks again!
I’d love to give the Jesus Story Bible to my son.
I like the teen study bible, I would love to give this to my daughter!
I also like God’s answers to life’s difficult questions!
I like the Jesus Bible. I would give it to my coworker who has a two year old
The Adventure Bible for Early Readers NIrV would probably be right for my grandson.
I would like the The Jesus Bible NIV for my son.
I also llke the book The Promise Box.