Bibles for Babies and Toddlers
Over the past couple of months I’ve seen a number of social media posts from parents asking for Bible recommendations for their kids. This is encouraging, as surveys indicate Biblical literacy in North America has diminished over the past few decades. It is good to know there are families who still believe and teach that the Bible is foundational to the Christian life.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV
As Christian parents we are to instruct our children in the way of the Lord. An essential part of this instruction is reading the Bible with our kids. Often parents establish this habit at an early age, choosing to read a child-friendly Bible, such as an illustrated Story Bible. A Children’s Bible is not necessary, but I found it helpful to have age-appropriate resources to teach my little ones. These books offer engaging, vivid illustrations, age-appropriate vocabulary and concise, simple stories perfect for the short attention spans of the very young.
Many Children’s Bibles offer questions following the story, to assess comprehension and promote discussion. A Story Bible that is accurate, engaging, AND fun to read is a blessing. If kids enjoy a book, they will request it often. This is awesome – repetition is an excellent teaching tool. As a toddler my son quickly determined a favorite story, repeatedly asking for the “Yight one” – the recounting of the blinding light and Saul’s subsequent conversion.
So, which one to use? Not all Children’s Bibles are the same. The emphasis placed on themes and teachings differ depending on the beliefs and viewpoint of the author. It can be helpful to know the denomination the author most closely aligns with, or their educational background. I have noticed some Story Bibles “adapt” or modify the actual scriptural account, which is concerning. Others do not give a complete picture of sin and salvation, choosing instead to focus on God’s love. Of course one must consider the age of the reader, so a gentle approach to tough topics is, in my opinion, appropriate. The writing style for this age group tends to be rhythmic, (my personal favorite for reading aloud) though not all books rhyme.
In addition, though most do, some Children’s Bibles don’t include illustrations depicting God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit. This is due to the conviction that any depiction of the Trinity is a violation of the second commandment, known as a “2CV”. If you plan to give the Bible as a gift, this should be a part of your decision-making process. Since very few “no 2CV” Children’s Bibles exist, parents instead opt to mark out/cover up the offensive images.
“You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.” Exodus 20:4 ESV
Out of respect for these brothers and sisters in Christ I will indicate if the Bibles shown in this post include 2CV’s. Please note, I was not able to personally examine each book listed. If I make a mistake and overlook an image, I apologize.
In this blog I will only address Bibles specifically written for the very young, from birth to about 2 years old. In future posts I will look at Bibles for older kids.
Baby and toddler Bibles are often fabric or board books- able to withstand exploration from tiny hands which have not yet grasped the concept of ‘gentle’. Fun features may include lift the flap, touch and feel, scented pages, and peek-a-boo books. Here are a few Story Bibles which are currently available for babies and toddlers, with notable reader reviews, concerns, and comments.
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The Big Book of Bible Stories for Toddlers
Short one paragraph stories with a “big picture” question following. Reviews state it is ‘heavy on sin’.
2018, B&H Editors 38 pages board book (padded) Yes, has 2CV's
Lift-the-Flap Bible Stories for Young Children
Each 2-page spread has 4 flaps with story details. Ends with Easter. From reviews- no indication of which order to lift the flaps for story chronology.
2018, Kevin DeYoung 16 pages Board Book Yes, has 2CV's
My First Bible Stories
Nicely illustrated, short stories from the Old and New Testaments. Soft felt cover. From reviews- lacks important stories, inaccurate illustration of creation (has rainbow pictured).
2019, Make Believe Ideas 40 pages Boardbook Yes, has 2CV's
Follow Me
116 Bible stories with comprehension questions. A little longer than other books featured, but NO 2CV’s. From Reformation Heritage books. Translated from Dutch. 4 & 5-star reviews.
2019, Liesbeth van Binsbergen 386 pages Hardcover NO 2CV's
The Baby Bible: Stories About Jesus
Short interactive stories with a question and prayer. Liberty is taken with the interpretation of some stories. The author is a pastor at a Lutheran Church.
2008, Robin Currie 46 pages Board Book Yes, has 2CV's
My Little Library: Bible Stories
Set of 12 child-sized TINY books (3×3 inches), each 10 pages long. Stories from the Old and New Testaments. Online reviews report scriptural inaccuracies.
2020, Little Grasshopper Press 124 pages Chunky Board Book Yes, has 2CV's
Baby’s First Bible: Little Stories for Little Hearts
41 short (consisting of 1-4 sentences), rhyming stories from the Old and New Testaments.
2002, Melody Carlson 96 pages Padded Hardcover Yes, has 2CV's
Baby’s First Bible Stories
10 simple one-page stories from the Old and New Testaments. Each story ends with a prayer. Mostly 4 & 5-star reviews.
2018, Rachel Elliot 26 pages Padded Board Book Yes, has 2CV's
Please let me know the Bibles you use and recommend, as I will likely do a similar post for this age group in the future.
