For children ages 2 and 3, I would recommend the Read Aloud Bible Stories (volumes 1-4):
For children 3-5, I would recommend The Beginner’s Bible
and the Read with Me Bible
and The Big Picture Story Bible. It comes with CDs with page signals. It does not give many of the basic Bible stories but rather tries to give kids the overall story of the Bible.
Until Ryan turned five, the Jesus Storybook Bible was too abstract–in good reformed fashion showing how Jesus relates symbolically to every story. But he loved it at age 5. It is inspired by Tim Keller’s preaching.
And I would also recommend for children 2-5 Mary Manz Simon story books such as these two. They give illustrations for every aspect of the story–thus cementing the story.
And this looks good for five year olds as well:
You may be able to find these at your church library or public library but we have not been able to find them so Bibles are almost the only books we’ve bought.
4 replies on “My Favorite Bibles for Kids ages 2-5”
Have you read the Big Picture Story Bible? (by David Helm) We have really enjoyed and appreciated how it emphasizes big themes that run throughout Scripture. Also, not too many words on a page – and good illustrations.
Well, I guess you’ve already posted what I was looking for. I’d still appreciate any comments you may have, however.
Joy,
I would also recommend my post:
How to choose which books to get at the library for kids
http://www.andyrowell.net/kids/2009/01/how-to-choose-which-books-to-get-at-the-library.html
See Amanda Drury, practical theology Ph.D. student at Princeton Theological Seminary and future professor at Indiana Wesleyan University, on the kids bibles she has liked:
http://amandajdrury.blogspot.com/2011/11/review-of-childrens-bibles-finding.html