Choosing the Best Bible for Your Child
Hello Parents! Pastor Karl here. I’m asked often, “Which Bible should I get my child?” Here are my recommendations for Bibles and some other tools to help your kids get excited about God’s Word!
If you want your children to enjoy reading the Bible, then get them one that is easy to read, attractive and engaging. Too often I see kids struggling to look up verses at church in a Bible that has tiny print, is in an ancient hard to read translation, and has no pictures or illustrations to draw them in. As parents, we spare no expense to get kids whatever they need to succeed in school or sports. Don’t go cheap when it comes to their Bible! Get them one that they will love to read.
Preschool
My Awesome God Storybook
The MY AWESOME GOD Story Book Bible is ideal for parents to read the key stories of the Bible to their young children. Includes a topical index as well as helpful discussion questions to spur some spiritual conversations.
Younger Elementary
The Adventure Bible
As your kids start to read on their own, it’s important to get them a Bible they can read and enjoy. Please, if you want your child to learn and grow from God’s Word, don’t buy them one with tiny print, no pictures in an ancient translation. I recommend The NIrV Adventure Bible! The NIrV is the young readers edition of this fun, interactive Bible that helps children learn about what they are reading through helpful info presented throughout the Bible.
Upper Elementary
Your preteen children can really start to master the Word of God! Here are some exciting options for them!
The Action Bible
The Action Bible is the entire Bible presented in very cool comic book illustrations. Kids will read this cover to cover many times over.
The Action Bible Study Bible
While comics are cool, you do want your kids reading the actual Bible, that’s why I love that the creators of the Action Comic Bible also came out with a Study Bible edition in both NIV and ESV. The Action Study Bible is the complete text of the Bible with select illustrations from the Action Bible throughout.
Adventure Reading
The Order of the Ancient
I write a novel for kids called The Order of the Ancient. It’s sold thousands of copies and kids love it! It’s an adventure that helps kids to discover excitement in the Christian life. I wrote it in the midst of the Harry Potter phenomenon and as I reflected on my own love of Star Wars. But instead of magic or the “Force,” I wanted to create an exciting story that would introduce kids to the real power of God and in the spiritual disciples. Kids love the story and parents report it was spiritually challenging even for them!
You can pick one up at church at the Kids Check-in or order online at Kidology.org/oota
Discipleship
My Awesome Adventure
My wife and I co-authored a discipleship workbook that takes kids on a comic adventure, with me and Luke, through Yosemite National Park learning about the basics of the Christian faith. These 12 lessons are interactive and fun, but also get kids diving into the Word of God to solve puzzles and learn about their faith. I challenge parents to take each of their kids through this guide before they go into the youth ministry. There is a age 6-9 version and one for 9-12 year olds.
You can pick one up at church at the Kids Check-in or order online at Kidology.org/awesomeadventure
Help Your Kids Love God’s Word
The Apostle Paul wrote to young Timothy, “And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:15) As parents, we want our kids to know and love God’s Word – that requires that they have a copy of the Bible that they will enjoy reading and studying.
As parents, we spare no expense getting their kids whatever they need for school or sports, so don’t do cheap on a Bible. It’s one of the most important investments you can make in your child’s Christian education and spiritual development. I’d love to see every kid coming to church with a Bible – it’s what we are learning about every week!
Because Jesus Loves Children,
Pastor Karl Bastian
PS – Don’t forget to put your child’s name in their Bible. When they get left behind, we’ll be happy to help your child reunite with their Bible!