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Few things matter more than helping children know and love Jesus. A good children’s Bible can be a family treasure, read at bedtime, carried to church, and remembered for life.
Kids’ Bibles come in two main types: storybook Bibles that retell key stories with pictures, and full-text Bibles with kid-friendly features. Most families start with a storybook Bible for little ones and move to a full-text Bible as reading skills grow. Here are trusted options for each stage, with honest notes to help you choose.
Our Picks at a Glance
- The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones: ages 3–8 and family read-alouds
- The Big Picture Story Bible by David R. Helm: preschoolers who are learning the big story
- The Beginner’s Bible: toddlers and early readers
- The Action Bible: kids and preteens who love comics
- NIV Adventure Bible: a first full-text Bible for ages 8–12
- ESV The Biggest Story Holy Bible for Kids: ESV families with kids ages 6–12
- The NIV Action Study Bible: preteens moving on from The Action Bible
1. The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones
Best for: ages 3–8 and family read-alouds
With 44 stories from the Old and New Testaments, The Jesus Storybook Bible shows how ‘every story whispers his name.’ Sally Lloyd-Jones writes with tenderness and wonder, and Jago’s illustrations are delightful. Parents often say they’re moved as much as their kids.
Pros
- Beautifully Christ-centered
- Lovely writing and art
- Great for read-aloud
Cons
- Retellings, not full text
- Some creative paraphrase
Who it’s for: Young children and families who want to see Jesus in every story.
View The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones on Amazon
2. The Big Picture Story Bible by David R. Helm
Best for: preschoolers who are learning the big story
Crossway’s Big Picture Story Bible traces God’s promises from creation to new creation with simple text and large illustrations. It’s especially good at showing how the Bible fits together as one story.
Pros
- Clear storyline of the whole Bible
- Large, simple illustrations
- Solid theology
Cons
- Fewer individual stories
- Simple art may not suit older kids
Who it’s for: Ages 2–7 and parents who want to teach the Bible’s big picture.
View The Big Picture Story Bible by David R. Helm on Amazon
3. The Beginner’s Bible
Best for: toddlers and early readers
With more than 90 short stories and bright artwork, The Beginner’s Bible has been a first Bible for millions of children. The text is short and simple, perfect for little attention spans. The edition linked here is the Lion Hudson second edition with updated 3D-style artwork.
Pros
- Short, simple stories
- Bright, friendly art
- Many stories to choose from
Cons
- Very simplified retellings
- Less focus on connecting stories to Jesus
Who it’s for: Toddlers, preschoolers, and beginning readers.
View The Beginner’s Bible on Amazon
4. The Action Bible
Best for: kids and preteens who love comics
The Action Bible retells more than 200 stories in chronological order with dynamic comic-book art by Sergio Cariello. It captures the attention of reluctant readers and helps kids follow the Bible’s timeline.
Pros
- Engaging comic-style art
- Chronological storytelling
- Appeals to reluctant readers
Cons
- Paraphrase, not Scripture text
- Some scenes are intense for young children
Who it’s for: Ages 7–12, especially visual learners.
View The Action Bible on Amazon
5. NIV Adventure Bible
Best for: a first full-text Bible for ages 8–12
The NIV Adventure Bible is one of the most popular kids’ Bibles. It includes the full NIV text with colorful features like ‘Life in Bible Times,’ ‘Words to Treasure,’ and ‘Live It!’ activities.
Pros
- Full NIV text
- Fun, engaging features
- Dictionary and maps
Cons
- Busy pages
- Hardcover can wear with heavy use
Who it’s for: Kids ready for a real Bible who still enjoy fun extras.
View NIV Adventure Bible on Amazon
6. ESV The Biggest Story Holy Bible for Kids
Best for: ESV families with kids ages 6–12
This full-text ESV Bible is built around 104 key stories, each highlighted in the text with ‘Digging Deeper’ sections and art by Don Clark. It connects to Kevin DeYoung’s The Biggest Story and includes book introductions and key-word definitions.
Pros
- Full ESV text
- 104 highlighted key stories
- Beautiful artwork
Cons
- Large and heavy
- Newer, so fewer reviews from families over time
Who it’s for: ESV churches and families moving from storybook to full Bible.
View ESV The Biggest Story Holy Bible for Kids on Amazon
7. The NIV Action Study Bible
Best for: preteens moving on from The Action Bible
This full-text NIV study Bible for preteens includes color illustration pages by Sergio Cariello and features like ‘What About This?’ and ‘Take Action.’ It’s a natural next step for kids who loved The Action Bible.
Pros
- Full NIV text
- Connects to The Action Bible
- Kid-friendly study features
Cons
- Fewer illustrations than The Action Bible
- Study notes are basic
Who it’s for: Ages 9–13 who want a ‘real’ Bible with familiar art.
View The NIV Action Study Bible on Amazon
Buying Guide
Choose by age and reading level
Ages 2–5: The Beginner’s Bible or Big Picture Story Bible. Ages 4–8: The Jesus Storybook Bible. Ages 7–12: The Action Bible or a full-text Bible like the Adventure Bible or Biggest Story Bible.
Storybook vs. full text
Storybook Bibles retell; full-text Bibles contain all of Scripture. Use both: a storybook for bedtime and a full Bible as reading grows.
Match your church’s translation
If your church reads the ESV, consider the Biggest Story Bible. NIV churches may prefer the Adventure Bible.
Read together
The best kids’ Bible is one you read with your child. Ask simple questions: Who is in the story? What does it show us about God?
Let them own it
Write their name and a blessing inside, and let them highlight and bookmark it.
Building a family Bible-reading habit
Choose a time that already exists, such as breakfast or bedtime, and attach Bible reading to it. Read one story, ask one question, and pray one short prayer. Let children take turns choosing the story or reading aloud. Keep it short and warm rather than long and forced. Consistency over months matters far more than any single night.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age should a child get a full Bible?
Many kids are ready around 7–9, when they can read independently.
Is The Jesus Storybook Bible good for older kids?
Yes. Many older kids and even adults love it, though older kids also need the full Bible.
Which kids’ Bible is best for boys who don’t like reading?
The Action Bible’s comic style often draws in reluctant readers.
What translation is best for kids?
The NIrV, NIV, ICB, CSB, and ESV all have kid editions. Choose one your child can read and your church uses.
A Closing Word
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me” (Matthew 19:14). A children’s Bible is one small way to bring them. Read it with joy, pray with them, and trust God to grow faith in their hearts.