We would like to buy a Bible for Maya for her sixth birthday next month. She has asked for one, and now that she is reading so well, I think it’s the right time for her to have one. We already have several excellent and well-loved children’s story Bibles, so that’s covered. What I’m looking for is The Holy Bible – the real deal. Old and New Testament. No abridging. (We are protestant, so keep that in mind if you decide to make recommendations.)
(I should mention that she already has a little pocket King James Version New Testament and Psalms, originally given to me by the Gideons as I walked by them my freshman year in college. She loves that little Bible and read Jason twelve verses from John out of it just this evening.)
When I started to browse around for a Bible geared toward children, I was suddenly inundated with flashy pictures, youth lingo, and plain old marketing material spattered all over the covers. I don’t want to buy a Bible just because it’s best-selling, or pretty, flashy, or cool (though none of those things are inherently wrong). I don’t want one with stickers, decals, lights, or candy. But neither do I think she’s ready for a gold-leafed onion skin genuine leather edition.
Here are some of my thoughts as I shop around. I’d appreciate your thoughts on any of this.
- Translation - I’m thinking NIV, though I’m also considering the NLT and The Message. I’m not currently interested in the NIrV. I’m not a Bible translation expert or junkie, so I’d love thoughts here.
- Material - Nothing fragile. I would like regular paper with a hardcover and durable binding. I pray for her to be opening this over and over and over again!
- Edition - I’m considering things like art, articles, font size, and general feel. I want something she can use for a while, so classic is good. I think some Bibles have great art in them, but I don’t know where to find them. I had a Precious Moments Bible growing up, and while I loved it then, it’s not what I’m going for now. In terms of sidebars and articles, I’m concerned that some Bibles will have a denominational slant that I won’t discover unless I read every single page.
I am also thinking of buying her a simple devotional book that she can read herself during morning Bible time after breakfast. If I don’t find anything great, I will think about putting together my own guide for her. My goal is to have everyone in the family doing quiet times in the morning together, after breakfast. I will read my Bible, Maya will read hers, and Elly and Asher can play quietly (ha!) and/or listen to a Bible story. Perhaps Elly can color a Bible story-themed picture or trace the letters in a Bible verse.
Oh, and you fellow Episcopalians/Anglicans will appreciate this: Maya has also asked (fervently and repeatedly) for her own Book of Common Prayer. (“Do they make one for kids, Mommy?”)
I love the NKJV version–not only is it a good translation but it has the most beautiful language. It offers the best foundation for understanding English literature–side benefit!
Brinnly received “The Golden Chidlren’s Bible” for her baptism and both the girls enjoy it. In fact, it just happened to be sitting here by the computer where Mali was most recently reading it.
We just bought Jonathan the new children’s ESV bible. I’m currently away from home, but it should have arrived by now (I hope!). Here is a link:
ESV Children's Bible
The Children’s ESV Bible does not change the language of the traditional ESV which we like since Brian always preaches out of the ESV. I’m going to switch over too (from NKJV which I’ve used for the last 9 years). We also like the NLT for family worship time because it’s easy to understand and follow. If I’m teaching the kids Sunday School, I usually bring along a NLT. Good luck! Let us know what you decide.
The Bible I used as a child and the one I’m saving for my kids is the International Children’s Bible. It was given to me in upper elementary school, but I bet Maya could read it fine right now. It has the full text of the Bible and is formatted like an adult Bible, but it’s written with kids in mind. There are several picture pages scattered throughout with nice artwork of well-known stories and there’s a dictionary in the back. There’s also a table of contents in the front that has a picture associated with each book of the Bible that helps you remember what that book is about. Check it out at http://www.amazon.com/The-International-Childrens-Bible
Sorry, here’s the whole link. http://www.amazon.com/The-International-Childrens-Bible/dp/0849908000/ref=tag_dpp_lp_edpp_ttl_ex
annie, i love the NKJV. good thought on the beautiful language and english lit perspective. i like that her KJV doesn’t discourage her or turn her off.
kacie, i appreciate your suggestion of the ESV. i have not read much in that translation, so it wasn’t even on my mind. i’m glad you brought it up. (oh, and for the family worship time – we are thinking of mixing an NLT or The Message in, as well.)
kaethe and kelly, thanks so much for your recommendations. i’m off to google them.
I’m finally home and got a chance to look at the ESV childrens Bible. The words are unchanged all the way through and there are LOTS of pictures- not cheesy, but realistic looking paintings. There is probably a picture every 4 pages or so. Every book has a very short intro. Just thought I’d share!
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