On My Bookshelf

Whether you're looking for a Bible as a gift or for your own family's collection, there are a lot of options for young readers. I thought I'd offer some thoughts from the ones we have on our shelf to help you know which may be a great fit for the little(s) in your circle.

It's easy to think of these children he's calling to himself as those we've seen recently: well-dressed and well-behaved, politely waiting in line to meet Santa for a Christmas picture or those not missing a note in the kid's choir at church or the cute donkey in the kid's nativity theatrical performance. But, given Jesus' reputation for eating with sinners and sitting with outcasts, I imagine these children whom he was referring to in this moment were outcasts themselves. Maybe a bit, or a lot, rambunctious, wearing mismatched and ratty sandals, toothless, loud, dirty fingers, annoyingly persistent curiosity, maybe even the town nine-year-old bully. Yet, Jesus says, "You're mine. I love you. Come to me. Let Love change and lead you."

Jesus wants everyone to understand God's kingdom because everyone is welcome -- especially the young hearts. As Proverbs 22:6 instructs, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Faith is not a class with pre-requisites. Even Jesus' disciples didn't have the pre-reqs typically required of one to apprentice under a Rabbi, but it didn't matter. All they had to do -- and all we have to do -- is believe. Jesus has done the rest. This means we don't have wait until our children can recite their ABCs or read sight words to develop a love for God's Word; they don't need to understand physics to grasp the greatest force in the world; they don't need a driver's license to feel the power of something greater than themselves leading them forward. They only need to believe.

We can foster and cultivate this through regular reading of the Bible, using texts and illustrations which are tailored for their development level and attention spans. Here are a few we enjoy reading together as a family.

7. God's Big Picture Storybook Bible by N.T. Wright

Pro: What I love about this one is how it connects the Old Testament with the New Testament. At the bottom of each page, it has a bubble with a small illustration and page number so you can easily jump to the connecting story. This is so important because we often read Bible stories in isolation, but the Old Testament exists to point us to the New Testament, our Rescuer, Jesus! Making these connections doesn't have to start when we're adults, but we can help our kids understand these now.

Con: Each story includes a full page of text with a full page of illustration. Given the text is more than a paragraph and the pages are thin (not a board book), this is better suited for children 4+ who have better motor skills for turning pages and slightly longer attention spans.

6. The BIG Book of Bible Stories for Toddlers

Pro: It's a board book, built for little, clumsy fingers - yay! Each page includes the scripture where you can dive deeper, one paragraph highlighting what happened as well as a comprehension question teasing out the "big picture." For example, when discussing how Esther saves her people, the big picture question is: Who is always in control? The big picture answer is: God is always in control. In this way, foundational truths can be emphasized and repeated in their own little voices.

Con: Though it covers both Old Testament and New Testament, it's not very long (as no board books are), so expect an overview rather than a deep-dive.

5. The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden by Kevin DeYoung

Pro: It is beautiful and very artistic, that's what drew me to this one anyway. Even before I had a child of my own, I wanted this one for myself! There are a few different versions to consider:

• The Biggest Story - an overview of Old and New Testament

• The Biggest Story Bible Storybook - the language and artwork we loved in the first but now more in-depth as a thick Bible

• The Biggest Story Holy Bible for Kids - less storybook and more traditional Bible format

• The Biggest Story ABC - a small alphabet version

• The Biggest Story Advent - a small Christmas version

Con: What one version may not include, another might, so choose based on what your collection/child needs.

4. The Story of God Series by Jennie Allen - Theolaby Box Set

Pro: This 5-book series provides a foundation of who God is and why we need Him and why we worship Him in language and imagery young minds can understand. Each is soaked in scripture and written in first-person so they are hearing from the voice of God, as shown through the titles:

1. I Am Creator: The Beginning

2. I Am Holy: The Fall

3. I Am Rescuer: Christ

4. I Am with You: Holy Spirit and the Church

5. I Am Forever: Heaven

Con: Not necessarily a con, but good to recognize this set does not cover the stories of the Old and New Testament as many children's Bibles do, rather it is intended to help children see the big picture of the "why" and "so what" of the Bible's message. Because of this, it's unique and likely a great addition to your collection.

3. Hey-O! Stories of the Bible by Saddleback Kids

Pro: The illustrations are fun and kid-friendly in this one. It loosely reminds me of growing up with an Odyssey Kids Bible. The bright colors are inviting and I could see this version being enjoyed most by 1st thru 3rd grade readers. There are also videos which go along with each story if you'd like to watch those, though I do believe a subscription to the hosting service is required even if you have purchased the book. I appreciate how they've included some of the lesser-known stories. For example, we all know of Noah, but what about Naaman?

Con: Each time I find myself wishing there was a "so what" section at the end or some type of application for the reader or a connection to the bigger picture of God's Word as a whole. However, I do believe this is very engaging and useful for learning the events and people of the Bible.

2. The Baby Bible ABCs

Pro: It's a board book! Little fingers can grab and hold it themselves, yay! We also love this one because it's short and easy to read a few "letters"/pages in one sitting. As your baby grows and develops more motor skills, they've included fun motions to do as you read to make this even more interactive.

Con: The one thing I would change is "XYZ" are grouped together at the end. We created our own cards to insert at the back of the book for XYZ. Use our ideas if you'd like:

• X - King Xerxes

• Y - Yahweh

• Z - Zion

1. The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name by Sally Lloyd-Jones

Pro: This has been our favorite children's Bible, and I would challenge adults to read it, too. Sally Lloyd-Jones does a beautiful job of not just telling Bible stories but pointing out how "every story whispers [Christ's] name." In doing so, we can help ourselves and our children see more clearly how the Old Testament connects, and indeed points to, the New Testament. The stories are short and easy to read to littles who have short-attention spans.

Con: Though it's great to read with babies, it's not intended for such since it is not a board book. But, don't let that stop you; it may be helpful to read with them while they are jumping in a jumper or the like.

Reading cultivates curiosity. Let's be curious and intentionally choose to help our children cultivate awe and wonder for the BIG God we serve! In doing this, our strength builds and our joy is renewed. Making time to read of God and His love and faithfulness roots us in peace that God is the same God today, and we are able to rest in His arms, wrapped in truth and grace.

The good life, well it starts with a good day. Then another. Then another. Let's choose to live #TheGoodDay one day at a time.