Helping Our Children Read the Bible

As we approach Good Friday and Easter Sunday, many parents may use this opportunity to share with their children about who Jesus is, and the significance of His life, death and resurrection. But these are not just things spoken off in the New Testament. The whole Bible — from Genesis to Revelation — tells one story.

As we seek to help our children to understand the storyline of Scripture, we have invited some members to share which children’s Bibles they have found helpful.

The Jesus Storybook Bible
(Written by Sally Lloyd-Jones)

When I got hold of this book, it reminded me of what G.K Chesterton once said, “I had always felt life first; as a story: and if there is a story there is a story-teller.”

Growing up, I did not have a children’s Bible like that. 

I enjoy how the book draws out stories from both the Old Testament and New Testament and links every Bible story to the BIG picture of the Bible — from David vs Goliath, Noah's ark, the woman at the well etc. Every story ends with pointing back to Jesus rather than a standalone story of miracles (e.g. Exodus; parting of the Red Sea) which can feel like a fairy tale or make you wonder, “how does it relate to me?”. From Creation to Redemption, the stories point to the “Never stopping, Never giving up, Unbreaking, Always and forever love” of God.  

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its ability to capture the wonder, wit, and humour found in Scripture while making biblical narratives accessible to children. The writing is engaging, imaginative in drawing young readers into the beauty of God’s plan. I like that every page emphasizes God’s unconditional love and His persistence in working through people, regardless of their status, moral record, or personal strengths. The message is clear: we cannot earn or lose God's love by our actions.

I particularly enjoy the illustrations too, I thought the rich details and vibrant colours brought the stories to life!

Some of my key takeaways while reading this are:

• The Jesus Storybook Bible is a wonderful resource, but it should not be seen as a replacement for Scripture.

• It works well as a selective tool for introducing children to the overarching story of the Bible.

• It offers a unique and poetic perspective on familiar biblical narratives, making it a valuable addition to family reading but best used alongside the actual biblical text.

Ultimately, The Jesus Storybook Bible is a beautifully crafted introduction to the love of God as seen through Jesus Christ. While it may not fully capture every theological nuance, it remains a delightful and meaningful way to help children (and even adults) see how all of Scripture points to Jesus.

(Note: This is available in our Church Library.)

Reviewed by Fiona Teong

The Rhyme Bible Storybook
(Written by L.J. Sattgast)

My children have always enjoyed being read to from a young age. I keep a lookout for good books that convey Bible truths and are also interesting for the children. “The Rhyme Bible” fits the bill because the Bible stories are written in rhyme and accompanied by colourful illustrations. The language used is simple and easy to understand and at the same time, the storytelling is engaging, making it perfect for my young family. The author does not compromise on significant moments in the Bible storyline. In the story of Joseph (Genesis 41-46), the author recounts the moment when Joseph identifies himself to his brothers, conveying Joseph’s emotional turmoil while also highlighting God’s sovereignty in his life. 

“Finally, Joseph 
Could stand it no more. 
He sent out the servants
And closed every door.
Then he burst into tears
And said, “I’m the one!”
I’m the brother you sold, 
And it wasn’t much fun!
But don’t be afraid, 
God planned it that way.
He knew I could help
My family someday.” (pg 80)

We have used this book in many ways – for family devotions when our children were very little, for our toddler’s story-time, and we have also included it as part of our children’s daily Bible reading plan. I hope your family will enjoy this book as much as we have!

Reviewed by Ruth Lee

The Biggest Story Bible Storybook
(Written by Kevin Deyoung)

The first striking feature of this book is the amazing illustration found on every single page, from the cover right to the last. Thoughtful and artful depictions of key scenes from the bible in rich colours draws you in, adults and children alike as the talented illustrator Don Clark presents the action and essence found in the hundred and four stories of the book.

While remaining faithful to the Bible, the book chooses to focus on the redemption story of Jesus, starting from Genesis right up to Revelations, intentionally zooming in on the link between Jesus from the Old to the New Testament. I found the chapters of a suitable length to be read at bedtime and written in a way that quickly grabs the attention of older children who may already have a good background of Bible stories from Sunday schools. I like that the stories were not overly simplified where it gets thorny such as when King David takes Bathsheba for his wife or even in the story of Hosea and Gomer. In child appropriate language, the stories are told accurately and ends with a very short prayer that sums up the key takeaway of the story. This often leads to interesting openings for discussions.

Do note that there is another thinner book from the same author and illustrator titled “The Biggest Story” with similar artwork and story intent. That book is much more simplified and maybe more suitable for younger children.

(Note: While “The Biggest Story Bible Storybook” is unavailable in our Church Library, we have a copy of “The Biggest Story” available.)

Reviewed by Cecilia Kang