The little children in our schools and ministries are very precious to God. He calls them by name just as He calls us. It is a blessing to be a part of God’s family and share the Good News with the learners attending our schools. Many early childhood educators share that when a child holds God’s Word in his or her hands, the child treasures that time of paging through God’s Word.
The Call to Share God’s Word
These verses give us a clear yet simple reason for children to have God’s Word in their hands and to begin their walk with Jesus.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
Five Children’s Bibles for Different Stages
It is a blessing to be part of a church body where great importance is placed on having the Word of God in the hands of brothers and sisters in Christ at all ages. As children grow, providing them with an age-appropriate Bible is very important.
Concordia Publishing House offers many Bible options for various age levels. Let’s take a look at some of these options—and see how teachers and church workers in the Northern Illinois District of the LCMS have used them.
My First Bible
My First Bible has been presented at some congregations as a birthday gift to the children. As they grow more familiar with the Bible stories, the children love to tell the stories by using the pictures. A Sunday School teacher added that the children want to be first in class so they have time to “read” the stories for others as they arrive.
The Kids Bible
When little ones begin preschool or Sunday School, The Kids Bible is an early childhood Bible that might be presented to them. Some teachers share that this is a wonderful way to show the children the importance of God’s Word in their life. As time goes on, the children are able to tell the stories through the pictures, which are very child-friendly.
The Hear Me Read Bible (Two Levels)
Level One offers a few sight words on the page that children are learning in school. What a joy for adults to hear their children read the Word of God right off the pages, and the children do not become frustrated with too many words.
Level Two offers a deeper vocabulary for early readers. It was shared that some classrooms have copies of both levels so children can move between levels as their vocabulary grows. Level Two has also been presented in some places as the children start elementary school. In our Lutheran schools, it then becomes part of their daily religion classes. Teachers share that they love to hear the students read aloud and then explain what they have read to the class.
The Growing in Faith Bible and Bible Storybook
The Growing in Faith Bible is a great fit for ages 6–10, bridging the gap between story books and full text. With clear explanations, engaging illustrations, and features like “Big Questions and Answers” and “Christ Connections,” it helps kids understand and engage with God’s Word.
Building on that, The Growing in Faith Bible Storybook offers a complementary approach for early elementary learners. With 125 simply told Bible stories, engaging illustrations, and interactive questions and prayers, it invites kids to listen, respond, and begin connecting God’s Word to everyday life.
Faith Alive Student Bible
Faith Alive Student Bible aligns perfectly with the Enduring Faith® Religion Curriculum used in many of our LCMS schools. Students can then grow familiar with the structure of the Bible as young children. Most schools have their third graders begin using Faith Alive with their Enduring Faith books.
As this is their first full-text Bible, teachers use instruction time to familiarize their students with how the Bible works with its various resources. Teachers share that they are happy with the translation as it is easy for the students to understand.
Wouldn’t it be a great idea to have some children’s Bibles in the pew racks of our churches right alongside the adult Bibles?
Be prayerful and give children the gift of God’s Word in picture and print at an early age. As they grow, make the Word available to them at their ability level as a reminder that Jesus comes to them through those precious words.
Scripture: ESV®.
Browse trusted, engaging children’s Bibles and find the perfect fit for the children in your church, classroom, or home.