It’s the end of the day. You’ve just managed to wrangle your toddler onto your lap for Bible time. You start reading the next story, but before you can finish the page, little Alice wants to see the next page. 

This is one of the key challenges of a Story Bible for toddlers. How to simplify the Biblical stories, keep toddlers engaged and not overwhelm with too much on each page. 

Add to that the need that our Story Bibles are faithful to the individual stories of the Bible and the larger Biblical picture. 

That’s where The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible is so good. 

Jared Kennedy has written 52 simple stories, 26 from the Old Testament and 26 from the New Testament, that are highly engaging, simple and faithful. Parents, grandparents and Sunday School teachers will all find this Story Bible helpful for the little ones in their life.

Built on God’s Promises 

Kennedy is convinced that children understand the idea of a promise (who hasn’t been told off by a child for not delivering on what you said you would do!?) and has built this story Bible around God’s Promises. 

He writes in the introduction: 

“Kids know the value of a promise. A parent’s commitment to go out for ice cream inspires hope. Disappointment reigns when the shop closes early. Broken promises can bring tears. Unlike human parents, our good and all-powerful God always keeps his word (Numbers 23:19). And the way he fulfills his promises is better than anyone could have imagined!” 

Pointing us to Jesus 

We should not want our story bibles to be moralistic, simply trying to encourage children to be ‘good’. Instead, we want children to understand that we need Jesus to be made right with God, and it is only in Him that we can live as God wants us to live. 

Kennedy is passionate about this truth and gently leads children to see that the whole Bible points to Jesus. Each story has one simple question for reflection which build up to show the good news of Jesus. 

The Old Testament section sets up the problem (disobedience) and the promises of God (God never forgets his people, God has a plan). Then, in the New Testament, little readers are shown that Jesus is the answer and fulfilment of all the promises God has made. 

In the introduction, Kennedy shows his heart: “I pray even our youngest kids will come to know that God’s promises are especially for them and that all of his promises are “Yes” and “Amen” in Jesus.” 

Engaging and Simple at 30 Seconds Per Page 

Each page has vibrant illustrations that will appeal to children aged 2-5 with the stories of the Bible simplified and shortened to a length that is perfect for young kids. 

Children get bored quickly. You need to be able to read the words on the page before the toddler on your lap is trying to see what’s next.  

It takes about 20-30 seconds to read the words on each page of The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible and the connections between the words and the illustrations will delight and engage even the youngest children. 

The illustrator has purposefully built in colours, opposites, links to the text to keep kids engaged. Big and bold sight words scattered throughout the book also make this resource a great aid for children who are learning to read. 

Not Just for Toddlers 

This story bible is clearly written for toddlers, with its simple language, robust design and vibrant illustrations. But it can be used even as children grow up.