Lydia got her first “real” Bible the Christmas she was in Kindergarten. It’s a purple leather Adventure Bible in the New International Reader’s Version.
It’s not so much the purple (if you can believe that!) or the “Adventure” part that I like. It’s the version–the New International Reader’s Version. This is a version based on the highly trusted and popular NIV. The NIV is on an 8th grade reading level while the NIrV is on a 3rd grade reading level (actually 2nd year, 9th month).
Imagine handing your 2nd grader an 8th grade book and expecting her to read and enjoy it. Not gonna happen! So, this version is a great starter Bible. It’s an actual translation from a trusted source and an easy read.
Here’s a good example. Look at this verse from the NIV:
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
Anyone use the word “wages” with your kids? I didn’t think so. Here’s the NIrV:
When you sin, the pay you get is death. But God gives you the gift of eternal life because of what Christ Jesus our Lord has done. Romans 3:23
See what they did? Cleared up the semi-archaic words and shortened the long run-on sentences to keep little minds on track.
There are many many kids’ translations of the Bible and if want more info, check out this really helpful guide from Bible Gateway. It explains the grade-level and the translation philosophy of several version.
The main thing is, when your kiddo is old enough to actually read the Bible, get them a Bible on on their grade-level. You want the Bible to be something they enjoy, not fight or struggle to read. Let them get to know Jesus’ words in words they understand!
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Just wanted to let you know that I am immensely enjoying your 31 series! (Although my pocketbook is not 😉 )
Annalyn’s birthday is next week, and I think I’m going to get her this! Thank you for the idea!!!
Thanks for sharing! This is really helpful. I have a first grader. We have been using the Jesus Storybook Bible. It is great, but I would like to move in to actual scripture now. This looks like it will be a great transition.
We gave my daughter this Bible for Easter this year (she is a strong reader and was 5.5 years old at the time). It’s still a challenge and must be read together but is entirely do-able and is a great “Big Girl” Bible. Sadly, hers isn’t purple! 🙂 although inside, there are lots of great activity suggestions and great explanations of who’s who, etc. we love this Bible version too!
Great to know about the reading levels!! I will keep it in mind for when we get my younger one her own “real” Bible next year when she is a Kindergarten. I got my older one the Hands-On Bible last Christmas when she was 5. We just bought what our church uses. I love reading passages in different translations anyway to get a better understanding of things, so it will be good for the girls to have the different translations available.
Hey Sister!
This 31 Day Bible series has been such a great resource! I keep coming back to it as we read through the Jesus Storybook Bible for about the 30th time and we’ve been looking for some new options. We’re growing our library of a variety of Bibles slowly, and as I just came back yet again for your input, I just had to comment on how much we love the Adventure Bible (thank you so much for your rec)! I love the “Live It” sections on each page. They are a great fit for my 3 and 5 year olds’ learning levels. And I’m reading the NIrV for the first time and really love it! We use it for all our referencing during devotionals and such. On a random note, my husband is out your way (Atlanta right?) for work this week. He just arrived about an hour ago! Wish I could’ve gone with him! 🙂
Anyway- abundant blessings to you and your beautiful family!!
Off to read more of your reviews and buy more bibles!
Love in Jesus!
Jen. You are the best! Wish you were in the ATL, too! 🙂
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anyone know of a good first grade level reading Bible?