The Child's Story Bible

by Catherine F. Vos

Hundreds of thousands of children throughout the world have been introduced to the riches of the Bible through this classic Bible storybook. First published seventy years ago, the much-loved Child's Story Bible continues to instruct and delight today's children and parents.

Genres: Childrens, Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity, Theology, Family, Religion

382 pages, Hardcover

First published November 30, 1934

Reviews

[Mikejencostanzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm pretty sensitive to the "voice" of a story when I'm reading to my kids. From several years of experience presenting children's storytimes at the public library, I developed a keen awareness of when my audience was engaged and when I was "losing them."

So, when I read Bible story books to my own kids these days, I love it when I find one that tells the story exactly the way I would put it. And I love finding resources that tell the story in a way that's true to the source (what really happened in the Bible), but also in a way that's detailed, instructive and engaging.

I have found all of these qualities in The Child's Story Bible by author Catherine Vos. Originally written in 1934, this story Bible has gone through several reprintings, showing it to be a classic that is withstanding the test of time. It is one that my parents read to me as a child, and it's one that I'm now reading to my own kids.

Let me commend it to you as hands-down, my favorite children's story Bible. At a whopping 700 pages long, it will take quite awhile to get through it with my 3 and 4 year old, but they are already benefiting from the solid narrative and teaching.

Two other Bible Story books for kids that I definitely recommend as having that magical "voice" are Read Aloud Bible Stories Volume 1 for ages 1-4 and The Jesus Storybook Bible Every Story Whispers His Name for ages 3-12.

As for Bible story books that do an injustice to the source text, Mike and I have come across several. There is a way to tell a riveting Bible story without making up extra plot elements. Vos has pulled it off in The Child's Story Bible.

~Jen

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is split into 291 little 2-3 page sections and chapters. I read one of these to my son (almost) every night since he was about 5 or 6 months old. We just finished it at almost 2 yrs old.
This is pretty good. I can't compare it to other story bibles because this is the only one I've read, but I thought it was well put together.
There were some very minor ways she worded things sometimes that I thought could have been said different (a very small handful of times, mind you.) I won't go into detail about it, but it is not a result of bad theology and just personal preference.
All in all I would recommend this book to any new parent, and I probably wouldn't say anything about my discrepancies, because they're not big or important. Well done.

[Melody Bringe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book so much. Very engaging, true to the Bible, retelling of the biblical story. Read to my kids during church practice.

[Kate Carruthers · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve talked to me in the last six months I’ve probably told you about this book. Huge fan. I hope to never stop reading this. Bible stories with emphasis on the story. An excellent resource for all ages.

[Dwayne Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Effective children's version of most of the Bible's historical literature, from Genesis through to the end of Paul's missionary journeys (with a brief epilogue covering Revelation). Her style is workmanlike and not particularly thrilling, but she gets the job done and it's a great resource for family worship with young children.

[Haley Annabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great family read. When people retell Bible stories it helps certain parts to stand out more than usual. I enjoyed this story Bible, but there were some incorrect interpretations so beware.

[Ammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have been reading through this Bible on and off for three years. It felt so good to complete it. 💕 I really appreciate this Story Bible because Vos connects the New & Old Testament and combines corresponding Scripture. We often had our ESV Bible on hand to double check info if we ever doubted Vos's narrative. I cannot recall a time where it did not. However we did not check every account. Always be mindful when reading a children's rendition of Scripture, not all stay true to God's Word.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I still have the copy from when I was a child and re-read it once in awhile.

[Nevada Libert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THE BIBLE! I WILL READ IT A THOUSAND TIMES! the old testament was about israel, but l prefer the new testament when jesus comes in to the world. this book really change my life.

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read to my kids over a looooong time....

And then another loooooong time.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can you help your children see the entirety of Scripture in an easy and understandable way? The Child’s Story Bible is a classic retelling of Scripture for your family to treasure and enjoy.

Warm and Clear

Vos has a simple yet mature way of writing. It is clear that she understands the Biblical stories at a deeper level, but she explains things in a way that children can understand. As an adult, I found her giving answers to questions I didn’t think to ask of the text – things that children don’t overlook and aren’t afraid to ask.

The book is written as if Vos is writing directly to children. She is warm, but is clear on the commands and warnings in the Bible. The chapters are short and compelling. I found the book to be a page-turner.

The Full Scope of the Biblical Story

Because this book tackles the full scope of the Biblical story, you’ll read some unfamiliar texts in the Old Testament and be taken into the beginning of the early church. I especially appreciated the sections and the time the book spends in Numbers, Ezra, and Nehemiah, as well as Acts and ending in Revelation.

Neil McArdle provides 26 full-color illustrations to give your imagination some help. Classics like Noah’s ark, David and Goliath, and Daniel in the lion’s den are included – but I liked seeing the feeding of the five thousand and Paul addressing the men of Athens on Mars Hill.

Learn and Grow

This book would be perfect for your family devotions, bedtime stories, or quiet reading time. For new believers, this is a great way to be introduced to the stories in the Old Testament. For older saints, it’s an excellent way to remember and reflect on God’s Word in a new way.

As I was reading, I was ashamed of how I often took my familiarity with God’s Word for granted as a young child. Now that I am older, I understand that there is still so much to read, see, taste, and glean from God’s Word. We can always be learning and growing as God’s children. This book is a beautiful help.

I received a media copy of The Child’s Story Bible and this is my honest review.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many story Bibles for children are more moralistic (be obedient like Noah, be brave like David, be faithful like Daniel). Others are redemptive-historical (better), fitting everything together in one big story centered on Christ, but heavy on commentary and explanations (Sally Lloyd Jones, The Jesus Storybook Bible; Kevin DeYoung, The Biggest Story). Catherine Vos' The Child's Story Bible is more like a paraphrase: with less explanation, less application, less putting-everything-together. In this sense it tells the stories more like the Bible itself tells them.

There is value in this approach of course, but at its length it has a rather short window of usefulness: my 5 and 4 year olds seem to do better with something a little easier, and my 9 and 7 year olds prefer reading directly from the Bible itself.

All in all, this is a good story Bible that is faithful and safe. The Banner of Truth edition has the added benefit of having no pictures of Jesus.

[Lindsey Finton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the detail and writing style and how the author sought to pull straight from Scripture. However, there are a few sloppy theological points that I’ve tried to note as I’ve made progress through the book. I also was not impressed with the few pictures that were in the book.

[Clint Lum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend for family worship/story time with children. Ours regularly asked for another chapter after finishing one.

Faithful, biblical theology as well.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bedtime read-aloud where I giggled many times a week watching my husband try not to say "heathen" so frequently.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read with our 8 and 4 year olds at breakfast. The stories were clear and easy to understand, and in my opinion, were a great combination of being reverent yet approachable. Our version has illustrations by Betty Beeby that are distracting and odd.

[Andrew Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good next step up from a children's Bible. Don't let the title fool you. This is basically an 800 page abridgment of the Bible.

[Franklin Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful retelling of the Bible in a family setting. We loved learning together!

[Abi Kunene · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Child's Story Bible

3.5

I have a bit of a mixed review on this book. A large percentage of it is just wonderful. She writes in such a beautiful way, and the boys just loved it the entire time. We recommended the book to many people early on in our journey through the 832 pages. Yet, as we recently concluded the book, I'm not sure I would recommend it without several caveats. Regarding children's story Bibles, it is still a better option than many. I've never read a Bible story book that didn't get it wrong at times. Therefore, the reader must remember it is not the Bible, and there are definitely errors. These errors range from historical to cultural to theological. There are many instances where we had to stop and go to the text, because her interpretations were just plain wrong. Secondly, the way she writes of unbelievers is typical of writing from the late 19th and early 20th centuries—dehumanising in its description of pagans in a manner that the Scriptures do not.

[Michael Beck · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read aloud for the family as well as children to read themselves. Some minor interpretive choices made by the author that are not supported in Scripture.

[Eric Yap · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really comprehensive children's bible by Catherine Vos (wife to Geerhardus Vos). Able to move through OT narratives quickly without missing key highlights and the big picture/thematic motif. Some bits can be slightly reductionistic with the implications, which may make certain conclusion/exhortation sounds moralistic, but then this is a children's bible, hence the aim is not at precise theology or neat pedagogy but to awaken the childhood imagination to an almighty but personal God. Though Vos does paint a clear picture between the "heroes" and "villains," she never loses the programmatic thread that even our biblical heroes are at most sinners, and they all point to the need for the saving power of Jesus. Vos also does not overdramatise the narratives, remaining quite close and faithful to the biblical texts, even citing direct scriptures all the while weaving them seamlessly suitable for children to read (or to be read to) and understand. Some rendering can be quite moving too. A really great and helpful tool to help children, and even adults to have a grasp over a huge portion of biblical narratives.

[Matt Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the best children's story Bible I've read. It is more mature than some, but our three-year-old enjoys it. It includes many stories, necessary details of the stories, and includes a redemptive-historical element in many of the stories.The only downside for younger children is that there aren't many pictures, but that can be overlooked.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The kids are so happy we are starting to read this again during our school time. 1/5/15

Started reading more consistently during our summer break. Our goal is to finish this bible before September. 6/4/15

New goal was to finish before the end of the year and we did it! Kids have already said this is a bible they would like to read again..krb 12/23/15

[Jessica Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite children’s story bible. It uses beautiful language, reverent (though minimal) illustrations, and accurate re-telling. It is honoring of children, their capacity, and their spiritual perception. And very importantly, it elevates a child’s literary and aesthetic sense, pointing them to their Beautiful Creator.

[Kim Pyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich theology, well-told stories. This was such a big part of my older kids’ biblical education in their early homeschool years. Now I’m slowly going through it with my littles.

Edit: finished with littles 06/2024.

[Elease · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this aloud over the course of two years with my homeschooled kids (now 7 and 9; started at 5 and 7). They LOVED Bible story time, so everyone liked this book. I printed a picture from the internet to accompany each chapter and supplement the very few pictures provided in the book.

The text is fairly comprehensive, covering many of the lesser-told stories for kids (Jael from Judges comes to mind). I was a little worried about the thoroughness of the stories, actually, as I started to read aloud the Sodom and Gomorrah story, but Vos just has the people of Sodom clamoring for the visitors "so that we can hurt them" rather than the more graphic quote from the NIV. So, while there are some violent tales, the stories in general are geared toward child-appropriate levels. There were only a couple of tone-deaf moments (to me) when the author talked about "negroes." I just live-edited that as I came across it in read-aloud. There is also heavy use of the word "heathen" at least in the New Testament part (I finished the OT part a year ago, and I don't remember it sticking out to me so much). I don't know; it just feels like an archaic word these days. Sometimes I would change it to "unbeliever" as I read aloud.

This is a straight up Bible story book. Just like the stories in the Bible don't each end with a nice "here's-how-this-points-to-Christ-and-God's-kingdom," neither do these stories. There are occasional editorial moments such as this, but they feel appropriate and well-placed. If you're reading this aloud to your kids, you can always do your own Gospel discussion following the stories.

[Amy Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This is the best children's Bible I've read in the category of story-telling. A few times she moved me to tears. This is our second or third time reading it. When the children were younger, we sometimes split the stories in half as they're a bit long. These are not abbreviated summaries with a picture on a 2-page spread for pre-school children. They're more for lower elementary, K-4th grades (although our 7th and 9th graders were sitting in on the readings as well). So some may want more pictures--my version had some pictures, but they were grouped together, not beside their story, so we never used them. For this reason, some would consider this a 2ndCV; if you don't want any pictures, get the first edition of Vos's Bible. This time we noticed a bit of old earth/evolution leanings in the beginning Genesis chapter, and heavy covenant theology coming out in the lesson on Israel falling to Assyria. However, overall, this is such an excellent Bible and would be my highest recommendation to those wanting a story-Bible version (she tells the stories in a lively way, not straying from the text or introducing conjecture, and often quoting straight from the text), rather than just reading straight from the Bible (Charlotte Mason recommends simply reading from the Bible with your kids).

[Nick Minerva · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a parent, I am constantly on the lookout for devotional materials for my kids. Finding a resource that faithfully presents Bible stories in an age-appropriate way is sometimes difficult. I’m not quite ready to explain to my 3 year old what a harlot is (1. we’re still working on flushing, 2. there are a lot of harlots in the Bible); but on the flip side I don’t want something so watered-downed it’s no longer faithful to Scripture. Enter The Child’s Story Bible.

Catherine Vos and Banner of Truth have come through with this resource. This book does a great job of telling the stories of the Bible in faithful AND age-appropriate ways. The language is simple enough for young readers to read on their own. (I’ve had my 6 year old read portions.) Each story takes about 10-15 minutes to read out loud and is perfect for a bedtime story. It also structures the stories in such a way so that you can get a grasp of the big picture of the story of redemption.

It’s also a beautiful book. It includes 26th full color illustrations, a ribbon marker, and is a gorgeous hardback edition. Banner of Truth has made a Story Bible that will last a lifetime. If you are looking for a resource that will last throughout your children’s life, this is it.

[Erica Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up to 5. Such a wonderful, detailed, accurate retelling of the Bible. This was a great addition to our morning reading for elementary and middle school age kids (it was over the preschooler’s head, especially with the lack of illustrations).

I only have one bone to pick: I wish the author were more clear about how to have eternal life. Repeatedly she ends stories with something like “You too can go to heaven if you love God...” The Bible doesn’t teach that we gain eternal life by loving God; it is a free gift that comes through faith alone in Christ alone, apart from human effort. May seem minor to most people and some people use belief and devotion interchangeably, but technically they are not the same and I think it’s dangerous to teach kids that their salvation depends on how much they love God. That would have been confusing for me as a kid.

Aside from that, I highly recommend this for family Bible time with a big age range.

[MundiNova · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not the intended audience, and what I was hoping to get, well, the dated language distracted me.

I'm not Christian and have never read the bible. I read a lot of classical Western literature, which makes numerous references to the Bible. To help bridge my knowledge gap, I thought I could listen to an audiobook version of Bible stories simplified for children as a way to learn.

This is 100% for kids. Not adults seeking a crash course on biblical stories. My bad. The cutesy reading and dated language pulled me out of the stories more than I liked. Honestly, I only made it through the Old Testament and didn't even get to Jesus. I'll try something else at a future date.