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Once Upon a Time in the Bible

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*I was given a copy of these Bibles in exchange for an honest review.  Although I was given the products, all opinions are my own.  I promise to always be truthful to you, my readers.  I want to provide you with only the best resources.

Who doesn’t love a good fairytale?  Do you know what is even better?  A great story that is true.  This is where Once Upon a Time Storybook Bible and NIrV Once Upon a Time Holy Bible, Hardcover come in.  Their tag line is, “The Bible is not a fairy tale.  Every great story happened once upon a time.”

once upon a time bibles

I was excited to have the privilege of reviewing the Once Upon a Time Storybook Bible and the NIrV Once Upon a Time Holy Bible.  We love books around our house.  Bibles are extra special.  I didn’t tell my girls they would be getting new Bibles, so the element of surprise made it even better.  

Check out our unboxing video… 

The Once Upon a Time Storybook Bible

Happily Ever After

Each of the Bible stories in Once Upon a Time Storybook Bible begins with “Once upon a time…”  The stories themselves are about three pages long plus three or more illustrations.  My favorite part, however, is that they all end with a “Happily Ever After” section that connects the story back to us.  A scripture reference is included there too.  

Revelation

Many children’s bibles, end with the resurrection or Great Ascension. The Once Upon a Time Storybook Bible tells the story of Revelation. There is also an encouragement about how, even though there is an end to this storybook, it is only the beginning of their personal story.   

The Once Upon a Time Holy Bible

When Do Kids Need a “Real” Bible?

My oldest daughter is 6.  She is finishing up her first grade year next month.  Once a child is a fairly proficient reader, I think they need a “real” bible of their very own, not a storybook bible.  Our storybooks will always hold a special place in our hearts, but there is something special about the direct word of God.  A child of this age is old enough to start navigating their way through the Bible and see His words for themselves.  This is an important part of letting them make their faith their own, not just a copy of what they have seen from others.  

Fun Pictures and True Stories

NIrV Once Upon a Time Holy Bible, Hardcover is a great choice because it is appealing to a young reader.  The illustrations strategically placed throughout appeal to the familiar aspect of storybooks.  A few colored pages here and there are, in fact, entire short stories that tell about events from the Bible. They can be just for fun, or even used in that transition period at first when your child may be uncomfortable with all the small print.  If your kids are like mine, however, they may be so excited they want to just jump in and start reading!  

What About the NIrV?

I am also a fan of the NIrV (New International Readers’ Version).  It is based on the NIV and written at a third grade reading level. It remains accurate, however, because the writers continued to check the original Hebrew and Greek sources.   The NIV words are often used, but some of the more difficult words have been replaced.  The sentences are a bit shorter.  It is also divided into more sections.  This version makes an accurate account of God’s words more accessible to His youngest children.  

If you are looking for good Bibles for your children, The Once Upon a Time Storybook Bible and The Once Upon a Time Holy Bible are great choices.  

What do you look for in a children’s Bible?  Do you have a favorite?  

*This post contains affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure.  By clicking them to make a purchase, it supports Minivan Ministries without any extra cost to you.   It’s a win-win situation!  Thanks a million!

Filed Under: Devotionals, Family Worship, Kid Books and Resources Tagged With: Bible Adventures, Book Brigade, Family Bible Study, Worship

Comments

  1. Marissa says

    April 4, 2017 at 9:03 am

    I agree that while storybook bibles have a place, every kid needs their own “grown up” bible (that’s my kiddos call them) It’s a chance to gift them with a precious thing that will change them…

    Reply
  2. Scott LaPierre says

    April 5, 2017 at 11:46 am

    Hi Tara,
    You do a great job with your reviews. I especially appreciate the videos.

    You said the book contained Revelation. My first thought was, “I wonder what view they take?” :).

    You asked, “What do you look for in a children’s Bible? Do you have a favorite?”

    We look for a bible that’s the same translation/version as the others we’re using; so for us, ESV. We want everyone reading the same words during family worship. I don’t think we have a favorite.
    Scott LaPierre recently posted…Trust the Holy Spirit will help you in marriage!My Profile

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  3. Terri says

    April 6, 2017 at 3:51 pm

    Such a great review. I would love to get this one
    Terri recently posted…Summer OutfitsMy Profile

    Reply
  4. Andrea says

    April 6, 2017 at 6:48 pm

    It doesn’t matter which Bible it is, as long as they get into the Word of God

    Reply
  5. Edith says

    April 7, 2017 at 4:02 am

    I love storybooks with illustrations. When my niece was younger, we went through some nursery level Sunday School manuals like that. It was so much fun. These seem like excellent resources to introduce kids to the Bible and draw them into the stories. Thanks for sharing your informative review of them. And I love the pic of the girls. You are blessed!
    Edith recently posted…LOVE SO STRONG!!! (SHORT STORY)My Profile

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  6. Edith says

    April 7, 2017 at 4:04 am

    Sorry, I meant pix of your girls.
    Edith recently posted…LOVE SO STRONG!!! (SHORT STORY)My Profile

    Reply
  7. Beka says

    April 7, 2017 at 11:12 am

    Your daughters are precious! They look so excited to have this Bible. You’re a few years ahead of me (as far as the ages of your children) and I love to glean from your knowledge and experience. Thank you for your ministry here!

    Reply
    • admin says

      April 7, 2017 at 7:29 pm

      Thank you so much for the sweet compliments. I am glad you are enjoying this ministry. Please let me know if there is any way I can help!

      Reply
  8. Jennifer DeFrates/Heaven Not Harvard says

    April 7, 2017 at 8:35 pm

    Oh, these sound SO cute! We just moved to a big kid Adventure Bible which is the NIrV version. She can read it on her own and it has neat pictures and devotionals in it, but she still goes back to her children’s bibles to read on her own. I figure when she is ready to let those go, she will, but I enjoy watching her sit down and read them.
    Jennifer DeFrates/Heaven Not Harvard recently posted…Adoption Marketing – How to Attract Birth Parents to your ProfileMy Profile

    Reply
  9. Olu Afolabi says

    April 8, 2017 at 11:00 pm

    Great review and very good information. I already have bibles for my kids. But I love the idea of a bible written at a third grade level spec.
    Olu Afolabi recently posted…It is finishedMy Profile

    Reply
  10. Kathleen Burnett says

    April 10, 2017 at 9:04 am

    Good review! I love the video– it truly captures the delight of your children. You have truly instilled in them a love for the Word of God, and it shows in their excitement to get new Bibles.
    Kathleen Burnett recently posted…Habakkuk 2:1-2:4 — Bible Study Notes — Lesson 4My Profile

    Reply

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Hello! I'm Tara. My kids and I spend a lot of time in our van (and elsewhere) singing, playing , and praying. Join us as we navigate through the winding roads of life, enjoy the journey, and arrive at a place where we love Jesus with all our hearts. Read More
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