*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.”

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!