10+ Best Bible Story Books for 5-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Looking for the perfect way to introduce your little ones to the timeless tales from the Bible? Discovering the right Bible story books for 5-year-olds can be a delightful adventure for both you and your child. Whether you're teaching them about Noah's ark or the journey of Moses, the stories you choose can spark a lifelong love for these ancient narratives. Keep reading to explore our curated selections of Bible story books that are perfectly tailored for 5-year-old readers.

Fun Bible Story Books for 5-Year-Olds

• The Beginner's Bible: Timeless Children's Stories by Zondervan
  • Genre(s): Religious, Children’s Stories
  • Synopsis: This book offers a collection of well-known biblical stories, from Genesis to Revelation, simplified for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces major biblical stories in a language that is easy to understand for young children, enhancing their reading skills and providing a strong spiritual foundation.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are just starting to explore Bible stories and parents looking for a child-friendly introduction to the Bible.

• The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name by Sally Lloyd-Jones, illustrated by Jago
  • Genre(s): Religious, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This book tells the stories of the Bible, from Old Testament to the New Testament, focusing on how each story connects to Jesus.
  • Why we recommend this book: It has a unique narrative approach that helps children understand how every story in the Bible points towards Jesus, making it a compelling read.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories with a strong narrative and those beginning to learn about the connections within biblical texts.

• The Action Bible by Doug Mauss, illustrated by Sergio Cariello
  • Genre(s): Religious, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: This graphic novel version of the Bible reimagines biblical tales as action-packed adventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its dynamic comic book-style illustrations and exciting storytelling format make it extremely appealing to young readers, encouraging both reading fluency and religious education.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love superheroes and adventurous tales, and those who might be more visually oriented in their reading preferences.

• God's Great Love for You by Rick Warren, illustrated by Chris Saunders
  • Genre(s): Religious, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This book assures children of God's immense love for them, with simple messages and vibrant illustrations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses simple language and beautiful pictures to convey the profound concept of God’s love, making it easily understandable for young children.
  • Perfect for: Young readers in need of a comforting read and those who appreciate visually appealing illustrations along with a heartfelt message.

• Read Aloud Bible Stories: Volume 1 by Ella K. Lindvall, illustrated by Kent Puckett
  • Genre(s): Religious, Storybook
  • Synopsis: This volume includes several Bible stories retold in a simple and engaging way for children to grasp and enjoy.
  • Why we recommend this book: The clear, direct storytelling and colorful illustrations make it a perfect choice for reading aloud, helping kids improve listening and comprehension skills.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers and early readers who enjoy storytime with their parents or guardians, and those who are just beginning to engage with biblical stories.

Educational Bible Story Books for 5-Year-Olds

• A Child's First Bible by Kenneth N. Taylor, illustrated by Nadine Wickenden
  • Genre(s): Religious, Educational
  • Synopsis: This collection features over 125 of the most familiar Bible stories, from Genesis to Revelation, presented in a simple and straightforward manner.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Reading comprehension, religious education, moral development
  • Why we recommend this book: It's specifically designed for young readers with easy-to-understand language and colorful, engaging illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young children who are just starting to read and families looking for a gentle introduction to the Bible.

• The Big Picture Story Bible by David R. Helm, illustrated by Gail Schoonmaker
  • Genre(s): Religious, Storybook
  • Synopsis: This book presents the grand narrative of the Bible in a simple yet engaging way, focusing on God's plan and His love for His people.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of overarching biblical themes, listening skills, early literacy
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps children see the Bible as one continuous story, which is great for their holistic understanding of the scriptures.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers and young readers who enjoy a story that unfolds like a journey, and parents who want to discuss spiritual lessons with their kids.

• My First Bible Stories by Julie Downing
  • Genre(s): Religious, Educational
  • Synopsis: Introduces children to twelve essential Bible stories, each one told with clear and simple language suitable for young ears.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic Bible knowledge, moral reasoning, narrative skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a balanced mix of Old and New Testament stories, beautifully illustrated to capture the attention of young readers.
  • Perfect for: Youngsters who are curious about Bible stories and parents seeking a book that can be used as part of a bedtime routine.

• The Toddler's Bible by V. Gilbert Beers, illustrated by Claudine Gévry
  • Genre(s): Religious, Educational
  • Synopsis: With over 100 stories, this Bible is crafted specifically for toddlers, featuring short, interactive stories, accompanied by colorful illustrations.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Early literacy skills, engagement in storytelling, spiritual growth
  • Why we recommend this book: Its interactive approach keeps young children engaged and helps them connect with the stories on a personal level.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and young children who need engaging and interactive reading material that introduces them to biblical teachings.

• The Rhyme Bible Storybook for Toddlers by Linda Sattgast, illustrated by Toni Goffe
  • Genre(s): Religious, Rhyming Book
  • Synopsis: This book offers Bible stories written in delightful rhyme, making it fun and easy for toddlers to listen to and remember.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Rhyming and phonemic awareness, memory retention, spiritual learning
  • Why we recommend this book: The rhyming aspect makes it especially catchy for little ears, and the playful illustrations add to the fun.
  • Perfect for: Very young children who enjoy rhythmic and musical storybooks, and parents who want to introduce Bible stories in a fun way.

Challenging Bible Story Books for 5-Year-Olds

• The Adventure Bible for Early Readers, NIrV by Lawrence O. Richards
  • Genre(s): Religious, Educational
  • Synopsis: Geared towards early readers, this Bible uses the New International Reader's Version (NIrV) of the text, which is a simplified version of the NIV. It includes various illustrations, callouts, and descriptions that help explain the context and meaning of the stories.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces young readers to a slightly more complex vocabulary and biblical concepts than typical children's Bibles.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great transitional Bible for kids who are ready to explore a deeper understanding of the Bible stories but still enjoy colorful illustrations and simplified text.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are advancing in their reading skills and are ready for a more challenging version of the Bible.

• The Complete Illustrated Children's Bible by Janice Emmerson
  • Genre(s): Religious, Illustrated
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive collection of Bible stories is vividly illustrated and written in an easy-to-understand narrative format.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers the entire Bible in detail, offering a deeper and more complete understanding of the stories than many other children's Bibles.
  • Why we recommend this book: The illustrations are engaging, and the complete coverage of the Bible stories provides a thorough introduction to biblical teachings.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are ready to delve into more detailed Bible stories and appreciate visual storytelling.

• The Child's Story Bible by Catherine F. Vos
  • Genre(s): Religious, Storybook
  • Synopsis: This story Bible retells the classic stories of the Bible in a narrative form, enriched with historical and cultural details that bring the stories to life.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes more historical and cultural context than most children's Bibles, offering a more sophisticated understanding of the Bible.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's well-written and provides a deeper insight into the biblical world, which can help children connect more meaningfully with the stories.
  • Perfect for: Children who have a strong curiosity about the past and enjoy stories that are rich in detail.

• The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden by Kevin DeYoung, illustrated by Don Clark
  • Genre(s): Religious, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This book traces the storyline of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, focusing on God's plan of salvation through Christ, depicted as the "Snake Crusher."
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves complex theological themes into a story format, which introduces advanced concepts in an accessible way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique and artistic interpretation of the Bible's overarching narrative, which can help children grasp the big picture of God's story.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are interested in understanding the deeper meanings of the Bible and enjoy visually stunning illustrations.

• The Gospel Story Bible: Discovering Jesus in the Old and New Testaments by Marty Machowski
  • Genre(s): Religious, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book highlights how every story in the Old and New Testaments points to the gospel of Jesus Christ, with each story connecting to the message of salvation.
  • Why this book is challenging: It ties together the Old and New Testaments in a way that requires readers to think critically about how each story relates to the message of Jesus.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps children see the interconnectedness of biblical stories and their ultimate significance in God's plan for salvation.
  • Perfect for: Kids who have a foundational understanding of Bible stories and are ready to explore their deeper theological significance.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

When it comes to fostering a love for reading in young children, Bible story books can be a fantastic resource. These books not only teach valuable moral lessons but also captivate children's imaginations with tales of adventure and faith. Here are some engaging exercises to help your 5-year-old develop good reading habits while enjoying these stories:

• Read Together Daily
  • What it is: Set aside time each day to read Bible stories together.
  • How it helps: Builds a routine and fosters a love for reading.
  • Tips: Choose a regular time each day to read, making it a special bonding activity.

• Act Out Stories
  • What it is: Encourage your child to act out the stories after reading them.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and makes reading more engaging.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the storytelling more fun and interactive.

• Discuss the Moral Lessons
  • What it is: Talk about the lessons learned from the stories.
  • How it helps: Helps in developing critical thinking and values.
  • Tips: Ask open-ended questions to encourage your child to think and express themselves.

• Create Story Illustrations
  • What it is: Have your child draw scenes from the stories you read.
  • How it helps: Reinforces story details and sparks creativity.
  • Tips: Provide various art supplies and let your child's imagination guide their artwork.

• Use Story Maps
  • What it is: Create a visual map of the story’s events together.
  • How it helps: Aids in understanding sequence and plot.
  • Tips: Keep it simple and fun, using arrows and pictures to map out the story.

• Memory Verse Challenge
  • What it is: Memorize key verses from the stories.
  • How it helps: Improves memory and helps internalize spiritual lessons.
  • Tips: Start with short verses and use repetition throughout the week.

• Story Sequencing Cards
  • What it is: Use cards to sequence the events of a story.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding of story structure and logical thinking.
  • Tips: You can create your own cards with pictures and text from the stories.

These exercises are not only fun but also enriching, making the reading experience both educational and enjoyable. By incorporating these activities into your reading routine, you'll help your child develop a deeper appreciation for literature and its lessons. So, grab your favorite Bible story book and start exploring these exercises today!