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Storybook Bible vs. Story Bible: What’s the difference?
At the risk of splitting hairs, a quick Google search indicates that the primary difference is that a story Bible presents different stories from the Bible (usually in the same order in which they would appear in the Bible itself), but with no connecting threads. A storybook Bible presents the whole Bible as one big story, and the smaller stories function more as chapters might. It’s not unlike the difference between a fairy tale anthology (lots of separate fairy tales) vs. a longer fairy tale broken up into chapters. The Jesus Storybook Bible was one of the first in the latter category, to great acclaim.*
Frankly, our concern at Redeemed Reader is less with the distinction between a story Bible and a storybook Bible. Rather, we’re looking more closely at whether the resource in question is biblical: do the retellings match up with the Bible? Is the exposition and commentary consistent with Scripture?
One of our very first posts here at Redeemed Reader was about buying your child’s first story (or storybook) Bible. Since then, we’ve reviewed more than 70 Bibles for children and teens, lots of story(book) Bibles and devotionals, and plenty of Bible story picture books. You can find our best recommendations in our Children’s Bible Guide (which also includes information on how to choose translations and more). Note: the Children’s Bible Guide is also included in our Bible Pilgrimage Bundle.
*We haven’t reviewed The Jesus Storybook Bible because it predates this website by a good 4 years; we tend to focus on new publications that people aren’t as familiar with! You will see one Bible listed below that was published before our site went live in 2011.
Story Bibles and Storybook Bibles: A Redeemed Reader Booklist
Titles are linked to Redeemed Reader reviews.
My First Bible Stories by Christina Goodings, illustrated by Stephen Barker. Lion UK (Kregel), 2013. 22 pages. Hardly comprehensive, but the stories are told with a sense of drama and immediacy that belies their simplicity. Ages 1-3.
The Rhyme Bible Storybook for Toddlers, by Linda Sattgast, illustrated by Toni Goffe. Zonderkids, 2000, 256 pages. There are 26 stories – 12 Old Testament, 14 New Testament – and lots of pictures. Ages 2-5.
The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible by Jared Kennedy, illustrated by Trish Mahoney. New Growth Press, 2017, 313 pages. The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible strikes the right balance between scriptural faithfulness and a preschooler’s comprehension. Ages 3-5.
The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden by Kevin DeYoung. Illustrated by Don Clark. Crossway, 2015. 132 pages. This is not a Bible story book that retells each individual story (such as Samson, David and Goliath, or Paul’s shipwreck); rather, the overall theme and storyline of Scripture are the focus. See also The Biggest Story Bible Storybook for slightly older children. Ages 4 and up for The Biggest Story.
The Storyteller’s Bible: Celebrating the Greatest Storyteller of All by Kathryn Butler. B&H Publishing Group, 2025, 265 pages. The Storyteller’s Bible weaves the gospel into 35 theologically-rich stories from scripture. Ages 4-10.
The Kingdom and the King Storybook Bible by Bob Hartman, illustrated by Catalina Echeverri. The Good Book Co., 2025. 176 pages. The Kingdom and the King is a well-written, well-illustrated storybook Bible that looks at the kingship of Christ and His work on behalf of His people. Ages 4-10.
God’s Colorful Kingdom Bible Storybook: The Story of God’s Big Diverse Family by Esau McCaulley, illustrated by Rogério Coelho. Tyndale Kids, 2025. 272 pages. Vibrantly illustrated, God’s Colorful Kingdom Storybook Bible emphasizes God’s love for the diverse family He has created and redeemed as well as His care for the poor and needy. Note: we thought this would function better as a devotional or children’s commentary rather than a “storybook Bible.” See review for details. Ages 6-10.
Related Reading at Redeemed Reader:
Want to use your own Bible translation and read the actual Bible with your children? Check out our Bible Pilgrimage, particularly the ages 4-8 level. The whole family can read and learn about the same Bible passage, with questions and suggested activities for a range of levels. This is our top option for those wishing to avoid pictures of Jesus or who want to keep everyone on the same page.
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