10+ Best Bible Story Books for 4-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to introduce your little one to the timeless stories from the Bible? Look no further! Our curated selection of Bible story books for 4-year-olds is designed to captivate their imagination while imparting valuable lessons. Whether you're looking for bedtime reading or interactive play, we've got you covered. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that are sure to engage and educate your child in the most delightful way!

Fun Bible Story Books for 4-Year-Olds

• The Beginner's Bible: Timeless Children's Stories by Zondervan
  • Genre(s): Christian, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This book presents more than 90 Bible stories in a simple and engaging way, tailored for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces major biblical stories through colorful illustrations and clear, easy-to-understand language that keeps children engaged.
  • Perfect for: Young children beginning to explore Bible stories and parents looking for a faith-based reading time with their kids.

• The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name by Sally Lloyd-Jones, illustrated by Jago
  • Genre(s): Christian, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This book tells the stories of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, emphasizing that Jesus is at the center of God's great story of salvation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It has a unique approach that connects all the stories to Jesus, illustrated beautifully to capture the imagination of young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories with vibrant illustrations and parents who want to introduce their kids to spiritual concepts in an accessible way.

• God Gave Us You by Lisa Tawn Bergren, illustrated by Laura J. Bryant
  • Genre(s): Christian, Family
  • Synopsis: A charming story about a little bear cub who learns about how much God loves him through the love of his parents.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming tale that reinforces the message of unconditional love from parents and God, with soothing illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers and families seeking a comforting bedtime story with a spiritual foundation.

• Read Aloud Bible Stories: Volume 1 by Ella K. Lindvall, illustrated by Kent P. Kallberg
  • Genre(s): Christian, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This volume includes multiple Bible stories retold in a simple narrative style, perfect for reading aloud to young children.
  • Why we recommend this book: The stories are simplified to capture young minds, and the read-aloud aspect helps in developing listening skills.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers and parents or educators who enjoy interactive story sessions to foster a love for reading and biblical knowledge.

• The Ark, The Reed, and The Fire Cloud by Jenny L. Cote
  • Genre(s): Christian, Adventure, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A fantastical adventure that follows Max, a Scottish terrier, and Liz, a brilliant French cat, as they journey towards Noah’s Ark.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively combines biblical elements with imaginative storytelling, making the narrative exciting and engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers who love animals and exciting stories, with a biblical twist.

Educational Bible Story Books for 4-Year-Olds

• A Child's First Bible by Kenneth N. Taylor, illustrated by Nadine Wickenden
  • Genre(s): Christian, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This book simplifies more than 125 Bible stories so they are easily understandable to young children.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic biblical knowledge, moral development, early reading skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's perfect for introducing the Bible in a way that's accessible to preschoolers, with simple language and engaging illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who are just starting to learn about the Bible and parents seeking a straightforward way to introduce spiritual education.

• The Toddler's Bible by V. Gilbert Beers, illustrated by Claudine Gévry
  • Genre(s): Christian, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: With over 100 stories, this Bible offers a gentle introduction to the scriptures for very young children.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Listening skills, early comprehension, spiritual and moral development
  • Why we recommend this book: It's designed specifically for toddlers with vibrant, colorful illustrations and short, engaging stories.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and young preschoolers, as well as parents who want to nurture their child's faith from an early age.

• The Rhyme Bible Storybook for Toddlers by Linda Sattgast, illustrated by Toni Goffe
  • Genre(s): Christian, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This book presents Bible stories through fun rhymes and bright, playful illustrations.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Rhyming skills, early literacy, engagement with spiritual stories
  • Why we recommend this book: The rhyming text makes it fun for children to listen to and helps them remember the stories better.
  • Perfect for: Young children who enjoy rhythmic and rhyming texts and parents looking for a lively way to discuss Bible stories.

• My First Bible Stories by Juliet David, illustrated by Helen Prole
  • Genre(s): Christian, Children's Literature
  • Synopsis: This collection features key stories from the Bible, retold for young children in a clear and simple way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of biblical narratives, moral reasoning, introduction to spirituality
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an excellent starter Bible with straightforward storytelling and appealing illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young children who are beginners to Bible stories and families seeking a gentle introduction to biblical teachings.

Challenging Bible Story Books for 4-Year-Olds

• The Action Bible by Doug Mauss, illustrated by Sergio Cariello
  • Genre(s): Christian, Graphic Novel
  • Synopsis: This graphic novel brings Bible stories to life with compelling comic-book style artwork and a fast-paced narrative.
  • Why this book is challenging: It offers a more detailed and visually complex representation of Bible stories, which can be intellectually stimulating for advanced young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It transforms traditional Bible stories into exciting, dynamic visuals that capture the attention of children who might need more engaging content.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy visual storytelling and parents looking for a way to make Bible stories more captivating.

• The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden by Kevin DeYoung, illustrated by Don Clark
  • Genre(s): Christian, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This book uses artistic illustrations and a sweeping narrative to tell the story of the Bible from creation to the resurrection of Christ.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative incorporates more complex theological themes and a richer vocabulary than typical children's Bible stories.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a theological depth that helps young readers develop a more robust understanding of Christian beliefs.
  • Perfect for: Children ready for a deeper exploration of biblical themes and families interested in discussing theological concepts together.

• The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross by Carl Laferton, illustrated by Catalina Echeverri
  • Genre(s): Christian, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book explains the gospel story from creation to Revelation, focusing on why Jesus died and rose again, and what that means for us.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles complex subjects like sin, redemption, and salvation with a depth that goes beyond simpler storybooks.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a clear and profound explanation of key Christian doctrines in a way that is accessible and engaging for young children.
  • Perfect for: Families seeking to instill a deep biblical foundation in their children from a young age.

• The Children's Illustrated Bible by Selina Hastings, illustrated by Eric Thomas
  • Genre(s): Christian, Historical
  • Synopsis: This illustrated Bible includes detailed maps, historical notes, and information about the lands and people of Bible times, along with the retelling of the stories.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes historical context and archaeological details that provide a more comprehensive understanding of the Bible.
  • Why we recommend this book: It enriches the biblical stories with historical facts, making it an educational tool as well as a spiritual one.
  • Perfect for: Curious young minds who have an interest in history and archaeology, as well as the stories of the Bible.

• The Lion Storyteller Bible by Bob Hartman, illustrated by Krisztina Kállai Nagy
  • Genre(s): Christian, Folklore
  • Synopsis: This collection features retellings of key Bible stories with a focus on lively, engaging storytelling.
  • Why this book is challenging: The storytelling style incorporates rich language and cultural idioms that provide a more immersive reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's known for its captivating narratives that make the stories memorable and exciting, enhancing both spiritual and linguistic development.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories told with a dramatic flair and families who enjoy reading aloud together.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Introducing young children to the world of books is a magical journey, especially with Bible story books that are not only educational but also nurturing for their growing minds. Here are some engaging exercises designed specifically for 4-year-olds to help develop their reading habits while enjoying these timeless stories.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: A pre-reading activity where you and your child look at the pictures in the Bible story book before reading the text.
  • How it helps: Enhances prediction skills and sets a purpose for reading.
  • Tips: Ask your child to guess what the story might be about based on the pictures.

• Read and Act
  • What it is: Read a story from the Bible story book and then have your child act out scenes from it.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and helps children remember the stories better.
  • Tips: Use simple props or costumes to make the acting more fun and engaging.

• Story Sequence Cards
  • What it is: Create cards that depict scenes from a Bible story, and have your child arrange them in order.
  • How it helps: Encourages understanding of the narrative structure and sequence of events.
  • Tips: Start with fewer cards and increase the number as your child gets more comfortable with the activity.

• Character Map
  • What it is: Draw a map or a chart that shows different characters from a Bible story and their relationships or roles.
  • How it helps: Helps with character recognition and enhances memory retention of the story.
  • Tips: Use stickers or drawings to make the character map colorful and visually appealing.

• Echo Reading
  • What it is: You read a sentence or a passage aloud from the Bible story book, and then your child repeats it after you.
  • How it helps: Improves fluency and pronunciation skills.
  • Tips: Keep your reading pace slow and clear to make it easy for your child to mimic.

• Question and Answer Time
  • What it is: After reading a story, ask your child simple questions about what happened.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and recall abilities.
  • Tips: Use open-ended questions that encourage more than yes/no answers to stimulate thinking.

Each of these exercises is designed to make reading a fun and educational experience for both you and your child. By incorporating these activities into your reading routine, you're not only helping your 4-year-old develop good reading habits but also instilling a love for stories that can last a lifetime. Happy reading!