Thoughts on Storybook Bibles

Storybook Bibles can be a good way to introduce children to the biblical story using age appropriate language and colourful illustrations, yet not all storybook Bibles are made equal. When I’m looking for a good Storybook Bible I have several criteria handy for evaluating what each one has to offer as well as what might be lacking. 

Some things I look for are:

1. What stories are included and which are left out. Does the book include stories or poetry drawn from the Psalms, the prophets (more than Jonah), and from the letters to the early church? These are parts of scripture that are often left out. 
2. How are characters portrayed in illustrations? Is everyone Caucasian? Are only “enemies” or slaves portrayed as persons of colour? Some Storybook Bibles reinforce racist stereotypes of particular ethnic groups as lesser than, or simply violent. I look for illustrations that help children to identify with characters, see the beautiful diversity in God’s creation, recognize the cultural context of the biblical story, and to understand people as fully human and complex. 
3.  How is God portrayed? Are there both masculine and feminine images of God as we see in the Bible? Do we receive a broad understanding of God demonstrating gentleness, wisdom, love, justice, compassion, protection, mercy, power, intimacy, holiness?
4. How are women and children represented? The world of the biblical story was patriarchal, but we know that women and children were certainly present and a part of the story. Has there been an attempt made to bring forth the experiences of women and children in the biblical story both through stories and illustrations?
5. Is inclusive language used when referring to people?
6. How is violence portrayed? Are violent acts something that people are to undertake, is violence glorified as the “right” way to solve problems, or are we to strive to live in peace? While the words in a storybook Bible may not glorify violence, the illustrations often do.
7. What is the understanding given of humanity in Genesis? Are women and men equals, partners in the task of caring for creation? Is there still goodness in us and are we still loved even after Adam and Eve leave the garden, or have we become completely “bad”? Most often the understanding of humanity in Genesis provides the theological understanding for human relationships, and for the human/God relationship in the rest of the story, so I find Genesis a good place to start.
8. What is the understanding of sin and reconciliation that comes through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus? Is that understanding in alignment with what I believe the Bible tells us, and are these stories told using age appropriate images and language? Many storybook Bibles implicitly or explicitly attempt to create feelings of guilt in children in order to coerce conversion. I pay careful attention to how themes of salvation are dealt with.
9. Are gender stereotypes in our own culture being reinforced? Will a young girl who adores adventure and regularly gets her knees scraped up while riding her bike feel uncomfortable with God’s story because it’s packaged in vibrant pink with princess crowns on it? Will a thoughtful boy who loves to read and is inclined toward music feel uncomfortable because his “Bible” teaches him that he needs to be a muscular superhero? These are especially good questions to ask when giving Bibles out in church, whether they are storybook Bibles or a complete translation.

While it is almost impossible for a given storybook Bible to fulfill all of these criteria I have found several books that I believe fit many of the criteria and have a variety of gifts to offer families. Having several different storybook Bibles or visual interpretations of scripture for children is also of great importance in helping them to embrace the vibrancy of God’s Story.