Age Appropriate Bibles

Our son (age 7) is at a place in his development (both intellectually and spiritually) where he has become very inquisitive about God and His Word. He is in AWANA and has begun memorizing Scriptures. He is asking all kinds of theological questions and seems to be thirsty for a better understanding of God. His mother and I guide him through the Bible to help find the answers he is looking for.

He is anxious to begin reading God’s word on his own…and we want encourage that by getting him his own Bible. The problem is, every “kids Bible” we find, is not a Bible at all (even though the title may say Bible on it), but just a book with a few selected Bible stories in it. He’s ready to move beyond just the stories. We want him to be able to see the context of the verses he’s memorizing, so that when he quotes his memory verses, like 1 John 4:14 - And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world - he is able to see the entirety of this passage, which testifies of God’s love for us.

So my question is, do you have any recommendations for kids Bibles that are not just age appropriate, but stage appropriate?

Hooray  for your son, the boy with a fine mind and a heart for God’s Word.  And hooray for you and your wife, great parents who love and disciple their children.  I like The Adventure Bible.  It is the actual text of the Bible and is available in different versions. I’d go with the NIV, which is the version you quoted in your example.  In addition, it is colorful and has some sidebar notes, some character studies, life applications, etc.  These are kid-friendly study helps which can open up added conversation between a child and parents. There is also an “Early Reader’s Version”.  Your son sounds like he would be just fine with the real deal. The Boy’s Bible has a similar concept and looks cool. Either one seems like it would work for your family.