Jamie Richardson loves reading with his children and recommends adding The Lion Baby Bible to your bookshelf for younger listeners
A gentle start to Bible reading
The Lion Baby Bible by Antonia Woodward is a gentle and engaging introduction to the Bible, designed especially for toddlers and preschool-aged children. With 45 short stories drawn from both the Old and New Testaments, it offers a broad overview of key biblical events and themes in a way that’s accessible for very young readers.
Reading with my three-year-old
I read this book with my three-year-old son, and it quickly became a meaningful part of our bed-time reading routine. He was drawn in by the illustrations and connected with the core messages—especially the comforting truth that God is always with us and that we are never alone. One feature that stood out to both of us was the invitation to insert your child’s name into the text. It’s a simple idea, but it made a big impact. My son’s eyes lit up when he heard his name in the story, and it helped him feel like the book was speaking directly to him.
The Lion Baby Bible succeeds in its main goal: introducing young children to the Bible in an accessible way
Simple stories, beautifully told
The stories themselves are short, clear, and written in language that’s easy for young children to understand. They’re ideal for reading at bedtime or during quiet moments throughout the day. The illustrations are soft, warm, and friendly—perfectly suited to the tone of the book. They help bring the stories to life without being overwhelming or too busy, and they provide helpful visual cues for children who are still developing their understanding of the Bible.
A strong emphasis on God’s love
One of the book’s strengths is its consistent focus on God’s love and our relationship with Him. Rather than trying to cover every detail of the Bible, it highlights the big picture—God’s care, His promises, and His presence in our lives. This approach works well for toddlers, who benefit from repetition and clear, reassuring messages.
The book opens the door to conversations about God’s love, kindness, and presence, and it helps children begin to see themselves as part of God’s story
A few missed opportunities
That said, there were a few moments where the flow of the stories felt a little abrupt. For example, the transition from the story of Jonah to the angels appearing to the shepherds at Jesus’ birth felt sudden. It seemed unusual to skip over the angel’s announcement to Mary—a key part of the Nativity story that helps set the stage for Jesus’ arrival. Including that moment would have added helpful context and continuity.
Similarly, the account of Jesus’ death is quite brief and doesn’t mention the cross at all. While I understand the need to keep things age-appropriate, I personally would feel comfortable introducing that part of the story to my three-year-old in a gentle and thoughtful way. The cross is central to the Christian faith, and even a simple reference could help lay the foundation for deeper understanding as children grow.
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A valuable resource for families
Despite these minor gaps, The Lion Baby Bible succeeds in its main goal: introducing young children to the Bible in an accessible way. It’s a great starting point for families who want to begin sharing the Christian faith with their little ones. The book opens the door to conversations about God’s love, kindness, and presence, and it helps children begin to see themselves as part of God’s story.
Final thoughts
Overall, The Lion Baby Bible is a lovely addition to any young child’s bookshelf. For parents, carers, or anyone looking to nurture faith from an early age, this book is a valuable resource. It’s also a thoughtful gift for occasions like baptisms, infant dedications, or first birthdays. It’s not a comprehensive Bible, nor does it try to be—rather it’s an effective way to begin planting seeds of faith.
