Call me crazy, but a Bible had to be #1 on any list of the best Christian books for kids, and this particular version does not disappoint.  I bought a copy of the ESV Study Bible last October when it first came out, and the ESV has quickly become my favorite translation of the Bible.  I’m actually on my third time through it now!  I was excited to see a copy of the ESV in a Children’s Bible as well.  Although it is a little more difficult reading than a translation like the NIrV, I want to challenge my kids, and this Bible is a great translation for that!

It does not have all the “bells and whistles” throughout the text like the NIrV Adventurers Bible which came in number four on this list, but I had to give the nod to this version as I think it more accurately reflects the Word of God.  It does include over 200 wonderful full page illustrations along with scripture verses  to help kids picture what things must have been like in Biblical times.  Also, like other Crossway publications, including the ESV Study Bible, the additional information and articles added at the front and back of the Bible are superb!  They include:

• The Bible God’s Message to Us
• What The Bible Says About Itself
• How To Use the Bible
• About This Bible
• Who Is God?  What Is God Like?
• God Makes Himself Known
• God Chooses a People for Himself
• The Ten Commandments
• From Old to New Testament
• Jesus” God’s Righteous Son
• Good News!
• The Gospel of Jesus
• What Is Salvation?
• Salvation Explained
• Sanctification: Becoming More Like Jesus
• The Fight of Faith
• The Promises of God
• Go Into All the World
• How Will You Respond to What You Have Read?
• Bible Reading Tips
• Bible Reading Plan
• Learning to Pray
• Bible Memory
• Dictionary

This is a useful link (http://www.esv.org/assets/pdfs/childrens.bible.front.pdf) to the first four articles at the front of the ESV Children’s Bible and gives a sampling of the type of information available in this Children’s Bible.  I would love to see Crossway come out with an ESV Study Bible for kids, but until then, this Bible will remain my favorite for reading with my kids!

Here is what Christianbook.com has to say about The ESV Children’s Bible

“The kid-friendly cover will catch your 6- to 12-year-olds’ attention—and the age-appropriate study helps will keep them reading!Over 200 full-color illustrations * Tips on how to pray and read God’s Word * Eye-catching charts and diagrams * Words of Christ in red * Dictionary * Bible reading guide * Book introductions * Salvation plan * Size: 5.5″ x 8.5″ x 1.5″ * 1632 pages, hardcover from Crossway”

And here is what the publisher, Crossway Books, has to say (including a list of features):

“No child should be without a Bible to call their own, and the ESV Children’s Bible is a great choice. Not only will children get the reliability and beauty of the ESV translation but this Bible features a newly illustrated cover and more than 200 pages of full-color illustrations that appear right where the stories occur in the text. It is now also available in paperback.

Each Children’s Bible contains aids that kids can use on how to pray and read God’s Word, the plan of salvation, God’s promises, and becoming more like Jesus. In addition, a Bible-reading plan just for them is included, as well as a dictionary.

• Size: 5.5″ x 8.5″
• Larger 10.67-point type
• 1,632 pages
• Words of Christ in red
• Full-color illustrations throughout
• Introductions to each book
• Dictionary
• Bible-reading plan for kids
• Color charts and diagrams of biblical themes