International Children's Bible (ICB): Hardback

The International Children’s Bible stands alone as the only totally new translation of the original Bible text - from the Greek and Hebrew language - specifically for children. Until the launch of the New Century Version (NCV) International Children's Bible, it was impossible to give children a Bible that they could read and understand for themselves from age the early reader age of 6 years. Although there are many so-called 'Children's Bibles' available, most have words and expressions that are clearly not part of the vocabulary of a typical 6-12 year-old.

The International Children's Bible is different. It is not an adult Bible with a child-like cover, nor is it an abridged version of adult text or a 'storybook' Bible. This Bible is written especially with children in mind and translated from Hebrew and Greek manuscripts and illustrated throughout. Other features include a dictionary and colourful maps and British English spellings and grammar for more natural reading. For many, it is the pick of the crop as the best available junior Bible.

The underlying text of the Internationals Children’s Bible is The New Century Version (NCV) translation, widely used by creators of Bibles and Bible resources for children and teenagers. The NCV is the product of the Church of Christ affiliated World Bible Translation Centre (WBTC) in Ft. Worth, Texas.

In 1978 the Church of Christ WBTC created an easy-to-read Bible specifically for the deaf, titled the English Version for the Deaf (EVD). The EVD is primarily the work of WBTC’s Senior Translation Consultant, Ervin Bishop. In 1983, the EVD was slightly modified, repackaged and published as the best-selling International Children's Version (ICV), New Testament. In 1987, the Old Testament was also released. The ICV was revised and rewritten to a higher reading standard (grade 5) in 1987 and named the New Century Version (NCV). Ahead of the fashion among late 20th century translations, a gender-neutral version was first published in 1991, making it one of the first – if not the first, mainstream Bible to do so.

The New Century Version text, supplemented with application study notes containing advice on teenage issues, is published as "The Youth Bible". Updated in 2007, it is the bestselling youth Bible for early and mid teens. The NCV forms the basis for many specialist Bibles created for particular groups, such as ‘The Everyday Bible’ (endorsed by Billy Graham); ‘The Holy Bible: New Century Version: Traveler's Edition’, ‘The Youth Bible’; ‘Extreme Teen Bible’, ‘The Revolve; Bible’, ‘Time With God’, ‘The Answer’, ‘The Secret Kingdom Edition’ and the Bikers Bible.

Finally, the NCV was returned as a children’s in its present form: The International Children's Bible (ICB) aimed at young readers and those with low reading skills or limited vocabulary in English. It is written in an early reader style that is nondenominational, but broadly conservative and evangelical in its scriptural interpretation – just like the NIV and other popular modern English translations. – Les Ellison

Children’s Bibles, like the International Children’s Bible, are meant to be read and loved by Children between the ages of 3 and 9 years. Either side of that range are babies’ Bibles for the under 3s and youth Bibles for teens and young adults. A child’s first Bible will most likely be a gift from a parent, relative or other adult who cares enough to introduce them early to the greatest stories ever gathered into one book.

Which Children’s Bible?

What we really want is a Bible that will be attractive and understandable to a child. The Bible you buy for them won’t be the only book on their shelf - you can bet it will be sharing space with the best and the worst the world has to offer. What you want is a Bible that looks at least as exciting as the other books clamouring for a child’s attention.

Judging a Bible by its cover

A bright, attractive cover is a good start to making your children’s Bible into a loved and valued possession. There’s no shortage of choice. There are children’s Bibles designed to appeal to the very youngest and most fashion conscious. It’s just a case of choosing the one the intended recipient would most like to receive. This isn’t always the one the giver might most like to give.
Remember what you most want to achieve, and the choice will become easier and a pleasure.

Getting in under the covers

Get the cover right and you can be sure your children's Bible will find a place alongside all the favourites on the shelf. But you don’t want it end there. You want your children’s Bible to be valued for as much for what’s on the inside as what’s on the outside. For this, the inside has to attractive, interesting and easy to read.

Check the print (font size) is large enough and clear enough. The ICB has a readable font of about 9 points. Make sure the text is split up into easy chunks with simple sentences – preferably in two columns, if it’s a full text Bible like the ICB. There’s nothing more off-putting than a slab of small, tightly spaced text. If it’s for a very young child, find a Bible that’s just the key stories - and with pictures (called storybook Bibles).

The Bible’s main use might be as a story book read out aloud by a parent. Try reading a bit of it for yourself. For an older child, look at the daily reading guide. If you can’t follow it or see the point, the child probably can’t either.

Finally remember that children grow and change. Don’t leave them with a Bible they outgrew long ago. Be ready to replace their Bible with a more grown up version as they become ready. Remember you’re leading them on toward Bible maturity and the ability to critically select a Bible of their own. – Les Ellison

The International Children's Bible is written from the start to be read and understood by children aged 6 to 12. Its' not a adult Bible dumbed down, it's a new translation from Hebrew and Greek manuscripts specifically into a child's words and phrases. This means even an adult can understand it - some actually prefer it. Illustrated throughout it features a dictionary, colourful maps and short easy to read sentences.