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This week, the publishing world took a wonderful step forward. Bloomsbury, one of the UK's biggest publishers, announced a new range of their bestselling books specifically designed to be dyslexia-friendly. It’s a brilliant move that recognises a simple truth: everyone deserves to experience the joy of reading in a format that works for them.
This news is particularly exciting for us at Eden, because it shines a light on a conversation that is vital in the world of faith. For the 1 in 10 people in the UK with dyslexia, the dense, double-columned text of a traditional Bible can be more than just a challenge; it can be a significant barrier to connecting with God's Word.
The good news is that, thanks to the work of organisations like the British Dyslexia Association and the Bible Society, there are now more accessible Bibles available than ever before. If you or someone you love has found the Bible difficult to read, this guide is for you. Let's explore what makes a Bible "dyslexia-friendly" and help you find an edition that opens up Scripture in a whole new way.
A dyslexia-friendly Bible makes Scripture accessible by using features like a sans-serif font, thicker, cream-coloured paper, a single-column layout, and an easy-to-read "thought-for-thought" translation like the Good News Bible (GNB) or NIrV.
What Makes a Bible Dyslexia-Friendly?
Creating a dyslexia-friendly book isn't just about making the font bigger. It's a series of deliberate design choices that work together to reduce "visual stress" and make the text easier to decode.
- The Font: Many standard Bibles use "serif" fonts (like Times New Roman), where the letters have small decorative strokes. Dyslexia-friendly editions use "sans-serif" fonts (like Arial or Helvetica), which are cleaner and easier to distinguish.
- The Paper: Thin, bright white Bible paper can create a visual "glare" and allow text from the other side to show through, which is distracting. Dyslexia-friendly Bibles use thicker, cream-coloured, matt-finish paper to increase contrast and prevent bleed-through.
- The Layout: Instead of two dense columns, a single-column layout with more space between each line makes the text less intimidating and easier to track.
- The Translation: A simple, clear translation is vital. "Thought-for-thought" versions that use shorter sentences and simpler vocabulary, like the Good News Bible (GNB) or the New International Reader's Version (NIrV), significantly reduce the cognitive load for the reader.
The Best Bibles for Readers with Dyslexia
Here are our top recommendations for finding a Bible that is accessible and easy to read.
1. The Good News Bible Dyslexia-Friendly Box Set
Best for: Maximum Accessibility, Independent Reading, and Overcoming Reading Barriers
Created in partnership with the British Dyslexia Association, this Box Set is the gold standard for accessible Scripture. It contains the complete Good News Bible (GNB), a "thought-for-thought" translation known for its simple vocabulary and clear sentence structure. More importantly, each volume is printed with key dyslexia-friendly features: a special sans-serif font, thicker cream paper to minimise visual stress, and a single-column layout. The box set format breaks the Bible into three unintimidating volumes, making it the perfect way to experience the entire Bible without the usual reading barriers.
- Why it makes the list: It's an officially endorsed, purpose-built edition that removes common reading obstacles, ensuring maximum accessibility.
- Perfect for: Anyone with dyslexia, readers with visual processing difficulties, and those who want a text designed for ease of use.
Buy the Box Set ►
What customers are saying:
Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs Dyslexia-Friendly Edition Good News Bible (GNB)
"I bought this for a friend who has ADHD and struggles with too much text on a page in columns. The off white paper colour was helpful too. We blocked off parts of the page he wasn’t reading with a pale piece of card. This person can now access God’s word now they feel comfortable looking at the page!!! Praise God. X" ★★★★★
2. The ESV Holy Bible, Dyslexia-Friendly Edition
Best for: A full, accurate Bible in an accessible format.
This is a groundbreaking edition for serious readers. It takes the English Standard Version (ESV), a trusted, word-for-word translation, and presents it in a format specifically designed for those with dyslexia. It features a custom, extra-readable font, thicker paper, and a single-column layout to make one of the most accurate translations also one of the most accessible. This is the perfect choice for someone who wants a deep and accurate study text without the visual stress of a traditional Bible.
- Why it makes the list: It's a full, formal translation that has been expertly formatted for accessibility.
- Perfect for: The adult reader with dyslexia who wants a trustworthy Bible for in-depth study.
What customers are saying:
ESV Holy Bible, Dyslexia-Friendly Edition
"The adult recipient was able to read the Bible for the very first time. The coloured sheets were particularly helpful." ★★★★★
3. Any Large Print, Single-Column NLT Bible
Best for: A comfortable and heartwarming reading experience.
While not officially "dyslexia-friendly," a large print, single-column edition of the New Living Translation (NLT) checks many of the right boxes. The NLT is a warm, easy-to-read translation. Choosing a "Large Print" version increases the font size, and a "Single-Column" format provides that crucial clean layout. This combination creates a highly accessible and enjoyable reading experience for many people who find traditional Bibles difficult.
- Why it makes the list: It's a widely available and popular option that is naturally more accessible than a standard Bible.
- Perfect for: An adult with mild dyslexia who wants a Bible with a mature cover and a comfortable reading format.
What customers are saying:
"Fantastic bible. What a superb book full of extras and written in accessible language which has shown me new things that are transforming my day to day lockdown life. Thankyou Eden!" ★★★★★
The good news from Bloomsbury is a reminder that good design can open up new worlds. The same is true for the Bible. God's Word is for everyone, and with the right edition, the barriers to reading it have never been lower.
Still not sure which Bible is right for you? You can learn more in our complete, free 97-page ebook, 'How to Choose Your Bible'.
