Why the ICB is the Best First "Real" Bible for UK Primary Schoolers

There comes a big moment in every child’s life when they feel too "grown up" for their storybook bible. They see you reading your Bible with its thin paper and verse numbers, and they want one just like it.

As a parent, this is an exciting milestone! But it also brings a new problem. If you give them an adult Bible, they might get stuck on old-fashioned words or complicated sentences and give up. At Eden, we want to help you make this transition a success. That is why we almost always recommend the International Children’s Bible (ICB) as a child's first full-text Bible.

The Problem: The "Big Bible" Barrier

Children can get frustrated when when they want to read God's Word but find it too hard to understand. Many Bibles for kids are just adult translations (like the NIV or ESV) put inside a colourful cover. While those are great Bibles, the language is still written for adults. For a 7-year-old, reading about "cubits" and "atonement" can feel like doing extra homework.

The Solution: A Bible Translated For Kids

The ICB is different. It wasn't written for adults and then "dumbed down." Instead, a team of scholars went back to the original ancient languages and translated them specifically for a primary school reading level.

Here is why it works so well for UK families:

• Simple Sentences: It uses short, punchy sentences that are easy for children to follow without getting lost.
• Easy Words: It chooses simple words while still being 100% accurate to the original meaning.
• Modern Measurements: Instead of "cubits" or "talents," the ICB uses measurements children understand, like metres and kilos.
• It’s a "Real" Bible: It has the full text from Genesis to Revelation, with chapters and verses, so your child feels like they finally have a "proper" Bible just like the grown-ups.

The Eden Plan for a Successful Move

To help your child move from stories to the full text, try this three-step plan:

1. Celebrate the Milestone: Tell your child how proud you are that they are ready for their first full-text bible.
2. Start with the "Hits": Instead of starting at page one, encourage them to read the famous stories they already know from their storybook, like Creation, The Nativity or the feeding of the 5,000.
3. Read Together: Take turns reading a few verses each. Because the ICB is so clear, you'll find it’s a joy to read aloud together.

Success: A Lifetime of Independent Reading

By choosing the ICB, you are taking away confusion. You are giving your child the confidence to open their Bible and hear God speaking directly to them.

When a child realises they can read and understand the Bible on their own, it changes everything. It’s no longer just a book of "tales" told by parents; it becomes a map for their own life.

Ready to find your child's first "proper" Bible? Buy the ICB Bible Today.