I received the NKJV Study Bible for Kids for free as a member of the Thomas Nelson Bibles Blogger Program. I am providing an honest and unbiased review. Note: this review contains affiliate links.

Helping kids build a strong foundation in God’s Word is one of the most meaningful investments we can make in their spiritual journey. Between Sunday school lessons, bedtime prayers, and dinner-table questions, our kids are already curious about the Bible, and they deserve a resource that’s designed with them in mind.

That’s where the NKJV Study Bible for Kids truly shines.

Why this Study Bible for Kids Is a Great First Study Bible

Published by Thomas Nelson and designed specifically for ages 8 to 12, this study Bible offers far more than just a translation. It’s an engaging, colorful, and interactive tool that introduces children to the richness of Scripture while helping them apply Biblical truth to real life.

With features that guide young readers through key stories, themes, and questions, it speaks directly to where they are developmentally and spiritually.

In this review, I’ll walk you through what makes this Bible stand out, how it serves children in this critical age range, and why it might just be the best next step for a child you love…whether your own, a grandchild, or a student in your ministry.

Top Features of the NKJV Study Bible for Kids

If you’ve ever handed a child a Bible and watched them flip through the pages with curiosity only to get overwhelmed and set it aside, you’re not alone. That’s exactly why a resource like the NKJV Study Bible for Kids is such a game-changer. It’s packed with features that are intentionally designed to draw kids in, keep them engaged, and guide them gently into the depth and beauty of Scripture.

Here’s a closer look at what makes this Bible uniquely equipped to do just that:

“Spotlight” Sections

These brief, colorful notes zoom in on people, places, and events from the Bible, helping young readers better understand the who, what, and why behind each story. It’s a simple but powerful tool to bring context to new and unfamiliar names and ideas.

“Epic Ideas”

This feature helps kids grasp the big-picture themes running throughout Scripture. Important things like grace, obedience, faith, and God’s promises. It frames key theological truths in language that kids can understand, laying a solid foundation for future growth.

“Action!” Devotionals

Here’s where things get personal. These devotional thoughts help readers apply what they’ve learned to their everyday lives. Whether it’s sharing with a sibling, dealing with worry, or telling the truth, these devotionals show kids that God’s Word speaks directly into their world.

“Starring Roles”

Think of these as character spotlights. From Moses to Mary, these summaries highlight key figures in the Bible and what we can learn from their stories. They give kids faithful heroes to look up to, and sometimes, examples of what not to do.

“In Focus” Articles

These are helpful notes that pause the story to address real questions kids might have: “Why did people sacrifice animals?” “Why did Jesus speak in parables?” The answers are given in a thoughtful, age-appropriate way that satisfies curiosity without overwhelming.

Book Introductions for Every Book of the Bible

Each introduction includes who wrote the book, when it was written, why it matters, and what to expect, all presented with kid-friendly energy and visuals that make the information stick.

Let me also add what a huge fan I am of book introductions!

Full-Color Maps and Visual Aids

With 8 full-color maps, charts, and illustrations, this Bible adds a visual dimension that helps cement understanding. Whether it’s tracing Paul’s missionary journeys or finding out where ancient cities were located, these extras help bring the text to life.

Built-In Dictionary and Concordance

Yes, it’s a kids’ Bible, but it doesn’t dumb things down. With a mini dictionary and concordance in the back, kids can start learning how to look up words and themes in Scripture just like adults do.

These features all work together to create a Bible that’s both fun to explore and deeply formative. And because it uses the New King James Version, young readers are introduced to a faithful translation of God’s Word that they can grow into, not grow out of.

Kid-Friendly Layout and Engaging Page Design

The truth is, if a Bible looks too grown-up or feels overwhelming, most kids will tap out before they ever find Genesis. That’s one of the standout strengths of the NKJV Study Bible for Kids, its layout and design are tailored to invite, not intimidate young readers.

From the very first flip-through, it’s clear this Bible was made with real kids in mind.

Big, Easy-to-Read Text

The 9.5-point font strikes a smart balance: large enough to be readable for young eyes, but not so large that it feels “babyish.” Whether they’re reading alone or with a parent, kids (or grandparents) won’t be squinting or struggling to follow along!

Bright Colors and Intuitive Visual Cues

Every section header, feature box, and page element uses bold colors and clear labels that help kids navigate. Whether they’re looking for a devotional thought, a map, or a new character spotlight, the visual hierarchy makes it easy to jump right to the part they’re most excited about.

Smart Spacing and Clean Layouts

Instead of dense, intimidating text blocks, this Study Bible for Kids is laid out with generous spacing, well-defined margins, and clean paragraph breaks. This makes for a reading experience that’s calm and approachable, which is perfect for new Bible readers.

Color-Coordinated Icons for Features

Each recurring section, “Epic Ideas,” “Action!,” “In Focus,” and so on, has its own unique icon and color. That consistency helps kids get familiar with the features quickly, and before long, they’ll be flipping through on their own to return to their favorites.

Helpful Visuals Without Overload

The Bible includes 8 pages of full-color maps, and throughout you’ll find visually rich charts and illustrations that enhance understanding without distraction. While some Bibles for younger kids rely on bright, cartoon-style graphics, which are perfect for introducing earlier readers to Bible stories, this one strikes a more balanced tone. It’s still fun and engaging, but designed with older kids in mind, making it ideal for those who are ready to move beyond picture-heavy Bibles into deeper study.

This Bible not only tells kids that God’s Word is exciting, but more importantly, it shows them. And the thoughtful layout goes a long way in creating an experience that draws kids back again and again.

How This Study Bible Helps Kids Grow Spiritually

One of the most significant things we can do for the kids in our lives is help them not just read the Bible, but understand it, and more than that, to live it.

It’s not just a Bible with kid-friendly features. It’s a spiritual companion that guides children through the ups and downs of faith in a way that’s relatable, engaging, and deeply rooted in Scripture.

Connects God’s Word to Real-Life Questions

Resources like the “In Focus” articles and the “Action!” devotionals helps kids process the kinds of questions they’re actually asking, questions like, “Why should I forgive someone who hurt me?” or “What does it mean to trust God when I’m afraid?” Each note leads kids back to the truth of God’s Word in a way that makes sense at their level.

Encourages a Personal Walk with God

Features like “Epic Ideas” and book introductions explain what’s happening in the text and they invite reflection and response. Kids are prompted to think about how a passage relates to their own life, helping them move from passive reading to active spiritual growth.

Fosters Healthy Bible Study Habits Early On

By introducing study tools like a concordance, dictionary, and even book outlines, this Bible helps kids start building Bible study habits that will serve them for years to come. It gives them the confidence to explore Scripture without needing to rely completely on an adult to interpret it for them.

Grows With Them Over Time

Because it uses the New King James Version, the language is faithful to the original text without being overly complicated. It’s approachable enough for a 9-year-old but robust enough that a 12-year-old won’t outgrow it next year. That makes this Bible a resource that stays relevant through a pivotal spiritual season in a young person’s life, while equipping and connecting them with a reliable Bible translation carried into adulthood.

The beauty of the NKJV Study Bible for Kids is that it doesn’t just teach Bible facts. It nurtures a living faith… one that sees the Bible as more than a book of stories, but as the story of God’s love unfolding in their own lives.

The NKJV Study Bible for Kids Makes a Memorable Gift

This Study Bible for Kids is a faith-building resource that encourages children to discover God’s Word on their own. And that makes it perfect for the big moments in a child’s life when you want to give something lasting.

Perfect for Milestone Moments

This Bible makes a thoughtful gift for birthdays, Christmas, baptisms, first communions, or promotion from children’s church. It’s a great way to mark a spiritual milestone and encourage a child to take the next step in their relationship with God.

Whether you’re a parent hoping to inspire regular Bible reading, a grandparent looking for a keepsake gift, or a ministry leader sending a child into the next stage of life, this Bible speaks volumes. It communicates, “Your faith matters. You matter. And God’s Word is for you.”

This is also a great tool for Christian educators and youth pastors. With its accessible layout and built-in helps, it works well in homeschool environments, Christian schools, and small group discipleship settings.

Who this Bible Is Best For

Not every Bible is made for every stage of childhood, and that’s a good thing. The NKJV Study Bible for Kids fills a much-needed gap between storybook Bibles and more advanced teen editions. It’s thoughtfully crafted for kids ages 8 to 12, right in that sweet spot where curiosity about God’s Word is growing, but attention spans still need guidance.

Independent Readers, Ages 8–12

This Bible is perfect for kids who are reading fluently on their own and beginning to ask deeper questions about faith. If your child is ready to explore the Bible beyond surface-level stories, the built-in tools and devotions will meet them right where they are.

Kids Outgrowing Storybook Bibles

For children who’ve had a Bible filled with pictures and simplified narratives, this is a natural next step. It introduces the full text of Scripture in a way that’s not overwhelming, gently leading them into more mature study.

Thinkers and Question Askers

If your child tends to ask, “Why did God do that?” or “What does this mean for me?”, the “In Focus,” “Epic Ideas,” and “Spotlight” features will resonate. These resources will help kids who want to understand more.

In short, this Bible is best suited for kids who are ready to dig deeper, ask bigger questions, and begin discovering who God is in the pages of Scripture.

How This Kids’ Bible Compares to Other Options

The market for children’s Bibles is a growing one, which is good news. But with so many choices out there, it can be difficult to know which one is the best fit. The NKJV Study Bible for Kids rises above many alternatives because it lands in a unique space: it’s a full Bible with thoughtful study tools, designed specifically for kids who are ready to take their faith deeper.

And here is what sets it apart:

Unlike storybook or paraphrased Bibles geared toward younger children, this Bible includes the complete New King James Version text. That makes it more than a storybook Bible, meaning kids can read the actual words of Scripture and learn to navigate God’s Word on their own.

But if you’re shopping for a younger child who isn’t quite ready for the full Bible yet, you might want to consider a more graphic-based edition. (See more recommended Bibles for younger readers here.)

Study Bibles for kids often provide helpful facts and background, but the NKJV Study Bible for Kids goes a step further by inviting personal reflection and helping kids apply Scripture to their everyday lives… something that will serve well into adulthood.

That means this study Bible is built to grow with your child over time. The combination of a reliable translation, real study tools, and engaging features make it a companion your child can keep using as they move into their teen years.

Bottom line? This isn’t a Bible your child will quickly outgrow or lose interest in. It’s a faithful, engaging, and practical tool that bridges the gap between Bible storybooks and more advanced study editions.

Final Thoughts: Why We Recommend the NKJV Study Bible for Kids

There’s something deeply encouraging about watching a child open the Bible, not out of obligation, but because they’re drawn to it. That’s the kind of experience the NKJV Study Bible for Kids was created to support.

It’s more than a Bible with fun features because it’s designed to be a bridge between curiosity to reading and living God’s Word. When that’s accomplished by building a child’s faith and conviction on understanding rather than exposure alone, young lives are redirected toward Christ.

As a parent, grandparent, Bible teacher, and one who has served in youth ministry, I can confidently say this is a Bible you can trust.

Highlight Recap:

✅ A faithful, readable NKJV translation
✅ Age-appropriate tools that grow with your child
✅ Engaging visuals without sacrificing depth
✅ A meaningful way to help kids live out their faith

Ready to Put God’s Word in a Child’s Hands? You can find the NKJV Study Bible for Kids in hardcover or softcover from trusted retailers:

👉 Buy from FaithGateway
👉 Buy from Amazon

Equip a young believer with a Bible that helps them not just read—but understand and live God’s Word.