The Early American Picture Bible

In 1788, American children learned to read the scriptures using a rebus Bible. This unique book replaced key words with tiny illustrations, turning complex passages into a visual puzzle for young readers.

Printing these books was a clever way to make intimidating religious texts accessible to kids who were still mastering their letters. Instead of reading boring paragraphs, children decoded little icons to complete the sentences. While the idea originated in England, this American edition became a bestseller in the early United States. It remains a fascinating look at how 18th-century educators tried to gamify early literacy through theology.