God's Message for Children

We seem to go through children's Bibles fairly quickly around here.  By reading a story a day (pretty much) we tend to read two or more children's storybook Bibles each year since they typically don't have too many stories in them.  We recently finished Mighty Acts of God: Family Bible Story Book.  (Linked to our review.)  Some families with five year old children are purposeful in reading from an unabridged (as in adult-style) Bible.  I think that will be our next step, but for now we typically read to our 3 and 5 year old kids at the same time, so we we find that storybook-style Bibles are still appropriate for us.


With the new year I'm excited to read God's Message for Children with our Big Kids.  It has a story for every day of the year.  Each day's reading and illustration fits on a page. I like that each day's story is not only dated, but also tells where the the book of the Bible and chapter(s) where the story is found.  (Actually, I think the Bible reference should be standard in story book Bibles, but it is not.)  An actual focus verse is also included and a summary/application at the end.  Then the story is told in language that is easy to understand, but from what I've read, it does not seem overly "dumbed down".

With a whole year (February 29th included) of Bible reading, many of the stories are told in pretty good detail over several days.  I do find that for a Bible I prefer the realistic illustrations in The Classic Bible Storybook, linked to review.  One of the things I like most is that some stories that are often not well-known to children can be read in this Bible, including several entries for Revelation.  Below are a few titles of some of the readings.  (Only the first word is capitalized in the titles.)

• Korah's rebellion against Moses (Numbers 16)
• An ax floats on the water (2 Kings 2 & 6)
• We shouldn't be afraid of the devil (Matthew 8)
• Judas dies (Matthew 27)
• Jesus sends us a special Helper (John 16)
• Everyone before God (Revelation 20)

Overall, we like God's Message for Children as a Bible for our family.  I think it will introduce new parts of the Bible for our children to learn about and discuss.  It does cost a bit more than the average children's storybook Bible, but it will be used for a full year.  The illustrations are cute, cartoon style.  You can read some selections at Amazon to get a good feel for this Bible to see if it is a good fit for your family.

Thank you, Kregel Publishers for providing this Bible for review purposes.

For the Tweens...

For the 9-12 year old girl in your life, you might be thinking about a devotional for her.  That is So Me: Flip-Flops, Faith, and Friends by Nancy Rue is a 365 day devotional that elaborates upon Scripture and brings God's Word close to a girls heart with a lot of opportunity for life application.


Many questions are asked throughout each devotional in a conversation style.  Nancy Rue speaks in a "young" voice, that most tweens would likely enjoy.  In addition to an introductory Bible verse, Rue discusses many issues that girls face in their daily lives, and how we can respond in a godly manner.  Each day's devotional ends with an activity.


Each week begins with a theme, verse, and short devotional.  Each day of the week includes a verse or two, several paragraphs relating the verses to the girl's life.  It ends with a section called "Do That Little Thing."  (Yes, that is eight entries per week, but the introduction is very short.)


Each day's "thing" is different.  Sunday is a quiz, where the girl answers the question based on how it relates to her (not right or wrong answers).  Monday is "Find Out" by asking a grown up who loves God help to figure something out.  Tuesday is the day to "Just Think" and it gives something to think about.  Wednesday is a good prayer day with "God? Can We Talk?" as it suggests things to discuss with God.  Thursday is the day to "Listen Up" and listen for God's prompting.  Friday offers a challenge with "You Can So Do This" as it suggests the reader to take action.  Saturday ends the week's theme with another challenge to "Shout Out" and share with others what God taught you during the week.


Much of the "Do That Little Thing" could be almost ignored though it's the "meat" and application of this devotional.  Because of that, I think two sisters, two friends, or especially a mother and daughter reading That is So Me together would most beneficial for some girls.  (It would have been a good idea for me!!  Accountability is huge!)


That is So Me is a neat devotional for the 9-12 age range.  I do want to share that I did not read the entire devotional, but I have read several weeks' worth.  This devotional is a bit more relational than actual Bible teaching, though each day's reading brings the  Scripture to the reader.


What I Like: I think Nancy Rue knows this age group well, and it shows in her writing.  As stated, it is a bit like a conversation, so it will feel like the reading a letter from a friend.  The various suggestions in the "Do That Little Thing" can really make a girl take her faith to the next level.  I also like that this devotional lasts for a full year.


What I Dislike:  I think additional suggested daily Bible reading would beef it up for girls who are already strong in their faith and continuing to grow.  Some of the Bible explanation is a bit too watered-down, but most explains the Bible well.  Overall, it seems good though.


Thank you, Zonderkidz for providing me with an ARC for review purposes.

Backpack Bibles

Though I prefer to use a (rather large) study Bible at home, when I attend Bible study or church, I prefer my compact, little Bible that Derek gave me when we were engaged.  I also use it when completing my Bible study so that I know the answers come from Scripture, and how I interpret it, instead of what the commentary says.

Older children may appreciate a small Bible, too, complete with the Old and New Testaments.  Zonderkidz has many backpack Bibles that fill this need!  With colorful leather-like covers, these Bibles will appeal to adults and children alike.  

The Super Heroes Backpack Bible is a great choice for any child who loves superheroes and wants a compact Bible.  In classic red, blue, and yellow cover reminds me of Superman, but I appreciate that it's only the idea indicated, and not truly copied.  It is an NIrV Bible with a dictionary and list of 92 great Bible stories.  Also included are sixteen full-color cartoon Bible hero illustrations (that I think would be quite appealing to boys) and a verse about that hero.  Below Joshua's illustration Joshua 1:9 is included.  "Be strong and brave.  Do not be terrified.  Do not lose hope.  I am the Lord your God.  I will be with you everywhere you go."  The NIrV is a good choice for a young independent reader, by the way!

Girls and women might be more inclined toward the KJV Pink Graffiti Backpack Bible.  This is another compact Bible.  It includes the words of Jesus in Red, a concordance, and something I love in a Bible- a ribbon marker (in bright pink).  Without illustrations or other child-related features, this makes a great choice for children and adults who love God and like pink!

My friend, Dorie and her husband, present their children with a slim Bible when they are old enough to sit with the family for the sermon instead of attending the children's church service.  At this age, they like their children to read and learn straight from God's word without the add-ons or study notes.  I thought that was a great idea and wanted to share it with you.  (Be sure to check out her versatile, encouraging blog Just Next Door!)

Do you have plans or traditions for giving children Bibles?  I would love to hear!  If you are looking for a children's Bible, but are not ready for a backpack Bible, you might want to check out our children's Bible reviews.

Thank you Zonderkidz for giving these products to me for review purposes.

Favorite Bibles

It's time to wrap up our Bible review week with our top picks!  This was tough!  I really enjoyed carefully examining our own Bibles and the review Bibles, too!

My favorite board Bible that we reviewed is Lift The Flap Bible.  All the board Bibles we reviewed were great, but this was still my favorite.  See board Bible reviews here.

The storybook Bibles are a little harder to chose from.  I have two favorites!  I still really love the Jesus Storybook Bible and highly recommend it.  Though it's wordy, every story points to Jesus.  I do wish there were more stories included.  However, I love everything about The Classic Storybook Bible, too, and how detailed it is!  The language is very close to the actual Bible's, and yet it is still child-friendly. See all storybook Bible reviews here.


There are some options for children who are just starting to sit for a Bible story, but need more than a board book.  My favorite here is The New Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes.  Though the stories are fairly simple and short, they still give enough detail and ask good questions.  See all reviews here.

For older kids, I reviewed three Bibles.  May I say I probably don't have a favorite?  They each meet a different need...Why don't you tell me which one you want for the review and giveaway?

Children's Bible Review: Bibles for Older Children

When older children are ready for a "real" Bible, complete with chapters, verses, and less illustrations, there are a lot of options available.   I had the opportunity to review three Bibles for older children.  Read on for a giveaway, too!!

I think one of the first things a parent needs to be aware of when choosing a Bible for a child is what translation or version it is.  Each translation reads at a different reading level.  As a former teacher, including in Christian schools, I was well aware of different children's needs for Bibles.  To view an example of different reading levels, you can go to Christian Book Distributors or nph.com which also includes what type of translation (word for word or phrase for phrase).  I'm sure there are plenty of additional resources available, and I find that Biblegateway.com is a good place to go to learn about different translations of the Bible, as well as reading the Bible right there!  (I especially find this helpful when completing a Bible study that has me looking up verses in different books of the Bible.)   A parent may want to read a Bible to their children for many years to be certain the child understands what he or she is reading.  A child may be past the "storybook" stage, but not quite ready for a regular Bible yet.

The Illustrated Bible for Kids is a HCSB (Holman Christian Standard Bible) translation is a fairly easy to read translation. Like many Bibles, it has two columns of text per page.  Though this Bible is called a study Bible, it doesn't have notes on each page to help a child understand what they are reading, but it does have bullet notes.  HCSB bullet notes are in the text.  Often a word  has a bullet before it.  If it does, the reader can reference the bullet notes to learn more.  (For example *asleep- a term used in reference to those who have died.)  The HCSB Illustrated Bible for Kids has many additional features, and some are listed below.  It is approximately a 7th-8th grade reading level.
Amazon price: $13.59, published by Holman Bible Publishers.
Outstanding feature: Easier to read/comprehend, "regular" text appearance, bullet notes, Bible dictionary, "reconstructions"  (some of these are listed below)

The KJV Illustrated Bible for Kids is very similar to the Illustrated Bible for Kids and is also published by Holman Bible Publishers.  This would be a very good choice for families whose choice of translation is the King James Version.  This Bible also has two columns of text on each page.  The KJV Illustrated Bible for Kids does have a special feature.  At the beginning of the Bible it has a lengthy list of "Favorite Bible Stories" to help the reader find a specific story they may wish to read.  It is approximately a 12th grade reading level, so it may not be ideal of young readers' comprehension.  It has many additional features, listed below.
Amazon price: $14.99, published by Holman Bible Publishers.
Outstanding feature: KJV but appropriate additional features for kids, "regular" text appearance with chapters and verses, Bible dictionary, and really cool "reconstructions" and items listed below.

 

The features of the KJV Illustrated Study Bible for Kids and the Illustrated Bible for Kids listed below are identical.

• Bible study helps- These are colorful pages found in between the regular pages of Scripture.  Included here are many maps, charts, and lists.  The reader will find family trees, suggestions for how to have a quiet time, how to study your Bible, Names of God, and "reconstructions" of what some buildings may have looked like in Bible times.  
• Plan of salvation- The style used at the beginning of the Bible is the ABC's of Becoming a Christian, and it includes several verses.  (Admit you are a sinner and turn away from your sin.  Believe that Jesus is God's Son and accept God's gift of forgiveness.  Confess your faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord.)
• Topical concordance for kids
• Bible dictionary for kids
• Expanded outline-This is an extensive chart that has each event in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John and tells you where you can find each event in those books of the Bible.
• Parables of Jesus chart- This gives each parable name, reference(s), occasion, and lesson taught.  It's thorough and easy to read!
• History of the Bible- At just two pages in length, this is a brief history of the Bible.  It is a good summary of how the Bible came to be.  I think this is a good feature, but when it says, "The Bible was written by about forty different men over about sixteen hundred years." I wish it had explained in the next sentence (instead of later) that each book was inspired by God since that can be confusing for children since we call it God's Word.  Later it does explain that God directed men to arrange the many books of the Bible into one book.

Though the back of each Bible states a feature as "The Ten Commandments for Kids," there is a list of the 10 Commandments in the Bible study helps, but it was only a list, and not elaborated on or reworded for children.   It is nice for the kids to be able to read them in list form, but I would prefer some explanations and life applications for this section.  That is the only drawback to these Bibles.


Overall, I think these are both a good choice for an older child who is ready for a Bible with chapters and verses instead of storybook format, and I like that there are two translations of the same Bible so parents can choose which is best for their family, or use it as a family Bible.  I really do think the bullet notes would be helpful for a child for further explanations of terms though, which are only available in The Illustrated Bible for Kids.. 


I also had the opportunity to review the Hands-On Bible.  This Bible is in the New Living Translation is approximately at the 6th grade reading level and uses the traditional chapters and verses combined with extra pages of explanations, suggestions, and illustrations.    The Hands-On Bible tries to give children many opportunities to learn the lessons of the Bible through hands-on experience, which would benefit many readers.  Each book of the Bible has a child-friendly introduction and throughout the Bible there are 52 key verses with a related activity.  I really like this feature, but would have liked to have an index of these special verses.  This Bible's font is black, with illustrations and headings in blue.  The text font is quite small.  Throughout the Bible there are full color page inserts which highlight a Bible hero and give additional ideas for activities.  At the back of the Bible is a dictionary/concordance along with a very nice "Did You Know" feature that answers frequently asked questions about the Bible that I think are excellent.  Another nice feature is the "Where to Turn in My Bible," that helps a person know where to go when they are in a situation.  I think this would be a good family Bible.
Amazon price: $16.49, published by Tyndale.
Outstanding feature: The activities make this a good Bible for a hands-on learner.  The activities combined with the "Did You Know" and "Where to Turn in My Bible" help a child to understand the Bible.


We would like to share one of these Bibles with you!  
To enter:
You must be a follower of Live, Learn, Love, new or old, through Google Friends Connect.  Then just leave a comment saying which Bible described above you would like to have.  Make sure I have a way to contact you through email or your blog profile, if you have one.
Additional entries:
Leave a second comment if you are a regular commenter on non-giveaway posts.

Giveaway ends Sunday, August 15th, at 7pm.  Winner will be chosen by Random.org.

These Bibles were provided by the publishers, Holman Bible and Tyndale for review purposes.

Children's Bible Review: Simple Bibles with Short Stories

We are reviewing children's Bibles this week!  See our reviews for board Bibles and storybook Bibles.

*God Loves Me Bible (Link/photo for revised edition, though review is based on an earlier edition.)  Written by Susan Elizabeth Beck, is a small Bible for younger children.  Through 66 stories of the lives of people from the Bible, the God Loves Me Bible teaches children they are loved. There is no table of contents, but an index is included. Suggested ages are 2-4, though I think it may be best for the younger children on that spectrum.  Each story is short with 4-7 sentences.   Bible references are sited by chapter (such as Jeremiah 38). On page facing story is a picture, and below the illustration  it says God loves who the story was about. Each is titled with someone's name (except Creation), and includes names such as The Shepard Boy David, The Prophet Elijah, and The Little Children. The stories are so short and simplified enough that I think this would be too simple for a four year old who has Bible experience. In my own experience, my 3 1/2 year old often asks  questions related to the Bible, and this Bible would not be sufficient to answer her questions...and would probably create more since the stories are so short. However, it is a great way to start daily Bible reading with a child of about two years of age or to introduce the Bible to an older child!  
Amazon price: (for revised edition which may be different than I described) $7.99, published by Zonderkidz
 Outstanding feature: Its compact size and simple text.  A good introductory Bible with many very simple stories.

  *The New Bible in Pictures for Little Eyes by Kenneth N. Taylor ages 4-7 This Bible has many stories included in it.  Each story is one lengthy paragraph and is followed by several questions and a short prayer. Unlike many children's Bibles, this has realistic drawings. The stories and questions often reference the drawings to draw the children in a bit more and help visual (or younger) learners. The stories are short, but include a good amount of detail.  Each story ends with specific verse references included if you need to find more information.  We actually used this Bible daily for about a year and a half (reading through it twice).  We began when our daughter turned two years old.  At that age, she didn't really understand all of it, but by the time she was 3 1/2 she did understand a significant amount, especially with the illustrations help.  The suggested ages of 4-7 are probably quite appropriateA helpful ribbon bookmark is in gift edition.
Amazon price: $9.99 for regular edition, $16.49 for Gift Edition, published by Moody
Outstanding feature: Realistic pictures, great text, many stories, and several questions with each reading.

*Notes that these Bibles are part of our own collection and were not provided by a publisher for review.  All opinions are my own.

We have a storybook Bible for you.  See our giveaway!

Children's Storybook Bible Reviews (with Giveaway)

This week we are reviewing lots of children's Bibles!  View the board Bibles review if you missed it!

  *The Jesus Storybook Bible- This Bible is an incredible story of how Jesus saving the world was planned from the very beginning when God created the world. Sally Loyd-Jones writes beautifully and powerfully as she weaves God's plan into each and every story. (This is also the Bible that I most wanted to share with readers in case they didn't know about it...and now I'm sharing all of our Bibles, plus some for review!)  We began using this Bible when our daughter just turned three years old. We do like it for her, but often skip words/paragraphs that are just a bit too difficult for her to understand or too lengthy.  (Some are a bit wordy.)  The illustrations are unique.  (Some would love them; others would dislike them.  The cover gives a good idea of what the others are like.)  We like when we have to turn the Bible sideways to read the story and see the picture!  My only disappointment with this Bible is that there are not more stories included.  (When I was preparing to teach children's church and needed the story of Esther, it was not included.)  This Bible teaches what many adults find confusing: that God had a plan all along to rescue us from our sin.  That plan was Jesus!  I highly recommend this book and think every Christian family should own it because of the special way author Sally Loyd-Jones brings Jesus into each story!
Amazon price: $11.55, published by Zonderkidz
Outstanding feature: There are several good features, but it is special in the way Jesus comes into every story from the very beginning to help children understand God's special plan to save us!

The Classic Bible Storybook is a great balance of simple, yet detailed storybook Bible.  If you grew up with Taylor's Bible Story Book or The Living Bible Story Book, some of the artwork in this Bible will be familiar.  I love realistic illustrations in children's Bibles!  Author Kenneth Taylor is pretty well-known, having written several children's Bibles AND is the translator for The Living Bible which was later revised to become the New Living Translation.  (Pretty neat, huh?  A heart for translation and children!)  With 121 stories included in this Bible, it covers much of the Bible thoroughly, while focused on the Truth.  This Bible is geared for ages 4-8, and I do think that is accurate.  Each story is followed by three or four questions to help the child remember the story and draw attention to the important parts of the story.  
Amazon Price: $11.04, published by Tyndale House.
Outstanding feature: This is an incredibly thorough, well written Bible.  Included are great illustrations and passages with plenty of detail to engage children and challenge them to learn more.  The follow-up questions help the reader to understand the story further.  I think this Bible would grow well with a child from age 4-8, as well.

 *Mighty Acts of God is "A Family Bible Story Book" written by Starr Meade.  It's targeted toward elementary aged children, and is intended to be used by families together.  Ninety stories are included (which is more than our other story book Bibles).  I like that this Bible has a key verse (sometimes found in the story, other times it is from elsewhere in the Bible), as well as the story's chapter and verse references.  These stories include a lot of detail and are quite lengthy with more than two pages of text per story, plus illustrations.  The stories themselves are well-written with clear explanations.  I appreciate passages, like this one, that looks at the "big picture" to help children to understand: "One day, in the garden, a serpent spoke to Eve.  From other places in Scripture, we know that this serpent is Satan." Vocabulary words are in bold-faced print and important sentences are even typed in red.  I think this is especially helpful for parents to know at a glance to use their voice to show emphasis.  Each story ends with "As for Me and My House" which offers questions, discussion topics, and often helps the parents to focus on the key verse.  Though our family is not quite ready for this Bible, we think it will be a great resource for us and are happy it's part of our collection.
Amazon price: $16.49, published by Crossway
Outstanding feature: This Bible is intended for family use.  It uses colorful and bold-faced text to help parents know the special focus as they are reading.  Follow-up discussion topics and questions really engage families to think deeper after reading a great text.


 My Story Bible: 66 Favorite Stories is a charming Bible written by Jan Godfrey and illustrated by Paola Bertolini Grudina.  The target age is 3-6 years, so though the stories are of medium length, they are still simple enough for a three year old and detailed enough for older children, too.  Even some two year olds would enjoy this, too!  Immediately, the illustrations capture the readers' attention with all the emotion (despite the cuteness) in them.  The stories are typically about 1 to 1 1/2 pages in length (in a medium-sized, child-friendly font).  As stated in the title, this Bible contains 66 popular stories from the Bible, and each one ends with Bible references so that the parents or child can look for the story in a regular Bible, too.  Some of the stories may be very simplified and others may have some liberties taken for the "fun" of the story in My Story Bible, but it does seem to be very friendly for a young child.   I think independent readers would also enjoy reading this.  I also like that it includes a table of contents and index.
Amazon price: $11.04, published by Tyndale Kids. 
Outstanding feature: The illustrations are so charming and sweet in this Bible!  The length of the stories include just enough detail to keep little ones and beginner readers interested.



Children of God Storybook Bible is a brand new children's Bible-not even released yet retold by Desmond Tutu!  (Yet by the end of this review, maybe you'll be convinced to put it on your wishlist!)  From the moment I opened this children's Bible, I knew I liked it!  The table of contents displays the clear titles (no guessing which story you want), Bible reference, and page number.  The fifty-six stories are included in this children's Bible all point to the gift of God's love for children everywhere.  The stories themselves are well-written and include enough details to help a child learn the actual Bible story.  (For example, in "The Trial and Death of Jesus" the Garden of Gethsemane is named as where Jesus was praying, and it explains that Pontius Pilate was the Roman ruler.)  The recommended ages for this Bible are 4-7, but some younger children may enjoy this.  Each story (and illustration) is over a two page spread.  There is a main title and then a subtitle explaining how it relates to God.  (For "Jonah and the Big Fish" the subtitle is "God loves everyone, even our enemies" with the reference Jonah 1-4.)  Each ends with a short prayer.  Tutu titled the story of the Beatitudes "Jesus Teaches the Secret to Happiness," which I think is incorrect.  I don't think the goal here is for us to be happy, but to glorify God.  The illustrations are amazing, and this Bible has twenty illustrators!  They were invited by Archbishop Tutu to portray the stories with the style and richness of their own cultures.  Though that means Jesus may look different from one page to another.  Also, because the illustrators reflected their own cultures, Jesus is sometimes dark skinned and other times pale.  I do not believe Jesus was a white man, nor do I believe that he was black, so some of the illustrations are misleading to me.  All in all, I do recommend this Bible!
Amazon Price: $12.81 (pre-order price), published by Zonderkidz
Outstanding feature: The stories are detailed, yet simple enough for many three year olds.  The illustrations are amazing.  The attention to detail is above other Bibles.  Each story reminds the reader of God's love.

Isn't it wonderful that we have so many Bibles to choose from for our young children?

Here's the fabulous part for you!  Zonderkidz has given me an additional copy of Children of God Storybook Bible for one of my readers!
To Enter: (mandatory)
Leave a comment below telling me your favorite Bible (children or Adult) and why you like it or why you want this particular Bible.  (Of course you can do both, too, in one comment.)  (1 entry)
Additional Entries: Leave a separate comment for each additional entry.
Be a regular commenter on this blog (other than giveaways). (1 entry)
Follow this blog. (1 entry)


Giveaway ends Sunday, August 15 at 7 pm.  Winner will be chosen by random.org.
Giveaway is now closed!

*Notes that these Bibles are our own and were not provided by the publisher.
The Children of God Storybook Bible, My Story Bible, and the Classic Bible Storybook were provided by the publishers for review purposes.
All opinions are my own.  If you have any questions, feel free to ask!