Monday, October 11, 2010

Book Review: The International Children’s Bible Holy Bible

The International Children’s Bible Holy Bible is designed for children and written at a third grade reading level.

I was disappointed that this Bible was not a hardcover book; my young son bent the cover on the first day it was in our house. He does like the shiny bright red cover though. This edition has CG illustrations portraying various bible stories, geared towards computer savvy and CG inundated youngsters. Although, I’m pretty sure the pictures will seem dated in a few years, as technology is always progressing.

Using the International Version, the wording is more relevant and uses a more easily followed speech pattern. Although, if you are used to the KJV or any more tradition Bible, the modern wording may put you off.
The book includes a dictionary which helps define words and names; as well as provides pronunciation help for each entry.
Also included is a small index in the form of a ‘Where do I find it’ section, which lists popular Bible stories and where to find them. There is also a nice section listing important memory verses for children. The book concludes with full color maps of prominent bible settings.

The book includes a small index in the form of a ‘Where do I find it’ section, which lists popular Bible stories and where to find them. There is also a nice section listing important memory verses for children. The book concludes with full color maps of prominent bible settings.

I wasn’t as impressed with this edition as I thought I would be. I really think the illustrations would have been better suited if they were next to the verses and not just clumped together into sections. I also think the CG graphic are relevant today, but may seem very outdated in several years, so this would not be a bible that would grow with your children.

If you are looking for a Study Bible that would capture a school aged child’s attention with relevant illustrations, an index, maps and more, this may be a great short term use Bible for your child. If you are looking for a version that is durable and can grow with your child, you would be better going with a different edition.

(Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing me a copy of this book to read and review. I'm a member of Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze program.)