NIV Kids Visual Study Bible ~ Review

NIV Kids' Visual Study Bible
Published by Zondervan

Explore the Story of the Bible

People, Places, and History

One can never be too young to start studying the Bible and this new Visual Study edition is for kids helping them to explore and understand God's Word. The first thing to make note of this Bible is the New International Version (NIV). Second, even though it is a kids Bible it is one that anyone can use - it is complete and not abridged, nor is it a book of Bible stories.

The illustrations are throughout the Bible but not on every single page. Yes, there are over 700 images but the Bible is 1936 pages long. So the illustrations are merely a tool to enhance the study of specific passages.

Each page is lined on the outer edge by a golden yellow column in which key passages are explained for aid in understanding. At the beginning of a new chapter, this column helps point out key features - time, people, place, and a quick chapter synopsis. There are a few maps throughout the Bible along with 12 pages at the back of the Bible.

The infographics I found well placed in helping the readers to visualize more fully certain aspects - such as the differences in Job's life before and after his testing, a clock of the hours of Good Friday, and the key words found in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd John.

This Bible is hardcover and the pages while delicate won't tear with normal use and as such should be an appropriate gift for a child of 7 or 8 years of age. This is a Bible that can be taken to church and Sunday school and enjoyed for daily home use. The first page is a presentation page that can be personalized by the giver. There is a royal blue ribbon to use as a marker which goes well with the cover illustration. This would make a perfect gift for either a boy or a girl.

I was provided a review copy of this Bible by the publisher through Handlebar with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.  


About the Book:

The NIV Kids' Visual Study Bible brings the Bible alive for children.The NIV Kids' Visual Study Bible, for ages 8-12, brings the Bible to life in four-color illustrated splendor. This study Bible includes a spectacular full-color interior featuring over 700 illustrations, photos, infographics, and maps on every page that visually represent key Bible information. Each page also features important facts located near the relevant verse. Intriguing facts; colorful, engaging maps; photographs; and illustrations make this a Bible they'll want to explore.

Features:
* Over 700 four-color photographs, illustrations, infographics, and maps throughout
* Full-color design
* Book introductions, including important facts and an image to orient the reader
* One-column format with side bar study notes for ease of reading
* The complete text of the New International Version (NIV) translation of the Bible
* Beautiful cover featuring glossy images

Heartbeat of the Bitterroot ~ Review

Heartbeat of the Bitterroot
By Janice Mineer

The cover alone is reason enough pick up this book and read it - the cover is gorgeous but the real treat comes from what is hidden within. Jenn Clark was fortunate that she was able to spend as much of her childhood with her Aunt Ann, Uncle Martin, and cousins - if not for their love and support she may have found herself as adrift in life as her late mother was. But her early years have laid a foundation that has made a mark and she feels that she will never have the family that she wants or any family if her boyfriends are any indication.

But Jenna has come back to her roots in Montana with her latest job transfer and she is determined to find what she is missing and to spend time with the family who has loved her through the years. And to start off she's about to attend her cousin's wedding - a wedding that may, in fact, reveal a little-known secret about her past and her father.

But the revelation that she never knew her father is a revelation to more than Jenna. But with the passage of so much time can she ever hope to find the truth as to who she is? This journey will allow Jenna to see her mother in a new light.

But when Jenna finds her safety threatened the question becomes why. Is it related to her search for answers about her past or is it related to something entirely different? And then there is Michael Callahan her cousin Jack's friend who has somehow found himself involved in Jenna's search. Is he someone that Jenna could trust her heart with? Or is his heart already taken?

Altogether this is a beautiful story that one will want to re-read. The characters are alive and one can empathize with them. Well, maybe not Jenna's jerk maybe-ex-boyfriend Derek. And I loved the subtle weaving of the strength and beauty of the Bitterroot throughout the story as a parallel to Jenna's own.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All expressed opinions are my own.
 

About the Book:

And so, it followed me, this dream.

It launched me on a journey.

But I never imagined that the journey

would nearly cost me my life.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Jenna Clark tries to keep her bleak childhood memories buried in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley, but a newfound secret about her father’s identity forces her to dig into her past. Whit the help of Michael Callahan -- the charming man she meets at her uncle's ranch--she delves deeper into a history that would rather stay hidden. When harmless pranks quickly turn into aggressive threats, Jenna must decide whether to run away one more time or face her past with courage and finally let love into her heart.

About the author:

Janice Mineer was born in the state of Washington. She graduated from Brigham Young University and later taught English, allowing her to spend quality time with something she loves-the written word. A hopeless romantic, Janice has played harp for weddings, even for one that took place on the edge of a cliff over a river. Because of her first husband’s long illness, Janice and her family spent extended time away from home to be near the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. When her husband passed away, Janice dedicated herself to work with the Ronald McDonald House to provide a home away from home for families who need medical care for their children. Janice is the author of a children’s book, Gingerbread from the Heart. Heartbeat of the Bitterroot is her first novel.

Janice lives in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana with her husband, Randy. Between them, they have five children and 11 beautiful grandchildren.