Children's Bible Book Review

My First Hands-On Bible  - a review

From the Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. website:

 My First Hands-On Bible is the preschooler version of the popular Hands-On Bible, which has sold over a half million copies. Jesus taught with hands-on lessons and illustrations; My First Hands-On Bible uses the same experience-based learning to communicate God’s Word in an active, understandable way. My First Hands-On Bible is a fun and simple yet meaningful way to engage preschool, pre-K, and K children (ages 3-6) with the Bible while helping them build a solid faith foundation. Each lesson focuses on a specific Bible point through a variety of activities in order to reinforce and help young children remember the stories and lessons. Using common household items, you can help your children have a “hands-on” learning experience while engaging them in 85 key stories from the Bible. My First Hands-On Bible doesn’t just retell the Bible stories; it also includes actual Scripture from the easy-to-understand and easy-to-read Holy Bible, New Living Translation. In addition to the stories and activities, there are fun illustrations, prayers, and a special Jesus Connection feature.

I recently received a copy of this children’s Bible to review from Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.   The first thing I noticed was the hardcover – nice!!  The graphics on the cover are cute and would appeal to youngsters.  My only concern with this book is that it uses the New Living Translation, not a translation I’m very familiar with.  It also “abridges’ the text for age appropriateness.  As I looked through the various passages, I was impressed with how closely the publishers stayed with the Biblical text.  They didn’t add anything to the Bible stories to make it more appealing, like forest animals talking to each other, or butterflies at the crucifixion,  etc.  Not that there couldn’t have been butterflies at the cross, it just isn’t in the Bible.

As the title states, this is a hands-on Bible.  There are activities to do with your child to help reinforce the story. A big plus for parents who need some guidance  in that area. Each passage has a section after the Bible reading with questions and discussion starters.  There is also a short prayer to say with your child.  While I’m not a fan of recited prayers, I think if a parent were to use this Bible with their child everyday, it might instill in them a habit of reading God’s word and then spending time in conversation with Him.  Each story also has a ‘Jesus connection” that helps to relate the story with Jesus. For instance, in the story of Esther, the Jesus connection is “Esther had to wait for permission to see and talk to the king. But we can talk to King Jesus anytime!”

The Hands-On Bible begins with Genesis 1 and ends with Revelation 22.  Aside from my indecision about the New Living Translation, I love this book. The graphics are well done, simplistic and sweet.  I wish I had had this when my children were small, and I look forward to sharing this with my grandchildren.  

So if you’re looking for a child friendly, Scripturally based, Bible story book, I highly recommend Tyndale’s “My First Hands-on Bible”
Look for it at your favorite book store or search your favortie on-line book stores or you can go to the Tyndale website and choose from a drop down list of stores.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”