I’m a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid. With my membership, I occasionally review some of their new products. In exchange for my review, I get a free copy of the book I am reviewing. Today, I am privileged to give you my review of The Garden Children’s Bible with illustrations by Butch Hartman.
As a grandmother with young grandchildren, I wanted to check it out for my them. As each of my grandchildren came into the world, I bought them children’s Bibles that shared the stories like Noah or David and Goliath, but in storytelling format. Now, as my grandchildren grow, these Bibles became a bit young for them. So I wanted to check out this new format.
The Garden Children’s Bible is a full Bible with Genesis to Revelation included, with easy-to-understand summaries and other details to help deepen their faith with God. They geared the artwork towards young teens with comic strip type characters. In fact, there are five full-color comic strips based on The Garden cartoon episodes, so I think it will appeal to boys and girls alike. And, for non-readers, the comic like art might entice them to want to read the Bible.
Here are some of the additional features that added to the book’s appeal:
- On the early pages are some learning resources about why we should read the Bible, names of God, miracles of Jesus and kids in the Bible.
- Each book of the Bible begins with a summary of pertinent information and a summary of the major stories from that book.
- The cartoon characters of Lenny and Lucy offer little snippets of information to help explain the meaning behind something in the book. For example; Lenny says…Jericho is north of Jerusalem. Luke 10:30.
- The characters of Lenny and Lucy refer to God as the boss and we find Him offering important summaries of the details. For example; The Boss Says… Don’t listen to the devil! Genesis 3:1-5.
- Spread throughout the entire Bible are brief prayers for your child to repeat. For example; Pray Job 38:11-12 Thank God for overseeing everything to bring about our good.
- The back of the Bible includes several reading plans to encourage your child to read on a regular basis.
- Beautiful illustrations by Butch Hartman that help to further depict the stories in the Bible.
I enjoyed exploring this new Bible from Thomas Nelson Bibles, 2023, and can’t wait to give it to one of my grandchildren. I believe they will cherish it for many years to come. And I will purchase additional copies for each grandchild as they get older. I recommend you get a copy for those middle-grade readers in your family. You can purchase a copy from FaithGateway Store at https://bit.ly/3z2GdXI or Amazon at https://amzn.to/3ZddLwK. #BibleGatewayPartner
Prayer:
Precious Lord, be with our children as they march towards their future selves. Help me be a godly example to my children and grandchildren. Keep them steady in Your teachings, never let them be led away from You, and comfort them and satisfaction in their daily lives. Bless them with safety, wisdom, and success. Amen.