Review: NIV Kids' Visual Study Bible

The NIV Kids' Visual Study Bible (Zondervan Kidz, 2017) is a full-color, illustrated study Bible for the young explorer. With over 700 illustrations, photos, maps, and infographics, this Bible also features a one-column layout and a ribbon marker. There are study notes on the sidebars and allow space for annotation. Overall, this is an excellent Bible for young readers.

The text is the NIV, not the easier-to-read NIrV, and the commentary does use more advanced language, so parents should be cautious to present this to older children. The many colors and engaging graphics are sure to captivate children. The study notes are deep, insightful, easy to understand, and accurately bring to life much of the ancient text. Furthermore, the Bible gives insight into the cultural context, in particular the archaeological and geographic circumstances surrounding particular passages, which serve to add validity to the events mentioned in the text. The introductions to each chapter provide a simple overview that answer key questions (ie. "Who wrote the book?" "What do we learn about God in this book?"). A combination of illustrations, photographs, and graphics provide eye-popping ways to interact with the text.

This is an excellent Bible to introduce children to explore and discover the truths hidden below the surface and comes highly recommended.

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