Thursday, May 19, 2011

Seek and Find

Easton asked for a "big boy Bible" and a Bible case for his birthday. How ironic is it, then, that my first book from the Crossway Book Review Program was the ESV Seek and Find Bible?! Easton was thrilled with both the case and the Bible, and now is excited to use his own Bible (which he's convinced he can read!) during our Bible studies at home and with the church.
There are several aspects of this Bible that I really like. It is a real Bible, not a Bible storybook, and it's in the English Standard Version, which I've heard a lot of good reviews about as far as the accuracy of the translation.

My favorite feature is the many study guides included throughout the text. For example, there is a really neat cutaway drawing of the tabernacle and other illustrations such as of the ark of the covenant, the golden lampstand, the altar, etc. There are also two-page spreads of Jerusalem during various periods of history, and a two-page spread of Herod's Temple complex in the time of Jesus. I think these illustrations are perfect for a visual little boy (well, let's face it, I find them fascinating myself!) and will be very useful to him as he learns more about God's interactions with mankind.There are also several maps with easy-to-understand keys in the back and illustrations of several Bible stories scattered throughout the text. The illustrations include a summary of the story, the Bible reference for the text of the story, a key verse, and key questions about the story.

Another really handy feature is the "introduction" to each book of the Bible which highlights the author and time period, central themes, a brief timeline, and suggested memory verses. Finally, there is a dictionary in the back of the Bible. Many of these definitions are really good, but I did find a few to have a specific doctrinal slant where I prefer to let the Bible interpret and define itself. Overall, this Bible is already being loved by Easton and I anticipate it receiving much use in the upcoming years. The Bible is advertised for ages 5 to 9 and I think it will contain plenty to keep him challenged through that age!

Thank you to Crossway for the opportunity to review this book. Other than this free copy, I received no compensation for this honest review.

8 comments:

  1. oh, the impulsive side of me clicked on the link and almost bought it tonight after reading about it...I think it would be great for Nathan too. The damn ramsey side of me says, wait and budget:) lol! Love you. Thank you for sharing! Marcy

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  2. Marcy, you are CRACKING me up!!!!! I am LITERALLY laughing out loud! Sure miss you. Oh, and yes, I encourage you to apply Ramsey (gales of laughter again) and budget--but then yes, I think Nathan would really like it too!!

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  3. Thanks for the review of this. Love his clearly very happy face!!

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  4. Am I the only one who wishes there were Adventure Bibles for Adults? Why shouldn't my Bible reading be enhanced by colorful maps and illustrations? Don't be surprised if you see me carrying a Bible aimed at 10 yr. old boys in the near future.

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  5. it sounds wonderful! i love his big ole smile in the last picture! you can definitely tell he loves it:)

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  6. This looks and sounds like a great Bible for a little boy. And I just LOVE the last picture of him loving on his new Bible!!

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  7. Yes, I love that smiling face too--he's such a joyful little boy! And Corin, I say go for it! :) Maps are great to enhance learning at EVERY age! :)

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  8. Ramsey update: Just purchased this bible through Family Christian Stores online. Had a 30% off coupon that is good through 5/29. Want to know that code?? teehee....Coupon #125323317. The total with this coupon comes to 19.59. Then add a little tax and change to economy shipping the total is 23.85! Yippee for a good deal. Oh Shonya, I'm sure your still chuckling at my self control. But remember I just had an amazing garage sale??!!!! Surely Mr. Ramsey would be in full support. Its a bible after all for my precious little guy! Love you, Marcy

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Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. When you comment, you're speaking my love language!