Faith Builder's Bible (TOS Crew Review)

If, like most of us, you happen to have a building brick loving child, and you'd like to get that child a little more involved in the Bible, then this review is for you.   The Faith Builders Bible from Zonderkidz may be a good lead into building faith and building brick creations at the same time. 

This Bible is the New International Reader's Version translation, and is based on the NIV, but some words and phrases have been changed to make it more reader friendly for younger readers, and those with reading struggles.   Directly following the alphabetical books of the Bible is a two page explanation of this translation.   You'll notice that they have removed the word "Selah" from all of the Psalms in which it appears and placed it as a note at the bottom of the page.  The chapters are divided into shorter sections with subtitles to help readers to know what is covered in that segment.  For example in the first part of Deuteronomy 28 it, is subtitled "Blessings for Obeying the Lord" and the second part of the chapter is subtitled "Curses for Not Obeying the Lord".

 There are ten full color, double sided pages showing building brick creations from prominent Bible stories such as Noah's Ark, The Ten Commandments and the Last Supper.  Included on those pages are a challenge to recreate the building brick creation, the Scripture reference that goes with the building brick creation and then a "Building Block Verse" to memorize.  There is also a page called "The ABC's of Salvation" that leads children through the message of salvation on a level they can understand on their own.   The back section of the Bible includes a five page dictionary and a two page layout of great Bible stories and their corresponding Scripture references.

Like any new product, I suppose the success of this particular Bible will prove to be how well it is received by the intended audience.    Here's how it was received in my home.

As you can see, Lindsey was instantly enthralled by the building brick look and the colorful pages. I believe her older sister was just a bit interested as well, although we're in that "too cool stage".  Later in the evening, this new Bible accompanied us when we went out to dinner, and went to bed with Lindsey as well.   She couldn't wait to take her new Bible to church and show it off to all of her friends.  Both boys and girls alike were excited about it.  I think that's an indication that kids will like it.

Now, if your child is one who tends to be rough with their belongs, there is one thing you may want to take note of.  The pages are thin and a bit fragile, so you may find yourself (or your child) taping pages pretty often .  The cover however is a glossy hard back that should take a beating and hold it's own.

You can purchase this Bible from Zondervan for $24.99.

To find out what other TOS Crew members and their families thought about the Faith Builder's Bible, click here.