Thursday, December 8, 2016

Book Review :: NIrV Love Letters from God Holy Bible, Hardcover

The NIrV Love Letters from God Holy Bible is a new Bible in the Love Letters from God series. (If you haven't yet checked out the books in the Love Letters from God series by Glenys Nellist, be sure to check them out.)
The NIrV Love Letters from God Holy Bible is the New International Reader's Version (NIrV) version of the Bible. The NIrV is a simplified version of the NIV, written at approximately a 3rd grade reading level. The NIrV is composed of smaller, easy-to-understand words in shorter sentences than the traditional NIV.

The NIrV Love Letters from God Holy Bible has blue headings and all black text (including the words of Christ), laid out in two columns. The text is standard size - not large, but not extra small. There are no study notes or footnotes in the NIrV Love Letters from God Holy Bible, just strictly Bible text. There are 7 full-color maps at the back. 

At the back of the NIrV Love Letters from God Holy Bible are two study helps: a 5-page dictionary (words & definitions, but no verse references) and lists compiling 92 "Great Bible Stories" (with verse references). The "Great Bible Stories" lists would be great to use for monthly reading plans. There are also 8 unlined pages (front & back) reserved for notes.

The "flair" comes in with the grayscale love letter pages (with blue accents) placed among the text of the NIrV Love Letters from God Holy Bible. Each of these pages has a "love letter from God" that begins with "Dear _______," so a child's name can be written in if you choose. The letters are based on themes from the surrounding Scripture text (and the reference is listed). Along with each letter is a verse ("God's Wonderful Words to You") that goes along with the theme of the letter. The verse from "God's Wonderful Words to You" is highlighted in light blue in the Bible text. On the side of each love letter page is a lined space to write back (with a prompt for writing).

There are also a few full-color page inserts that are placed throughout. (The full-color pages are a bit thicker than the text pages.) At the beginning of the NIrV Love Letters from God Holy Bible is an insert containing the presentation page with a "How To Use This Bible" page on the reverse side. There are 3 other full-color insert pages in the NIrV Love Letters from God Holy Bible. Here are the topics/subjects covered in the other inserts:
- The Ten Commandments
- What Is... (Sin, Repentance, Grace, Forgiveness, Hell, Heaven)
- How To Pray
- Getting To Know Jesus
- ABCs of Christianity
- Your Invitation

The love letters and full-color inserts in the NIrV Love Letters from God Holy Bible give it a unique perspective. I also liked that it prompts the child to write to God - a great way to practice prayer. 

The NIrV Love Letters from God Holy Bible has the basics you need, with some great extras. This is one of those instances where I think it is important that you go with your gut. If you don't like the idea of an author writing words "from God", this is not a Bible I would suggest for you. But, if you like to use a variety of ways to tell your children about God and His love, and appreciate the perspective and creativity of a variety of authors and artists - consider getting the NIrV Love Letters from God Holy Bible.
FTC Declaration: The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy. This does not change the fact that I will give my honest opinion in my reviews.

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