The ESV Grow! Bible (for ages 8-12)

    I love to read and look through different types of Bibles!  Here's one we received to enjoy and review for you this spring, the ESV Grow! Bible, in the English Standard Version.

More from Crossway.org about the English Standard Version:

    If you're not familiar with the English Standard Version, it stands in the classic stream of English Bible translations that goes back nearly five centuries.  In this stream, accurate faithfulness to the original text is combined with simplicity, beauty, and dignity of expression.  Our goal has been to carry forwrad this legacy for a new century. 

    The ESV is an "essentially literal" translation that seeks as far as possible to capture the meaning and structure of the original text and the personal style of each Bible writer.  We have sought to be "as literal as possible" while maintaining clear expression and literary excellence.  Therefore, the ESV is well suited for both personal reading and church ministry, for devotional reflection and serious study, and for Scripture memorization.

    The ESV Grow! Bible is designed for children ages 8-12 for the time between when they use a children's Bible and a more advanced edition.  Coupling the full ESV text with many helpful features, this is a Bible that young students can call their own.

    The ESV Grow! Bible comes with all-new features to help children learn and understand God's Word.  Children will find the ESV Grow! Bible full of interesting features, and parents will appreciate that their kids can explore the full Bible text themselves.  A great resource to connect young readers with the beauty and majesty of God's Word.

    If you take a couple of minutes to view the PDF below, you'll also notice a few of the things I really liked about this Bible:

• While there is some color in this Bible, it is not meaninglessly thrown around on the pages.  Color has been carefully used to identify new chapters and changes in subjects.
  
• Each verse is preceded by a tiny blue number, to show that a new verse is next.  I appreciate having these numbers in a slightly different color than the black text.  It is much easier to follow.
• The pictures throughout this Bible are natural and realistic.  I appreciate the fact that Crossway chose not to make them hip, cool, or any other "modern" presentation.  However, they still appeal to young children...and to me!
• "Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How" boxes relate God's Word and salvation to the reader.  Nice!
  
• 4U boxes help relate specific passages personally to the student reader.  Application, application, application!
• In many places in this Bible, verses that remind us of Christ's death on the cross and resurrection are pointed out using "Cross Connections."
  
• Section and Book Introductions give the big picture on the themes in books and sections of the Bible.
• A glossary is provided for those unfamiliar words.
• Timelines and maps are also found at the back of the Bible.  Nothing like adding some geography learning at the same time as understanding the Bible better!
• This is hardbound, so it's more durable than a lot of the softbound Bibles out on the market for children these days.
  

    I do really enjoy seeing new Bibles that come onto the market.  Our family has found several over the years that have met our children's reading levels and interest levels yet are still solidly founded on the Word of God.  I love this!

     Crossway.org is a non-profit organization which publishes many types of Bibles and other Christian literature.  Feel free to check out their blog, if you'd like.

 




Julieanne
Joy In Our Journey.com

Disclosure:  I received one hardbound copy of the ESV Grow! Bible in exchange for my honest review of this product.  No other compensation was provided. 

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