How to Choose a Bible for Your Child

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Oct. 2, 2014 - PRLog -- Have you ever entered the Bible department of your favorite local Christian book store or clicked on your favorite online retailer with the intent of finding the right Bible for your child? You’ve probably discovered that the options are endless with so many styles, formats, translations, colors, and sizes to choose from. You’re not alone. Parents are presented with such a wide variety of Bible options that it can be overwhelming to chose one. How do you know which Bible is the right one for your child?

Zonderkidz, the leader in children’s Bibles, hopes to make choosing a Bible easier by offering some simple steps that parents can take before selecting a new Bible for their child. With the help of  Jeannie Cunnion, author of Parenting the Whole Hearted Child and advocate for encouraging parents to read the Bible with their children, Zonderkidz provides the following plan to use in making an informed Bible  selection for children:

Identify the reading level, age and gender of the child: Understanding your child’s reading and comprehension ability for their age level will help you select a Bible or storybook Bible that your child can both enjoy and understand.  Using gender as a guide is helpful for children who might have a particular preference for covers and illustrations that appeal most to boys or girls.

Determine how the Bible will be used: When it comes to full text Bibles, there are many options. Knowing how your child will use the Bible, such as for personal devotion or to follow along at church or youth Bible studies, will help you choose a Bible with features that best match your child’s needs.

Decide on translation: There are 24 Biblical translations available today. You can choose a translation that your church or family  already uses, or, if don’t have a preferred translation or would like something that is easier for your child to understand, you can select a translation that best fits your child’s reading comprehension level. The New International Version (NIV) is the most widely read translation and is known for presenting the Word of God in a language that is easy to understand yet true to the original text. The New International Reader’s Version (NIrV) is a great stepping-stone translation to the NIV. It is ideal for emerging readers in need of simpler phrasing and shorter sentences.

Shop the options: Visiting your local book seller or Christian bookstore offers you the option to compare different Bibles side-by-side. Bring your child along so that they can explore the options, talk about the readability of the font-sizes, the feel of the different paper styles and the appeal of illustrations or special features. Your child’s feedback after comparing a selection of Bibles will help you choose the one that is most comfortable and appropriate for their use and enjoyment. Knowledgeable store clerks can also help answer questions and explain features during your side-by-side comparisons.

Buy and Use the Bible: Once you have selected and purchased a Bible for your child, take the time to introduce your child to the Bible and its features. Spending time reading a favorite Bible story or doing a devotional reading with your childwill help them learn how to usetheir new Bible .The habit of Bible reading begins in a child’s foundational years, and starts with their own special Bible.

A Bible is your child’s guidebook for their journey with their faith. “Getting the right kid-friendly, age-appropriate Bible in your child’s hands is the key to getting them engaged in God's word and on the path to learning His truth and experiencing His love”, says spokesperson Jeannie Cunnion.  Zonderkidz welcomes you to visit www.zondervan.com to explore a large selection of children’s Bibles and storybook Bibles for kids ages toddler to teen.  As parents, you are also encouraged to explore local book sellers and Christian bookstores, with your Bible selection plan in hand, to check out children’s Bibles firsthand.  For more information on choosing a Bible for your child, visit http://www.zondervan.com/more/how-to-choose-a-bible-for-your-child or check out our video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GMgTPeeF7E



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About the Spokesperson: Jeannie Cunnion holds a Master’s degree in social work. Her background combines counseling, writing, and speaking about parenting and adoption issues. Jeannie enjoys blogging on her website (www.JeannieCunnion.com) and serving as the Council Co-Chairman at Trinity Church, when she isn’t cheering on her boys at one of their sporting events. She lives with her husband and their three boys in Old Greenwich, CT.

Zonderkidz™, the children’s division of Zondervan, inspires young lives through imagination and innovation. As the leader in Christian children's communications, it creates products that awaken the hearts and touch the souls of kids under 14. Zonderkidz is also publisher of the NIrV (New International Reader’s Version) Bible translation, the third grade reading level edition of the NIV. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

Zondervan is a world-leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications. Zondervan, as part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The Company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, MI. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.