The NIV Kids’ Visual Study Bible (Zonderkidz, 2017), for ages 8–12, brings the Bible to life in four-color illustrated splendor. This study Bible includes a spectacular full-color interior featuring over 700 illustrations, photos, infographics, and maps on every page that visually represent key Bible information. Each page also features important facts located near the relevant verse. Intriguing facts; colorful, engaging maps; photographs; and illustrations make this a Bible they’ll want to explore.

Bible Gateway interviewed Sara Bierling, general editor of the NIV Kids’ Visual Study Bible (@Zonderkidz).

                        

What makes this kids’ Bible different from other Bibles?

Sara Bierling: This Bible has more visuals than any other full-text Bible that our company has ever published. It combines photographs, four-color illustrations, maps, and infographics (text presented in a visually appealing, graphic way) to illuminate the Bible text.

Why is it titled the Kids’ Visual Study Bible?

Sara Bierling: We wanted to create a study Bible that appealed to visual learners. So, while there are written notes, we also wanted to provide content that visually stood out on the page and made learning about the Bible seem inviting and easy.

What will the notes teach children?

Sara Bierling: The notes in this study Bible are general, but they cover important theological take-aways as well as historical details that will help children understand the world of the Bible. The infographics allow children to quickly see the most important takeaways from individual books of the Bible, to understand family relationships, and to make conclusions about the importance and impact of certain Bible stories.

Why should parents buy this Bible?

Sara Bierling: This Bible will be great for children who are reluctant readers or are struggling to find motivation to pick up their Bible. It will also be interesting for children interested in the historicity of the Bible.

How are biblical passages of violence and mature content handled in this study Bible for kids?

Sara Bierling: We don’t shy away from discussing violence in the Bible. However, we try not to dwell on it or give graphic details. As far as any sexual content, we always strive to speak about it in non-specific terms with language that isn’t too explicit, so that parents can choose what to explain to their children and what to table until they are mature enough. That said, we don’t censor the text of the NIV translation, so some guidance from parents may be necessary as children read the Bible.

How should this study Bible best be used to get the most out of it?

Sara Bierling: This Bible doesn’t need to be read chronologically, so I would suggest children can use it as an every-day Bible, with the notes and visuals enhancing the Bible text they are already reading. They might choose to flip through the Bible to look at the images and therefore delve into a portion of scripture they hadn’t yet discovered. There is also a handy topical index for both the infographics and the maps that children may find useful if they are studying a specific theme of the Bible.

Bio: Sara Bierling is an Acquisitions Editor working primarily on Bibles for all ages as well as YA titles for Zondervan Teen and Blink YA. Prior to working for Zonderkidz, Sara was an editor in the Zondervan Bibles department, a freelance editor and writer, and an editor for School Specialty Publishing (formerly McGraw-Hill Children’s Publishing), where she developed elementary grades educational products. She holds a BA in English and Writing from Hope College.

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