Most of the time Bibles that are geared for children are too young or written so far above their age that even the information tends to be more than needed. With the Deep Blue Kids Bible (CEB) that is geared for ages 8 to 12 that isn’t a fear any longer – all three of my children, including my 6 year old son enjoyed using this Bible as we came across Scripture reading in our school day or just for our daily Bible reading. Your children will go through the Bible with Asia, Kat and Edgar as they delve deeper into God’s Word on their level.
I was given the Image-Flex cover which can be found at various retailers listed at the Deep Blue Kids Bible store, beginning at $17.81 and if I must say so, is very much worth every penny. With it’s 9 point type, four color, 8 full color maps from National Geographic and more this is more than just a regular study Bible, however it makes it relevant to today’s child. The Bible includes the following in-text notes:
- Sailboat – this points out positive traits to children that they can have in their lives and grow closer to the Lord
- Umbrella – explains how negative emotions and traits aren’t good for any of us and how the Bible can help us through them.
- Lighthouse – gives children the way to have a rock solid faith in God
- Life Preserver – answers those tough questions and hard issues in the Bible
- Did You Know? – fun facts, customs, and trivia about the Bible
- God’s Thoughts My Thoughts – how the Bible relates to their life today
- Navigation Point – memory verses for specific sections
- Bet You Can! – reading challenges
Navigation point verses are outlined and if your child memorizes all the verses listed they will have memorized 145 Scripture passages! The beginning of each book will give you a brief synopsis of what the book is about as well as what they’ll discover, people they’ll meet, places you’ll go and words you’ll remember. The Common English Bible (CEB) is in a readable and familiar modern language which for the younger child will go a long way in early understanding of God’s Word.
I use the CEB as well and I so love having this on hand for my children, whether it’s for school, devotions or church – it’s fantastic. While I do think it’s a great Bible I also must say I have a couple concerns the first being the fact that instead of using “son of man” the CEB uses “human being” – while Christ was in fact fully human He wasn’t human like you and I because He is also fully God. Another issue is that the use of BCE (Before Common Era) and CE (Common Era) has replaced the traditional Christian unit of time – Before Christ and Anno Domini. While these issues may be more personal ones I know that some of my other readers will appreciate these facts going into the Bible.
Even with the concerns that I have with the Bible I do think that the CEB can be useful for children who want the freedom to study the Word on their own and be able to understand it. Some of the nuances that I’ve pointed out can open up discussion among parent and child as to what each family believes and why (we still use BC and AD) as well as using it as a learning process. Children will delight in having a Bible that they can understand without having to wade through language, that to them, for now, is outdated.
If you’d like to see what other homeschooling parents thought visit the Schoolhouse Review Crew blog.
****Disclaimer: As a member of the Schoolhouse Review Crew, I received this product, at no cost to me, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are mine.
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