Review: iShine Bible

Designed specifically  for tweens, the iShine Bible packs a lot of punch in a small pink or blue package. I chose to review the one for girls and loved the girly designs on the Bible cover.  Its size of 6.13 x4.13 inches makes it a perfect to carry along in a purse or bag without being weighted down.

It uses the New Living Translation, which I find to be one of my favorite translations. It features 3 color sections that focuses on helping tweens to realize they are V.I.P(s). Meaning they are valued with a unique identity in Christ and called to a specific purpose. The front of the Bible is filled with helpful information about growing in their spiritual walk and a topical index addressing common questions tweens may have. Additionally, it incorporates multimedia by using links to videos and/or QR codes that are readable by smartphones.

Overall, I think the iShine Bible is one any tween would enjoy. For me, I wish it contained more culturally diverse tween photos. Since it is a compact Bible, the writing is small; however, most tweens would not find that to be a problem for their young eyes.

List Price: 19.99 
ISBN: 978-1-4143-4815-5
Trim Size: 4 1/8 x 6 1/8 
Binding: Leather-Like, Lip Sync Pink/Rockin' Ruby 
Release: February 2011

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

No Girls Allowed:Devotions for Boys

I know I broke the cardinal rule of this book by daring to peek inside the pages of this devotional designed for elementary aged boys. But, as a Sunday school teacher (not to mention an aunt, too), I’m always on the lookout for creative ways to share the gospel with my students and captivate their attention. So I jumped at the chance to review No Girls Allowed: Devotions for Boys by Jayce O’Neal.

O’Neal does a good job at incorporating familiar topics, characters or shows like Batman, basketball, Scrooge, video games and Nickelodeon into the devotions.  Using a 2-page spread, every devotion contains a short story, scripture point, prayer, puzzle, things to do, list of additional scriptures that tie into the lesson’s main theme, and quotes from contemporary leaders.

I really like that the author shows boys how to apply the truths, found in each lesson, into their daily life through the things to do section.  Although I appreciated the idea of including puzzles, I felt that more variety was needed rather than just secret codes, word search and crossword.

As someone wanting to use this to supplement Sunday school activities, I wished the book included an index showing the theme and/or scripture emphasis for each lesson. Just listing the name of the story in the table of contents provides little information about the aim of the devotion. More visually stimulating illustrations would also enhance the book. Overall, I think the book provides solid Biblical teaching and would be a good addition to preteen boys’  library.

For a preview of the book, click here.

Thanks to Tyndale House for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16CFR, Part 255  "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements in Advertising”.