My First Hands-On Bible

This children's bible has great pictures, but it leaves out incredibly important details of stories while giving unimportant details instead. For example, the story about Noah and the Arc skips God telling Noah to build the arc, but gives great detail about random things: "on the seventeenth day of the second month, all the underground waters erupted from the earth, and the rain fell in mighty torrents from the sky." The vocabulary is much too advanced for small children. I find myself spending much time explaining what so many words mean that the stories can't be read smoothly. In the story about Noah, the word 'covenant' is used 7 times in one small barely 3 page story, but doesn't explain what a covenant is. A children's bible should use easier vocabulary or at the very least, explain the big words.

My 5yo son and I both love this kid's Bible. He started asking for Bible bedtime stories himself after I started using this Bible. The stories are short and simple with some great suggestions to make it more interactive. I also enjoy using this Bible as part of my Bible Study curriculum for children 4-6 yo. I highly recommend it!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I got this book for my 6 year old, hoping that it would be easier for her to read, and that it would be engaging for her. I was not disappointed in any way. She absolutely loves her new Bible, and loves bringing it with her places where she may be required to wait quietly. The cover is really sturdy and durable as are the pages.
This is the perfect “Bible” for little ones aged 3-6 to really start going more in-depth with the Bible stories they may have already started hearing at home and at Sunday school. I allowed my little one to pick which color she wanted, either the blue or pink. Very surprised when she picked the blue, but I am not disappointed with her engagement in the Bible.

Love this i have kids age 3 and 1 and boy this has been a total hit even my 1 yo is excited sbout the activities per story it brings the book alive. Only thing I wish it was bigger but content is great and I would recommend as a supplement to schooling

I Love how excited my kid gets when he is reading this bible. He likes to walk around with the My First Hands-On Bible and with a crayon. He has no idea how much he is learning about Christ. I read to him and he likes to ask questions about it. He really gets into it. Its s great bible for little ones. I think is great for kids 5 and younger.

When I first got it, I wasn't sure about it. It's a Bible storybook that is heavy, small with busy pictures and hands on the pages. So even as a read aloud with one child, it seemed busy. But as I started using it and reading it, I realized how amazing all the text really is.

Click here for sample pages so you can see what I am talking about!

Here are features that I love about this:

It is not a 'story' book that an author is paraphrasing the Bible. The Bible stories are shared from the New Living Translation. So it is a Bible. 85 stories in it. 39 OT, 46 NT
The verses are marked and references are clear for all the stories. Making this pre-school Bible one that most kids would see as a "Bible." with verses marked.
The illustrations are watercolor type style, friendly faces, and have details that would focus the children looking at them. It's beautiful.
The pages are durable, shiny, and heavy. 5 stars for PRACTICAL with kids. It's not going to rip easily, the pages won't slide and change your page easily, etc.
Table of Contents- sounds silly, but as a veteran kidmin person, being able to look in the front, see all the stories (WITH their actual scripture references) makes this book SO much more functional.
Size- I found it small for using with small groups, but it's the perfect size to toss in my bag and take with me for teaching- and the ideas after each story and in the margins while you read it, are so well done, developmentally appropriate, engaging that I miss it if I don't have it.
Jesus Connection- Every story ends with a connection to how Jesus is in the story, even if he's not mentioned.
Handprints- the busy hands on the pages- are actually motions, look for ___ in the pictures for you to have the children do as and think as the story is read. (Hence hands-on Bible.) THIS IS MY FAVORITE REASON I love this Bible, they are simple, yet SUPER effective ideas that fit the busy learning styles of children. So developmentally appropriate.
This bible would be great and the perfect size to have every child have their own copy while you read.
The Kangaroo and the lamb at the end of each story have two activities to make the story come alive or connect to a child's life. And as a reading teacher, this is where comprehension of a story occurs-- building connections and background knowledge. (another brilliant WIN for this kid's book.)
Thank you Tyndale for the opportunity to review this little kid Bible. I use it regularly in my teaching, and really am surprised how valuable a tool it has become for me. If I could improve it- I would like this illustrators versions of the story on cards, or a Big book, to share. I love how alive the images are to the reader.

My First Hands On Bible...Tyndale Kids
This Bible is for the preschool age child and it is the New Living Translation of the Bible. It is filled with 85 stories from the Old and New Testament written for this age child with adorable illustrations to help the young reader and listener to better understand the story. The stories are written simple and clear for very young children to understand. After the story there is a `Let's Talk' section with simple questions you can ask your child and discuss the story. You will also find different activities, songs and prayers after each story that you can do with your child, helping reinforce the story even more.
Wow, I can't say enough about this awesome little Bible. Not only do I enjoy reading it myself, I enjoy reading it to my 2 year old niece. She loves the vivid and muted pictures, illustrated so child-like that even a 2 year old call look at them and make up their own story. The pictures are adorable, child-like, and I love that the people, the animals, landscaping and buildings are created to make young readers feel they can be in the story too! This little Bible truly makes God's Word come alive for young children and I appreciate Tyndale House for publishing something to make it easier to teach my young niece about the Lord. A Bible she loves and calls her own. "It's Mine" she says!
I received this book free from Zondervan to read and review. 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 55

We've all seen the Bibles geared for little ones, they are fun and barely scratch the surface of Bible truths - what about a Bible that has real Bible text to teach your pre-schoolers about God's love? Would that excite you? I know it did me, real Bible text for preschoolers? Tyndale has done it, this little Bible is called the My First Hands-On Bible . Using the New Living Translation so that readers of all ages will have a great understanding of Bible concepts. This Bible will be a great beginner introduction to little ones who need knowledge of God just as much as we all do. The entire text of the NLT is not given, it is an abridged version, but still remains true to the inspired Word of God.

Take a trip with Pockets and Cuddles as they guide you and your child in learning more about the Bible. Pockets, the kangaroo will have a short prayer that you and your child can say together. Cuddles, the Lamb will have an activity that can even involve the whole family - such as playing hide and seek and discussing how Jonah tried to hide from God. Each activity throughout has some sort of relativity to the actual Bible story.

There are also colored hand prints scattered among the story. As you read and see a hand print stop reading and do that activity, it may be something like taking giant steps and moving a suitcase in the story of Ruth and Naomi or hugging yourself while imagining that God is the One holding you. The activities help in learning the story as well as retaining, and for busy bodies the action may help them focus better as well.

The other areas in each story are the "Time to Pray" and "Let's Talk", "Activities" and "Jesus Connection". The prayer is there to make the study personal and applicable to the child, while the "let's talk" gives a time for discussion and to see what your child has learned. The activities (two per story) are engaging and can be easily accomplished through out the day - it is suggested you read ahead so you'll be ready when an opportunity comes up. The thing I really like is the "Jesus connection" that aids in showing the child how Jesus is present and active through Scripture even when He isn't mentioned by name.

There are 85 Bible stories from Creation, Jacob Tricks Esau, Gideon's Sign from God, Jesus is Baptized, Jesus Rides a Donkey to Jesus will come Back. Again all these stories are from the text of the NLT and while paraphrased remain true to the text of the Holy Bible but allows for young children to really get engaged and learn about the faith of their parents. This is a beautiful hard-covered Bible and one that I can see being treasured for years to come.

**I was provided a copy of this Bible from Tyndale Media Center in exchange for my honest opinion, no other compensation was given.

[[ASIN:1414348304 My First Hands-On Bible]]
From the Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. website:
"...My First Hands-On Bible is the preschooler version of the popular Hands-On Bible, which has sold over a half million copies. Jesus taught with hands-on lessons and illustrations; My First Hands-On Bible uses the same experience-based learning to communicate God's Word in an active, understandable way. My First Hands-On Bible is a fun and simple yet meaningful way to engage preschool, pre-K, and K children (ages 3-6) with the Bible while helping them build a solid faith foundation. Each lesson focuses on a specific Bible point through a variety of activities in order to reinforce and help young children remember the stories and lessons. Using common household items, you can help your children have a "hands-on" learning experience while engaging them in 85 key stories from the Bible. My First Hands-On Bible doesn't just retell the Bible stories; it also includes actual Scripture from the easy-to-understand and easy-to-read Holy Bible, New Living Translation. In addition to the stories and activities, there are fun illustrations, prayers, and a special Jesus Connection feature..."

I recently received a copy of this children's Bible to review from Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. The first thing I noticed was the hardcover - nice!! The graphics on the cover are cute and would appeal to youngsters. My only concern with this book is that it uses the New Living Translation, not a translation I'm very familiar with. It also "abridges' the text for age appropriateness. As I looked through the various passages, I was impressed with how closely the publishers stayed with the Biblical text. They didn't add anything to the Bible stories to make it more appealing, like forest animals talking to each other, or butterflies at the crucifixion, etc. Not that there couldn't have been butterflies at the cross, it just isn't in the Bible.

As the title states, this is a hands-on Bible. There are activities to do with your child to help reinforce the story. A big plus for parents who need some guidance in that area. Each passage has a section after the Bible reading with questions and discussion starters. There is also a short prayer to say with your child. While I'm not a fan of recited prayers, I think if a parent were to use this Bible with their child everyday, it might instill in them a habit of reading God's word and then spending time in conversation with Him. Each story also has a `Jesus connection" that helps to relate the story with Jesus. For instance, in the story of Esther, the Jesus connection is "Esther had to wait for permission to see and talk to the king. But we can talk to King Jesus anytime!"

The Hands-On Bible begins with Genesis 1 and ends with Revelation 22. Aside from my indecision about the New Living Translation, I love this book. The graphics are well done, simplistic and sweet. I wish I had had this when my children were small, and I look forward to sharing this with my grandchildren.

So if you're looking for a child friendly, Scripturally based, Bible story book, I highly recommend Tyndale's "My First Hands-on Bible"

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above 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."

This is a great starter Bible for kids! I love how it is arranged and put together, with illustrations and simple language for a kid to understand! I also like that is a hardcover, so it will not easily fall apart, or get ruined. A treasure to keep for a long time. I enjoy reading a story from the Bible each night to my kids, and love seeing when the light bulb goes on for them, and they are "getting it". Very nice.