This is an outstanding Bible resource for children ages 8 -12. Children rarely have a natural interest in studying the Bible. In fact it can be quite intimidating to them. It is our responsibility as parents, grandparents, and Sunday school teachers to not only teach them about God’s word, but also to encourage an interest to study it. The Candle Bible Handbook is just the resource to aid in this.
It gives them their very own Bible study book they can use on their own.
I loved the flexible cover. It wasn’t a paperback or a hard back, but sturdy and easily handled. The pages are quality paper than will hold up to lots of use.
The maps, illustrations, and pictures were outstanding! They were very colorful and gave excellent visuals of places and people being studied.
There is a chapter for all Old Testament and New Testament books. Each book of the Bible begins with a brief, concise, easy to read synopsis of what it is about. Also included are “Frequently Asked Questions”, things that a child would naturally wonder about. Next is an outline of that book, divided into the main parts that are covered and contains the chapters and verses where they are found. A simple explanation of what occurs in those sections is included.
A part called, “Look Out For”, alerts the child to important truths and lessons that occur. There are also “Study Questions” with scripture references for the child to look further into what he has studied. Scattered throughout the book are words that a child might not understand. The word is thoroughly explained and many times scripture references are given. In the back of the Bible Handbook these words are listed with the definition so they can be referred to without having to go back through the chapters.
Also in the back are more excellent resources. “Promises of the Bible” and “Fifty Very Important Passages” Are listed. I liked the use of bold print for the subject and italics for the scripture reference in these two sections. It made it easy to read. Last of all is “Who’s Who in the Bible”, where the most prominent Bible characters are listed with a small paragraph telling about each one.
This is a lot of information but each page is arranged where it is easily accessed. The title, Candle Bible Handbook is very appropriate. Psalm 119:105 tells us God’s word, “ . . . is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” This is a perfect resource for young, beginning, Bible scholars to find that “light”.
I received this book free from Kregel Publications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.