"the big picture interactive bible"

About the book (from the publisher): Are our children really getting the full meaning of the stories as we read the Bible to them? When we read the Bible to our children, the stories are often in bits and pieces and focus on "being good." But children should get the message of "being saved" from reading the Bible instead. The Big Picture Interactive Bible (B&H Kids) is the first children's Bible of its kind—the Jesus story from start to finish, filled with features and interactive elements that capture the true meaning and significance behind all of the verses and stories.

The Big Picture Interactive Bible has nearly a thousand features in full color throughout including pictures of key items so children can understand what they're reading. The B&H Kids Augmented Reality App (free and available for Android and iPhone) creates a digital pop-up book when used with full-color illustrations, bringing the Bible to life for each child. It features the full text of the Holman Christian Standard Bible, a clear, contemporary English translation that's faithful to the original languages of the Bible.

Other features included are:
~Big Words - Colorful Bible Dictionary entry with photos, maps, illustrations and descriptions of key terms, right in the Bible text.
~Big Questions/Big Answers - Kids always want to know why. This feature asks and then answers many of the common "big questions" throughout the Bible.
~Christ Connection - This feature can be found from Genesis to Revelation and will help kids understand how each story points us to Christ and His work for us.
~Introductions - Basic information about the books of the Bible will give kids perspective on the who, what and when for each book as well as "the Big Picture" from that book and key stories it contains.
~Icons - Special icons are placed throughout the Bible to connect to the Gospel Project for Kids curriculum.
~Memory Verses - Scripture memorization is much more than "saying the words." When a child memorizes a Bible verse and puts it to practice in their daily life, that child begins to learn how God can lead his life. The top 100 verses to remember are highlighted throughout the Bible.
~Parent Connection - This feature is designed to help parents be empowered to engage deeper in the story with their kids.
~Seeing the Big Picture - This feature digs into key Bible stories to help young hearts and minds grasp the meaning and provide parents with extra information to discuss the Bible with their kids.

My take: The Big Picture Interactive Bible is exactly the kind of Bible I would have loved as a child. With an attractive cover (what kid doesn't love the story of David & Goliath?), full-page illustrations, introductions to each book, and helpful notes throughout, this Bible would be great for elementary students (or perhaps even advanced preschoolers).

The one thing I didn't like (and actually found quite frustrating) was the "interactive" part. Basically, you go to the Apple or Android app store and download the B&H Kids Augmented Reality app, which will then allow you to "bring to life" certain pictures in the Bible. When it works, it's great—not only do parts of the pictures become 3D, but there's also narration that goes along with each picture. Unfortunately, I had a horrible time getting the app to work. (I have a Samsung Galaxy S4; perhaps the app works better with other phones or tablets.) I spent about 30 minutes trying the app, and I was only able to get it to work with two pictures in the Bible.

Fortunately, you don't need the app in order to enjoy this Bible. Overall, it's a great children's Bible, and I definitely recommend it.

My rating: 4 stars
Buy the book.

About the publisher: At B&H Kids, we believe Every Little Word Matters®. B&H Kids creates Bible-centered, age appropriate, engaging content for kids. Our resources are designed to help kids develop a lifelong relationships with Jesus and empower parents to guide them in their spiritual growth. For more information visit: BHKidsBuzz.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Glass Road Media & Management. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. 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."