Review: My First Hands-On Bible Preschoolers Experience the Fun! Live the Truth! (Tyndale)

I can't believe I forgot to review this little kids Bible.  I've been using it when I teach (with more than preschoolers) for two? years. 

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:

1. 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 
2. 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. 
3. The illustrations are watercolor type style, friendly faces, and have details that would focus the children looking at them.  It's beautiful. 
4. 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.  
5. 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.  
6. 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.  
7. Jesus Connection- Every story ends with a connection to how Jesus is in the story, even if he's not mentioned. 
8. 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.  
9. This bible would be great and the perfect size to have every child have their own copy while you read.  
10. 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.