Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary for Kids (LifeWay Christian Stores)

We own a lot of books, including many Bible resources for kids. Some have been better than others but when I was given the opportunity to review the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary for Kids, I was taken completely by surprise. It is like the "super size" of Bible Dictionaries! Super color, super detail, super organization, super kid-friendly. This honestly is one of the most beautiful books I've ever seen (and we own thousands of books).

You might wonder what is so exciting about a dictionary?! Honestly, the average, boring, black-and-white dictionary isn't too thrilling. But this book is so much more than that....like a portable Bible exhibit. The remarkable photographs, full color maps, and reconstructions of cities and buildings are amazing. The best part? This hardcover book (slightly larger than 8.5"x11") is priced at $14.99 and can be purchased at the LifeWay Christian Stores website or you can check for a store location near you.

Comprehensive

Inside the pages of this reference you will find:

• Reconstructions of how a city might have looked
• Illustrated charts on topics such as Bible animals, foods, insects, transportation, plants, musical instruments and more
• Biblical reference charts of the names of God, the names of Jesus, the armor of God, festivals, apostles, plagues and more
• Pronunciation guide for more difficult words
• Photographs (gorgeous full color depictions)
• Realistic illustrations--like marvelous paintings (NOT cartoony or exaggerated)
• Kid-friendly definitions explaining people, places and theological concepts (salvation, justification, grace, etc.)
• Bible references included in entries for further exploration

Easily Navigated

Whoever organized the layout of this book was a genius!

• Each alphabetical entry is set off with a full page of the letter so the end of one section is clearly separated from the next letter.
• Definitions arranged in a grid format with individual entries framed in a box
• Solid color blocks are sprinkled throughout the pages adding some visual resting places and keeps the words from being overwhelming for kids
• Full alphabet printed on outside edges of every page with current letter highlighted (this feature is a great help to a younger child who may need help finding entries)
• Entries are in bold and slightly larger than the definition.

Graphic Wonder

This book is a feast for the eyes with fabulous design elements:

• Maps are easily read (no magnifying glass needed; unlike the typical map in the back of a Bible) and cities, rivers clearly marked
• Full color illustrations and photographs--really very stunning
• Splashes of color on every page separating entries gives every page visual appeal
• Glossy, thick pages that are going to stand up to repeated reading

Kid-Friendly

We all know that not every story in the Bible is "G" rated. While my younger kids are exploring Biblical concepts, I'd prefer to put off heavier discussions until they are mature enough to understand. One of the things I appreciated about this reference was how extremely kid-friendly it was. For example, within the Ten Commandments, commandment #7 is listed as "Keep your marriage promises." What a perfect way to phrase it for a child without introducing the weightier topic of adultery. There isn't even an entry for the term adultery. The only reference I found was under the definition for Bathsheba, "Beautiful woman with whom David committed adultery." Nothing more explicit than that.

This a reference that helps children navigate safely through Bible concepts, giving them a tool to explore what Bible times were like and have a place to find answers on their own. This is a great way to introduce the concept of using reference tools to help understand the Bible.

Take a Peek for Yourself

For a glimpse inside this gorgeous book, go HERE. It shows a representative sample of every type of feature in the book. When you see it for yourself, I know you'll agree this book is an incredible resource at an unbelievable price.

Who Should Buy

• Christian School libraries
• Church libraries
• Homeschool families
• Families with elementary and middle school children
• Sunday School teachers
• Children's Ministry leaders

This would make a great gift for any family with children. But don't put it on a shelf--leave this beautiful book out where it will be used and enjoyed.

Our Rating

Giving this book 5 out of 5 stars hardly seems fair because this book is really off the charts. We've been enjoying it in the car, in church and everywhere in between. And my youngest who is almost 4 is probably the most avid fan of this book (she looks at the pictures and just makes up her own narrative). When she actually learns to read, she'll already be familiar with all the great photos and maps :o).

Be sure and take some time to see what other families thought of this resource by visiting the TOS Homeschool Crew Blog.

Contact Information

Website: www.LifeWaystores.com

Phone: 1-800-448-8032

Disclaimer: LifeWay Christian Stores provided me with a free copy of the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary for Kids for the purpose of reviewing and blogging about my family's experience. No other compensation was received.