The Action Bible Devotional

by Jeremy Jones

[cherryblossommj]

As I have said before in other reviews, finding the right medium to encourage your kiddos to read is very important and in the case of encouraging your children to read the Bible it is even more so. With The Action Bible, I think they might have found something to use as a great tool for both getting a start into reading and truly learning the content of the Bible. I have yet to see the actual The Action Bible, but I hope to after my introduction through The Action Bible: New Testament and this book, The Action Bible Devotional. This is a one-year devotional with a section to go over per week that covers over selected stories from the creation and Eden with Adam and Eve to Jesus and the resurrection and even into Revelations. There is not however a table of contents.

One very cool thing I noted on the copyright page is that the "text [was] printed on 100% recycled paper" and that is another check in the fabulous column. I actually prefer the paper used in the devotional over that of the New Testament as the NT one is more glossy and catches the light (much as I remember with textbooks...).

The pages are alternating with light and dark backgrounds and the images hold a vast array of colors bringing the stories to life off the page. At the end of each story section is a page that labels the week and has some interaction just right and appropriate for your reader. My assumption would be for any kid from perhaps second grade to eighth but perhaps even older for one that truly enjoys comics and graphic novels. This one is more on the side of a comic book than a graphic novel, but I think it could be appreciated by fans of both. Back to the end of the week sections. There is a breakdown with a key verse, application to daily life, suggested activities, discussion questions, and places to write and draw. Very interactive.

The Action Bible Devotional could be perfect for a kid on their own, but could also be used in a group Bible study (with each participant having their on copy). I'm sure plenty a child would think that would be awesome. While I lean toward thinking this would be most well received by boys, I'm fairly certain that many a girl would be fascinated as well. It's full of adventure and interaction to really get an imagination into high gear. The purpose obviously is to encourage the reader to take this as an invitation to get their Bible out, no matter what version that may be and read more in the story after getting a taste in the images and text here.

Very interestingly the devotion writer, Jeremy V. Jones also wrote the Triple Dog Dare devotional that I looked at and loved earlier this year. And the illustrator Sergio Cariello has also worked with DC Comics and Marvel Comics, who better would know how to illustrate to bring in the interest?! What a fabulous gift idea for your comic book kiddo.

*Thanks to David C. Cook for providing a copy for review.*

posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2012/11/28/the-action-bible-new-testament-and-devotional/