Bible Review: NIV the Plans I Have for You

This devotional Bible might be best appreciated by fans of Amy Parker’s popular picture book.

NIV The Plans I have for You Holy Bible. Zonderkidz, 2017, 1248 pages

Recommended for: ages 8-12

Amy Parker’s best-selling picture book, The Plans I Have for You, has been described as a Christian version of Oh the Places You’ll Go!—an encouraging guide to finding your passion and following your dreams (as God leads). That’s the theme of this NIV Bible aimed at pre-teens and early teens. The personal emphasis makes this more of a devotional Bible than a study Bible—the lack of book introductions is a clue. Rather than study helps, 1-2-page meditations on “God’s Big Plans” (for humanity in general) or “God’s Big Plans for ___” (fill in your name) are scattered throughout. “Promise Prayer” boxes expound on the encouraging scriptures such as Phil. 1:6 and Hebrews 12:22. Key verses are highlighted in the text.

Noted illustrator Vanessa Brantley-Newton, who illustrated the picture book, adds generic pictures of contemporary kids—these are pleasant but may seem a bit juvenile to early teens. Overall the added material seems scripturally sound, but the study value is low.

Value: 3.5

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