The Good Book

Pastor, Blogger, Author, Editor: More Church History Recommendations for the Whole Family!

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 31, 2016

We've spent all month reading and learning about church history. It's been such a rich study with interviews and book reviews, but we are not ...

*The Radical Book for Kids by Champ Thornton

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 27, 2016

This fun and friendly compendium of Bible facts, everyday knowledge, history, how-to, wise counsel, apologetics, and doctrine is a terrific resource for every Christian kid. ...

*The Book of God by Ben Avery

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 19, 2016

This comprehensive, accessible guide to the history of the Bible in graphic-novel format will have young readers referring to it again and again. *The Book ...

*Miracle Man by John Hendrix

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 18, 2016

A new “life of Jesus” picture book presents the Son of God as compelling and dynamic in word and deed. *Miracle Man: the Story of ...

*The One O’Clock Miracle: A True Story About Trusting the Words of Jesus by Alison Mitchell

By Megan Saben | Oct 12, 2016

Humorous illustrations enliven this picture book that retells the story of Jesus healing a father's son. *The One O’Clock Miracle: A True Story About Trusting the ...

*The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross by Carl Laferton and Catalina Echeverri

By Megan Saben | Oct 3, 2016

This picture book beautifully brings the creation-fall-redemption story to life! *The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross: the True Story of Why Jesus Died and ...

*God’s Design by Sally Michael and Gary Steward

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 3, 2016

Sally Michael's newest Making Him Known family devotional delicately handles roles of men and women, sexuality, and gender issues in a manner that invites whole ...

*The Biggest Story by Kevin DeYoung

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 27, 2016

A vibrantly illustrated retelling of the story of the Bible: Jesus's redemption of God's people. *The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the ...

Bible Review: *HCSB Essential Teen Study Bible

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 27, 2016

The HCSB Essential Teen Study Bible presents 99 “Essential Doctrines” with extensive scriptural backup and application. *The HCSB Essential Teen Study Bible. B&H Kids, 2016, 1312 ...

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 26, 2016

*NLT Jesus-Centered Bible. Group Publishing, 2015, 1440 pages. (Available in hard- and soft-cover editions.) Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 12-17 Bottom ...

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 26, 2016

NIV Bible for Teen Girls: Growing in Faith, Hope and Love. Zondervan, 2015, 1728 pages. (available in hard- and soft-cover editions) Reading Level: Middle Grades, ...

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 22, 2016

NIV Big Dreams, Big Prayers Bible. Zonderkidz, 2016, 1344 pages. (Soft- and hardcover editions available) Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Hardcover edition Recommended for: ...

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 21, 2016

NKJV Courage Bible/NKJV Faith Bible. Holman Bible Publishers, 2014, 1568 pages Reading Level: Young Adult, ages 12-15 Recommended for: ages 10-15 Bottom Line: An accurate, ...

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 21, 2016

NKJV Study Bible for Kids. Thomas Nelson, 2015, 1536 pages. Hardcover edition Reading Level: Young Adult, ages 12-15 Recommended for: ages 10-12 Bottom Line: The ...

Bible Review NIrV Faith Builders/ NIrV Under the Sea

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 19, 2016

We're back!! Thanks again for your patience while we cleared up our site hack problems. You'll notice a rather stripped-down version of RedeemedReader, but be ...

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 19, 2016

NIrV Study Bible for Kids. Zonderkidz, 2015, 1789 pages. Available in hardcover, soft cover and ebook editions Hardcover edition Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10 ...

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 8, 2015

*Unfortunately, it looks like this program is no longer available. Consider this review a source of inspiration! If you create something like this, be sure ...

By Megan Saben | Jun 3, 2015

Everything a Child Should Know About God by Kenneth N. Taylor, illustrated by Jenny Brake. 10Publishing, 2014. 188 pages. Reading Level: Picture books, Ages 0-4 ...

The Dragon and the Garden by N. D. Wilson and illustrated by Peter Bentley

By Betsy Farquhar | May 11, 2015

The Dragon and the Garden (The Old Stories) by N. D. Wilson and illustrated by Peter Bentley. Canon Press, 2007. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture book, ...

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 21, 2015

*ESV Following Jesus Bible. Crossway, 2015. 1401 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-14 Bottom Line: The features of Following Jesus ...

By Megan Saben | Apr 11, 2015

*God’s Word by Sally Michael, illustrated by Fred Apps. P&R, 2015. 128 pages. - a joint review from Megan and Betsy Reading Level: Middle Grades, ...

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 31, 2015

God Girl Bible ESV and God Guy Bible ESV edited by Michael and Hayley DiMarco. Crossway, 2014 (latest edition). 1488 pages. Reading Level: ages 12-14 ...

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 30, 2015

The Story, NIV: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People (Also available in NKJV). Zondervan, 2011. 513 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ...

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 27, 2015

Guys Life Application Study Bible NLT. Tyndale House, 2013 (second edition). 1562 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 8-14 Bottom Line: ...

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 27, 2015

The Action Bible Study Bible ESV, edited by Catherine deVries, illustrated by Sergio Cariello. David C. Cook, 2015. 1248 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages ...

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 27, 2015

God’s Word for Boys and God’s Word for Girls. Larry Richards, general editor. Baker, 2014 (latest edition), 1713 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 ...

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 24, 2015

God’s Little Princess Holy Bible, NKJV. Sheila Walsh, ed. Thomas Nelson, 2014. 1216 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, 8-10 (study material), Middle Grades, 10-12 (text) ...

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 24, 2015

The Explorer's Study Bible (NKJV). Thomas Nelson, 2009. 1440 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 8-10 and up Bottom Line: Reliable ...

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 24, 2015

Children's Easy-to-Read Bible. Leafwood Publishers, 2012. 1820 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 7-10 Bottom Line: The Children's Easy-to-Read Bible is ...

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 26, 2015

*Mission Accomplished: A Two-Week Family Easter Devotional by Scott James. New Growth Press, 2015. 64 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages ...

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 31, 2015

Noah's Ark, Peter Spier’s classic wordless picture book, takes a Bible story that's often given too cute a portrayal and adds imagination, depth, and reverence. ...

Hymns for a Kid’s Heart, Vol. 1-4 by Bobbie Wolgemuth and Joni Eareckson Tada

By Megan Saben | Jan 5, 2015

Hymns for a Kid’s Heart, Vol. 1-4 by Bobbie Wolgemuth and Joni Eareckson Tada. Crossway, 2003-2004. 96 pages. (Audio CD included) Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages ...

Christmas Carols for a Kid’s Heart by Bobbie Wolgemuth and Joni Eareckson Tada

By Megan Saben | Dec 3, 2014

Christmas Carols for a Kid’s Heart by Bobbie Wolgemuth and Joni Eareckson Tada, illustrated by Sergio Martinez. Crossway, 2004. 96 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages ...

*A Light for my Path: An ABC Book Based on Psalm 119 by Davis Carman, illustrated by Alice Ratterree

By Megan Saben | Nov 26, 2014

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! *A Light for My ...

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 20, 2014

The Dawning of Indestructible Joy: Daily Readings for Advent by John Piper. Crossway, 2014,96 pages Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-15 Maturity Level: 6 (ages ...

Every Valley by Albert L. Blackwell

By Betsy Farquhar | Nov 20, 2014

Every Valley: Advent with the Scriptures of Handel's Messiah by Albert L. Blackwell. Westminster John Knox Press, 2014. 160 pages. Reading Level: Adults (16 and up)Recommended ...

*Unwrapping the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp

By Megan Saben | Nov 5, 2014

*Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas by Ann Voskamp. Tyndale, 2014. 154 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4 and upMaturity Level: 2 (ages ...

Gifts for Grads, 3rd Edition

By Janie Cheaney | May 9, 2014

If you have a high school or college graduate, you’re thinking about how fast time flies and how bittersweet the occasion of this very special ...

Thinking Christianly–about Everything

By Janie Cheaney | May 7, 2014

Reclaiming the Christian Intellectual Tradition series, by various authors. Crossway, 2012-2016, 110-140 pages each. Age/interest level: 16-up. This fall, bright, committed Christian students will pack ...

Family Devotional Time

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 18, 2014

Even though I have some reservations about personal devotional books, expressed here, family devotions are another story. While some formats are “less optimal” than others, ...

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 17, 2014

The Family Reading Bible: a Joyful Discovery: Explore God's Word Together, NIV. Zondervan, 2010, 2336 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: all ...

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 17, 2014

The Story: Teen Edition. Zondervan, 2011, 498 pages (paperback). Reading Level: Middle Grades ages 10-13 Recommended for: ages 12-15 Bottom Line: This teen edition of ...

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 17, 2014

Big Picture Interactive Bible: Connecting Christ through God’s Story (HCSB)*. Broadman &Holman Kids, 2014, 1350 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages ...

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 17, 2014

The NIV Jesus Bible, Zondervan, 2014, 1760 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, 8-10 Recommended for: ages 8-12 Bottom Line: This children's version of the NIV ...

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 17, 2014

NKJV Ignite: the Bible for Teens. Thomas Nelson, 2013, 1600 pages. Reading Level: Young Adult, ages 12-15 Recommended for: ages 12-15 Bottom Line: Ignite offers ...

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 17, 2014

NKJV Extreme Teen Study Bible, Thomas Nelson, 2012, 1792 pages, for ages 13-18 Reading Level: Young Adult, ages 12-15 Recommended for: ages 12-15 Bottom Line: ...

The Case for Christ for Kids: 90-Day Devotional

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 7, 2014

The Case for Christ for Kids 90-Day Devotional, by Lee Strobel and Jesse Florea. Zonderkidz, 2013, 199 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grade, ages 8-10 Recommended ...

The Doctrines of Grace by Shane Lems

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 7, 2014

The Doctrines of Grace, Student Edition, by Shane Lems. P&R Publishing, 2013, 143 pages, included appendices. Reading Level: Young Adult, ages 12-15 Recommended for: ages ...

A New Year: Goals + Giveaway

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 6, 2014

(Giveaway is now closed) Reading-Oriented New Year's Goals I'm one of those folks who enjoy making New Year's Resolutions. I prefer the term "goal" to ...

Pilgrim’s Progress adapted by Anna Trimiew

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 9, 2013

Pilgrim’s Progress: John Bunyan’s Classic Story Adapted for Children, by Anna Trimiew, illustrated by Drew Rose. Great Commissions Press, 2013, 109 pages, including glossary and ...

How God Used a Thunderstorm by Joel R. Beeke and Diana Kleyn

By Megan Saben | Oct 17, 2013

*How God Used a Thunderstorm and Other Devotional Stories by Joel R. Beeke and Diana Kleyn, illustrated by Jeff Anderson (Building on the Rock Series). ...

Gifts for Grads: Our Picks

By Janie Cheaney | May 9, 2013

For a parent, there’s nothing scarier than sending a high school graduate out into the world—and in fact, the world looks pretty scary these days. ...

Words for Life: Bibles for Teens and Graduates

By Janie Cheaney | May 7, 2013

In an earlier post I wrote about beginners “Bibles” and Bible storybooks. That was followed up by a post on the methods and merits of ...

Sammy and His Shepherd by Susan Hunt and Cory Godbey

By Betsy Farquhar | May 6, 2013

Sammy and His Shepherd by Susan Hunt and Cory Godbey. Reformation Trust, 2008. 56 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 0-8 Geared for slightly younger children ...

cover of Cassie and Caleb Discover God's Wonderful Design

Cassie and Caleb Discover God’s Wonderful Design by Susan Hunt and Richie Hunt

By Betsy Farquhar | May 6, 2013

Cassie and Caleb Discover God's Wonderful Design by Susan Hunt and Richie Hunt. Moody, 2013. 96 pages. Reading Level: Devotional, ages 4-8 Susan Hunt and ...

Short Summer-Length Devotionals for Families

By Betsy Farquhar | May 6, 2013

Summer's Just Around the Corner! My family's summer schedule is quite different from our school year schedule. What with travel, fun in the sun, and ...

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 28, 2013

Rock Solid Faith introduces teens to the principles and characters of the Bible in a generally helpful way. Rock Solid Faith Study Bible for Teens. ...

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 3, 2013

The Deep Blue Kids Bible (CEB), 2012, Abingdon Press, 1526 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: no one Bottom Line: The Deep ...

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 3, 2013

*ESV Grow! Bible. Crossway, 2011, 1600 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-12 and up Bottom Line: The ESV Grow! Bible ...

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 3, 2013

NLT Hands-on Bible, Tyndale for Kids, 2010, 1440 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 8-10 Bottom Line: Though it leads off ...

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 3, 2013

*NKJV Early Readers Bible. Thomas Nelson, 2006, 1664 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 8-14 and up Bottom Line: This New ...

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 3, 2013

The One-Year Bible for Children by Gilbert Beers. Tyndale, 2001, 432 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages 6-8 Recommended for: ages 6-8 Bottom Line: Though ...

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 3, 2013

NIV Faithgirlz! Bible. Zonderkidz, 2012, 1504 page. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-12 (especially girls!) Bottom Line: The Faithgirlz! Bible, geared ...

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 3, 2013

*ESV Children’s Bible. Crossway, 2008, 1648 pages. Reading level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10. Recommended for: ages 6-10 Bottom Line: The ESV contains excellent study helps, ...

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 3, 2013

*The HCSB Illustrated Study Bible for Kids. Boardman and Holman, 2007, 1104 pages. Recommended for: ages 7-12. Available in a variety of covers to appeal ...

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 3, 2013

Kids' Devotional Bible, NIrV. Zonderkidz, 2006, 1664 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 6-10 Bottom Line: The Kids' Devotional Bible is ...

Sorting Out the Children’s Bible Market

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 3, 2013

Yesterday’s post addressed the general subject of children’s Bibles and how to evaluate them for the particular needs of each child and family. But all ...

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 3, 2013

*The HCSB Illustrated Study Bible for Kids. Boardman and Holman, 2007, 1104 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-14 Bottom Line: ...

Choosing Your Child’s First REAL Bible: Some Considerations

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 2, 2013

Last Tuesday we looked at a range of new Bible storybooks and early reader “Bibles.” On Friday, we picked our way through the field of ...

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 29, 2013

Warning: Long post, no pictures. Deal! The word is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of ...

Toddling into the Word: First Bible Storybooks and Early-Reader Bibles

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 26, 2013

What could be more appropriate for Holy Week than a survey of children’s Bibles and Bible storybooks? That’s what I foolishly thought, treatment but this ...

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 3, 2013

KJV Kids’ Study Bible. Zonderkidz, 2001. 1600 pages Reading level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 (for study features) Recommended for: ages 8-12 Bottom Line: Child-friendly activities ...

Identity and Revolution, part 2

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 25, 2013

Last week we looked at some YA titles that celebrated the “coming out” of gay and lesbian characters. “Young Adult” has traditionally been the accepted ...

The Roe Effect

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 22, 2013

On Friday I wrote about the treatment of homosexuality in youth literature, a topic I’m not quite done with. We notice more novels that normalize ...

Identity and Revolution, part 1

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 18, 2013

“We will triumph with our tongues. We own our lips—who is our master?” Psalm 12:4 We live in an age where reality can be easily ...

By emily | Jan 14, 2013

THE CHURCH: On to Glory! This is our last part of the yearly study! For those of you who make it this far, congratulations, and ...

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 48

By emily | Dec 31, 2012

THE CHURCH: It’s hard for most of us to think of the church as a “real” family. But it is! And this week we'll read ...

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 47

By emily | Dec 16, 2012

THE CHURCH: By Faith Alone If the long history of mankind's failure to keep God's law, from Adam to us, were not enough to prove ...

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 46

By emily | Dec 3, 2012

THE CHURCH: Christ the Center We've moved now from Acts to the Epistles, and this week we'll talk about how Paul, Peter and the other ...

O Come, Emmanuel

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 30, 2012

Every year advent takes me by surprise--otherwise I would have posted this last week! Family advent readers come down from the shelves this time of ...

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 45

By emily | Nov 26, 2012

THE CHURCH: To the uttermost ends of the earth Again, the gospel finds fertile ground as it spread through all the earth! Study Guides: pdf. ...

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 44

By emily | Nov 19, 2012

THE CHURCH: To the Gentiles The gospel, now spreading out of Jerusalem and into Samaria, is now extended even further--from Jews to Gentiles. Great news ...

By emily | Nov 12, 2012

THE CHURCH: From Jerusalem to Samaria Now that the Holy Spirit is directing their hearts and minds, early Christians spread the gospel from Jerusalem and ...

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 42

By emily | Nov 4, 2012

THE CHURCH: Resurrection and Pentecost Study Guides: pdf. download, Sorry guys...this will return next week! pdf. download, Ages 9-13, Week 42 Make-Your-Own-Story-Bible Resources: .pdf download: ...

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 41

By emily | Oct 28, 2012

MESSIAH: The Lamb of God ?By the end of the week, the worst thing that they could ever imagine had happened. And they were right: ...

Quiet Time For Kids – Part Two

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 26, 2012

Last week’s post ran so long I had to cut it short in order to attend to other business. But close readers may remember a ...

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 40

By emily | Oct 21, 2012

MESSIAH: The Last Week ?During Jesus's last week, His enemies finally get the upper hand. It's a week of sorrow and suffering for Jesus--a week ...

Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing: Savoring Sally Lloyd Jones’ New Book

By emily | Oct 20, 2012

This October, the team that brought you The Jesus Storybook Bible released a unique new book, Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing. At 224 pages, ...

Quiet Time for Kids

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 19, 2012

“Thy word have I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin . . .” (Ps. 119:11) More than anything, Christian parents want ...

Shopping for Bible Storybooks

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 17, 2012

In keeping with our home library emphasis this month, most of our readers would probably agree that the first items on our list would be ...

Podcast 20: Sally Lloyd Jones on Kids’ Devotionals

By emily | Oct 16, 2012

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones is a staple among Christian parents these days who want to help introduce kids to the Bible ...

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 39

By emily | Oct 14, 2012

MESSIAH: The Road to Jerusalem ?Life is good for the disciples and the people following Jesus this week. Christ is healing the sick, online raising ...

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 38

By emily | Oct 7, 2012

MESSIAH: Signs and Wonders When Jesus brought the Kingdom of Heaven near, he did more than teach. He healed the sick and raised the dead. ...

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 37

By emily | Sep 30, 2012

MESSIAH: The Kingdom of Heaven ?What is the kingdom of heaven? And what did Christ teach us about it during His earthly ministry? We'll learn ...

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 36

By emily | Sep 23, 2012

THE PROPHETS: Messiah–Jesus’ Baptism and Temptation ?Why was Jesus baptized if he didn't need to be born again? And why did the Devil bother tempting ...

Bible Reading Challenge, Week 35

By emily | Sep 16, 2012

THE PROPHETS: Messiah–Jesus' Birth and Childhood The Messiah is here! Study Guides: pdf. download, use the older version this week for Ages 4-8 (I'm out ...

By emily | Sep 8, 2012

THE PROPHETS: Messiah--The Forerunner In Malachi's book of prophecy, God has fulfilled another promise. He's brought His people back out of Babylonian captivity and into ...

By emily | Aug 26, 2012

THE PROPHETS: Daniel Daniel is the prophet among kings. Rather than speaking to God's people primarily, God sends Daniel to witness to the pagan kings ...

By emily | Aug 22, 2012

Once again, this week Janie and I have the honor of hosting Evan Hughes as our artist-in-residence. We’ve been covering the scope of the entire ...

By emily | Aug 13, 2012

Once again, this week Janie and I have the honor of hosting Evan Hughes as our artist-in-residence. We’ve been covering the scope of the entire ...