The Action Bible

Product Information

As long as parents don't neglect teaching the actual Bible, "The Action Bible" is an excellent foundational overview of the Bible that children simply aren't getting any other place, including at church. I'd highly recommend this "Action Bible" for use with elementary aged children instead of children's story books. The Bible is presented in a “narrative” format, rather than a book-by-book adaptation. If you want to introduce your children to the overarching “story” of the Bible, The Action Bible hits it perfectly. However, like most children's storybooks, the stories in "The Action Bible" were only "based on" the Bible. The author always indicated "based on Judges 16:1-20" or whatever verses and, overall, did a good job accurately summarizing the Bible accounts. But the author's interpretation is a part of the text. Those highly familiar with the Bible are likely to come across several places where they won't precisely agree with the wording used--or they'll wish that some point that was omitted or implied was more clearly stated. But, again, that's usually true.

At Voyage Comics & Publishing, we have created the first adaptation of the Book of Jonah in the Old Testament using Lord of the Rings‘ author J.R.R. Tolkien’s original translation as inspiration. ( Learn more about Tolkien’s translation here)Instead of looking at the Bible from a narrative approach, the Word for Word Bible Comic was produced to be more of a “literal” presentation of the Bible. Powerful graphic-novel style illustrations by Sergio Cariello (who has done work for Marvel and DC Comics) and clear storytelling will help kids to engage with God's word. Brazilian artist Sergio Cariello is the main artist for this series and is a veteran in the comic book industry, working for Marvel Comics and DC Comics. The Action Bible" is a comic-book style picture Bible for children ages 5-8, though older children will also enjoy it. I'd personally call this book Biblical fiction rather than "a Bible" since extra-Biblical comments, commentary, and historical information was worked into the book's summary of Biblical events. Also, some Biblical events were left out. Sexual content and gore was largely smoothed over (using euphemism or implication) or skipped entirely.

As a seminary graduate who studied the original languages, I am not closed to new Bible translations. I appreciate a wide variety of Bibles, including the Geneva Bible, King James, NKJV, ESV, NIV, NASB, NLT etc. However, when I do come across a new Bible translation, I evaluate it based on its usability and faithfulness to the original text. Last, I received a copy of The Action Bible Devotional. It stands alone but could also work in tandem with the The Action Bible. The devotional takes 52 Bible stories and provides application and insight for everyday life. They are fun and build up. It’s also not an overwhelming devotional because it’s meant to be used once a week. I can envision using it to jump start our every day family worship because it gives great questions and activities. After each story you’ll have: Videos animate the comic-style graphics of The Action Bible to set weekly themes in motion. With their leader as a coach, preteens discover who God is and who they are in Him. While not a “literal” interpretation of the Bible, it is more concerned about the “ spiritual sense” of Jonah and using it more as an “ allegorical” story to communicate spiritual truths. And, best of all, children really will read this book without prompting by their parents. I'm testing it on two boys (ages 5 & 10). The report for day 1 is that whenever they weren't running around, they were looking at this Bible.I was also very impressed by the vivid, detailed illustrations. The illustrator did an excellent job of correctly showing the character's age, ethnicity, and culture. The illustrations were a lot more accurate than other Children's Bibles I've seen. Similar in concept to the Word for Word Bible Comic, the Catholic Comic Book Bible published by Tan Books (St. Benedict Press), is a “literal” presentation of a few books of the Bible. Currently the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles are available. Our Voyage Blog is devoted to “testing everything” and finding God in popular entertainment, focusing on comics, fantasy and sci-fi. News & Blog Categories

The Action Bible Curriculum is designed with the understanding that preteens are seeking spiritual answers and developing their own value system. Preteens will explore Scripture, ask questions, build relationships and connect timeless truth to their life today. The book includes mentions of Alexander of Macedon and the celebration of Hanukkah as well as the arrival of the Roman Empire in Israel. The Bible was awarded best children’s Bible in 2011 by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) www.christianretailing.com/index.php/... perhaps due to the efforts of award-winning DC and Marvel comic’s illustrator, Sergio Cariello.Doug Mauss, General Editor believes children are the “…next generation of difference-makers.” He wants them to understand Bible stories are about imperfect people, just as you and I are imperfect, yet God used them in spite of their imperfections.