Can I be honest with you? As a child, the Bible was a little bit intimidating to me although I come from a family of preachers who definitely thumped the Bible without apology. Although I loved words from the time I first began learning them, the Bible had so many of them and quite a few of them were thees and thous and or unfamiliar and hard-to-pronounce names like Zedekiah. In fact, most of what I remember about learning about the Bible had to do with cartoon movies about parables that were shown to the children in my church and school. I especially loved learning about “The Pearl of Great Price” because the pearl used in the cartoon glistened so. But reading the actual Bible itself wasn’t as much fun or even understandable unfortunately.
That’s why when I was offered an opportunity to review Zondervan’s NIrV, The Illustrated Holy Bible for Kids, I had do so. And I received a copy of this new Bible for free as I’m a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid. Below are book details about the NIrV, The Illustrated Holy Bible for Kids followed by my review:
NIrV, The Illustrated Holy Bible for Kids is a brand-new kind of Bible that allows kids ages 4–8 to read the full Bible without chapter and verse numbers and footnotes—study aids that are helpful for adults but can be very distracting for kids. This Bible presents the story of God’s people in a single column format with an extremely readable font. With nearly every turn of the page, children will encounter full-color illustrations and kid-friendly maps that illuminate the Bible story. For children who want to read on their own or with an adult nearby, this is the perfect first full-text Bible for kids who appreciate the power of story and of God’s Word.
Features of the NIrV, The Illustrated Holy Bible for Kids include:
Bonus full-color double-sided poster
Over 750 full-color illustrations throughout
Full-color, child-friendly maps
Single-column text
Easy-to-read Comfort Print® font
The complete text of the New International Readers’ Version (NIrV) of the Bible, created at a third-grade reading level just for developing readers
Vibrant and engaging cover
First of all, I appreciate that this Bible is written in language that is easy for children to understand. (Actual verse numbers for each verse are not included but that did not bother me as the message is more important than the verse number.) For example, “The Pearl of Great Price,” which is in Matthew 13, is referred to as “The Stories of the Hidden Treasure and The Pearl” and the illustration of the pearl does not disappoint. It is large and luminous, making the text more approachable. I also appreciate how the people of the Bible are depicted in this version. Without getting into a debate about how different Bible greats looked, we all know that many people have been depicted as white throughout history when that was highly unlikely given where Biblical times unfolded. In this version, Adam and Eve as well as Jesus are people of color. (Adam and Eve are a bit darker than Jesus in this version.)
Additionally, people of every race are depicted in this version which will communicate to children that every ethnicity is valuable in the eyes of God as we were all created by Him. For example, the angels illustrated to depict Isaiah 6 show a brown angel, a black angel and a white angel. See how “The Ten Commandments” are illustrated below.
I also appreciate how the wisdom of the Bible is depicted in this version. For example, as a child, I learned how not to brag on myself from Proverbs 27:2. (I have to remember this when I “humble brag” on Facebook. LOL) In the KJV version, it reads like so, “Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.” In this version, it reads, “Let another person praise you and not your own mouth.” And next to this verse is an illustration of a young girl surrounded by quotes of accolades given by other people – “She’s kind,” “She has an A+,” and “She’s a fast runner.” This illustration perfectly captures the verse and makes it understandable for children.
Also, I’m a tactile person so I love the smooth feel of the pages. In fact, the feel of magazines versus newspapers was one reason why I preferred reading magazines over newspapers and subsequently majored in magazine journalism in college! This Bible is so well done that I’m considering keeping it for myself when I originally intended to give to my 11-year-old niece! LOL. Just kidding. Don’t tell her, but this Bible will be one of her Christmas gifts from Auntie Jackie this year.
In honor of mothers on Mother’s Day, I want to introduce you to 12-year-old Alena Pitts and her mother Wynter Pitts who co-wrote the new book Hello Stars, the first book in the Lena in the Spotlight series from Faithgirlz! Below is the synopsis of the book.
Young Lena Daniels never thought she’d get the chance star in a movie. Headstrong and determined, she has her life planned out to the minute. But when her best friends, Savannah and Emma, tell her about an audition for a part co-starring her favorite singer, she knows there’s nothing else in the world she’d rather do. And now that she’s gotten her wish, Lena finds that being in the spotlight is harder than it sounds. She got everything she never wanted! Her face turns up everywhere she goes, and everything in her life is flipped upside down. Lena wonders if this is a dream come true or a horrible nightmare. Even a visit from her best friends during filming turns into a disaster. With her little sisters—Ansley, Ashton, and Amber—and her mischievous pup, Austin, constantly at her side, Lena must face the challenges of everyday life while chasing her dreams of being a model and actress on the big screen. Lena tackles tough choices, learns the value of perseverance, and keeps her hopes high. She knows her faith and family will keep her feet on the ground and her eyes on the stars.
As an author for Faithgirlz, which is offered through Zonderkidz, the children’s division of Zondervan, Alena is the youngest, African-American female author with a major book publisher! You may already be familiar with Alena, who portrayed Danielle Jordan in the 2015 hit film War Room! Below is my interview with Alena & her mother Wynter…
1. How does it feel to be the youngest, African- American female author to be represented by a major book publisher?
Alena: Kind of surreal still. Like it hasn’t really hit me. So it’s crazy. I’m just grateful that it happened to me! And then I’m like, ‘Thank you God!’
And how did you get a book deal for Hello Stars?
Alena: So, my mom was like, ‘Hey Alena, do you want to write a book together?’ I was like, ‘Sure.’ My mom was like, ‘That would be so fun!’ I really didn’t think that was going to happen, but she was like, ‘Let’s just pray about it.’ So I prayed about it not really expecting anything to happen. So like two weeks later, we got an e-mail from Zondervan asking if we wanted to write a book for them. So I was like, ‘Wow, this must be God’s plan!’ (Laughter)
Wynter: It literally happened just like that! It was just this random thought I had one day, and I just looked at her and said, ‘It would be so fun if we wrote a book together.’ And that was it. And then, a few weeks later, we got an e-mail from Faithgirlz saying they wanted to talk to us about the project. It was so bizarre. Because of my ministry with girls, I had done some Faithgirlz product giveaways and helped them promote some things so I had a relationship with the publicist there. Since then, I found out the publicist mentioned our names to their team over the last year or so, but I didn’t know anyone else on the team!
2. I understand that Lena’s story is based on what has happened in your life as you starred in War Room.
Alena: Well, the book is about Lena Daniels, and my nickname is Lena. That was where I got her name from. And the book was about how she wanted to be in control, and she had her whole life planned out until God was like, ‘No, you’re going to be in a movie and then, you’re going to do this for me. And none of this stuff you have planned for yourself is going to happen.’ And she was like, ‘Wow, I can’t be in control.’ But she found out over time that going with God’s plan is way better than anything she ever dreamed of and that’s kind of like my life.
I had my whole life planned out, my job and what I wanted to do when I grow up. But then I got an audition for a movie. And I was like, ‘Wow, this is crazy!’ And I had to learn to give it all to God! And let Him be in control. So the story line is based on my entire life. And a lot of the funny things that happen in the story are actually real.
So you had your whole life planned out already at 12 years old?
Alena: Yes. My original plan was to do a couple of things. One of my plans was to go to law school and become a lawyer because I love to debate and stuff. But then I figured out how long law school was! Then I was like, ‘Nah!’ Then, I was like, I guess I will be a singer and learn to play some instruments. I still kind of pursue that. But another part of me was like I want to be a professional volleyball player which I still want to do. But based on my life, anything is possible, and you don’t have to stick with one thing your entire life. That’s really boring.
3. So Hello Stars is just the first book in the Lena in the Spotlight series. What can your readers expect in the future books in the series?
Alena: Expect more surprises, more plot twists.
Wynter: Lena continues to grow in her faith and in learning to let go of her plans.
Alena: Yeah because she doesn’t fully learn to let go in the first book! So she goes along on that journey in all three books.
4. You portrayed Danielle Jordan in War Room? How did you get to audition for that role?
Alena: My aunt [Priscilla C. Shirer] was one of the main characters in the movie, and she asked me if if I wanted to audition because they were looking for a little girl to play the part of Danielle. I was like, ‘Sure, I would love to do that.’ But I really didn’t think I would get it. But I kept auditioning and auditioning, and it came down to me and this other little girl. I was like, ‘Wow, this could actually be real. This could actually be what I do in the future.’ I just kept praying about it, and I got a call and I was asked to be in the movie. I was like, ‘Goodness. Sure!’
5. What was it like being on set every day with the Kendrick Brothers, a the Christian brothers who produced the film?
Alena: I like to say it was like church. In the morning, we had prayers. It was different than a normal movie set. And it was a lot better than a normal movie set. And then throughout the day, we would stop and pray if something went wrong. And it was really fun because there were a lot of kids there who were a part of the movie like the double-dutchers.
(Check out behind-the-scenes footage of the double-dutch scenes from “War Room” below)
Where was War Room filmed?
Alena: It was filmed in Charlotte, North Carolina.
And now you want to be an actress?
Alena: I wouldn’t say that. But like I was saying before, if another opportunity comes up, I would definitely say yes to something I felt had God had for me. But I wouldn’t say I would be an actress for the rest of my life.
Wynter: I just encourage her and tell her that when God lays things on her heart or brings things to her just like auditioning for “War Room” to just say yes to it. Even in writing the book. I want her to say yes to the opportunities that God brings her way.
6. As a co-writer for Hello Stars, how did you contribute to the book?
Wynter: Well, Alena would write the outline and the plot, and she would sent it to me. And then I would help to stretch it out. I would add words and make the story longer.
7. Other than the book Hello Stars, is there something from the War Room experience that the both of you took away that stays with you today.
Wynter: For me, just the whole point of the movie is that prayer works. And not just saying, ‘Lord, give me this, give me that.’ But when we have a heart that really wants to serve God and wants to see Him glorified in our lives, when we commit that to prayer, He is able to do amazing things!
Alena: Yes, prayer works and prayer is possible. When I was younger, before the movie, I really didn’t think prayer was something for me. I thought it was for older people because they always had testimonies about everything that happened. But I never heard a little kid talk about the power of prayer so I was like, ‘Yeah, that’s not for me yet.’ I will wait until I get older. But then during the movie, I started to pray, and I was like, ‘Wow, this is something that happens for everyone.’ God doesn’t just listen to older people. I like to say that God’s favorite people are little kids! And I will keep saying that until I get older. (Laughter)
Below is a video of Wynter and her daughter Alena talking about Hello Stars.
About the Author: Alena Pitts is a young actress and model from Dallas, Texas. As the oldest of four girls, Alena first cut her teeth in acting through making home videos and dramas with her sisters, using their entire home as their recording studio. She has a natural love for all things creative which falls right in line with her gifts and talents. The Kendrick Brothers’ War Room marks Alena’s professional acting debut. With only school theater on her young resume, Alena jumped at a chance to audition for the role of Danielle Jordan. In addition to school and acting, Alena models and is a frequent contributor for the magazine For Girls Like You.
About the Co-Author: Wynter Pitts is the founder of For Girls Like You magazine and the author of For Girls Like You: A Devotional for Tweens and You’re God’s Girl. The mother of four girls, Wynter’s mission is to empower and equip girls to walk boldly into becoming who God has created them to be and to provide parents with the resources and support needed to raise strong Christ followers. In addition to publishing the quarterly magazine, Wynter is a frequent blogger, a contributor for LifeWay’s ParentLifeMagazine, and a public speaker. She is also the niece of Dr. Tony Evans. Wynter, her husband, Jonathan, and their four daughters (ages 6-12), reside in Dallas, Texas.
Thanks to Alena and Wynter, I’m giving away a free copy of Hello Stars to the first person who emails the answers to these questions: What star from a ’80s to ’90s sitcom starred in a Kendrick Brothers film? What was the name of the sitcom? And what was the name of the film? Email your answer to me at jacqueline@afterthealtarcall.com.
Zondervan & Biblica Continue to Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the commissioning of the World’s Most Read Modern-English Bible...
Hello World,
My love affair with my Bible started like a lot of things in my life: I liked a boy. That was nothing new. In my past, I had liked a lot of boys. But what was new: this boy was a Christian. And he wasn’t just a Christian. He was a Bible-reading Christian. So even though I grew up with a pastor father, I started reading an NIV Bible (the most user friendly Bible in my opinion) in earnest because of a Christian, Bible-reading boy I liked. Of course, I thought he was made for me. One of the first scriptures I came across was Psalm 37:4. “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” I was so excited because I thought it meant that this Christian boy and I would definitely be together because he was one of the “desires of my heart.” I totally ignored the “delight yourself in the Lord” part. The irony of that crush is that although that Christian boy and I were not meant to be, it did ignite my love affair with my NIV Bible, and I eventually learned what that scripture truly means. If you saturate yourself in God, your heart’s desires become godly, and God will satisfy those desires.
I was a new college graduate when I liked that boy, and I couldn’t find a full-time job in my field for roughly two years. And it was rough too. I went on interview after interview to no avail. I temped all over Atlanta. I eventually worked at a law firm, a public relations firm and a record label, but I still wanted to be a journalist. But this verse encouraged me: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'” Jeremiah 29:11. I was elated when I finally got a job as a reporter for a small newspaper, and I was so grateful that I had to be the hardest working reporter there!
As I continued to grow in the Bible and in life, I had more turmoil in my personal life and in my professional life. But with every disappointment, I can honestly say I learned what this scripture, what has come to be my absolute favorite Bible verse, truly means. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”Romans 8:28. All things (good and bad) that I have gone through in my life, God has worked it out for my good!
My NIV Bible is Made for Me!!!
That is why I am excited to share that Zondervan and Biblica are continuing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the commissioning of the world’s most read modern-English Bible, the New International Version (NIV)! As a result, Zondervan and Biblica have partnered on a year-long campaign featuring quarterly themes that recognize the different ways the NIV has impacted the Christian church. This month commences the fourth and final theme of the year: Made for You.
For the past fifty years, the Committee on Bible Translation (CBT) has been continuously refining the NIV to ensure that it is Made for You. The CBT works hard to maintain the virtues that has made the NIV the most read and most trusted English translation in the world: accuracy and readability. To achieve this, the CBT persistently studies the latest biblical scholarship and consults a database of over 4.4 billion words that identifies trends in global English usage. Thanks to the continued work of the CBT, the NIV is the most trusted modern-English Bible in existence, making it ideal for reading, preaching and studying God’s Word.
The NIV is, more than any other translation, the most highly supported translation for study with over 50 Bible commentaries, dozens of reference works, and hundreds of Bible study guides and other resources available. Among these resources is the free NIV 365-Day Devotional Reading Plan, which has reached over 200,000 subscribers since January 2015, providing readers with a new NIV scripture passage and insight every day. The free NIV 50th Anniversary Mobile app launched earlier this year, provides its 50,000+ users with mobile access to the complete NIV text, as well as study notes and daily devotional readings, and much more.In addition, Zondervan recently released the all-new NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible, which has been re-typeset in NIV Comfort Print® font. Not only did that make this Bible more readable, it also reduced the page count by 350 pages!
“Our goal is to give everyone, no matter where they are in life, access to the Bible that is right for them,” said John Kramp, SVP and Bible publisher for HarperCollins Christian Publishing. “There are hundreds of styles and tailored Bibles complete with devotionals and relevant resources specific to women, men, children, new believers, and those going through major life events, such as marriage, recovery, loss or cancer. And to ensure everyone has access to the Bible, there are multiple formats, including dozens of NIV eBooks and NIV mobile apps.”
Below is a video about the “Made for You” theme.
To learn more about the 50th Anniversary campaign and view additional content, visit www.thenivbible.com.
