June 9, 1999

FAMILY MATTERS:
What do preschoolers need in a Bible?
I am the manager of one of the LifeWay Bookstores. As I try to assist parents, grandparents or teachers who come in looking for a Bible for preschoolers, I find it difficult to help them understand how to select a Bible appropriate for that age. They seem to want to pick an adult-type Bible. Can you offer any help?
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It's encouraging to know that people are interested in starting preschoolers with

KAY TOWERS Program Coodinator LifeWay Fellowship Killeen

exposure to God's word. However, it's important for parents and teachers to understand the age level of the child.
___Some adults refer to a mere Bible storybook as a Bible. It's important to help them know what they are looking for. Many will want to select a book or Bible based on what they like rather then what best meets the needs of the child. I'm thankful for people like you who are committed to helping them make the right selection.
___You might begin by asking them how they intend to use the Bible with the preschooler. Is it just a book to take with them to Sunday School? Is it a book for the child to look at? Or is it a book they will be using with the child? This will at least get them to begin thinking about why they want to purchase the Bible for the preschooler.
___Gail Linam, in a 1995 article titled "Guidelines in Choosing a Bible for Boys and Girls," states:
___ To call a book a Bible, the volume should contain the complete old and new testaments.
___ The Bible should contain an accurate translation of the biblical text.
___ Appropriate illustrations attract the child's attention to the Bible.
___ Realistic illustrations in the Bible underscore the truth of the text.
___ Illustrations in Bibles for preschoolers must be simple, uncluttered and realistic.
___The new preschool Bible "Read to Me Bible 4 Kids," published by LifeWay Christian Resources and scheduled to be available in August, will be a great one to suggest to parents and teachers.
___Selecting a Bible for preschoolers is an important decision. The most significant way for the Bible to be real and become alive for these young learners is to see it as important in the lives of those from whom they learn life's lessons. Pick a Bible that will meet the child's need. Live a Bible-centered life that will set a good model for the child to follow.
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