Capitalizing on the growing popularity of the God's Word Translation, Baker Publishing Group will release next month the God's Word Children's Bible (978-0-801-01339-3, hardcover, $22.99).

The full-text Bible is intended for children who have outgrown Bible storybooks, but who would struggle to read the small type of most Bibles. The 12.5-point type and single-column format makes it easy for children with little reading experience to see the words clearly. To make this Bible even more practical for children ages 6-12, it includes a presentation page as well as Teachings of Jesus and Application indexes.

Another feature of the God's Word Children's Bible is the full-color illustrations of biblical scenes by award-winning illustrator Craig Phillips. Done in the graphic linear style popular among children, the artist's work draws on a broad range of influences—from Japanese wood—block prints to classic book illustrations and contemporary comic book art.

To support the Bible's release, Baker is planning a significant national advertising campaign—targeting evangelical households—that launches next month and runs through Christmas.

Promoted as "Today's Most Readable Bible," the God's Word Translation has received endorsements from Billy Graham, the late D. James Kennedy and many other Christian leaders. The translation combines scholarly fidelity to the original languages with clear, natural English presented on a fourth-grade reading level. Some of the translation’s popular titles include God's Word for Girls, God's Word for Boys and God's Word for Students.

God's Word Translation was first published in 1995 and then re-introduced to the Christian book market in 2003, when it was acquired by Green Key Books. Baker acquired the publishing rights in March 2008.

This fall represents the first season Baker will publish new editions using God's Word Translation. Besides the God's Word Children's Bible, Baker will release four other titles: God's Word Personal Size Giant Print Edition, The Apocrypha, Promises From God's Word and God's Word Outreach Bible.

To order the God’s Word Children's Bible, call Noble Marketing at 800-877-2665, or in Canada, contact David C. Cook Distribution Canada at 800-263-2664.

Brian Vos is director of Bibles and e-commerce for Baker Publishing Group.