Grand Rapids, Mich., January 30, 2016 — In a nod to the ever-growing pattern of artistic expression through words that carry a visual appeal – Zondervan is introducing the NIV Beautiful Word Bible, in February 2016. 

Featuring 500 illustrated verses and a single-column text format, the NIV Beautiful Word Bible has wide margins and blank spaces to journal or create art while Bible readers reflect on their own Scripture study. 

“Believers are seeking new and authentic ways to engage with God’s Word during their quiet times in a world full of distractions,” says Zondervan John Kramp, Senior Vice President and Bible Publisher for Zondervan. “People have been taking notes, highlighting or underlining passages in their Bibles for a long time. The NIV Beautiful Word Bible gives them ‘permission’ to be even more creative and thought-filled while in church, at home or anywhere they spend time in the Bible. These Bibles will be a treasured keepsake.” 

Pens, colored pencils, watercolor paints, stickers, tape and markers are all able to be used on the high quality, acid-free paper. 

“I’m excited to share my passion to ignite creativity for exploring God’s Word,” said Shanna Noel, owner of Illustrated Faith and lead artist for the Bible. “Bible art journaling is a new form of worship that is seeing amazing growth in believers around the world and I am pleased to partner with Zondervan.” 

With the adult coloring book trend on the upswing, coloring and creating this type of individual artistic expression provides a space to be stress-free and relaxed. As research also indicates, coloring and creating stimulates the brain, senses and creativity. “Combining what we have discovered through these recently-released studies, and our mission to inspire people to engage with the Bible more, we think focusing on select Scripture passages can help consumers retain and recall portions of text that are important or meaningful, while enhancing quiet time,” says Kramp. 

To help launch the new product, Zondervan has produced a free sampler booklet showcasing the features of the new Bible – a practice canvas for Bible art journaling – available to retailers to give away to customers (ISBN 9780310444527). A video featuring the Bible can be found here: https://youtu.be/M9njYLD7A1s

A  20-week long contest will run on the Christian Encouragement for Women Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ChristianEncouragementforWomen) where each weekend through May, a new prize pack of various art supplies will be given away courtesy of Zondervan. A media campaign will also launch featuring interviews, giveaways, shared content and reviews. 

About Illustrated Faith: 
Illustrated Faith (www.illustratedfaith.com) is a creative resources company founded by Shanna Noel. Serving artists and anyone who wants to experience a new form of worship – Bible art journaling – the company began as a blog authored by Shanna and now employees several artists. Shanna lives in Sonoma County with her husband and two daughters. 

About Zondervan:
Zondervan is a world leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications. Zondervan, part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The Company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, Mich. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com. 

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