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CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible, Large Print Edition, Cream LeatherTouch, Black Letter, Wide Margins, Journaling Space, 600+ Line-Art Illustrations, Single-Column Text, Reading Plan
1424 pages
Published April 15, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 17, 2025
I confess, I had a case of insta-love when my copy of the CSB (Christian Standard Bible) Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible arrived. The Bible’s beige softcover features an elegant flower in the middle and feels smooth to the touch. It arrived in a protective case that I intend to continue using because I know light colors can easily get dirty in my house. It also has that delicious new paper and ink smell that I love. I know that scent will fade in time, but I’ll enjoy it while I can.
Inside the cover, the Bible includes all the expected pages: a gift page, table of contents, notes about this edition, and the Scripture texts of the Old and New Testaments (not the Apocrypha). Additionally, it includes two built-in bookmarks, a daily Bible reading plan, a concordance, and full-color maps. This edition does not include commentaries.
True to its name, each page spread of the CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible holds space on the outer portions for writing notes or coloring in illustrations (pencils, recommended). I can add my thoughts right next to text and color in flowers, fish, or whatever the illustration is. In recent years, I have found great value in slowing down my Bible reading to focus on specific portions. Thinking on a verse while coloring is an effective way for me to meditate on the Scripture. Some of the illustrations are repeated, but not annoyingly often.
The CSB is a good, but not perfect, translation of the ancient texts. This edition includes a two-page explanation of the translators’ mindset and goals when translating this edition. Regarding gender language, this section explains that gender neutral words previously translated as “men” or “man” may be translated as “people” or “someone”. However, the translators did not use gender neutral language if it required restructuring the sentence. I take this to mean that if the original text was referring to “mankind” or “humans”, then the translators used gender neutral pronouns rather than masculine as some earlier translations.
Personally, I doubt any English version of the Holy Scriptures is truly without a single translation error. As I said, I think this version is good. I especially enjoy the beautiful language of the Psalms. I noticed the phrase “faithful love” frequently took the place of “steadfast love” (KJV). Is there any difference in meaning? I’m not sure, but reading “faithful love” over and over in the Psalms emphasized God’s love for me and brought my heart the comfort that comes with being faithfully loved.
The CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible is clearly designed to appeal to women, but if a man enjoys notetaking and coloring as part of his Bible study, this edition would certainly be suitable. I like this Bible very much. Five stars!
Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.
Inside the cover, the Bible includes all the expected pages: a gift page, table of contents, notes about this edition, and the Scripture texts of the Old and New Testaments (not the Apocrypha). Additionally, it includes two built-in bookmarks, a daily Bible reading plan, a concordance, and full-color maps. This edition does not include commentaries.
True to its name, each page spread of the CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible holds space on the outer portions for writing notes or coloring in illustrations (pencils, recommended). I can add my thoughts right next to text and color in flowers, fish, or whatever the illustration is. In recent years, I have found great value in slowing down my Bible reading to focus on specific portions. Thinking on a verse while coloring is an effective way for me to meditate on the Scripture. Some of the illustrations are repeated, but not annoyingly often.
The CSB is a good, but not perfect, translation of the ancient texts. This edition includes a two-page explanation of the translators’ mindset and goals when translating this edition. Regarding gender language, this section explains that gender neutral words previously translated as “men” or “man” may be translated as “people” or “someone”. However, the translators did not use gender neutral language if it required restructuring the sentence. I take this to mean that if the original text was referring to “mankind” or “humans”, then the translators used gender neutral pronouns rather than masculine as some earlier translations.
Personally, I doubt any English version of the Holy Scriptures is truly without a single translation error. As I said, I think this version is good. I especially enjoy the beautiful language of the Psalms. I noticed the phrase “faithful love” frequently took the place of “steadfast love” (KJV). Is there any difference in meaning? I’m not sure, but reading “faithful love” over and over in the Psalms emphasized God’s love for me and brought my heart the comfort that comes with being faithfully loved.
The CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible is clearly designed to appeal to women, but if a man enjoys notetaking and coloring as part of his Bible study, this edition would certainly be suitable. I like this Bible very much. Five stars!
Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.
April 16, 2025
The first thing I noticed about this CSB “Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible” was the beautiful box cover. I was also surprised by how huge and heavy this Bible was too.
When I took this Bible out of its box cover, I smiled as I felt the smooth, soft leather texture of the front cover, spine and back cover. I like its pretty golden tan color and thought the budding flower imprint in the front cover was lovely and inviting. This all made me want to open this Bible and read it. So, I did, and this is what I discovered:
The interior design has an artsy flair with a flourish of flowers and leaves that decorate the borders of most pages in this sacred book. These designs are simple and open outline inviting the reader to grab some colored pencils and fill in each design to your liking and imagination.
I like how each design on the borders of each book in this Bible align with the Scripture on each page. For example: On page 1 in Genesis there is an outline of the sun, moon, stars, trees, birds, butterflies and a rabbit to support the Creation Story. It is a beautiful feature that also begs the reader to color in each outlined creation.
These beautiful designs do not border every page of this Bible. There are some pages that simply have college rules lines for us to write on. It is a great way to journal your thoughts as you read the Scripture.
There are also Bible verses that are outlined in colorless enlarged texts on the border of some pages that invite you to not only color in those letters but to go deeper in memorizing Scripture. My favorite example of this is on page 1205 which highlights Romans 8:11. The outlined text is artistic with an elegant font that flows down the page.
After the book of Revelation, there is a page that lists a Daily Bible Reading Plan. It looks very comprehensive and not complicated. It seems easy to follow and like you could spend a solid hour with God reading His Word every day as noted.
I found the CSB Concordance at the end to be very helpful and detail-oriented. After that, the final few pages of this Bible contain colorful but dull maps of the Middle East and Northern Africa which is where these Bible stories from Genesis to Revelation took place. I appreciated this informative feature.
Every detail about this Bible was inviting and encouraging me to find a quiet place and read God’s Word more intently. You don’t have to be an artist to appreciate this unique packaging. I think that this design encourages every reader—young and old—to get to know the Author (God) and their Savior (Jesus Christ) as they allow His Holy Spirit to teach the Biblical truths, impart life lessons, give good advice, bestow wisdom, find faith and share hope for our world today that is all found in this beautiful book. It is such a good read that we all need!
Disclosure: Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.
When I took this Bible out of its box cover, I smiled as I felt the smooth, soft leather texture of the front cover, spine and back cover. I like its pretty golden tan color and thought the budding flower imprint in the front cover was lovely and inviting. This all made me want to open this Bible and read it. So, I did, and this is what I discovered:
The interior design has an artsy flair with a flourish of flowers and leaves that decorate the borders of most pages in this sacred book. These designs are simple and open outline inviting the reader to grab some colored pencils and fill in each design to your liking and imagination.
I like how each design on the borders of each book in this Bible align with the Scripture on each page. For example: On page 1 in Genesis there is an outline of the sun, moon, stars, trees, birds, butterflies and a rabbit to support the Creation Story. It is a beautiful feature that also begs the reader to color in each outlined creation.
These beautiful designs do not border every page of this Bible. There are some pages that simply have college rules lines for us to write on. It is a great way to journal your thoughts as you read the Scripture.
There are also Bible verses that are outlined in colorless enlarged texts on the border of some pages that invite you to not only color in those letters but to go deeper in memorizing Scripture. My favorite example of this is on page 1205 which highlights Romans 8:11. The outlined text is artistic with an elegant font that flows down the page.
After the book of Revelation, there is a page that lists a Daily Bible Reading Plan. It looks very comprehensive and not complicated. It seems easy to follow and like you could spend a solid hour with God reading His Word every day as noted.
I found the CSB Concordance at the end to be very helpful and detail-oriented. After that, the final few pages of this Bible contain colorful but dull maps of the Middle East and Northern Africa which is where these Bible stories from Genesis to Revelation took place. I appreciated this informative feature.
Every detail about this Bible was inviting and encouraging me to find a quiet place and read God’s Word more intently. You don’t have to be an artist to appreciate this unique packaging. I think that this design encourages every reader—young and old—to get to know the Author (God) and their Savior (Jesus Christ) as they allow His Holy Spirit to teach the Biblical truths, impart life lessons, give good advice, bestow wisdom, find faith and share hope for our world today that is all found in this beautiful book. It is such a good read that we all need!
Disclosure: Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.
April 15, 2025
Not being a Biblical scholar, I will simply address the physical attributes of this beautifully presented copy of the Word of God. The binding is sturdy with flexibility that affords ease of use by nicely laying flat on desk or tabletop. Paper is adequate to prevent much visual bleed through of text from reverse side. Type font is easy-to-read for most readers. Visually impaired who need really large print will still struggle to read it, though. As a senior-adult, I find it quite adequate. The single column style seems to accommodate the marginal illustrator and notetaker space. Some publications overly long column lines can prove difficult to follow, but this CSB Illustrator's Notetaker Bible hits a good median between two-column width and an overly-wide single column. The concordance in the back is adequate and easy to use. Providing a simple reference and research tool for Bible study. I always love looking at maps in the Bible to find where the events actually took place. Perhaps this goes back to my childhood days and love of geography class. The one-year-reading plan affords guidance for those who like to stick with directed reading. The look and feel of this Bible is top grade and would be a treasure to gift someone or to obtain for your own personal use. It is perfect for those who want to put a few of their own notes alongside the text so they can treasure moments of personal revelation they experience in their reading of God's Word. The CSB is a widely used and respected version of the Bible. My preferred version is the old King James Version, but I am always happy to encourage the reading of God's Word in versions that present Him in Truth. I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone.
April 16, 2025
Beautiful CSB journaling Bible, great for study and meditation on God's word.
Thoughtfully constructed with a beautiful cream LeatherTouch cover, and a Smythe sewn binding that helps it lay flat. The single column 9.5 size text is easy to read, and each page has a 2-inch margin for journaling, notetaking, sometimes it includes artwork that can be colored to go along with the Scripture. The artwork ranges from designs in nature, to verses, and other images. This is a great Bible for at home study, great for really taking your time and spending time in God's word with, as it is a little heavier, and with bigger dimensions than your average Bible, so admittedly not the easiest to have with you on the go or take with to church or study.
It has all the basics and then some, with full-color maps, a one-year reading plan, Concordance, two ribbon markers, subject headings. This is a gorgeous Bible and would make an amazing gift for yourself or a loved one. I really enjoyed taking time to linger over the Word of God, while coloring the artwork in the margins, a quality set of colored pencils works the best in my experience. It has so much room for recording answers to prayer, insights, and more, that are sure to make this an heirloom in the years to come!
#IllustratorsNotetakingMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork @christianstandardbible @bhpub #illustratorsnotetaking #csb #holmanbibles
Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.
Thoughtfully constructed with a beautiful cream LeatherTouch cover, and a Smythe sewn binding that helps it lay flat. The single column 9.5 size text is easy to read, and each page has a 2-inch margin for journaling, notetaking, sometimes it includes artwork that can be colored to go along with the Scripture. The artwork ranges from designs in nature, to verses, and other images. This is a great Bible for at home study, great for really taking your time and spending time in God's word with, as it is a little heavier, and with bigger dimensions than your average Bible, so admittedly not the easiest to have with you on the go or take with to church or study.
It has all the basics and then some, with full-color maps, a one-year reading plan, Concordance, two ribbon markers, subject headings. This is a gorgeous Bible and would make an amazing gift for yourself or a loved one. I really enjoyed taking time to linger over the Word of God, while coloring the artwork in the margins, a quality set of colored pencils works the best in my experience. It has so much room for recording answers to prayer, insights, and more, that are sure to make this an heirloom in the years to come!
#IllustratorsNotetakingMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork @christianstandardbible @bhpub #illustratorsnotetaking #csb #holmanbibles
Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.
April 17, 2025
A 2025 Fav♡rite
The CSB Illustrated Notetaking Bible is a stunning cream-colored Leathertouch Bible featuring a beautiful floral design on the cover. It also has lovely designs on interior pages for those who enjoy coloring and has ample journaling margins for notetaking.
The CSB version is easily readable with more modern language than some other versions. While I personally enjoy the poetic language of the KJV, this version is a good choice for those who find it difficult to understand or follow.
I really appreciate the single column format, which provides ample space for journaling or notetaking in the margins. I also like that it offers a one-year reading plan, which I commit to each year. Although this Bible is fairly large, and not ideal for on-the-go or traveling, it is perfect for home reading, studying, and journaling. With two attached satin ribbon markers, it is easy to keep my place during my read-through-the-Bible-in-a-year plan, as well as keeping place with my studies or more casual reading. It also features a lay-flat design, color maps, easy-to-read large font, and a presentation page for gift-giving.
Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of this product for review. Opinions are 100% my own.
The CSB Illustrated Notetaking Bible is a stunning cream-colored Leathertouch Bible featuring a beautiful floral design on the cover. It also has lovely designs on interior pages for those who enjoy coloring and has ample journaling margins for notetaking.
The CSB version is easily readable with more modern language than some other versions. While I personally enjoy the poetic language of the KJV, this version is a good choice for those who find it difficult to understand or follow.
I really appreciate the single column format, which provides ample space for journaling or notetaking in the margins. I also like that it offers a one-year reading plan, which I commit to each year. Although this Bible is fairly large, and not ideal for on-the-go or traveling, it is perfect for home reading, studying, and journaling. With two attached satin ribbon markers, it is easy to keep my place during my read-through-the-Bible-in-a-year plan, as well as keeping place with my studies or more casual reading. It also features a lay-flat design, color maps, easy-to-read large font, and a presentation page for gift-giving.
Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of this product for review. Opinions are 100% my own.
April 16, 2025
When I received my own copy of the CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible, Large Print Edition, I was excited to open it up to look inside. This beige, soft, leathertouch cover Bible is a nice size. It measures at about 7-1/2 by 9-3/4 inches. The larger font size was nice for me not having to squint to read the text. Every page includes lines for notetaking, or a picture to color one. Since the pages are thinner, I do advise to use crayons and / or colored pencils to prevent bleed through from markers. At the end of the Bible, there are several usable features, such as: Daily Bible Reading Plan checklist, CSB Concordance, and Biblical maps.
CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible, Large Print Edition deserves five stars. I highly recommend it for those who love the art, drawing, taking notes, God and the Bible.
I received a link to view the CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible, Large Print Edition from Lifeway Christian Resources, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible, Large Print Edition deserves five stars. I highly recommend it for those who love the art, drawing, taking notes, God and the Bible.
I received a link to view the CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible, Large Print Edition from Lifeway Christian Resources, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
April 16, 2025
This Bible is extremely appealing! The soft cover provides ease in laying it flat; the font is easy to read, and illustrations are featured on almost every page. Wide margins allow ample space for making notes, the illustrations and line art encourage artistic endeavors, and there are two pretty bookmarks!
This CSB Illustrator's Notetaking Bible has several useful tools that make Bible study easier, including a table of contents, concordance, colored maps, and a one-year reading plan. My one objection is that the words of Jesus aren't denoted by red print!
This beautiful Bible is a treasure to keep, but it would also be a perfect gift.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.
#IllustratorsNotetakingMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork @christianstandardbible @bhpub #illustratorsnotetaking #csb #holmanbibles
This CSB Illustrator's Notetaking Bible has several useful tools that make Bible study easier, including a table of contents, concordance, colored maps, and a one-year reading plan. My one objection is that the words of Jesus aren't denoted by red print!
This beautiful Bible is a treasure to keep, but it would also be a perfect gift.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.
#IllustratorsNotetakingMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork @christianstandardbible @bhpub #illustratorsnotetaking #csb #holmanbibles
April 16, 2025
The Bible arrived in a beautiful protective box to protect it. When I pulled it out, I noticed how soft leather like the cover feels.
What I like about this Bible is the soft cover, wide journaling margins (great for note-taking) and line-art illustrations on every page spread! If you are a creative person and like to write and doodle/illustrate in your Bible as you are reading and/or listening to a sermon, this is a perfect edition, especially for us creative types! I wouldn’t consider myself creative, but I do like to take notes and doodle while I listen. I also showed this to my daughter, who is very creative, and she wants to have this as her own! So I don’t know which one of us is going to end up using it!? May have to each have our own!
If you are looking for a gift for someone. This is perfect timing as this is being released before Easter, so you can gift this to someone or yourself!
What I like about this Bible is the soft cover, wide journaling margins (great for note-taking) and line-art illustrations on every page spread! If you are a creative person and like to write and doodle/illustrate in your Bible as you are reading and/or listening to a sermon, this is a perfect edition, especially for us creative types! I wouldn’t consider myself creative, but I do like to take notes and doodle while I listen. I also showed this to my daughter, who is very creative, and she wants to have this as her own! So I don’t know which one of us is going to end up using it!? May have to each have our own!
If you are looking for a gift for someone. This is perfect timing as this is being released before Easter, so you can gift this to someone or yourself!
April 17, 2025
PLEASE READ THIS REVIEW ON MY BLOG: https://bookreadingtic.com/2025/04/15... AND PLEASE FOLLOW ME, THANK YOU. THERE IS A GIVEAWAY OF THIS BIBLE UNTIL 4/21/25
A Great Illustrated Bible
This is a beautiful Bible that has wide margins for both your notetaking and drawing. Additionally, there are some illustrations ready for you to add color or any other creative additions.
This is a substantial Bible. It has two ribbon markers; the cover has a wonderful feel to it called LeatherTouch. It has an easy-to-read font, maps in the back, a nice concordance, and many other features.
This is a lovely Bible to have anytime, but it is wonderful during the Easter season to get a new copy of God’s word that has plenty of room for notes, illustrations, or anything else that comes to mind.
I was provided with the Bible to review.
A Great Illustrated Bible
This is a beautiful Bible that has wide margins for both your notetaking and drawing. Additionally, there are some illustrations ready for you to add color or any other creative additions.
This is a substantial Bible. It has two ribbon markers; the cover has a wonderful feel to it called LeatherTouch. It has an easy-to-read font, maps in the back, a nice concordance, and many other features.
This is a lovely Bible to have anytime, but it is wonderful during the Easter season to get a new copy of God’s word that has plenty of room for notes, illustrations, or anything else that comes to mind.
I was provided with the Bible to review.
April 17, 2025
WOW, this Bible is BEAUTIFUL from Cover to Cover. I will admit that I am not normally one who likes to write or draw in a Bible, but I will be doing so now. The CSB Illustrator's Notetaking Bible has wide margins for Notetaking and/or Drawing. I was in AWE at the Large Print and how wide the margins are. I feel every aspect of the Bible is encouraging one to get in the Word daily in so many ways.
The Leather Touch and Binding is durable and strong. The Large Print of the Bible still leaves so much room for writing down Scripture or other thoughts as you read the Bible. I HIGHLY recommend this Bible to anyone who enjoys the Journaling, Art, and Notetaking while reading the Bible! AMAZING Bible!
The Leather Touch and Binding is durable and strong. The Large Print of the Bible still leaves so much room for writing down Scripture or other thoughts as you read the Bible. I HIGHLY recommend this Bible to anyone who enjoys the Journaling, Art, and Notetaking while reading the Bible! AMAZING Bible!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews