Features Hundreds of Inspiring Verses in Detailed, Ready-to-Color Line Art

Provides a Unique Way to Experience God's Word

Contact: Trinity McFadden, 616-698-3514, trinity.mcfadden@harpercollins.com

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Sept. 1, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- In February 2016, Zondervan released the NIV Beautiful Word™ Bible, which features full-color art and blank space for journaling. Zondervan is now releasing the NIV Beautiful Word™ Coloring Bible (on sale Sept. 6).

Melinda Bouma, Associate Publisher, Zondervan Bible Group, says, "Developing the NIV Beautiful Word™ Coloring Bible was a natural next-step from our full-color edition, the NIV Beautiful Word™ Bible."

"We were the first to launch a Bible that paired Bible art journaling with Scripture text, and it has helped thousands of women create a fresh experience with God's Word by opening their eyes to a new expression of worship," Bouma continues. "It became clear to us that many women would want a coloring edition as another option, because not everyone feels equipped to create journaling art themselves."

The NIV Beautiful Word™ Coloring Bible has the same artistic style and intentional focus on God's Word as the NIV Beautiful Word™ Bible, but it has hundreds of inspiring verses illustrated in detailed, black and white art ready for readers to color. The artwork is intentionally kept separate from the Bible text so as to enhance the Word of God, not compete with it.

The NIV Beautiful Word™ Coloring Bible's thick white paper allows colored pencils, ink pens, oil-based pens, and more to keep their true color against the page while minimizing see-through. It also features lightly ruled lines in the extra-wide margins, providing ample space for artistic expressions and journaling; easy-to-read black letter text in a single-column format; a ribbon marker; and it lays flat in one's hand or on a desk. The NIV Beautiful Word™ Coloring Bible is a perfect gift that will become a cherished keepsake full of personalized creative expressions of faith.

Adult coloring has been proven to have stress-relieving benefits and to stimulate otherwise neglected parts of our minds. It also can help help the brain explore and meditate on complex ideas, encouraging deeper comprehension. The popularity of adult coloring has soared, with an estimated 12 million adult coloring books sold in the United States in 2015, according to The Washington Post (wapo.st/1NiAfai).

"By coloring in words directly from Scripture, it will help women to spend significant time focusing on Scripture text," says Bouma. "It's a wonderful Bible using a creative tool to enhance Bible memorization!"

To access sample coloring pages, great tips for journaling in your Bible, and a free 7-day reading plan and free practice canvas, visit www.BeautifulWordBible.com.

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.

Contact: Trinity McFadden, trinity.mcfadden@harpercollins.com