Midweek: The Sketchbook Bible, NKJV

I was intrigued. When I received the offer from the folks at Thomas Nelson to peruse a free copy of The Sketchbook Bible, I could not resist. I was expecting lots of blank pages on which to sketch, much in the same way others journal. That is not what this is. In fact, as lovely as this Bible is, The Sketchbook Bible is something of a misnomer. The group of teens I asked to assist me with my review concur; this is more of a "Coloring Bible." Full of sketches drawn by artist, Paul Mignard, it would make a wonderful gift for those who enjoy coloring as well as those who are seeking to literally make the Scriptures personal. The Sketchbook Bible provides the opportunity for the reader to personalize their Bible in a way that is unique. 

Let's first dispense with the specifics. From the protective sleeve in which my copy arrived: 

FEATURES INCLUDE:

• Over 275 line-art illustrations by Paul Mignard (@sketchysermons) including:
• 150 biblical figures such as Adam and Eve, Abraham, Moses, Ruth, Hannah, and more
• 30 items including swords, chariots, foods, and items from the Temple
• 25 key verses across Scripture
• 25 biblical metaphors, such as shepherd, scroll, the fruit of the Spirit, and vineyard
• 20 animals found in the Bible
• 12 biblical structures
• 12 visual summaries of key books of Scripture
• 7 two-page spreads of Bible art
• Hand-drawn book titles designed by Paul Mignard
• Embellishments and landscape imagery scattered throughout the Scriptures
• Short introductions for every book of the Bible
• Complete index of illustrations
• Clear and readable 9.5-point NKJV Comfort Print®

My copy came in teal Leathersoft™ with a silver satin bookmark that complements the silver stamping on the cover and spine. The Sketchbook Bible is covered by Thomas Nelson's lifetime guarantee. This is a red-letter edition. The front matter is typical --a presentation page, Table of Contents, a word about The Sketchbook Bible, and an introductory explanation of the New King James Version, the translation which will be available in a hardcover edition on May 12, 2026. The back matter contains an index of the illustrations, a few pages for notetaking, and full-color maps.

The artist, Paul Mignard, is an illustrator and web developer. He maintains the popular "Sketchy Sermons" social media account. Those facts, too, are from the sleeve as I was not at all familiar with his work. But there are illustrations in this Bible that I would gladly, eagerly color, and others I would want to leave just as they are. For instance, Mignard's rendering of biblical feasts is so beautifully done, so full of content, it's difficult to resist coloring the page right now (but, as I'll be passing this on, I probably shouldn't). His depiction of Ezekiel 37:4-6, the dry bones, says all it needs to say without a hint of color. 

In short, I would say, if you have passion or talent for drawing, if you have your own concepts and can form your own word pictures, this may not be the Bible for you. If you appreciate the ideas and images of others and would like to link them with your own personal touches, you will probably enjoy this Bible immensely. As I mentioned previously, this might be a great way for someone who is artistically inclined (but, perhaps, not endowed or trained) to make the Scriptures come alive and create a Bible that is uniquely theirs.

It is available for pre-order on Amazon for $35.68, at christianbook.com for $35.58, and at Cokesbury for $35.79.