Flying in on the tailwind of its adult version’s Christian Book of the Year Award, Thomas Nelson releases The Word of Promise: Next Generation New Testament Audio Bible next month.

A joint project between the Nashville publisher and Falcon Picture Group, the audio Bible available in a 20-CD set as well as in MP3 format features a roster of contemporary young acting and producing talent.

Cody Linley, an actor in Hannah Montana and Cheaper by the Dozen, portrays Jesus in the edition, which uses the text of the International Children’s Bible (ICB) translation. Sean Astin, Samwise Gamgee in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, narrates, while Annasophia Robb (Bridge to Terabithia) is Mary Magdalene.

Max Lucado and his daughter, Jenna, voiced the chapter openings, adding context and details about each New Testament book. Dan Lynch, vice president of family entertainment for Thomas Nelson, said the Bible has strong appeal in audio format for tweens because they listen to content more than they read.

“Youth today are into audio, video and gaming,” Lynch said. “We are creating a Bible that will appeal to their media-driven lifestyle.”

Read more in the Sept. 22 issue of Christian Retailing.

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