Monday, February 19, 2007

The Jesus Storybook Bible

In Sally Lloyd-Jones' unique, kid-friendly style, The Jesus Storybook Bible tells 43 Bible stories from the book of Genesis through Revelation. But this book is more than a mere collection of Bible stories. Each story in some way relates to Jesus and who he is, giving children the big picture of what God is all about and how he planned for Jesus all along.

Here is an excerpt, to give you an idea of the author's writing style:

"God’s people had a new land. Now they wanted a king.

'But God is your King,' Samuel told them. 'He is the one who looks after you best.'

'We want a real king!' they said. 'One we can see!'

God knew that a king might not be kind to his people or look after them as well as he would. But God’s people didn’t care; they wanted a king and they wanted him now. So God gave them a king.

He was called Saul and he seemed like a good king — at first. But he became proud and stopped listening to God..."


What I Like: Sally Lloyd-Jones has a unique gift for writing for children. Her sense of humor is sprinkled throughout - and does not detract from the importance of the Bible's message. I also appreciate the author's clear understanding that parents must help children understand Bible stories are different from fairy tales. As she says: "You see, the best thing about this story is — it’s true. It takes the whole Bible to tell this story. And at the center of the story there is a baby. Every story in the Bible whispers his name. He is like the missing piece in a puzzle — the piece that makes all the other pieces fit together and suddenly you can see a beautiful picture." The illustrations by award-winning artist Jago are also engaging, colorful, and often look beyond the obvious.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 4 - 8, but many adults read and learn from this Bible, too.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2007; ISBN: 0310708257; hardback, $14.99.

Buy Now at Amazon for $10.19

Special Info: You might also check our other reviews of books by of Sally Lloyd-Jones' books. In addition, the publisher's website includes an interview with the author. The author's and illustrator's websites may also be of interest.

3 comments:

ohAmanda said...

I just got this one for my daughter and cried thru the first 3 chapters! It's just beautiful to read about JESUS in creation and in Adam/Eve's story. What a great storybook!

Tina said...

My absolutly favorite Christmas tradition is on Christmas Eve gathering as a family, reading the nativity story, and setting up the nativity scene in our home. My family did that every year as I was growing up and now my husband and I have started the same tradition with my son. I think this is so awesome and so important because amist all the decorating, shopping, gift giving, great food, and gathering of families for the holidays we should always remember the "reason for the season!" Jesus Christ! This tradition helped to instill the love of Christ in me and I am so glad to be able to pass this on to my son! Happy Holidays to you all and let us all make a comittment to remembering Christ this season and every day! I would like to recieve "The Jesus Storybook Bible" is I would win! Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Five stars! I love this Bible! The pictures are great and I love the way that she words the stories. This is the best childrens bible that I have ever used.