Bible Stories for Tiny Tots

Many parents feel they need to wait until their children are "just a little older" before they start introducing Bible stories and concepts to them, but truly, it is never to early to begin reading your child stories from the Bible! If you're unsure where to begin with your child, start by reading our special post on our favorite "first" children's Bibles. But among those favorite firsts I am now adding Bible Stories for Tiny Tots.

In this colorful, sturdy board book (sized appropriately for small hands - it's about 7 x 5 inches), you'll find some of the most cherished and readily accessible stories from the Old and New Testament. There's the story of creation, Noah, Joseph and his colorful coat, Moses, Samson, David and Goliath, Jonah, Daniel and the lions, Jesus' birth, Jesus as a young boy in the temple, Zachaeus, Jesus with the children, Jesus feeding 5,000, Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, and Peter spreading the Good News.
Every story is simply crafted and designed to appeal to small children. Each takes up one page of text, with a vivid illustration on the opposite side of the page. For the more mature stories, just the basics are given. For example, in the story of Joseph, the text reads:

:Joseph had many brothers. Jacob was Joseph's daddy. He loved Joseph very much. So he had special clothes made for him. The colors were red and blue and green and purple...lots and lots of colors! God also gave you a daddy and a mommy. They love you are care for you."

The text goes on to ask the child if they have siblings, and prompts them to tell their parents how much they love them. Not all the stories are quite this simple, but they are all good introductions to the Bible.
Each page also contains a short prayer. In the story of Joseph, for example, the prayer is: "Thank you, Lord, for Mommy and Daddy. Amen." Every story also notes the section of the Bible it was taken from.

What I Like: This book contains every element it should for very young children. The colors are bright and bold; the text is ultra-simple and does a good job of relating the story in some way to children's lives; there are easy to remember prayers; and each story offers parents a quick way to check back with the Bible.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.
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Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 3 - 6, but this greatly depends on the child. My nearly-3 year old finds this book a little babyish. I suggest introducing it to infants.

Publishing Info: Kregel, 2001; ISBN: 0825472121; board book, $8.99

Buy NOW at ChristianBook.com for $6.25
OR buy at Amazon.com for $8.99.