What is the Bible?

It is surprisingly difficult to find children's books explaining what the Bible is, but Kathleen Long Bostrum's recent title What is the Bible? tackles the topic aptly.

Unlike it's only competition (Big Thoughts For Little Thinkers: The Scripture), Bostrum's book is truly suitable even for toddlers, and with illustrations by Care Bear artist Elena Kucharik, What is the Bible? is likely to please the younger crowd.

Like all the books in the popular "Little Blessings" series, this one begins with a series of questions a child might ask, including "Who wrote the Bible?/One person? A few?/What does it say?/Can you give me a clue?" The second half of the book then answers these questions. We learn the Bible is "one of a kind," God's word, was written by many people with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, should be read - and reread over and over, tells us of many interesting people -especially the story of Jesus the Savior, and more.

The last several pages of the book back up the text with Biblical references, which can also be used to discuss the topic with your child.

What I Like: I appreciate having a simple book to help explain even to very young children what the Bible is all about. This book isn't as detailed or all-encompassing as the Big Thoughts for Little Thinkers book, but that's what makes it a perfect introduction for younger children, or children who are less familiar with Christian teachings.

Kucharik's illustrations also add great interest, as she shows small children of various ethnicities reading the Bible, playing, and going about their daily lives.

What I Dislike: One section names a few famous people of the Bible, but since only names (and no hints of stories) are mentioned, if your child isn't familiar with these people, he or she may be bored for a couple of pages.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 3 - 6.

Publishing Info: Tyndale, 2009; ISBN: 978-1414320120; hardback, $9.99

Buy Now at ChristianBook.com for $7.99

OR buy at Amazon.com for $9.99

Special Info: Read our other reviews of "Little Blessings" books. Read our reviews of other books by Kathleen Long Bostrom and Elena Kucharik.