What the Bible is All About for Young Explorers

If you're looking for a great companion book for your child's Bible reading time - something that will give him or her a deeper understanding of the Word - Frances Blankenbaker's What the Bible is All About for Young Explorers is an excellent choice.

Based on Dr. Henrietta Mears' adult book What the Bible is All About, this children's volume explains who wrote each book of the Bible (if known), why it was given its particular title, where the story covered took place, and the main people found in that book. For all but a few shorter or less story-filled books of the Bible, an outline for the main events is also included. This section has a sort of comic book feel, with crisp, clean black and white drawings.

Numerous clear maps are also provided, as are a few notes about archeological finds supporting or shedding light on biblical stories. In addition, information on how the Savior fits into each book of the Bible is emphasized. For example, in the section on the book of Ruth - a book one might not instantly associate with giving information about Jesus- the author explains that Boaz is a sort of Christ figure. He "paid for the right to marry and protect Ruth. He volunteered to pay this price even though he did not have to," she writes.

You'll also find discussions on "what happened between the Old and New Testaments" and how each Gospel focuses on a different aspect of Jesus (Jesus the king, the servant, etc.). There's also a Bible dictionary in the back of the book, a Bible timeline, and color photographs of the Holy Land. The plan of salvation is also laid out at the beginning of the book.

What I Like: This book is remarkably clear and concise. Nothing is dumbed down (in fact, the book works very well for adults, too). The maps are truly helpful, the archeological information fascinating, and the color photographs even excited my preschooler. This is a superb reference that's highly useful for every Christian family.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 8 - 12, but younger children will enjoy certain aspects of the book, like the maps and photos.

Publishing Info: Gospel Light Publications, 1999; ISBN: 978-0830723645; paperback, $16.99

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