The Dreamy, Fishy, Happy Bible Storybook

For kids who love lift-the-flap books Allia Zobel Nolan's The Dreamy, Fishy, Happy Bible Storybook is a nice choice. Featuring 6 two-page Bible stories (Noah's ark, Jacob's dream, the plagues of Egypt, Jesus' birth, Jesus feeding 5,000, and the resurrection), most pages feature only one large flap, but Noah's ark has lots of smaller flaps.

The text is in quality rhyme and gives the basic jist of each story, along with a scripture reference so parents can help their kids learn more. Here's an example of the text:

"God told Noah, his friend, 'You must build a big boat,
I am sending some rain, so make sure it can float.
Expect animals too. There will be quite a crowd.
And with that crew, it's bound to get awfully loud.'"

What I Like: This is a cute book, and ideal for kids who love to lift flaps. The illustrations by Nadine Wickenden are detailed and fun (and sometimes funny; my favorite is the image of various plagues hitting an Egyptian dinner table). The text, while basic, has character. Both my kids (ages 2 and 5) are highly attracted to this book.

What I Dislike: Nothing, but if you're looking for a book with more than just a basic outline of famous Bible stories, this one isn't for you.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: 4 to 8, according to the publisher, but I'd say 2 to 5.

Publishing Info: Zonderkidz, 2010; ISBN: 978-0310717980; board book, 12 pgs., $9.99

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OR buy at ChristianBook.com for $7.99

Special Info: The angels in Jacob's dream are shown with halos. In the image of Jesus after the resurrection, he also has a halo. Also, see our review for other books by this author.