Zacchaeus Meets Jesus (I Can Read! / Bible Stories)

Many kids understand just how Zacchaeus felt when he was too short to see over the heads of people in the crowd. Many are delighted when he climbs a tree… perhaps, to them, it’s akin to sitting on daddy’s shoulders at a parade to actually see what’s going on. But when Jesus stops to talk to Zacchaeus…well, that’s something special indeed.

Zacchaeus Meets Jesus, written by Crystal Bowman and illustrated by Valerie Sokolova, is part of a series of I Can Read books that explore familiar Bible stories. This New Testament tale tells about a small-bodied and small-minded tax collector who grows quite tall in faith and generosity after meeting Jesus.

While the story sticks closely to Scripture, Bowman uses short, simple sentences, easily decoded words, and bright illustrations to make it easy for beginning readers to tackle on their own. She even includes a phonetic key to help readers sound out Zacchaeus’ name. Each page holds one to four complete sentences.

Bowman includes a reference verse prior to the start of the story: Today salvation has come to your house. Luke 19:9 NIrV.

What I Like: The book closely resembles many mainstream I Can Read books in both format (including size of cover) and complexity of text. The larger font size makes it easier for young readers to track individual words. The illustrations were pleasant and realistic in nature.

What I Dislike: Nothing

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: 4-7

Publisher Info: ZonderKidz, 2012; ISBN:978-0310726739; Paperback,32 pgs., $3.99.
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Special Info: Read other CCBR reviews of books written by Crystal Bowman. Check out other books in the series: Joshua Crosses the Jordan, Jesus Raises Lazarus, and Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand.