The Bible Book By Book

The Bible can be a difficult book to bring to life, especially for teens. In The Bible Book By Book by Cris Rogers, you may not get all of the answers, but you definitely have the tools at your fingertips to start the discussion.

The Bible Book By Book is a comprehensive field guide, appropriate for the curious teen, the youth group leader, or the parent leading a small group. Every book of the Bible has its own essay, usually 2 - 4 pages in length, with the following information:

• Author
• Date written (approximate)
• Type of book (is it history, poetry, gospel, prophecy, etc.?)
• Key characters (who are the significant players in the book)
• Major themes
• Title and Style (which gives insight to how the book got its name)
• Background (historical context)
• GPS (locations in the book, as well as some religious components to the region)
• The Detail (tidbits about specific parts of the particular book. For instance, in the section on 1 Chronicles, the writer points out differences in the accounts of Solomon's crowning as king here and in 2 Kings, then goes into a bit of supposition on why the variance may have happened.)
• Other books to read 

While this book isn't suitable for everyday reading, or for reading straight through, it is appropriate as a reference, giving historical context for every book of the Bible in an easy-to-understand way. It's not a substitute for a good concordance, but an aid to understanding the Bible's culture and backstory.

What I Like: I love the fact this book is so well organized. I knew what to expect, and it was easy to find information on whatever I was looking for, although it does lack an index. I frequently learned something new, and many things are surprising, especially about the culture of Rome and the gods/goddesses worshiped during New Testament times.

References between the New and Old Testament books provide substance to parables, as well as the nature of God, among other things. The explanations are always fascinating, and I frequently found myself reading tidbits to my husband, like how there are two versions of Jeremiah, depending on what Bible you use. The Hebrew version is in the Jewish Bibles, and is the basis for the version in the Protestant Bible. The Greek Septuagint version of Jeremiah is used in the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Bibles, which is about an eighth shorter and presented in a slightly different order.

The writer doesn't assume that the reader has read the previous entries. Frequently, information is repeated, maybe not exactly, but enough that I noticed it, especially in Paul's letters to different churches (Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, etc.)

Photographs of the Holy Land appear nearly on every page, from its people, to the scenery, even a few maps done by the author. I really feel that it gave some significance to the Bible, not that I'd be reading about some vague idea, but a real place, with real people.

What I Dislike: First, you need to know I believe the Bible is God's Word to us and every word is true. So, when, for instance, in the part on Esther, the type of book is labeled as "comic, fictional history," I cringe. Other examples that caused me to pause included:

• Ruth: the writer describes the book as "more like a 'soap opera' than a pure history book." 
• 1 Chronicles is described as an "inspiring propaganda account of David" mostly because of what is missing from the book (absence of the civil wars, Bathsheba, or David murdering Bathsheba's husband.) 
• For Jonah, it's suggested that some scholars believe Jonah didn't happen, although I got the impression the author doesn't agree with that idea. 
• The story of Samson is believed to be folklore, rather than precise history. 

However, I think an astute reader can glean the important information, and disregard what may or may not be complete truth. Much of this may be one man's opinion, but then again, it may be backed up by scholars much more learned than me.

A novel was referenced for further reading with Judges, although there may have been others which I failed to note as I read. While the novel may be perfectly good, and filled with accurate info, I would hesitate to recommend a fictional account for someone who is shaky in their knowledge or faith since it could give them wrong impressions.

I would have liked it if, in the GPS sections, the writer would have indicated where places are now. In the New Testament sections, Mr. Rogers was a bit better about it, but it would've been nice to have it consistently done for areas that are now known by other names. More maps would've been good to assist as well.

Overall Rating: Despite everything mentioned above, I found this book to be very good. The good aspects definitely outweighed the bad.

Age Appeal: 12 and up

Publisher Info: Monarch Books, 2011; ISBN: 978-0-85721-016-6; Paperback, 204 pgs., $19.99

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Special Info: The author, Cris Rogers, is a minister for the Church of England, and as such, there are frequent British spellings throughout the book.

The Princess and the Goblin and The Princess and Curdie

If you are like me, you may have overlooked George MacDonald's classics, The Princess and the Goblin and The Princess and Curdie. These classic fairy tales have an enduring appeal, a Christian worldview and a timeless message.  

We begin the story with Princess Irene as a little girl, living with her king-papa, in a gorgeous castle.  She is a typical princess--sweet, kind, caring and content. She loves the flowers, birds, servants and especially her nurse, Lootie.

One day, Princess Irene is exploring the castle and ends up following a mysterious set of stairs to the rooftop, where she meets her beautiful great great grandma. Her great great grandmama is mysterious as well, and appears at various times as an old woman at a spinning wheel, or as a younger maiden.  Grandma Irene dotes on the little princess, and gives her a magic ring which will lead her by a thread if she is ever in trouble. The little princess is enthralled, but very disappointed when she returns home and Lootie doesn't believe her adventure. Instead, Lootie scolds Princess Irene for hiding and making up stories.

One night the princess becomes frightened, and her ring leads her to Curdie, a brave miner boy who has been spying on the goblins in the mountain, hoping to prevent their evil schemes. PLOT SPOILER AHEAD:  The princess and Curdie have many adventures, and ultimately thwart the goblin's despicable plans. Through it all, Princess Irene must keep her faith in her great great grandmama, even when others doubt her very existence.

In The Princess and Curdie,  Princess Irene has grown into a young lady, and Curdie is called on by the queen (Grandma Irene) to assist the princess and her ailing king-papa. Curdie wisely uses the gifts he is given by the queen, and proves his faithfulness and bravery with the help of an assortment of unexpected creatures.

What I Like:  MacDonald writes fascinating fairy tale adventures, sure to appeal to boys and girls alike. While girls will be taken with the little princess, boys will enjoy watching Curdie defeat the goblins with bravery and a sense of humor. There is enough action to keep readers turning pages long after bedtime.

I also like the numerous allegorical parallels in the books. Princess Irene's faith in her great great grandma, despite others skepticism, can help us talk about what it means to believe in Jesus, even when others doubt his existence. Also, the great great grandma appears in many forms, including a Queen, an old lady, a servant, and the Lady of the Silver Moon. These various aspects of the great great grandma mirror different aspects of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. There are many more parallels to be found, if readers look for them.  

I enjoyed reading the books because George MacDonald was one of C. S. Lewis' primary influences.  Lovers of Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia will quickly recognize the writing style and themes present in MacDonald's books.

What I Dislike:  Very little, but I should mention some of the scenes and creatures are a bit scary for younger readers late at night. PLOT SPOILER AHEAD: Readers may be disappointed that the last couple paragraphs in The Princess and Curdie take us from a happy ending to a sad ending again.

 Overall Rating:  Excellent

Age Appeal:  8 and up, though younger readers may enjoy the books as read-alouds.

Publisher Info: Puffin Classics, 2011; ISBN:97801413332482; Paperback, 272 pages, $4.99

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Secret of the Catacombs

If you’re looking for a Christian alternative to the Magic Tree House series then take a look at Secret of the Catacombs, the first book in the Catacombs Mysteries series.

Author Mary Litton says she was inspired by the popular aforementioned series. True to her word, there are numerous similarities between the two. Like Jack and Annie in the Magic Tree House, Secret of the Catacombs features two characters—a third grade boy named Will and a second grade girl named Molly. The storyline parallels the structure of a typical Magic Tree House story too, with a magic book (a Bible) that teleport the characters back in time, where they must complete a mission before it is too late. Likewise, Will and Molly are also given specific objects that will help them complete their task, and they (and therefore the reader) have access to vital information particular to the time period. In addition, the story is accented by black and white line illustrations, drawn by Aleksandra D. Chabros in a fashion reminiscent of Magic Tree House.

However, unlike the Magic Tree House series, Will and Molly are given their missions from an angel (as opposed to sorceress Morgan Le Fay) and they must recall Scripture passages and lessons learned in Sunday school class in order to complete their task. They are also teleported from the basement of their church instead of a tree house. Why the differences? As Litton puts it, “I wanted to write a fun mystery chapter book series for early readers to learn and explore the fundamental Bible stories and understand how those stories still apply to their modern lives.”

In this first book, Will and Molly are introduced to the reading audience. They then discover the secret time portal. Plus they get their first mission: to save horses from being swept away in the flood and get them back on board Noah’s ark.

What I Like: As always, I am an advocate for more Christian fiction chapter books for early readers, so I welcome this refreshing new series. The pdf file I read was attractive—clean in mechanics and well written. I also like how the book uses (as Litton puts it) “key memory verses and story references” to help children “become more familiar with the Bible’s books, chapters, and verses.” Some might object to how closely Litton follows the Magic Tree House formula, but I didn’t mind. After all, my own series was born out of a desire to write a Christian alternative to Junie B. Jones, and, eight books later, has taken on a life of its own. I suspect this series has the potential to do the same.

What I Dislike: The illustration of Mrs. Smotherly, Will's Sunday school teacher, was cartoonish compared the realistic nature of the rest of the pictures, and the inconsistency bothered me. Also, while the story was enjoyable, it did not hold enough tension (for me) to make it irresistible. (Ironically, I feel the same way about many of the Magic Tree House books... and it is a major bestselling series!)

Overall Rating: Very Good, although I believe Magic Tree House fans would rate it Excellent.

Age Appeal: None is listed, but it seems well suited for the K-2 grade level.

Publisher Info: Windy Knob Press, 2012; ISBN:978-0615615820; Paperback, 74pgs., $5.99

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God Gives Us Choices

In her book, God Gives Us Choices, author Hope Rethman explains the concept of free will.

In the story, Matthew asks his mom, “Why does God let bad stuff happen?” Matthew’s mom explains that bad things happen not because God allows them to, but because He gives humans the choice to do right or wrong, which is free will. Bad things happen when we make bad choices.

Matthew’s mom also tells him that “God calls all people to take action to help others make good choices.” We can help others make good choices by showing others the right way to do things. “We can all make a difference each day through our actions and our choices.”

The bright, colorful illustrations by Jackie Arling compliment the text.

What I Like: I like the way the Matthew’s mom explains the concept of free will to her son. She puts things in simple-to-understand terms.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: 6-12.

Publisher Info: Gypsy Publications, 2011; ISBN: 9780984237524; Paperback, $8.99.

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I Can Say a Prayer

Having examples for prayer is the best way to teach a child how to pray. Sophie Piper offers a dozen examples of how to pray and what to pray for in I Can Say a Prayer. These model prayer for children, but also assure them that their prayers are heard by God.

Illustrations by Emily Bolam further emphasize the rhymes and prayer from mini-chapters such as "I can find a quiet place" and "I can kneel down." 

What I Like: The topic of prayer is divided so kids learn where you should pray, how you should pray, things you should pray for, all in rhyming form. The inclusion of scripture, paraphrased and referenced, is a wonderful touch that allows readers to go directly to the Word of God and see what it says.

All of the short poems are varied, so they all have their own rhythm. I found this refreshing, even though I did have to readjust a little when reading aloud. Some of these may be appropriate to teach your child to recite, like this one from the section, "I can share a meal":

"Let us take a moment
To thank God for our food,
For friends around the table
And everything that's good.

Let us say
A thank you prayer
For the food
That's here to share."

The pictures in this are so cute! They're bright and cheery, just the sort of thing to engage young kids.

Also, the format is great because you don't have to read the whole book at once, which is wonderful, if you've got busy kids like mine! While it's not designed to be a bedtime book, reading one or two of the mini-chapters (all of two pages long) would be a nice way to cap off the day.

What I Dislike: Nothing, but see the special info section below.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 2 - 5

Publisher Info: Lion Hudson plc, 2011; ISBN: 978-0-7459-6233-7; Hardback, 30 pgs., $12.99

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Special Info: I would say these are neither good nor bad, but items parents should be aware of. First, the Lord's Prayer at the end of the book is from Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England, so it may not be a familiar version to all. Second, several scriptures are paraphrased, but they are directly referenced so you and your child can read the original text. Also, Jesus' face is shown at least once; He is shown as a Caucasian.