The 50 Word Bible

The 50 Word Bible, written by Dan Miley and illustrated by Andy Catling, is a simple walk through the Bible for children. The 24 stories highlighted take the reader from Creation to Jesus' ascension into Heaven.

Each page has two to three words on it (which, once the book is entirely read, equal 50 words) that highlight or title the accompanying illustration. For example, the page featuring an illustration of Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac says, "Abraham trusts."

The words used are simple enough that beginning readers can work their way through with a minimal amount of help. My daughter, 5 (almost 6) years old, was able to read through the majority of the words in the book.

What I Like: I absolutely love the illustrations. When looking at picture books for younger children, illustrations need to be captivating. The illustrations in this book are.

I love how this book can "grow" with a child. Parents with a very young child can take the illustrations in this book to teach a complete lesson. As the child grows, she can begin to read the words on each page. As that child grows even more, she can look at the passage addresses at the back of the book in order to read from the Bible the exact account she has been learning about through the illustrations.

What I Dislike: In order for the word phrases to rhyme, the account of Daniel is placed after the Israelites wander in the desert and before Hannah prays for a son. This is not chronological, according to the Bible.
 
Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: Ages 3 though 8

Publisher Info: Legacy Press, 2013; ISBN-13: 978-1584111443; hardcover, 28 pages., $12.99

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