The Awesome Book of Unusual Bible Heroes

The Awesome Book of Unusual Bible Heroes for Kids, written by Sandy Silverthorne, features short chapters retelling twenty Bible stories of unexpected details. Some describe unique situations while others detail courage and leadership from unlikely characters.

Readers will get a glimpse into the lives and adventures of:

• The Egyptian Midwives (Exodus 1)
• Rahab (Joshua 2, 6)
• Ehud and Eglon (Judges 3)
• Deborah, Barak and Jael (Judges 4)
• Jonathan and his armor bearer (1 Samuel 14)
• David and Abigail (1 Samuel 25)
• Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9)
• Ahimaaz and Jonathan (2 Samuel 15, 17)
• Naaman (2 Kings 5)
• Elisha and his servant (2 Kings 6)
• Jonah (Jonah 1-4)
• The Four Lepers (2 Kings 6-7)
• Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego (Daniel 3)
• Esther and Mordecai (Esther 3-5, 7-8)
• The Boy with the Lunch (John 6)
• Peter (Matthew 14)
• The Healed Lepers (Luke 17)
• Bartimaeus (Mark 10)
• Jesus (Matthew 20)

Each chapter begins with a short introduction and Bible references (for further study) then launches into a paraphrased re-telling of what happened. A short paragraph -- labeled "The Big Picture" -- offers questions for reflection and application.

Illustrations by the author may be found throughout the book. These are typically line drawings of a sketchy cartoon nature. They add a touch of whimsy to the already entertaining text.

What I Like: The storytelling quickly draws in readers. The book is funny and on a kids' level. The illustrations accentuate the humor, too. My kids really enjoyed them. I greatly appreciate the inclusion of Scripture references! These made it easy to validate the truth behind the stories by going straight to the Bible and reading them there. The author does take some creative liberties, especially with dialog and descriptions not specifically detailed in Scripture, but this book is quite accurate and, I felt, age-appropriate (even with the inclusion of Rahab). I like that this book features lesser-known stories of Scripture. Kids who have been in church their whole lives get tired of David vs. Goliath, Noah vs. the Flood and Daniel vs. the Lions. This book offers a way to reignite their wonder and excitement about God's Word.

What I Dislike: The story telling featured such animated details that I found myself questioning them. Referencing Scripture is a great thing, but not being able to fully trust what you're reading is not. I fear that, in many cases, the exaggerated tone might support doubters rather than reinforce the truths of God's supreme authority and divinity. I wish the author had better emphasized the truth behind each account.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 8-12, more likely to attract boys than girls, but my daughter (age 9) liked it

Publisher Info: Harvest House Publishers, 2012; ISBN: 0736929258; Paperback, 144 pages; $8.99

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While I felt this book was age-appropriate for the target audience, some parents may take issue with included violence, particularly in Chapters 3 and 4. These accounts come from the book of Judges, a notoriously violent part of Scripture. The stories include battles and assassinations. I felt the author did a great job relaying the truths without offering gratuitous or excessively graphic details.

Jonah God's Messenger

Jonah, God’s Messenger, is the story of Jonah, the Biblical character who was swallowed by a large fish.

The story is told in simple easy-to-read terms that explains how Jonah ended up in the fish’s belly. God told Jonah to go to Nineveh to warn the people there that God was not happy with them. But, Jonah didn’t want to go to Nineveh, he wanted to go to Tarshish. Jonah got on a boat to Tarshish, but on the way there, God sent a big storm. The people on the boat were scared so they asked Jonah what they should do. Jonah realized God had sent the storm because of him, so he told the people on the boat to throw him in the water. When they did, the storm subsided and Jonah was swallowed by the fish.

Jonah was inside the fish for three days and three nights. He told God he was sorry for not obeying him and he was ready to go to Nineveh. God caused the fish to spit Jonah out and he landed on the shores of Nineveh where he delivered God’s message to the people there.

The cartoon-like illustrations by Dennis G. Jones are colorful and expressive and fit the text nicely.

What I Like: The story of Jonah is often a child’s favorite. It’s exciting to hear about a man being swallowed by a fish. Of course, Jonah’s story is special because the fish was sent by God to catch Jonah and teach him a lesson. This version of that story is written in a fairly straightforward manner that children who are capable of reading the text by themselves should be able to understand. However, there may be some parts that will require a bit extra in the way of explanation.

I also like the illustrations. They are very kid-friendly.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: Ages 4-8.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2011; ISBN: 9780310718352; Paperback, $3.99.

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Special Info: This book is a Level 2 Reader in the publisher’s I Can Read! Series. Read our reviews of other books in the series. Read our reviews of other books illustrated by Dennis G. Jones.

Jonah's Whale

Jonah is one Bible story publishers choose to reprint over and over and over again. Just a quick glance through our reviews of books on this topic, and you'll see the offerings are abundant. Still, new versions of the story are released every year. This year, Jonah's Whale by Eileen Spinelli is one such offering.

What struck me first about this book was its lovely art by Giuliano Ferri. There's a lot of realism, but just a touch of whimsy. For example, the first illustration in the book looks a lot like an underwater photograph of a whale; the lighting is filtered and the blues run from nearly black to nearly white. But the artist gives the whale a face that looks smiling.

The story itself begins not with the Bible or with Jonah, but with a whale. He is lonely, so God gives him a family. He is hungry, so God sends him food. Whale sings a "joyful song" given by God. Whale is happy and romps through the sea. Then one night it begins raining. A storm comes. The whale overhears men on a boat yelling at each other. Suddenly the man Jonah jumps overboard. "And God said to Whale, 'Save the man Jonah,'" so Whale swallows him.

"Whale listened for God's voice, but all he heard were the trembling prayers of the man Jonah as he sloshed around inside. Whale swam carefully...patiently...all that night and the next day...He listened and listened for God to tell him what to do next. But...not a word. Whale was troubled. Where was God? What about the man in his belly?

By the second day he allowed himself a few gentle complaints: 'Why cannot the man Jonah swim on his own?' "I am beginning to feel very queasy.' "It will not be my fault if I throw up!'...By the third night Whale was feeling very discouraged...And so Whale started to sing the song God had given him...Then - a whisper in the music - God's voice came."

The whale spits Jonah onto the beach. "Many years passed, but Whale never forgot the man Jonah...And the man Jonah never forgot the Whale..."

What I Like: There are definite things to admire about this book, especially if you ignore the title and realize this story is not what you might expect. My children and I both love the illustrations. And I love the little lesson in waiting to hear from God. For children who already know the story of Jonah and the big fish, this could be a nice addition to the home library.

What I Dislike: The weak ending surprised me. I expected a little bit more than just the whale and Jonah not forgetting each other. Also, I have mixed feelings about books like this that are based on biblical stories, but veer pretty far from the original intent.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: 3 - 7
Publishing Info: Eerdmans; 2012; ISBN: 978-0802853820; hardback, 32 pgs., $16.00.
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Bible Animals

Kids love animals. And small kids love hand-sized books. The Candle Library takes advantage of a small child's love of both animals and tiny books by offering Bible Animals - a boxed collection of 6 biblical stories featuring animals. Each book measures about 3.7 x 3.7 inches.

The Big Fish's Supper tells part of the tale of Jonah; a big fish hears a big fuss in the middle of a storm. The captain of a ship tells the sailors to throw Jonah overboard. The fish swallows him and Jonah says, "I'm running away from God." Later the fish spats Jonah out on the beach and Jonah says, "Goodbye, Big Fish! I have a message from God - and now I have to deliver it!"

In Little Sheep Gets Lost, a shepherd looses one sheep and goes on the hunt for it. "I'm so happy," the shepherd says at the end of the book. "I found my lost sheep!"

The Pig Who Shared features a boy who cares for the pig but can't buy food for himself. The pig feels sorry for him and offers him some muck. The boy eats it, but tells the pig that at home he always had plenty to eat. "I've been very stupid! I will go back to my father." He does, and the boy's father is happy to see him.

In Elephant Keeps Safe, Noah tells the elephant that God wants him to build a huge boat because a flood is coming. The elephant helps by carrying wood. Lots of animals, including the elephant, get on board once the boat is finished. The book ends: "God shut the door. Inside everyone was warm and dry. Elephant was safe from the flood!"

In Lion Misses Breakfast, a hungry lion sees Daniel thrown into his pit. Daniel prays for help from God and an angel closes the lion's mouth. The next morning, Daniel leaves the pit and there's "no breakfast for Lion today!"

In Donkey Helps a Stranger, a donkey who's been on a long trip and is tired doesn't really want to stop to help a stranger, but he does, anyway. Donkey helps carry the man back into town where the injured man can be cared for. "Thank you for helping me," the stranger tells Donkey.

What I Like: My 2 year old loves these books. He likes the size, to be sure, but he's also attracted to these short tales (each briefly told in 8 pages) with attractive illustrations. The collection is a nice introduction to a number of famous stories from the Bible - a real bonus when you have a child who's not yet interested in children's Bible storybooks.

What I Dislike: None of the stories is what I'd call complete. For example, we never know why Jonah is running from God, nor what his message is. However, each book does offer a biblical reference so parents can easily look up the story and offer more information for their children. As long as parents look at these books as an introduction to these famous stories, I think they will be satisfied.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: According to Amazon, 4 to 8, but I'd say baby to preschool.

Publishing Info: Candle Books, 2011; ISBN: 978-1859858868; 6 boardbooks in a cardboard storage box, 48 total pgs., $7.99.

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Special Info: The books in this boxed set are all condensed versions of other, previously published board books. Donkey Helps a Stranger, for example, is a condensed version of Donkey to the Rescue. (Click here to read our review of this book.)

Bible Guess Who?

If your child loves "pull the tab" books, he or she is sure to like Bible Guess Who?, written by Allia Zobel-Nolan and illustrated by Claudine Gevry. This sturdy board book features four rhyming lines on each page, featuring at least biblical figure. The bright illustrations cover two pages and feature die-cut holes, hiding the famous person from the Bible. When your child pulls the tab, the person appears.

For example, one page reads:

"A princess walks to the river one day
to bathe where the bulbrushes grow.
She finds a baby and his sister there.
Who are they? Do you know?"

Pulling the tab reveals baby Moses in his basket, with his sister Miriam watching nearby.

Other people included in this book are Adam and Eve, Noah, Jonah, baby Jesus, the angel revealing Jesus' birth to the shepherds, and the three wise men.

What I Like: The illustrations in this book are colorful and the rhyme is blessedly good. And while my nearly 5 yr. old's tastes are usually more mature, she loves knowing all the answers to the book's questions. And the pull tabs are just plain fun. My toddler also likes this book, although he can't yet pull the tabs.

What I Dislike: The tabs are a bit stiff - too stiff for even my 5 year old to pull easily. Hopefully, they'll get easier to pull with more use.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 3 - 7, but I'd say toddlers to perhaps kindergarten.

Publishing Info: Kregel, 2003; ISBN: 978-0825455087; board book, $10.99

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Special Info: Check out our reviews of other books by Allia Zobel-Nolan.

Moving Windows Bible Stories

Young children love novelty books, so what better way to introduce some basic Bible stories - or keep your child's interest going in the Bible - than a book like Moving Windows Bible Stories? This book features 3D pictures that appear when you turn the pages, combined with tabs to pull to make certain elements in the pictures move.

For example, a colorful Noah's Ark appears when you open the book. If children move a large flap, they get a view of the animals inside. And if they pull a tab, an elephant and lion move.

Other stories included are David and Goliath, Daniel and the lions den, Jonah in the big fish, and baby Jesus' birth.

Each story is very brief - just one short paragraph. For example, here's the text for David and Goliath:

"'Who will fight me!' roars the giant Goliath. 'You're all too scared!' But David the shepherd boy says, 'I will!' He whirls his sling. A stone flies through the air. WHIZZZZ! It hits Goliath on his head. Pull the tab! CRRRRRAAAASHHHH! The giant Goliath falls with a thud. David keeps his people safe."

What I Like: Both my 4 year old and my 21 month old love this book. The text is just about right for my toddler and both kids love the 3D illustrations and the tabs.
What I Dislike: The story of Noah and the ark isn't given at all. We simply read about animals being safe on a big boat.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 4 - 8, but I'd say baby to preschool.

Publishing Info: Candle, 2007; ISBN: 978-0825473463; hardback, $15.99

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Wrong Way, Jonah!

Wrong Way, Jonah!, written by Kay Arthur and Janna Arndt, with Scoti Domeij, is a study guide about the book of Jonah.

The characters in the book, Max and Molly (along with their dog, Sam), are cub reporters, working with Mr. Chase. They are looking for facts and information so they can write the story of Jonah for the Nineveh News. They search the scriptures, and elicit the reader’s help, to find answers to the journalists’ questions: Who? What? When? Where? Why? and How?

The book is divided into four chapters, each chapter relating to a different aspect of the story of Jonah. Each chapter is broken down into five days’ worth of activities. Observation Worksheets are given in the back of the book to go along with each chapter. If you keep pace with the book, you will finish the “assignments” in about a month.

Along the way in each chapter there are several puzzles to solve. Scripture references are given for the puzzles. At the end of the five days’ activities, the reader is supposed to be able to “write” one part of Jonah’s story from a journalist's perspective. A sample “article” is included with key words left out for the reader to fill in themselves. Each chapter ends with an “Extra” activity or craft that relates to the story of Jonah. Answers to all the puzzles are included at the end of the book.

The illustrations by Scoti Domeij include the puzzles as well as cartoon-like line drawings that emphasize points in the text.

What I Like: Everything. This is a great way to approach Bible study with all the hands-on activities. Kids should love it.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 9-12.

Publisher Info: Harvest House Publishers, 2010; ISBN: 9780736928199; Paperback, $9.99.

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Special Info: Part of the publisher’s Discover 4 Yourself Inductive Bible Studies for Kids.

A Special Fish for Jonah

There are so many picture books about Jonah and the big fish, I almost groan when I see a new one published. However, Andy McGuire's A Special Fish for Jonah deserves all the attention it can get. Not only does this title offer the highest quality writing and illustration, but instead of retelling the famous Bible story, the author uses it to highlight a biblical truth quite different from the one usually associated with Jonah.

McGuire begins by summarizing - in a short paragraph - the story of Jonah, but then he asks: "How did God pick the special fish [to swallow Jonah]? Maybe, just maybe, He asked an angelfish to look into it." Then, the magic begins.

God gives an angelfish the special job of finding just the right fish to swallow the phrophet Jonah. The angelfish looks everywhere, posts a help wanted ad on the mast of a sunken ship, and conducts may interviews. She knows she can't choose just any fish. Some are obviously too small, others too skinny. Some are too scary-looking, others are too hungry. (McGuire pictures a shark here, carrying a fork and knife while wearing a bib that says "I [heart] people." Later, the shark shows up wearing a dolphin mask. "Nice try, but I don't think so" the text reads.)

Just when the angelfish is about to give up, she bumps into a most unusual fish, called Specialfish by his mother because he's "so big and a little weird." When the angelfish asks why he's weird, Specialfish suddenly swallows an anchor that's sinking into the sea. "I'll swallow anything," Specialfish says. "I've swallowed furniture and tools and toys and treasure chests and small boats. If it falls into the water, I'll swallow it."

"The angelfish smiled. 'Have I got a job for you!'"

Specialfish hovers around Jonah's boat, waiting to swallow him, while the other fish cheer him on. Specialfish does his job beautifully, but is soon complaining of a tummy ache. The angelfish says, "Perfect!"

After Specialfish spats Jonah up onto the beach, he asks:

"'So what will the man do now?'...The angelfish shrugged her fins. 'Who knows? Maybe God has special plans for people too.'"

The last two page spread of the book pictures every fish shown in the book, this time labeling them: Red Devil Anglerfish, Hammerhead Shark, Pinecone Fish, and so on.

What I Like: Everything! I hope Andy McGuire continues to write Christian picture books, because he's got the knack! The illustrations are realistic, beautiful, and often humorous, and the text is strongly written, clear without being preachy, and fun. My 4 year old adores this story and is enjoying learning the names of all the different kinds of fish, too.

What I Dislike: Not a thing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4 - 8.

Publishing Info: Harvest House, 2009; ISBN: 978-0736925617; hardback, $15.99

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Special Info: Read our reviews of other books by Andy McGuire.

My First Message: Amazing Stories of the Bible

Eugene Peterson's The Message Bible paraphrase has been very helpful in relating the wisdom of the Bible in modern-day language. Amazing Stories of the Bible uses passages from The Message to tell the stories of David and Goliath, Daniel in the Lion's Den, Jonah and the Huge Fish, and Bread and Fish for All. Each story is accompanied by bright, cartoonish pictures, and sections titled "Pray" and "Live." The book also includes a fun audio CD.

The story is written in a very interactive style. Each page asks a question, such as "How much taller was Goliath than you?" or "David didn't want to use armor to protect himself. What did David think would protect him?"

The prayer at the end of the story of David and Goliath says, "Tell God some of the things you are afraid of. Ask God to be with you whenever you are afraid. Ask him to give you courage to be brave and to stand up for what is right."The "Live" section suggests acting out the story, talking about heroes you know, and memorizing Philippians 4:6, which says "Instead of worrying, pray."

The CD is narrated by Manty, the praying mantis, and the stories are read by a young girl and set to background music. They pause to allow listeners to discuss the questions, but they don't read the "Pray" or "Live" sections. The CD ends with a few songs, including "This Little Light of Mine" and "Rise and Shine."

What I Like: My son loved this set, and couldn't wait for his sister to get home and listen with him. He liked knowing the answers to all the questions, and he liked the pictures. We listen to a lot of books on CD, but he listened to this one over and over, even though the stories are very familiar.

I liked having the entire Bible story included, instead of a short summary, like most Bible story books.

I especially liked the "Pray" and "Live" sections. It is so important to link the stories of the Bible to our daily life, so kids will know they aren't just nice stories, but should change the way we live.

What I Dislike: The voice of Manty was a bit annoying, but he only narrates the first few minutes. My son liked looking for his picture on each page and didn't seem annoyed by his voice at all. The background music was a little distracting too, but again, my son and daughter didn't mind.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: 2-8

Publisher Info: Navpress, 2007; ISBN: 1-60006-235-0; Paperback, $12.99

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Jonah's Story

Jonah's Story is part of the Cecil and Friends series created by Andrew McDonough. It tells the familiar story with a few new twists.

The book opens by describing the city of Nineveh and why you wouldn't want to go there on vacation. It then introduces Jonah and explains how God asked him to deliver a message to Nineveh. Jonah, as almost everyone knows, disobeyed God and was swallowed by a great fish. After three days, he repents and the fish spits him onto dry land. This time Jonah obeys God and delivers the message to Nineveh.

When the people of Nineveh repent, God spares them. This makes Jonah very angry. He sits outside the city walls fuming until God gives him a plant for shade. This makes him happy. But then God sends a worm to eat the plant. This, again, makes Jonah upset. God sends him another message revealing Jonah's selfishness and ungodly priorities.

The cartoon illustrations are saturated with color.

What I Like: It breathes new life into an old story. The author takes creative license with funny details, like cave drawings from Ninevah and the king's "How far can I throw visitors over the wall" machine. My favorite part, though, is that this book includes the whole story. Most children's books on Jonah end with the town repenting of their evil ways. This book includes the rest of the story with Jonah pouting about God's grace and valuing a plant more than human souls.

What I Dislike: When the book mentions "drawing straws," it doesn't explain what that means. I wish it had. Also, some characters throughout this series are interchangeable. This isn't a problem if you only have one book, but if you have a number of books within the series, children may confuse stories or timelines. My two (ages 5 and 4) asked why Jonah and Zacchaeus had the same friends, if they didn't live at the same time.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: 4-8

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2009; ISBN: 0310719488; Paperback; $4.99

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Special Info: See our reviews of other books in this series. Visit the Cecil & Friends website to learn more about the author/illustrator and the other products within this series, including "Show & Tell" Storytelling kits perfect for Sunday school or kids' clubs.

Pudge Ate a Prophet

If you're looking for a little different take on the biblical story of Jonah and the big fish, Pudge Ate a Prophet by Dan and Damon Taylor is for you. The story is told through the eyes of the "big fish" (aptly named Pudge) who is "really big for his age." Most of the time other fish are pretty nice to Pudge, but sometimes they tease him about his size. One day a fish offers to play house with Pudge, then tells him he's the house. The other fish laugh, but Pudge does not. Instead, he decides to run away. That's how he meets Jonah.

Jonah, we learn, is a prophet - someone who speaks for God. But Jonah is running away, too. He doesn't want to do what God says. So God sends a big storm that upsets the ship Jonah is on. Knowing Jonah is to blame, the captain throws Jonah overboard. As he sinks lower and lower into the sea, Jonah thinks this is the end. That's when Pudge swallows Jonah.

God speaks to Pudge, saying he's going to use him for an important mission. Pudge is to keep Jonah in his belly for three days, as he swims to a place called Nineveh. Then Pudge should spit Jonah out onto dry land.

"As Pudge swam toward Nineveh, he finally understood why God had made him so large. 'I'm on an important mission for God!' This made Pudge feel good. 'God knows I'm a good swimmer, and He made me big enough to hold a prophet!' This made Pudge feel very good."

Pudge does as God asks, and spits Jonah out when he reaches Nineveh. Pudge is proud to have helped the people of Nineveh - and he's proud he's big enough to handle God's mission.

What I Like: I love this retelling. It's different, being told from the fish's point of view, and the author's clearly know how to appeal to children. There is humor, but also great truth, throughout. The message is clear without being preachy; we know God made Pudge exactly the way he is, and God made him that way for a very special reason.

What I Dislike: I wish the illustrations in this book were a little stronger. Author and illustrator Damon Taylor has added some fun humor to the illustrations (like a parchment sign that God hangs from a fishing hook, telling Pudge what to do with Jonah, and another that thanks Pudge and says he was a big help), and while I know many kids love cartoon-like illustrations, these sometimes fall flat. For example, on the page explaining how the captain came to throw Jonah overboard, we see mostly a bland ocean, and only a small ship with tiny people on it. I wish the images were more compelling; this book deserves that!

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 4 - 8, but my two year old likes it, too.

Publishing Info: Kregel, 2004; ISBN: 082543868; hardback, $10.99

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The Whale and Jonah

The Whale and Jonah: A Story of Obedience and Forgiveness was written by Deedra Scherm and illustrated by Laura Dreyer. Through simple rhyming text, it tells the familiar Bible story from the whale's perspective. Offering more than the facts, this book reminds children that God offers forgiveness and mercy, but it's always best to obey. "It's a whale of a tale, but believe me, it's true ... Jonah found forgiveness then did what he should do." The pages are saturated with beautiful colors and deep contrasts.

What I Like: The illustrations are fabulous! They're so bright and stimulating; perfect for young, exploring eyes. Rhyming text often seems forced, but this author does a great job with it. The text is very natural. I also really like the way the author emphasizes God's mercy: she explains the whale not as a punishment, but as a way to keep Jonah safe until he promised to obey. Finally, I love the emphasis on truth.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: The publisher says 6 and under, though I think it's most appropriate for 3 and under.

Publisher Info: Little Buds, 2007; ISBN: 1934789003; Boardbook; $7.99

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Jonah and the Great Big Fish

Jonah and the Great Big Fish, by Rhonda Gowler Greene, tells the well-known Bible story in rhyme. Unlike many similar offerings, Greene's is a pretty thorough retelling, beginning with God commanding Jonah to travel to Ninevah and preach to the people there. Instead, Jonah tries to flee from God, boarding a ship sailing away from Ninevah.

"As he rested
down below,
a mighty wind began to blow.
Angry waves
from the sea
whipped that ship so violently.
Splashing, crashing
waves so tall
made that ship prove weak and small."

Finally, the sailors throw Jonah overboard in order to save themselves, and a drowning Jonah is swallowed by a big fish (a whale, in the illustrations by Santiago Cohen). Jonah repents and the whale spits him out onto land. God once again tells Jonah to go to Ninevah and preach, and this time "Jonah listened...and obeyed."

What I Like: I appreciate the completeness of this picture book. Rather than being a too-simple story of a man being swallowed by a whale, the author thoroughly explains how Jonah ended up in that predicament...and how he got himself out of it (by obeying God). Cohen's illustrations are modern, sketchy, and almost cartoonish. The images of life before and after the storm are bright, while the illustrations during the storm - and especially inside the whale - are quite dark...A nice touch.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 4 - 8, but many toddlers will like this book, too.

Publishing Info: Zonderkidz, 2007; ISBN: 0310710995; hard back, $9.99.

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Special Info: Visit the author's website for more information about her books and school visits, teaching ideas, writing and publishing tips, and more. To take a peek at Cohen's art, check out his website. Also, you may want to check out my review of Greene and Cohen's Zacchaeus and the Happy Day.