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.

Just in Time Esther

Just in Time Esther, written by Carol Wedeven and illustrated by Unada Gliewe, is the Old Testament book of Esther for children.

Using both rhyme and illustrations, the story of Esther's ascension to the position of Queen of Persia and later rescuer of the Jewish people from the hand of Haman's edict, are described.

The focus of Just in Time Esther seems to be on the battle between Haman and Mordecai. In comparison, very little is said about Esther, King Xerxes or the Jews.

What I Like: I LOVE that, as in the other books in the Arch Books Bible Story Series, a letter to parents from the editor is included. Found at the end of the book, the letter expresses the importance of teaching the story of Esther to children. Here is an excerpt of the encouraging words:

"There will be times when our children must place their trust in God so that they might stand up for their beliefs. Consider how you might model this type of trust for your children to see."

How great is that? I love that the editor's heart is to uplift both the parent and the child!

What I Dislike: The book of Esther is a very complex book, full of twists and turns and complex personalities. In Just in Time Esther, the author attempts to capture it all. As a result I ended up feeling confused. Too much detailed information was given in the mere 14 pages. Even though I am very familiar with the story of Esther, I found myself re-reading Just in Time Esther three times just to understand what was going on in the story.

The illustrations are repetitive and provide little clarity to the plot. Unfortunately, the illustrations only added more confusion to the storyline.

Overall Rating: Ho-Hum

Age Appeal: 5-9 years.


Special Info: Just in Time Esther is part of the bestselling Arch Books Bible Story Series, which covers over 100 different themes from Genesis to Acts.

You may also be interested in other reviews on the Arch Book Series at the Christian Children's Book Review. Check out CCBR's reviews of: The Fruit of the Spirit, The Resurrection, Jesus Wakes the Little Girl, The Lost Coin, and Jesus Walks on the Water.

Learn more about the Arch Book Series on their website. Learn more about the author on her website. Learn more about the illustrator here.

Publisher Info: Concordia Publishing House, 1999; ISBN: 978-0-870-07558-5 ; Paperback $1.99

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Real Girls of the Bible: A Devotional

Part of the Faithgirlz imprint under Zondervan, Real Girls of the Bible , by Mona Hodgson is a Devotional for girls about thirty Real Bible Girls. The author defines REAL as Relational, Exalting, Authentic, and Loving. Each chapter tells a Bible Girl’s story, focusing on that woman’s faith journey, and includes a Scripture Verse, a prayer, and a trivia tidbit pertinent to Biblical times.

These fascinating stories of women from both the Old and New Testaments-famous ones such as Esther, Naomi, Sarah, Ruth, Mary, and other lesser known-are meant to apply to real life. Readers will learn how to grow in a relationship with God, and will learn to develop qualities like authenticity, kindness, and self-esteem.

Chapter 12 discusses the story of Hannah, taken from 1 Samuel 1:1-2:11, 18-21, 26. Hannah desperately wanted a child and was in competition with her husband’s other wife, Penninah, who had children. She insulted Hannah and made the annual pilgrimage to the temple in Shiloh difficult. In the temple, Hannah pleaded before the Lord to give her a son and promised to give him to the Lord. Hannah was blessed with a son she named Samuel and when he was weaned, she took him to the temple at Shiloh. Every year, they returned and she made Samuel a new robe to wear. Eli the priest blessed Hannah, saying, “May the Lord give this woman children to take the place of the one she gave to the Lord.” God blessed Hannah with three more sons and two daughters.

The devotional concludes by pointing out that Hannah’s love for the Lord was the most important thing to her and she knew that God worked in mysterious ways. The closing prayer asks that we be given the grace to trust Him and to seek him in times of trouble, but out of a deep love for Him. The trivia item describes a linen ephod as a garment worn by priests. To extend the lesson, the author suggests reading more about Samuel in the Book of Numbers.

What I Like: This would be great for a Youth Girls’ Bible study because it’s written on the level of teen girls. However, a mother could share these devotionals with her daughter, and I don’t think the language is so simplified that an older teen or an adult couldn’t enjoy this book.

What I Dislike: Nothing, although the book is long for the target audience at 169 pages.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: Ages 8 to 12, although it would be appropriate for older girls.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2008; ISBN: 978-0310713388; Paperback $9.99.

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Special Info: See other Faithgirlz books reviewed here or visit the Faithgirlz website.

Brave Queen Esther: Bible Pop-Up Pals

Brave Queen Esther is a fun introduction to the story of Esther for the youngest readers. Each 2-page spread highlights a particular character, who pops up as the page is turned. We begin the story with "mean, mean Haman," who "wants to hurt God's people." We then learn about brave Queen Esther, the kind and happy king, and the Jewish people (simply referred to as "God's people") who are saved.

The text is simple and straightforward, and each character picture includes action words, such as "grumble" for Haman, "sparkle" for Queen Esther, and "clap" for God's people. The illustrations are bright and emphasize facial expressions. Queen Esther wears a sparkling crown and joyful expression, and the king looks appealing and benevolent with his white beard and smile.

What I Like: My two-year-old loved the pop-up feature. She would gasp with delight every time we turned a page, and thought Esther's crown was "pretty." She exclaimed, "Oh, king," every time we turned to the king's page, and wanted to read the book over and over. The text was simple enough to hold her attention, and she liked doing the actions listed for each character.

I especially like Christine Harder Tangvald and Rondi Deboer's decision at the end of the book to make it clear, "God saved the day." It is easy to overlook God's role when telling stories of biblical heroes, but even little ones need this reminder.

I also liked how colorful and happy the illustrations are. The characters are appealing and designed to catch a toddler's eye.

What I Dislike: I didn't like starting the book off with "mean, mean Haman." Little ones are so innocent, it seems sad to have to explain to them why Haman didn't like God's people. Also, because of the tendency of toddlers to generalize, I wasn't wild about having Haman, with a big, bushy beard and a frown, pop out of the first page. I don't want my daughter to think all men with big beards are mean.

Also, the book never made it clear why Esther was brave. The story of Esther needs a bit of background explained, as children wouldn't understand Esther was putting her life in danger by addressing the king, who she was married to. This went over my two-year-old's head, but may be more confusing for older three or four-year-olds.

Overall Rating: Good

Age Appeal: 2-4

Publisher Info: Standard Publishing, 2007; ISBN: 0-784-719470 ; Hardcover (Board book), $5.99

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Special Information: Click here to read reviews of other books by Rondi DeBoer.

Queen Esther Helps God's People

Queen Esther Helps God’s People is an easy-to-read version of the story of Queen Esther. When the king is searching for a new queen, Esther is brought to his palace by her cousin Mordecai, in hopes of her being chosen. The king is smitten with her and makes her his queen.

But, not everyone is happy about the marriage. Esther is Jewish, and Haman, one of the king’s helpers, despises the Jews. He wants to get rid of Esther. So, he goes to the king and asks for his help to rid the land of the Jewish people. The king signs a law that says all the Jews must die. He doesn’t realize his new queen is Jewish. Haman has tricked the king!

When Mordecai hears about this, he goes to Esther. He says, “Esther! Save God’s people! Maybe that is why God made you the queen.” Of course, Esther is worried the king will kill all the Jews, including herself. So, she fixes a big feast for the king and invites Haman to attend. During the meal, she confronts Haman and tells the king Haman has tricked him. The king is very angry with Haman and has him arrested. The Jewish people are saved by Esther, their new queen!

Esther 4:14 is cited as a reference for this story: “Who knows? It’s possible you became queen for a time just like this.”

The cartoon-like illustrations by Kelly Pulley are colorful and appropriate for a book of this nature.

What I Like: I like having easy-to-read stories Bible stories for children.

What I Dislike: The story is very short and doesn’t give much in the way of background as to how Esther ended up in the king’s palace in the first place. That’s not really a criticism, just an observation.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: 4-8.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2008; ISBN: 0310718155; Paperback, $3.99.

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Special Info: This book is part of the Zonderkidz I Can Read series. It is a My First reader, which the publisher describes as “ideal for sharing with emergent readers.” Read our reviews of other books in the Zonderkidz I Can Read! series. It is also part of the publisher’s The Beginner’s Bible series. Read our reviews of other books in the Zonderkidz The Beginner’s Bible series. Read our reviews of other books illustrated by Kelly Pulley .

Chronicles of Faith: Esther

The biblical story of Esther has all the elements of a great Hollywood film: secrets, intrigue, murder, revenge - and an ending where the "good guys" prevail. Those same ingredients could make for exciting reading for your child in Chronicles of Faith: Esther by Susan Martins Miller.

This small but fat book (6.7 x 5 inches and 224 pages) features a full page black and white line drawing in comic book style for every page of large-type text. The chapters are short and the writing simple. Clearly, the publisher is trying to capture the imagination of kids who don't normally delve into "big books."

The book covers the biblical story of Esther, beginning after Queen Vashti has left the castle, proceeding through Esthers' crowning as Queen and her heroic intervention to save all the Jews in her land from certain death, and ending with the declaration of the holiday Purim. It also includes dramatic scenes and thoughts not included in the Bible.

What I Like: I love the story of Esther, and I think the inclusion of so many illustrations and such short chapters is a great idea for reluctant readers. And while an adult might notice sexual undertones when Esther spends the night with the King, the author is careful not to suggest anything sexual. She simple writes: "When she [Esther] was introduced to King Xerxes, she bowed deeply and followed meekly as she was led to his rooms."

Unlike the biblical story, which doesn't mention God, the author helps readers see God's role in this story. Esther, Mordecai, and his friends are shown praying and fasting before the Queen asks for the King's help. Later, Esther and Mordecai speak of how God placed Esther in the King's palace specifically to save the Jews. "God was gracious to our people. He heard our prayers and answered our cries. We were honored to be His instruments," Mordecai says.

What I Dislike: Although the book adequately tells the story of Esther, it failed to grab me. For a story with such inherent suspense and excitement, this is surprising.

Overall Rating: Good.
Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 9 - 12, but younger readers may enjoy it, too.
Publishing Info: Barbour Books, 2007; ISBN: 978-1597899246; paperback, $4.97.
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Special Info: Read our other reviews of books by Paul L. Maier.