Little Is Big: Jesus Feeds the 5,000

Little Is Big: Jesus Feeds the 5,000, tells the story of feeding the 5000 with 5 loaves and 2 fishes (John 6:1-15).

A little boy shares his dinner with Jesus when he realizes the crowd is hungry, and Jesus miraculously multiplies the gift into dinner for 5000. The story illustrates that no one has a gift too small or too insignificant to give God.


This Phonetic Bible Story by Claudia Courtney not only teaches God's word, but develops reading skills, specifically, the short "i" sound. Repetition of phrases such as, "5 little loaves. 2 little fish," and, "A little is big with Jesus," emphasize common site words. On the last page, a word list sorts out short "i" words and new vocabulary words.

The illustrations by Reg Sandland are bright, bold, and appealing.

What I Like: My son and I read a classic Bible story and practiced his reading skills, accomplishing two goals at once! The book is the perfect length for beginning readers. I'm eager to try other Phonetic Bible Stories.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: Reading Level: Grade 1; Interest Level: Ages 2-6

Publisher Info: Concordia Publishing House, 1998; ISBN: 0-570-05094-4; Paperback $2.99.

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Special Information: Check out other reviews of Phonetic Bible Stories on this site.

Barns of Barley: The Parable of the Rich Fool

Barns of Barley: The Parable of the Rich Fool by Claudia Courtney and illustrated by Kathy Mitter, is a book for early readers who are learning to sound out words. This book is one of the fifteen books in the Phonetic Bible Stories series. This parable can be found in Luke 12:17-21.

This story emphasizes the phonogram "ar" (think barley.)

"Barley in barns,

Garlic in carts,

Parsley in jars.

Chard in all parts."

The illustrations are vivid, and work well with the story. The book starts with a look at the rich man's flourishing garden. He had men to harvest his crops in his large yard. He realized that because of his large amount of crops, he needed larger barns, "up to the stars." He was so proud of his proceeds that he wanted a large party to celebrate his wealth. He was shocked and dismayed to find that his great greed was keeping him away from God.

What I Like: The author writes a note to parents at the beginning of the book. She gives ideas of how to most effectively use the book for early readers. Although this is a relatively short book, it can be turned into a Bible/phonics review or lesson. There are many interesting food items that can be looked up as you read through the story with your child.

What I Dislike: I don't dislike anything about this book. It is well-priced and a great teaching tool. I would definitely consider buying other Phonetic Bible Stories.

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 4-8

Publisher Info: Concordia Publishing House, 1998; ISBN:0570050952; Paperback $2.99.

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Choose! The Story of Ruth

Choose! The Story of Ruth, written by Claudia Courtney, is another story about Ruth, but this one is quite different from any others I’ve ever read. This one utilizes phonics to not only tell the story but to also help children learn to read. As the author writes in her Note to Grownups: “This beginning reader series blends the best of two worlds – phonics to help your child learn to read and popular Bible stories to help your child learn to read God’s word.” The author cites Ruth 1:1-4:12 as the scripture for this story.

A spelling list of words used in the book is given on page 16. The words emphasize the long “u” sound as in the name Ruth, or the words food and Hebrew.

The illustrations by Larry Nolte are bright, colorful and cartoon-like, making this a very kid-friendly book.

What I Like: This is a unique approach to telling Bible stories. It’s also a great idea for teaching children how to read. What a great way to combine the two.

What I Dislike: My only complaint is the short sentences and repeated sound phrases used throughout the book (which are necessary in this type of book) sometimes make it difficult to follow the story’s narrative. For example, on page 9 Naomi and Ruth have arrived in Judah, and on page 10 Ruth is working in Boaz’s field, but there is no transition or explanation as to how or why she is there. It’s not a big deal, but I thought I would point that out.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: 2-6.

Publisher Info: Concordia Publishing House, 1999; ISBN: 0570070031; Paperback, $3.19.

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Special Info: This book is part of Concordia’s Phonetic Bible Stories. It is for Reading Level Grade 1. Read our reviews of other books in the series.

Read our reviews of other books by Claudia Courtney. Visit the illustrator’s website.

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.

Jake's Brave Night

Jake's Brave Night was written by Crystal Bowman as a Level 2 book in ZonderKidz "I Can Read!" series. Level 2 books offer high-interest stories for developing readers and are designed to for children "reading with help."

This book follows Jake, a sweet bunny who is about to spend his first night in his own room with a big boy bed. Up to now, Jake has always shared a bed with his little sister. He is very excited, but after a Bible story, prayer and good-night kisses, Jake is left all alone in the dark. He doesn't like the dark, so he turns on the light. That only makes scary shadows appear, so he turns the light off again. He gets in and out of bed and, at one point, even under the bed! Finally, he falls asleep.

The next morning at breakfast Jake explains his rough night. His parents decide to get him a nightlight, but Jake worries that he'll still be all alone. His mom tells him: "You are never alone. God is always with you." When Jake asks when God sleeps, his dad explains: "God never sleeps. God stays awake all the time." This comforts Jake.

That night Jake doesn't toss and turn. He simply remembers: "God is watching me all night long."

The illustrations by Karen Maizel offer soft drawings, part colored pencil, part watercolor of a sweet bunny family. They are expressive and loving.

What I Like: Everything. This book does an excellent job quelling kids fears while teaching Biblical truths at an age appropriate and phonetic development level. Too often these early reader books add God as an after-thought. This one doesn't do that. God's omnipresence is an integral part of the text. And it does this a a completely relevant topic: being afraid of the dark. Nearly every child can relate to the main character.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4-8

Publisher Info: ZonderKidz, 2007; ISBN: 0310714567; Paperback; $3.99

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Special Info: See our reviews of other books by Crystal Bowman. Also, look for our reviews of other books for early readers.