The Children's Illustrated Bible

From SPARK

One-sentence summary

Retold Bible stories for children.

Description

The author has written this book with help from educators, scholars, and religious advisors. This retelling of both Old and New Testament stories uses modern language, but keeps the poetry style of earlier translations. It is easy for children 8-12 years to understand.

It begins with a four-page introduction to the Bible. This explains why Old Testament books are important to both Jewish people and Christians. The history, photos, drawings, and illustrations make the stories interesting.

• Both the Old and New Testament sections begin with a map, photos, drawings, and information that helps with understanding the two main parts of the Bible.
• Each story section gives the book, chapter, and verses used for the story.
• The final four-page section identifies the people in the Bible stories.
• A four-page index completes the book.

Considerations

• The small colored photos that go with the drawings for each chapter will add interest and understanding for the children.
• Throughout the book there are explanations of the following topics:
  • The Patriarchs
  • Life in Egypt
  • Life in Canaan
  • Conquering Nations
  • Jesus of Galilee
  • Daily Life in Jesus' Time
  • The Early Church
  • Paul's Journeys
• Both Jewish and Christian scholars were consulted to make sure that the stories and drawings were correct.

Limitations

Limitations:

• The nakedness of Adam and Eve may cause problems in some cultures.
• Adam and Eve are light-skinned but their hair color is typical of the Middle East.
• Bible verses are from the King James Version.
• The text is written around the photos and drawings. This might make it difficult for children to understand, who are not good readers.

Guidelines for Use

• The book is best for literate children and adults.
• This book could be used as a textbook in schools or Sunday Schools. It gives a good overview of the Bible as a story.
• The stories are short enough to be used as children's radio programs. This would not permit the use of the excellent photos, maps, and drawings.
• The book could be put on DVD. The stories could be listened to and the maps, pictures, and photos looked at.

Where to Obtain

Link to Producer or Source Organization

Name: DK Publishing

Cost

$22.99 USD (As of August 2007)

Producer/Owners

Author/Artist/Producer

Selina Hastings

Illustrator: Eric Thompson

Current copyright owner

DK Publishing

Other Information

If you are interested in translating this book for a minority language, contact DK Publishing. Working together you will be able to come up with a Creative Commons License agreement.

Reviewed by

Vida, VMS Children's Resources

Date

January 28, 2008