I really like this Bible story book. It is well done, attractive, educational, and beautiful. The author and illustrator have done a wonderful job focusing on who God is, choosing 45 events from the Bible, and weaving in knowledge that is practical and vital for children to learn about who God is, rather than just being able to retell events. Before the book ends, Mama bear reminds all the little forest friends that these stories are true. Making sure they grasp that they actually occurred.
Here is a more detailed review:
What I liked about the book:
- Hardback book, with nice thick glossy pages, child sized for read with me- just over 7 by 8 inches. Designed for 3 to 7 year olds I believe it's well tailored for this age and stage.
- 45 stories, tables of content, as well as story title page share the scripture passages the story is from.
- Artist's renderings, are child friendly, warm, lifelike, detailed, and diverse.
- The way who God is, and His promises to His people are woven into the retellings of bible events and into the questions and answers of the little animals. It portrays who God is on many levels and across time.
- For a book that an adult can read in less than an hour, maybe even a half an hour, there are key details woven into the retellings and thoughts of the forest animals.
- A few women of the Bible are highlighted: Miriam, Queen Esther, Mary, Elizabeth,
- Transitions are made and questions asked, as Mama Bear shares the Bible stories with little cub and his forest friends, if a question is asked on a Bible event page, they are framed in a paint box, and this works well to bring in the concept of who God is, across the lives of these historical people and today in the lives of forest friends.
- Nice transition between the Old Testament stories and the New Testament Stories.
- Use of the word sin for Adam and Eve doing what God said not to do.
- Words that are defined throughout the text. Genesis, sin, miracles, cistern,disciple,parable ....
- This book shares the gospel when talking about Jesus death and resurrection, as well as the gift of the Holy Spirit explained.
What I wondered about the book:
- Why when referring to God as He- it was with a little h, not a capital H. I know it's just my personal preference.
- Why there wasn't a stronger conclusion and suggestion to the readers that there is so much more of the Bible available, that this book only covers 45 of the Bible's events. It ended focusing on God's love continuing in our stories with us.
- How kids will interpret how God speaks to us today, "Through the Bible, through dreams, through thoughts that stick with us, and in other ways too." I'd want to discuss this statement with any children I read the book to, as I'm not sure that they will interpret it accurately.
Thankful to partner with Waterbrook Multnomah and read this advanced copy of the book releasing September 17, 2019.
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