“No book is really worth reading at the age of ten which is not equally (and often far more) worth reading at the age of fifty—except, of course, books of information.
The only imaginative works we ought to grow out of
are those which it would have been better not to have read at all.”—C.S. LewisGiven that, one would hope that children’s Bibles would be books worth reading at the age of fifty; one would hope they would be a joy to read to our children. Unfortunately, however (at least from my experience), that isn’t often the case. It’s too bad, because our older two really enjoy the one we kept; it isn’t great, but it’s good enough. Still, you always want something better for your kids—and now, I think we may have found it. Ben Patterson, who was something of a mentor of mine during his time as Dean of the Chapel at Hope College, and whose judgment I trust implicitly, has a thoroughly positive review up on the Christianity Today website of The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name; Sara and I got halfway through it and decided we want a copy. It’s not just the review itself, either, because there’s a link to The Jesus Storybook Bible‘s version of Genesis 3, which I think validates Ben’s glowing comments. Of all the things for which he praises this book, I think the most important is that it “manages to show again and again the presence of Christ in all the Old Testament Scriptures, and the presence of the Old Testament Scriptures in the life of Christ.” That’s something too many adults don’t see—perhaps, in part, because they never learned it from their children’s Bibles.
Rob,
I too, saw Ben’s review. I, too, followed the link and was blown away by the genius of the writing and the art. I, too, will be picking up a copy.
What a neat find. And, as always, it is great to read something from Ben.
Wayne
My family (kids ages 8,6 and 3)has had this Bible for about a year now and we have enjoyed reading and re-reading the stories within it. There’s something in every story it tells that clearly resonates Jesus Christ. (Isn’t that how it’s supposed to be???) I’ve even found myself referring to its simple, gospel-centered re-tellings often for the women’s Bible study I’m involved in. I would recommend it as a “must have” book, whether you have children or not!
I read our kids the three stories about Jesus’ betrayal, death, and resurrection today, and I was pretty close to tears. The guy’s an amazing writer, and for the most part stays pretty close to the ideas in the text. I love this book, and I will probably get around to owning a copy myself someday. 🙂 And reading bits of it from stage…
Well, the woman, actually. 🙂 But yeah, she is. Mom got this for Bronwyn for her birthday, and I’m looking forward to reading it to the kids. I’m glad to hear the testimonials. 🙂
Hi Rob
I came across your great blog via a google alert thing and thought I’d stop by and say Hi and also thank you so much for posting a review about the book.
How great to hear.
It’s God’s Wonderful Story and I am honored to have some small part in retelling it for children–and adults too.
(I love that C S Lewis quote!)
You may be interested to know about some cool resources around the book that are available on my website–downloadable stories, audio of me reading from the book, interviews and reviews (as well as some fun stuff on my other children’s books)
Blessings to you and thanks again!
Sally
sallylloyd-jones.com