Having helped to create many children’s Bible storybooks and written two of my own, I know just how challenging it can be to develop an excellent, trustworthy product for introducing children to God’s Word.

That’s why I like to help celebrate Bible storybooks that are especially well done. This year I found two I’d like to recommend to you, and they’re available just in time for Christmas giving!

Here’s the first one:

• Title:  Jesus Calling Bible Storybook
• Author:  Sarah Young with Jean Fischer
• Illustrator:  Carolina Farias
• Publisher: Tommy Nelson
• ISBN-13: 978-1-4003-2033-2
• SRP: $16.99
• Reviewed by: Diane Stortz

Visually beautiful, the Jesus Calling Bible Storybook combines nearly 100 concisely told stories with richly colored artwork sure to appeal to children. Stories also feature a “Jesus Calling” section, with an appropriate Bible verse and short devotional thought for children in the style of Sarah Young’s popular Jesus Calling devotional for adults. The devotional thoughts offer a balanced focus on Jesus’ love and the obedient behaviors that please him.

Longer Bible stories, such as the story of Moses and the Exodus in the Old Testament and Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount in the New Testament, are divided into several shorter stories under a single heading–keeping the attention span of young readers in mind. In some stories the author skillfully interjects simple explanations of life in Bible times or a character’s actions.

I like the way this Bible storybook handles important stories that include aspects parents may not want their children exposed to just yet, such as the destruction during Noah’s flood, the Egyptian army drowning in the Red Sea, the conquest of Jericho, or even the crucifixion itself. The author and illustrator both demonstrate sensitivity and restraint throughout the book.

The book’s design allows text and artwork to shine, as does the extra-heavy coated paper the book is printed on.

Here and there I spotted small details that I might have chosen to express or illustrate differently, but those don’t detract from the overall effectiveness of this book meeting its expressed goal: “To help young children come to know God’s Word and enjoy the Presence of Jesus in their lives.”

Rating: 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

The second book I want to tell you about today is the Little Angels Bible Storybook:

• Title:  Little Angels Bible Storybook
• Author:  Roma Downey with Carolyn Larsen
• Illustrator:  Rick Incrocci
• Publisher: Tyndale Kids
• ISBN-13: 978-1-4143-7022-4
• SRP: $16.99
• Reviewed by: Diane Stortz

Roma Downey’s Little Angels series of DVDs and books now includes a flagship Bible storybook. As such, this book combines well-told stories, cartoon-style illustrations, each of the eight Little Angels, and twins Alex and Zoe, who learn along with readers throughout the book.

Experienced Bible-story writer Carolyn Larsen tells the Bible stories factually and clearly. The colorful yet consistent book design will please both young readers and their parents or caregivers.

A special feature of this book is the “I learned that …” and “so I pray …” sections with each story. In the “I learned that …” sections, either Alex or Zoe talks about a lesson from the story, and in the corresponding “so I pray …” sections, the other twin prays a short, related prayer that young readers can pray too. I especially like that most of the time, these sections focus on aspects of God’s character as the primary lessons of the stories, rather than treating the stories simply as vehicles for teaching moral lessons or good behavior.

Each story also includes an “I can …” section with activities and questions for parents and children to do together. These sometimes bring in core preschool learning concepts such as colors, numbers, and the alphabet, which the entire Little Angels series also includes. A memory verse appears with each story as well.

A section at the back of the book includes special verses to remember, the Ten Commandments, facts about angels, and a list of some of Jesus’ miracles.

As Roma Downey writes in the introduction: “Alex and Zoe face the same challenges all kids do, and our Little Angels are always there to help them along the way. And because the angels are messengers from God, our Little Angels are there to remind Alex and Zoe that they are never alone, for God is always watching over them and loving them.” This Bible storybook surely helps fulfill that purpose.

Rating: 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

I received free copies of these books from the publishers in exchange for my honest opinion. I received no monetary compensation for these reviews.

DIANE