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The Jesus storybook BibleKeller for kidsTHE JESUS STORYBOOK BIBLE There are dozens of Bible storybooks for children out there. Many are beautifully illustrated; some are beautifully written. This new one, The Jesus Storybook Bible is both: a superb marriage of lively prose and vivid pictures which go to the very edge of every page. This book is also wonderfully sound theology. (The author acknowledges an enormous debt to ‘Dr. Timothy Keller, whose teaching informs every story and from whom I have liberally borrowed’.) It does not tell all the stories it could — there will be some you will look for in vain — but it tells the Big Story. At the outset it informs the reader that the Bible is not a book of rules, neither is it a book of heroes; it is ‘an adventure story about a young Hero who comes from a far country to win back his lost treasure. It’s a love story about a brave Prince who leaves his place, his throne — everything — to rescue the one he loves. It’s like the most wonderful of fairy tales that has come true in real life’. Hence, as the narrator tells the stories of the Old Testament, she takes every opportunity to remind the reader that we are holding our breath, waiting for something very special to happen. When we read of Abraham and Isaac we are told that one day there would be another Son climbing a hill with wood on his back. When we read of David and Goliath we are told that many years later God would send his people another young Hero to fight for them. In the New Testament the narrator does not shirk the recounting some of Jesus’ teaching alongside the tales of his most famous deeds. All is told with a warm-hearted, even passionate voice. This is most certainly a book to be read out loud. And the book ends, just like the real Book, with John’s vision of heaven: King Jesus on his throne, Satan defeated, the glorious city of God coming down to earth. This excellent storybook is both imaginative and true. At its heart is the very gospel. And, therefore, this book is not just for the kids. Buy two and keep one yourself. Ann Benton, Guildford© Evangelicals Now - December 2007 |