First Bible Story Book

Thirteen of the best-loved stories from the Old and New Testaments, including such timeless favorites as Noah’s Ark, the Prodigal Son, and Jonah and the Whale, are sweetly re-told and enhanced with delightful illustrations. A sensitive way to acquaint young children with the important life lessons and values inherent in the Bible. Perfect for adults and children to read aloud together.

The brief “Introduction to the Bible” as well as “Who’s Who” at the back of the book offer some helpful orientation to these 13 Old and New Testament classics–from Genesis and Noah to the Three Wise Men and the Last Supper. Each story is amply illustrated with watercolors by Julie Downing, and the artwork breaks up the text in unpredictable ways–in other words, you’ll find the usual DK Publishing eye for good design. Mary Hoffman’s tone is undogmatic (the Bible is simply “some of the best stories ever told”) and she is particularly good at finding ways to handle stories, such as Abraham and Isaac, or the crucifixion, that might seem rough-going for children. (Ages 4 to 7) –Richard Farr