Review: "The Biggest Story Bible Storybook"

 

The Biggest Story Bible Story by Kevin DeYoung and illustrated by Don Clark is what it says it is:  a big book of the major stories of the Bible – with an emphasis on how the Bible is one story.

DeYoung writes the Bible story on an older elementary school level, though younger children can understand it being read to them with some help. The illustrations by Clark are attractive and appropriate to the text.

The pros of this book are both showing that the Bible is, indeed, one story, and putting it on a language level that younger children can understand better than many translations of the Bible.

The caveats about this book – not necessarily cons – are: (For those who believe the Second Commandment forbids pictures of Jesus) there are pictures of Jesus. Second, this would be considered a paraphrase and errors are more likely in paraphrases than in translations. Third, and most importantly, if you use this book, also make sure that you read and introduce children to the actual text of the Bible – reading it to them, explaining it to them, and having them read it as early as possible. You, as the adult, can explain and answer questions about the actual text.

Thus, this can be a useful book – when used carefully.

[This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com].