A First Bible Story Book - Hardcover

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

PreSchool-Grade 3-With her charming British accent and pleasant contralto voice, Diane Louise Jordan does a magnificent job of reading these simplified Bible stories for young children. A First Bible Story Book (DK, 1997), contains seven Old Testament and six New Testament stories, retold by Mary Hoffman: "God Makes the World," "Noah's Ark," "Abraham and His Family," "Joseph and His Rainbow Coat," "Moses in the Bulrushes," "Daniel in the Lion's Den," "Jonah and the Big Fish," "The First Christmas," "The Three Wise Men," "Jesus Is Lost and Found," "Five Thousand Hungry People," "The Last Supper," and "The First Easter." The basic plot and characters of each story are retained, including some of the more frightening scenes such as the near-sacrifice of Isaac by his father Abraham, and the eating of Daniel's accusers by the lions in the den. Other stories omit some details; for example, the seduction of Joseph by Potiphar's wife has been omitted. The book is illustrated with charming watercolors by Julie Downing. The only sections in the book which are not read on the recording are the Introduction and the "Who's Who in the Bible Stories" at the end. This is a fine introduction to Bible stories for young children and a well-done mixed-media product.
Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX
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