A is for Adam has spots that are clunky or forced (“S is for Seventy” in particular is really jarring as it interrupts a wonderful explanation of the gospel to make a good, but completely unrelated, apologetic point. I really wish they had done “S is for Savior” instead. Btw, they do emphasize that Jesus is the only Savior throughout the book, so that is not my problem.) Anyway, while the book has flaws, it is memorable, has wonderful pictures, and is a good book for youngest children.
The Big Picture Story Bible, by David Helm, and The Jesus Storybook Bible, by Sally Lloyd-Jones, are both quite well-written and intentionally seek to explain the whole story of redemption. Both are excellent. Big Picture works well for really young children (2+ years), while Jesus Storybook is aimed at children beginning a year or two older. The only weakness to each, in my never-to-be-humble opinion, is the artwork. But that may just be me.
Mighty Acts of God is an excellent successor to Jesus Storybook as it explains each story in greater detail. yet communicates the overall story of God’s redemptive plan.
Finally, The Children’s Story Bible, by Catherine Vos is definitely aimed at older elementary children and is packed with good information, while also retaining the whole scope of redemptive history.
We recently picked up the Family Bible (ESV), illustrated by Zbigniew Freus, and have found it to be another great resource for our family worship. This book is unique in that it has only the actual text of Scripture. It does not have the entire Bible text, rather FB focuses on the narrative portions. The ‘chapters’ are short, typically about a half page, and the artwork is outstanding. With pictures on each page, our children are captured visually as well as verbally. Family Bible (ESV) has naturally followed Mighty Acts as our children have gained a greater understanding of the Bible stories, and The Bible Story.
I am sure there are other excellent children’s Bible story books out there. Which ones have been most beneficial to your family?
Thank you, thank you! I actually was just thinking of emailing you for some Bible storybook recommendations for Madilyn…I figured that with your kids being the ages they are, you’d have some great suggestions! This is the second time I’ve heard the Catherine Vos book recommended by a parent, so I’ll definitely have to keep that one in mind for when she is a little older! I have the Jesus Storybook one in my Amazon cart to show Josh when he gets home! Thanks again!!
We have loved the Jesus Storybook Bible. We went through it with our children when Daniel was 9 and Hannah was 6-7. The wording is such that they were able to appreciate some of the humor. I am with you on the artwork. Daniel especially thought some of the pictures were downright funny. They proved to be a distraction to him at times.