For families exploring foundational religious narratives, this book gently introduces children to the significant stories and figures from both the Old and New Testaments.
A parent might reach for this book when their child begins asking big questions about God, faith, or the origins of religious holidays, or when seeking a foundational introduction to Judeo-Christian culture. This comprehensive collection retells the most significant stories from the Old and New Testaments in clear, accessible language, from the Creation and Noah's Ark to the life and teachings of Jesus. It explores powerful themes of good versus evil, justice, and perseverance. Ideal for ages 7 to 12, this book serves as a gentle, story-focused starting point, allowing families to explore these influential narratives without heavy theological doctrine, making it a valuable resource for building cultural and religious literacy.
Includes themes of betrayal, loss of innocence (Adam and Eve), and suffering.
Scary ScenesMild
Scenes like the plagues of Egypt or Daniel in the lions' den may be frightening for young children.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with sensitive topics like death, violence, betrayal, and divine punishment. Events like Cain killing Abel, the great flood, the plagues of Egypt, and the crucifixion of Jesus are included. The approach is factual within a religious framework. The violence is not graphic, but the events are serious. The resolution to suffering or conflict is consistently hopeful and faith-based, centering on God's plan, forgiveness, or the ultimate victory of good.
Ideal Reader
The ideal reader is an 8 to 11 year old child who is beginning to ask questions about religion or has encountered biblical references in culture. It is perfect for a child who enjoys mythology, epic history, and stories with clear moral stakes. It suits a reader who can handle complex narratives and is ready to think about abstract concepts like faith and miracles.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared for conversations about God, faith, and the supernatural. It would be wise to preview stories involving violence, such as the sacrifice of Isaac, the plagues on Egypt, and the crucifixion. While the text is simple, the theological implications are vast. A parent can read it cold with their child, but being ready to pause and discuss will greatly enrich the experience and help process the more difficult moments. A parent has heard their child ask, "Who made the world?" or "What's the story about the man who parted the sea?" The child may have also come home from school with questions about a classmate's beliefs or why their family celebrates certain holidays. This book is a direct answer to that emergent curiosity.
Age Experience
A younger reader (7-8) will likely approach these as individual adventure stories. They will focus on the action and memorable characters: Noah's animals, David's slingshot, Jesus healing people. An older reader (10-12) will be better equipped to see the overarching narrative, understand the connection between the Old and New Testaments, and grapple with the moral and theological questions the stories raise.
What Makes It Special
Pat Alexander's retelling is distinguished by its straightforward, almost reportorial prose. It avoids the overtly sentimental or heavily didactic tone of many other children's Bibles. Its strength lies in its comprehensive scope and its respectful, non-denominational feel, focusing on narrative clarity. It feels less like a Sunday school lesson and more like a classic volume of world mythology and history.
Read plot summary
This book provides a chronological retelling of major narratives from the Bible. The Old Testament section covers foundational stories including Creation, Adam and Eve, Noah's Ark, the Tower of Babel, Abraham, Joseph, Moses and the Exodus, David and Goliath, and Daniel in the lions' den. The New Testament focuses entirely on the life of Jesus, from his birth and childhood to his teachings, parables, miracles, his crucifixion, and eventual resurrection. The stories are presented as short, distinct chapters, making the large volume feel manageable for young readers.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
In the story of David and Goliath, David was much smaller but still won. What do you think gave him the courage to face the giant? Was it just his slingshot, or something else?
2
The story of the Good Samaritan teaches about who our 'neighbor' is. After reading it, how would you describe what it means to be a good neighbor, even to a stranger?
3
Many characters, like Jacob or David, made big mistakes but were still important people in the stories. Why do you think the book includes stories about heroes who are not perfect?
4
After reading about the ten plagues in Egypt, what are your thoughts on how God convinced the Pharaoh to let the people go? Did it seem fair?
5
Jesus often told stories called parables to teach a lesson. Which of his parables was your favorite, and what important message did you take away from it?
