Okay, today I have an illustrated bible story book that I would like to share with you. The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible is the name, but it’s less of a bible and more of a story book, and that is how I approached it. It’s always nice to have a wonderfully illustrated story book to help children better understand the mysteries of God isn’t it? Mr. Juarez has done an excellent job of bringing the 45 stories within these pages to life.
From the Cover:
The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible brings to life more than 40 Bible stories that help readers understand that God’s Spirit has been with us since the beginning of time and continues to be with us today. From the glory of creation through the powerful letters of Paul, God’s Spirit is living in his people. Old and New Testament stories such as Adam and Eve, Abraham, Joseph, the Baptism of Jesus, and Pentecost come alive with dramatic illustrations by Fernando Juarez and moving text by Doris Rikkers. This is a special storybook Bible that will appeal to both children and parents alike.
About the Author:
Doris Rikkers is a freelance writer and editor who has written many bestselling children’s books and Bibles. Although she loves the ocean, she lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, surrounded by her books, her flower gardens, and her family and friends.
What you get:
312 pages of bible stories complete with full colour illustrations. I like how every page is illustrated that shows specific aspects of the story presented. Some of those stories are “the day the Spirit was sad”, “The Spirit helps Amasai Speak Up”, “How will Jesus come?” and “the Spirit Stays”. Most of the titles have the word Spirit in the name. The focus seems to be more on how the Spirit of God moves, rather than on all three persons of the Trinity.
Aren’t the illustrations well done? They aren’t excessively Caucasian, they show the type of clothes worn in the day, and provide good talking points with children. The type of bottles that would hold oil, or how an angel might look, or even how a baby might be swathed.
The text is clear and easy to read, meant to be read with a child sitting next to you or in your lap. It is written in simple enough language to that grade 3-5 students should have no real problems reading for themselves aside from some of the Biblical names like Zechariah, Nazareth, and Belshazzar.
Each story is introduced with a bible verse and where it comes from in the bible. For instance in the story “The Spirit makes Daniel wise” we are told it comes from Daniel 5, the verse Daniel 5:11 is highlighted. Then we are told the story of Daniel and Belshazzar and the writing on the wall. This story was well done, and many of the rest were as well.
My Thoughts:
Forty-five stories round out the pages of this illustrated story book, stories that showcase God’s power and presence. Okay, I have a couple of bones to pick. I dislike story books being portrayed as bibles, particularly when they similarly sized as a bible. This is a story book, not a bible. The fact that it is a story book is further demonstrated when they change the actual bible story to something that is close, but not quite the same.
God never looked around at the time and said “this is really good.” He said “it is good”. There’s a difference, he saved the demonstratives for when he made people. It may seem nit-picky, but you have to be nit-picky. These books tell children about GOD, not some random character with whom you don’t need to do your due diligence. This is almighty God.
With all story book bibles, read them with a keen eye for truth, and help your children understand God’s word. Be aware that this illustrated bible story book focuses on the work of the Spirit….and sometimes stretches at point a bit. Overall a nice story book that introduces 29 Old Testament stories and 16 New Testament ones. I loved the fact that not just the familiar stories were used, but some not as familiar as well such as Azariah and Jahaziel. I don’t ever recall reading about in another story bible for children. It’s good to learn these unfamiliar tales as well isn’t it? Help children see God in action through his people.
Overall, this is a good story book with bible stories, read them, read the bible too, and help your children grow in the knowledge and fear of the Lord.
The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible
Doris Wynbeek Rikkers, author
Fernando Juarez, illustrator
Zonderkidz
312 pages, hardcover, illustrated bible story book
Elementary, faith, biblical
View a sample.
Reviewed for: FlyBy Promotions.
Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller/FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.
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