The Biggest Story Bible Storybook
Kevin DeYoung
Illustrated by
Don Clark
This Bible reads more like a little kids sermon on each Bible story to me. There is more analysis and interpretation and conversational observation and less concrete story details. I love it for jumpstarting a reflection on whatever story we are studying. If I had to pick only one storybook Bible, I don’t know that this would be the one, but I do love what it brings to the table. The illustrations are muted colors with a sort of dark theme and very abstract, which confused my young kids (3&5 yo).
Synopsis
Starting in Genesis, this single volume covers all of scripture. It is divided into 7 Parts: Pentateuch, History, Poetry, Prophets, Gospels, Act & Epistles, and Revlation. It is quite comprehensive, although each chapter within those 7 parts represents a single story and is quite short.
What I Love
Each story is only 2 pages or so, making it very readable in a short amount of time. The stories help the reader understand the significance and implications of the stories, making it a nice springboard for deeper discussion. It is also very comprehensive in how it covers the Bible—it mentions more obscure stories and touches on parts that are usually skipped for story bibles (like wisdom lit).
Weaker points
The pictures and story are both more abstract, making this book less engaging, especially for the youngest readers. There is more interpretation of the stories—which can be both helpful, if you’re looking for coaching on where to go with the story, and also not helpful, if you’re looking for just the raw story.
Details
ages: 5-9+
529 pages, 104 stories.
There are online resources available to go with this book on their website. This includes animated story videos, a podcast, a free weekly curriculum, and a complete curriculum available for purchase. Each Part has an introduction, each story ends with a short prayer.
Where To Find
Check your church library.