Seperated into short, easy-to-grasp chapters, it features gorgeous, colorful but simple illustrations of the Bible's most vivid, even humorous stories. (the talking donkey, Elijah's besting of Baal, Jesus and Zaccheus, etc.) It tells the book's most spectacular stories (the parting of the Red Sea, Jesus' walking on water) with simply expressed awe that should impress children hearing it the first time. God's love and power is always written into the final line of each story, things as reassuring to children as a parent's goodnight kiss. ("God had saved his people again!" "Mary loved Him, Joseph loved Him, and God loved Him.")

The New Testament portion emphasizes Jesus' parables and miracles, and tells Christianity's most moving stories (Judas' betrayal, the Revelation) with tact few religious writers would attempt. You'll find no better, more contextual explanation to a child of why Christ died than the "Sadness" chapter in this book.

Overall, "The Beginners' Bible" is the best attempt yet to bring Jesus' love to His most youngest, most treasured ones, and is a book to read or be read to. HIGHLY recommended for families with young children.


Simple to-the- point truth kids love!   August 2, 2001
 26 out of 31 found this review helpful

I bought this book after several attempts to get my children interested in the Bible. I always look for metaphysical interpretations for children, but am not sure they exist. And I have bought a handful of children's Bible literature so when I read a review for this book I thought, great! When the book arrived my heart fell. I told myself, "another flop!" and was ready to send it back. But my little boy (8) saw it and asked me to read it. And he just loves it!! He asks for more, always more... even though he has tons of other books on his shelves. And I am thrilled. The stories are very simply put and illustrated, exactly like a child needs. Sometimes I shudder at the interpretations (at times a bit too classical for me), but an adult can always explain the stories. This book has an amazing calming effect on kids, and it seems to fill a need they have. Amazing! I think it is a perfect first approach to the Bible.


Don't Be Fooled   January 4, 2006
 26 out of 30 found this review helpful

For those who enjoyed the Beginner's Bible by Karyn Henley, this is NOT it! I gave Karyn's bible to my son seven years ago and was looking for a replacement for my daughter. I bought this bible by mistake because the illistrations and title were so similar and have been hugely disappointed. It lacks depth and purpose in the stories. This book might as well been written by an athiest who can spout out a story line but lacks any genuine understanding behind the story. If looking for a children's bible I strongly recommend finding a Beginner's Bible by Karen Henley (used or new) rather than settling for this or any other children's edition that reduces these stories to a trite sequence of events.