This was posted at the beginning of the summer, so it refers to using the books in Ordinary Time. But, it is really a good list of Bible Story books that can be read in worship.Because I am beginning my way through Ordinary Time posts, I am aware that there are lots of wonderful Old Testament stories coming this summer. Unfortunately, a good number of them have been worked over by multiple editors resulting in long, rambly accounts that can be hard to follow. Children's Bible storybooks provide good alternative readings. But, finding really good ones can be a time consuming challenge. So, for what it is worth, here is a list of my favorites for reading in worship. I'll be referring to them often during the summer. I mention them now to give you a new agenda for your next trip to the bookstore and to invite you to share your favorites with the rest of us.
The Children's Bible in 365 Stories, by Mary Batchelor
The Children's Illustrated Bible, by Selina Hastings
Children of God Storybook Bible, by Desmond Tutu
The Family Story Bible, by Ralph Milton
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Carolyn, Have you seen Augsburg's Spark Bible? While it takes "liberties" with the text (for example the creation story has some lovely sound effects added) kids respond to it as they do really good children's literature. It is not an academic rendering, but rather one with an eye to the parts of the story that interest children. I also like the 3 you've listed that are familiar to me but thought I would mention this in case you hadn't seen it.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen the Spark Bible. But, I'll now go looking for it. One of my criteria for the list was that the stories take few liberties with the text so that adults could hear them as "real scripture" with the children. That said I am always on the look out for good children's Bible story books and am curious to see this one.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite children's Bible for use in worship is "The Lion Bible for Children"retold by Murray Watts.
ReplyDeleteThis is great Carolyn! Thank you! These are true to the story and their ART is good (one of my criteria for Bibles for children :-} ).
ReplyDeleteSometime I'd love to hear your thoughts on what you think of different translations that might be decent for children...esply the new Common English Bible for Children!
It is really important to start everything right. Especially with our kids. Teaching them God's word even at their very young age is very essential. Thank you for giving importance to God's word.
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Megan, I am sorry your comment is just now getting published. Somehow it did not appear in my computer until today. Go figure. Thank you for your words.
DeleteHi Carolyn,
ReplyDeleteIt's great to see your post regarding Bible Stories. My children always love to read Bible Stories and they will be happy after getting above books again.
As a Presbyterian, I especially love The Jesus Storybook Bible.
ReplyDeleteLone Star, I ran across the extended review of The Jesus Storybook Bible that you might want to check out. It fleshes out some of my concerns in great detail.
Deletehttp://www.breadnotstones.com/2014/04/is-childrens-picture-bible-really-bible.html
My one objection (and in my mind it is a significant one) is the author's insistence that every story in the Old Testament is about Jesus. I prefer to let each story of God's interaction with people stand on its own. This is where how you read and interpret the Bible is important when selecting children's Bible storybooks. People with different approaches to Biblical criticism will select different Bible story books.
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