Believe Storybook- Book Review
A church parent gave me a copy of the Believe Storybook. I really have some mixed feelings about this one. It has some wonderful qualities about it - but some other things that make me go hmm......
First off, I am not sure about why it is titled as a storybook. Yes, it contains great stories- but the way the stories are presented in the chapters makes this feel more like a lesson book or something to use in a Sunday school classroom. As a story book, I am not sure how well it would hold the attention of a child being read to at home.- or an older child reading on their own.
The Believe Storybook is written by Randy Frazee and illustrated by Steve Adams. The book is subtitled "Think, Act, and Be like Jesus" and is divided into three sections as listed in the subtitle. It was published by Zondervan in 2015.
I do like the look and feel of this book. It's a large almost coffee table-sized book with colorful glossy pages. The illustrations and colors are probably what I like the most about the book. It's pretty gorgeous. Here is an example of how the book organized. In the section titled "Think," chapter 3 explores the theme of salvation and the reader is given a question to think about. In this chapter, the question is "How do I have a relationship with God?" The Old Testament story presented is from Genesis 2-3 and tells the story of Adam and Eve disobeying God. Next is the 'Jump to Jesus" page (which is a feature in every chapter) followed by the story of Jesus' resurrection from the Gospel of Luke.
Overall, I like the idea of presenting stories from the Old and New Testament together. It remind us that we need both parts of the Bible to under stand our history and story as Christians. I also like the way most of the stories are told in a clear simplified way. (But, in some cases I felt like it was too watered-down). All of the favorite Biblical narratives are here in this book. I think it's mostly the way the stories are paired together and grouped into themes that had me shaking my head as I read through the book. Some of the pairings were very odd and seemed to be forced together just to fit the theme. In other cases, I felt the stories used didn't really answer or get to the heart of the key question.
While this book - my opinion- is not great as a straight forward story book for children I do think it would be a great resources for parents looking for a way to add devotional time at home. The topics and stories would be a great to be used to start a discussion with children. I would also recommend that as you move through the stories - go to the original scriptures in the Bible and compare them with the way the story is told in the book. This also might be a good book for home school parents, Sunday school teachers, etc. to keep on the shelf for a quick resource or lesson.
I do think I will keep this on on my shelf. The illustrations are beautiful and with some adaption I can see myself using this in Sunday school, for Extended Session, and as a resource for the Time for Children.
Below are some specifics on what is included in each section of the book and a look at some of it's pages.
Also, if you are looking for recommendations for children's story Bibles check our these links to previous blog entries:
Story Bibles for Young Children
What's on my Self
Believe Story Bible:
Each Story Contains:
Key Question
Referenced Old and New Testament Bible Stories
The Jesus Answer Connecting the Stories
Key Idea and Referenced Verse
Sections:
THINK LIKE JESUS:
God
Personal God
Salvation
The Bible
Identity in Christ
Church
HumanityCompassion
Stewardship
Eternity
ACT LIKE JESUS
Worship
Prayer
Bible Study
Single-Mindedness
Total Surrender
Biblical Community
Spiritual Gifts
Offering My Time
Giving My Resources
Sharing My Faith
BE LIKE JESUS
Love
Joy
PeaceSelf Control
Hope
Patience
Kindness/Goodness
Faithfulness
Gentleness
Humility
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