MY FIRST BIBLE STORIES

Nine stories taken from both the Old Testament and the New Testament are introduced to the youngest readers in this board book.

A child-friendly cover depicts Noah and his ark in bright, cartoony artwork and sets the tone for the greatly simplified stories presented inside. Creation is told in three lines that feel more like an introduction to the concept of God than a Bible story. Brown-haired, olive-skinned Adam and Eve stand behind a bush surrounded by incongruous flora and fauna that include an elephant, a monkey, what looks like an Easter bunny, a palm tree, an apple tree, and daisies. Other Old Testament stories included are Noah’s Ark, Moses, and David and Goliath. These tales have been simplified to the point of near meaninglessness. The life of Jesus is told from his birth, moving on to his message of love and the multiplication of the loaves and fish, and ending with his resurrection and ascension. Children old enough to be told these stories are also capable of understanding more than this book presents. If they cannot, one wonders if perhaps they are too young for the stories.

Adult readers wishing to familiarize children with some of the Christian Bible stories will find greater satisfaction looking elsewhere.