While I don’t have children myself yet, I do have a cute little nephew named Benjamin who just turned one. So, his doting uncle and aunt had to go out and purchase him a gift for his first birthday party this Saturday. It took very little diliberation to choose Sally Lloyd-Jones’ The Jesus Storybook Bible.
Any of you out there who have sought to purchase children’s Bible books will know they tend toward the moralistic. For instance, David was brave in the face of unbelievable odds and therefore we should be like David. While there may be some value in some of these things, we should be wary of this approach to Scripture. The reality is, we need to begin young with our children to make sure they are approaching Scripture correctly and understanding the grand sweeping themes from Genesis to Revelation and the wonderful dramatic progress of redemption contained within. Too many adults lack this basic understanding of the Scriptures, so we as parents (or uncles!) need to help our children early. The subtitle of this book helps to clarify its’ intention, Every story whispers his name. This book is about Jesus. And not just the narrative of the Gospels. But right from the creation story to the book of Revelation, this wonderful story book with beautiful illustrations highlights how all of Scripture speaks of and points to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
I even heard it said this volume has better theology (and certainly a better biblical-theological approach to Scripture) than most theology books written for adults!
What’s even better is that this book is coming out in a new deluxe edition with an audio CD so children can follow along with the words being read when you’re not able to read it to them. Check out the website here for more information.
Overall, this affordable, high quality hardcover children’s Jesus storybook is fantastic. Quality illustrations, engaging story (I particularly like the leading questions Lloyd-Jones asks in each story for the children), and the effort to present the grand sweeping story of the progress of redemption as centered on the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
This pastor, uncle, and soon-to-be parent, cannot more highly recommend this wonderful storybook which makes much of Christ for little ears, eyes, minds, and souls!
Working out Salvation with Fear and Trembling 
We use it for our 3 yr. old and 2 yr. old. They love it and we’ve been thru it a few times. Good choice!
Thanks for the confirmation Jamie!
We’ve gone through approximately 10 children’s Bibles for our kids. This is by far our favorite – and we’re always recommending it. The language it uses (which is non-typical and fresh) is beautiful.
Thanks Dan!
Hi Al (I am Al’s brother-in-law, Benjamin’s father). I was just perusing your blog and saw this review of The Jesus Storybook Bible and I really wanted to say Thank You! We read it to Benny just about every night before bed. He likes listening to the stories and seeing the pictures. I really appreciate the care you took to find a great “theologically correct” book that we could read to Ben. I agree that there are a lot of books out there that seem to point everywhere but toward Jesus. Again, thank you so much. Benny loves his Uncle Al and Aunt Tracy! Take care, and God Bless, Chris
Thanks Chris! We’re glad you and Jacqueline and Ben like it! Oh, and we love you guys and Benny too! We’re glad to help train up our nephew in the fear and discipline of the Lord!