Stories Retold by Gwen Ellis

Illustrations by Steve Smallman

I received this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers (http://brb.thomasnelson.com/,) as a book reviewing blogger.

This Bible is great for children ages one to four!  Trust me, I have two toddlers and several children’s bibles, and this one is my favorite for this age group.  The book is filled with 40 Bible stories that have been retold in language very suitable for children.  Ellis did a great job of communicating these stories for children without changing the theological message behind them.  She also includes helpful interactive ideas for parents at the end of each story.  The suggestions vary from physical activities, and ways to help the toddler personally connect with the story.

The book’s illustrations are very basic, bright and colorful.  They aid the stories very well.  The 60 minute DVD included with the bible contains similar graphics as the book, which is good: it is not too flashy or over-stimulating for young children.  Though the DVD is a nice bonus because it reiterates some of the stories told in the book, I do not think it is necessary to use it along with Bible.

I definitely give this bible 5 out of 5 stars.  It seems biblically accurate and developmentally appropriate for children ages one to four.