First Bible Storybook [Hardcover]

Mary Hoffman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 1997

An introduction to the Bible for very young children with 13 stories from the Old and the New Testaments bringing Bible characters to life.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The brief "Introduction to the Bible" as well as "Who's Who" at the back of the book offer some helpful orientation to these 13 Old and New Testament classics--from Genesis and Noah to the Three Wise Men and the Last Supper. Each story is amply illustrated with watercolors by Julie Downing, and the artwork breaks up the text in unpredictable ways--in other words, you'll find the usual DK Publishing eye for good design. Mary Hoffman's tone is undogmatic (the Bible is simply "some of the best stories ever told") and she is particularly good at finding ways to handle stories, such as Abraham and Isaac, or the crucifixion, that might seem rough-going for children. (Ages 4 to 7) --Richard Farr --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 3-With her charming British accent and pleasant contralto voice, Diane Louise Jordan does a magnificent job of reading these simplified Bible stories for young children. A First Bible Story Book (DK, 1997), contains seven Old Testament and six New Testament stories, retold by Mary Hoffman: "God Makes the World," "Noah's Ark," "Abraham and His Family," "Joseph and His Rainbow Coat," "Moses in the Bulrushes," "Daniel in the Lion's Den," "Jonah and the Big Fish," "The First Christmas," "The Three Wise Men," "Jesus Is Lost and Found," "Five Thousand Hungry People," "The Last Supper," and "The First Easter." The basic plot and characters of each story are retained, including some of the more frightening scenes such as the near-sacrifice of Isaac by his father Abraham, and the eating of Daniel's accusers by the lions in the den. Other stories omit some details; for example, the seduction of Joseph by Potiphar's wife has been omitted. The book is illustrated with charming watercolors by Julie Downing. The only sections in the book which are not read on the recording are the Introduction and the "Who's Who in the Bible Stories" at the end. This is a fine introduction to Bible stories for young children and a well-done mixed-media product.
Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 80 pages
• Publisher: Dorling Kindersley (May 15, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0751354805
• ISBN-13: 978-0751354805
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,633,872 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The beautiful stories of the Bible come to life in this book, April 29, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: First Bible Story Book (Hardcover)

My son was given this book on his 2nd birthday and has loved the stories and pictures. The Bible stories are vivid and the beautiful illustrations help keep his attention. I have used this book in my Sunday School class with children up to 6 years old. All of the children enjoyed it.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Almost right..., November 7, 2002

By 

Daniel L Edelen (Mt. Orab, OH USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: First Bible Story Book (Hardcover)

This book of Bible stories aimed at the very young is nicely illustrated and fairly well-written. However, it is far too short to be a "Bible" of choice for educating toddlers or those beginning to read. The choice of some of the stories included is questionable, particularly since context is lost. The Gospel stories included are especially inadequate, failing to do justice to the ministry and life of Jesus. Kids could certainly grasp more if given the opportunity to do so.

Looking over similar products on the market, it is quite difficult to find one that satisfies all the necessaries: theological accuracy, wording, sense of style, beautiful illustrations, and completeness. This book could have been a contender, but its lacks in that final requirement only make it good, rather than great.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful introduction for children, November 8, 2009

By 

S. Swanson "Always knitting, always reading....." (Minnesota) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: First Bible Storybook (Hardcover)

I purchased this book for my 5 year-old granddaughter. She loves the stories and wants them read to her whenever she spends the night. The stories are true to the Bible and not "sugar-coated", and have really enhanced her understanding. These same authors also offer an wonderful fairytale book in the same format. Excellent!