Parables (Bible Stories) [Paperback]

Mary Hoffman (Author)

Book Description

Series: Bible Stories

In eight retellings, Mary Hoffman shows how Jesus used simple parables to convey essential truths to his listeners. The parables include The Lost Sheep, The Good Samaritan, The Prodigal Son, and The House on the Rock.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Hoffman (Amazing Grace) adapts eight parables for children in this intimate, thought-provoking picture book. By their nature, the story-lessons, or parables, attributed to Jesus have traditionally been among the most accessible parts of the Bible. But Hoffman steps beyond mere retellings, taking great care to explain or imagine Jesus' intent behind these "stories with two meanings" and to gently challenge readers to see both sides, especially when the lessons are, as Hoffman says, "uncomfortable." Each parable bears a simplified new title (the Prodigal Son is transformed into "The Jealous Brother"; The Good Samaritan becomes "Neighbors"), and a few plot details are slightly updated, making them more accessible to contemporary kids. The stories open with brief introductions that promote introspection and identification with the characters ("You know what it's like to feel jealous" or "Do you like parties?"). Finally, the author closes each parable with a short summation, showing how the plot works to demonstrate God's love for his people. Hoffman's friendly yet reverent voice and solid pacing are sure to captivate her audience. Morris's (The Fourth Wise Man) warm and earthy palette depicts earnest-faced people of the ancient Holy Land in a vivid landscape dotted with lush palm trees and vineyards as well as dusty roads and fields. Laid out with many vertical panels and 1/-page facing art, the illustrations often seem to enfold readers with the text. The comfortable blend of text and art helps these favorite stories shine anew. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-Excellent, accurate, thoughtful retellings of eight of Jesus's parables, written in clear, modern English. Included are the workers in the vineyard, the prodigal son, the house on the rocks, the good Samaritan, the lost sheep, the sower and the seed, the rich man's feast, and the unforgiving servant. Each story has an enlightening introduction and an explanatory afterword to help children understand its meaning. Scriptural citations are provided along with brief notes about the retellings. Each selection is vividly illustrated in earth-toned watercolors, mostly full page, in a slightly flat but realistic manner. The figures have strong, melancholy, expressive faces. Other collected versions of these well-known parables, such as Christopher Lane's Kingdom Parables (Victor, 1994), Tomie dePaola's The Parables of Jesus (Holiday, 1987), and Patricia St. John's Stories That Jesus Told (Morehouse, 1995), are available, but this work is particularly reader-friendly and attractive.
Patricia Pearl Dole, formerly at First Presbyterian School, Martinsville, VA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Frances Lincoln (August 2, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0711215235
• ISBN-13: 978-0711215238
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 10.4 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,477,568 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Parables: Stories Jesus Told, November 27, 2000

By 

Jennifer Russo (Huntington, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Parables: Stories Jesus Told (Hardcover)

This is a beautifully written and illustrated book. I love reading it to my children, who love to listen to it. I hope Mary Hoffman will write another, as her prose is so well understood by my kids. Just wonderful!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Almost ruined by intrusive commentary, June 9, 2002

By 

Michael J. Mazza - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Parables: Stories Jesus Told (Hardcover)

"Parables: Stories Jesus Told" features text adapted by Mary Hoffman and art by Jackie Morris. This children's book presents several of the classic parables of Jesus of Nazareth. The retold stories include the parables of the good Samaritan, the sower, the prodigal son, the unforgiving servant, and more.

The stories are retold with effective simplicity. Morris' artwork is truly wonderful; her warm, rich tones bring to life the Middle East of Jesus' era. Her human faces are full of emotion, and she is also masterful at illustrating sheep, a wheatfield, flatbreads, and other elements.

The only bad thing about this book are the preachy, hit-you-over-the-head afterwords that follow each retold parable. These stories are some of the world's great literature, and should be allowed to speak for themselves; for a children's book, they only need the accompaniment of great artwork.