Review by Booklist Review
Ages 5-8. In the past dePaola has offered his illustrated versions of Mother Goose and Favorite Nursery Tales; now he turns his attention to the Bible, and this collection of stories from the Old and New Testaments should fill a need in libraries. The selections from the New International Version of the Bible are, for the most part, user friendly; the illustrations are typical dePaola--nicely drawn, handsomely colored--but only at certain times, such as in the illustration of Jesus walking on water, does the drama of the artwork match the narrative. Certainly, the depictions of God, always visualized as fingers pointing out of a cloud, don't inspire much awe. One of the nicest things about the volume, however, is its design. Oversize, with snow-white pages and with artwork that varies in size and placement, the book does invite readers to pick it up. An index of the Bible texts used is appended. ~--Ilene Cooper
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In this 128-page anthology of 37 Bible stories and prayers, dePaola wisely works from the New International Version, the contemporary translation of the Bible, to make these tales accessible to young readers. Jonah in the whale, Noah and his animal pairs headed for the ark, Moses with the burning bush: all are presented in an appealing style, with well-integrated details that enrich the telling. Those who already love dePaola and his trademark characters will be predisposed to appreciate this comprehensive collection. All ages. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
K Up-- A collection of 17 stories from the Old Testament, 15 from the New Testament, and 4 psalms. The text is from the New International Version, which is currently among the best-selling editions of the Bible and is written in clear, straightforward language. dePaola uses the text as written with some abridgement to make the stories an appropriate length. Done in his typical style, the illustrations feature stylized people and objects. His children are as winsome looking as ever, but the adults convey sincerity and trust through both facial expressions and body positions. He also makes good use of architectural and decorative detail. There are several illustrations for each story, many of which are full page, and most make dramatic use of color. The large format enhances the impact of the pictures. Like Mother Goose and fairy-tale collections, editions of Bible stories by respected illustrators abound, but this edition should find a place on most shelves as an excellent choice for family or group use as well as for independent reading. --Jane Gardner Connor, formerly at South Carolina State Library, Columbia (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
A selection of Old and New Testament Bible stories, excerpted from the New International Version of the Bible, as well as some psalms and other readings. The texts are simple and readable but lack the sonority of other more poetic versions, and the illustrations suffer from a certain sameness of dePaola's familiar style. But a suitable choice for younger children; straightforward and useful. From HORN BOOK 1990, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A selection of the best. known stories from the Creation to the Resurrection, nicely rounded by concluding with 1 Corinthians 13 and a psalm of praise. DePaola uses an accessible new translation, the New International Version (c1973-1984) without abridgement--an excellent choice fox introducing these favorite texts to young children. The illustrations, in dePaola's usual rhythmic, decorative style, have even more grace and simplicity than usual, the absence of detail leaving imaginations unfettered by trivia. The artist avoids the most harrowing moments: Abraham has already turned to the angel who stops him from slaying his son; the Crucifixion is seen at a distance, and from the back. Adam and Eve are posed with extraordinary modesty. Curiously, Joseph is omitted altogether. A great many of dePaola's characters continue to walk around with their eyes closed. Still, a handsome volume that will be welcome in homes, churches, and schools. Index to Bible texts. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
