A guest post by Jenni Naselli

Our family was recently delighted to obtain The Jesus Storybook Bible, Deluxe Edition . Here’s what Andy and I wrote last year about this book in our review of theology books for kids:

Sally Lloyd-Jones. The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name. Illustrated by Jago. Grand Rapids: ZonderKidz, 2007. 352 pp. $16.99.

This is the most well written children’s book we have read. It brilliantly summarizes the Bible storyline from creation to the consummation, and it emphasizes Jesus and the gospel as the key to understanding the Bible’s storyline. The subtitle captures exactly what the book does: at the end of each story, Lloyd-Jones points ahead to the story’s fulfillment in Christ (though the pointing-ahead theme seems slightly stretched for some of the stories). Lloyd-Jones acknowledges that she has “liberally borrowed” from her pastor, Tim Keller, “whose teaching informs every story” (p. 7). She skillfully crafts words that are captivating, making it hard to stop reading. Some readers may become so entrenched in the story that they will find themselves wishing that it is true (perhaps forgetting that this well written story is not a fairy tale) and then rejoicing that it is! The illustrations are simple, creative, and almost fanciful.

The deluxe edition enhances this excellent Bible-story book by adding the complete book on three audio CDs. We’ve already thoroughly enjoyed listening to several of the stories together as a family. The tracks are divided by story, and each story is approximately four minutes long—perfect for a young child’s shorter attention span. The stories are each read by British actor David Suchet.  Our family loves audiobooks, and we’re thrilled now to have The Jesus Storybook Bible audiobook!