God's Names by Sally Michael
Prayer is an Adventure by Patricia St John
Words about Jesus by Carine Mackenzie
Before buying any Bible story book think: Bible; Christ; Gospel – is this Biblically accurate, Christ-centred and gospel focused? These children’s writers do that in spades!
Sally Michael
Sally Michael founded Children Desiring God and worked at Bethlehem Baptist Church in the USA.
God’s Names (ISBN 978 1 596 382 190) introduces God through names such as El Shaddai and Messiah. The reading age is 8–12 years. The illustrations are realistic and have a good standard of page design. I particularly like how this book opens children up to more than your typical Bible story. It would be a wonderful read-together title for a family.
Patricia St. John
Patricia St. John was a missionary in Morocco and wrote several fiction books such as Treasures of the Snow (ISBN 978 1 785 062 858) and a great little book on praying, Prayer is an Adventure (ISBN 978 1 527 105 621) mixes Bible stories and day-to-day life. Written for the 8+ age range it is also a good read-aloud for younger kids. The illustrations are modern and bright, and there is a strong gospel focus.
Carine Mackenzie
Carine Mackenzie has written over 150 titles for children. She has a faithful accuracy when retelling Scripture and her material always applies the gospel message to the life of the child. Check out her Bible Wise series at Christian Focus Publications.
Her recent title Words about Jesus (ISBN 978 1 527 106 147) has bright illustrations that focus on daily life. She introduces Jesus through words such as Saviour, Risen and Friend. This book and illustration style would suit a slightly younger child. Carine’s material is what I would go to when I want something that focuses on the gospel and the truth of God’s word.
When I have a title by any of these writers I can relax in the certainty that the material is Christ-centred, Biblically accurate and gospel Focused.
