Book Review: Heroes and Villains of the Bible

So many children’s Bible story books are interpretations of scripture.  The author is retelling the Bible, as s/he understands it, but not using actual Biblical text.   Heroes and Villains of the Bible stands out among Bible story books because it uses actual Bible text.   These are real stories of “adventure and betrayal, daring and cowardice, unbelievable bravery and terrible treachery.”  

From the Back Cover: Heroes and Villains of the Bible is a collection of true-life adventures of real people from the Bible-stories of good versus evil, right versus wrong, and heroes versus villains. These stories and their life-shaping lessons point children to God—the greatest hero of all!

Book Description From the Publisher:

50 true-life adventures of real people from the Bible—stories of good versus evil, right versus wrong, and heroes versus villains—and their life-shaping lessons that point children to God—the greatest hero of all!

The Bible is packed with stories of courageous people who loved and served God, and how He used them to do great things in the world. It is also filled with villainous people who disobeyed God and did horrible things. Heroes and Villains of the Bible encourages its readers to aspire to become great, courageous, and heroic servants of God, and reject all that is evil in the world.

With Heroes and Villains of the Bible, children will realize some of their favorite heroes aren’t from the movies, but are real people from the Bible.

My thoughts: Overall, my daughter and I have really enjoyed reading these stories together.  She loves this book.  Although she is not yet reading, she enjoys sitting and paging through this beautiful book. 

My favorite features include Eikon Bible Art, which are four-color, full page digital images, and the story introductions.  The introductions “establish important surrounding events and where the story comes in the Bible.” 

I used the “Thoughts and Suggestions” section following each story as a springboard for discussion.  This allows me to use it as a character training tool. 

Although the Bible translation, International Children’s Bible is not my preferred bible,  I would recommend this Bible Story book to other families.  The 50 stories are action packed and a great way to bring the Bible to life.  But I do have a caution.  Because this is actual Bible text, some of the word choice has been in appropriate for my daughter’s maturity level.  Specifically, the story of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife.  I was uncomfortable reading the text but I just softened it for my daughter’s ears.  I would suggest parents look through the book before handing it to an independent reader. 

This is a book that my daughter will continue to cherish.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”