Bible Stories for All Ages Told with Humor and Love

By Eleanor Hempel Pratt

(Reviewed by Paul McShane)

This is not your typical collection of Bible stories. That’s not to say that all of the “old standards” aren’t there. They are. After the story of creation, you’ll find the stories of Noah and Abraham, David and Goliath, as well as the stories of Daniel, Moses and Esther. What separates this book from the many others on the market is the way the author tells each story. In each case, a narrator such as “Sam the Goat” tells the story of Abraham or “Chip the Chipmunk” to narrate the story of Benjamin.

As I read the stories, I could picture myself someday reading them to my granddaughter who is now almost a year old and sharing the wonderful illustrations done throughout by Garth Hyde, Roger Chandler and Shelley McRoberts.

One of the things I like best about this book is the way the language flows. This is definitely a book that was written to be read aloud. I think the best posture would be with a child resting comfortably in your lap looking at the many illustrations while sharing the richness of the stories.

While it doesn’t appear on the cover, the author’s credentials give only a clue to her qualifications It’s actually “Dr.” Pratt. The Ph.D. who lives in San Diego is well know to millions for her work as the creator and performer on the “Little Schoolhouse,” which garnered her over 25 major awards in including an Emmy as “Best Children’s Program.”

This is one of those rare books that has all of the things I look for in one for the family, especially a family with young children. It provides a wonderful introduction to the joy of reading and a marvelous way for parents and grandparents alike to share the Bible with the youngest members of the clan. I must confess I found myself breaking into a smile more than once as I read through this book. The way the author — through her animal narrators — tells the stories is just as the title indicates, with “love and humor.”

When I told my son (the proud father of the most beautiful and talented little baby girl in the world, if you’re ever asked) about the book, I read him a page or two and the first thing he asked me to do was get him a copy so he can begin reading it to her. I guess I will, but grudgingly. That was something I wanted to do. I just wish that commuting between here and Illinois between chapters were feasible.

Bible Stories for All Ages Told with Humor and Love is a book that I can and do highly recommend to every family. It’s a book you’ll be proud to have and to share and one that, as your children and their children grow, they will be sure to remember. Now that’s a legacy worth giving.

The book is available through Xlibris at www.Xlibris.com (a little effort, but worth it).

o

Paul McShane of Carlsbad is an author, businessman and journalist.