Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Zacchaeus and Jesus (Flipside Stories) by Dandi Daley Mackall, Lisa Manuzak

One of the first things I expect out of a children's Bible storybook is authenticity. I simply can not condone treating the Bible with anything less than truthful presentation and authenticity. I also believe that some leeway is allowed in the art so that it can be appealing to the child. 

In this "Flipside Stories book" the author has accurately portrayed the story of Zacchaeus as he struggled to see Jesus and how Jesus reacted to that particular event. Quite unique for a children's book. 

The coloration of the illustrations is deep hues of browns, greens, and blacks with white sparsely utilized. While not your typical color scheme for children's picture books, it works well in this story.

The story is in rhyme and I simply can't say enough about the importance of using rhyme to engage a child's attention and to aid in recollection of the story itself. Super! 

This story, though, has a special line on each page that is especially appealing to me. Example: On the Jesus side of the story, the single lines of text carry the theme of Jesus came for lost sinners.
"God sent Me to those who were lost."
"I was looking for those who were lost."
"Zacchaeus, the one who was lost."....... 
"I think that I'd like to see Jesus."
"I must find a way to see Jesus."
"I climb down so I can meet Jesus."
So to me, while the story is being taught in delightful rhyme with engaging illustrations, the key is God seeks the lost and the lost need to seek to see Jesus.

A really good opportunity to share this story and these truths with children ages preschool through eight.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Tyndale Blog Network reviewers program to facilitate this review. Opinions are solely my own. I was not compensated for this review.

1 comment:

  1. We LOVE Dandi Daley Mackall! If she wrote it, I'll read it with my kids. Usually over and over and over. :) Thanks for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com this week!
    Tina

    ReplyDelete

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