Monday, September 12, 2016

"The Bible and Me: Stories with a Message to Live By" Louis Rock, author & Alida Massari, illustrator

ISBN: 9780745964959
Hardback $14.99
Lion Children's Books

My thoughts: The artist, Alida Massari uses a style of art and coloration that is somewhat different from the typical children's story book, especially Bible story books. Colors tinged with rustic burnt sienna and blues of different hues and greens sprinkled throughout the browns along with the style that has an Italian flare or Russian iconic semblance bring a totally different and welcome sense to this book, The Bible and Me: Stories with a message to live by. Ms. Massari's bio is "Alida Massari is an award-winning artist who studied Illustration at the European Institute of Design in Rome. She finds inspiration from ancient art and architecture. She describes her work as modern with an ancient atmosphere."

As I began to look into The Bible and Me I note the comprehensive scope of this children's book. It begins at the Bible's opening, Genesis 1, and concludes with the final story of The New Jerusalem from Revelation. At the end of the first story, Genesis, a song from Psalm 148 is in verse.... "Praise the Lord from heaven, all beings of the height! Praise him, holy angels and golden sun so bright." 

Each story is clearly a gentle rendering of Biblical text so a child can understand and yet is not couched in such simplistic phrasing that takes away from the meaning and majesty of God's Word. And each story concludes with a Psalm, a hymn, or some other beautifully appropriate reading.

Bible selections are taken from or adapted from the Good News Bible. My Bible version of choice is the beloved King James and I would have preferred reading the selections in that version. I found this to be a beautiful book and the stories are sweetly told holding to an accurate telling of the Scriptures. This does not replace a Bible. It is a Bible story book with re-tellings of the most familiar stories from Scripture and beautifully illustrated by this unusual art form.

Many will find this a book to have in their homes or to gift a child. Again Lion Hudson Children's books has produced a winner.

The author's bio shows her talent and experience to be.... "Lois Rock has established an international reputation as a children's writer. Specializing in Bible stories, prayer books, and information books, her books have been translated into over 30 languages with sales approaching 4 million copies. She draws on her experience as a mother of three, and as a leader of church children's groups."

About the book: Lois Rock and Alida Massari have teamed up to create a Bible storybook full of inspiration and delight, sure to elicit moments of contemplation. Thoughtfully written, each section begins with a Bible quote and ends with a prayer or psalm that fits the theme of the story to help readers reflect further on what they've read. Alida Massari's richly colored and deeply peaceful illustrations fit perfectly with the meditative theme. Includes twenty stories from the Old and New Testaments.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Kregel on behalf of Lion Hudson and the author to facilitate this review of my opinion. I was not compensated to render a review.

1 comment:

  1. Ooh, this looks lovely! I have such a weakness for children's Bibles. Thanks for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com!
    Tina

    ReplyDelete

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