Our adult Sunday school class is tackling an overview of the Old Testament. It's been a great series so far. We've learned the main theme(s) of each book and its role in redemptive history. We've also found foreshadowings of Christ and the gospel.
I was wondering, "Wouldn't it be great if there was a book for kids that would give an overview of the Bible this way? Is there a resource where they could learn the big picture rather than view the Bible as just a collection of good stories?" Thanks to Carl Trueman's review, I think I've found it.
66 Books One Story gives a three-page synopsis of all the books of the Bible. (Exceptions: Genesis is divided into two sections. Two psalms are highlighted rather than the entire book, and John 2 & 3 are combined.) First, the book is summarized in a single phrase. (Wouldn't that be good for us adults to learn, too?) This is followed by a brief introduction and an overview in less than 350 words. The author includes several lessons to be learned followed by the "Salvation Thread" - how the book fits into God's story of salvation. Finally a key verse is included for scripture memory. There are interesting black-and-white illustrations interspersed throughout but no drawings of Jesus. The publisher gives reading levels of age 5-11 for "read to me" and 6-12 for "read on my own". A helpful glossary of terms is included as well.
This is not a substitute for the Bible but an excellent resource for parents and Sunday school teachers to teach the Bible. The overviews are easy to understand and age appropriate without dumbing down the message. I also appreciated how the lessons dealt with God's character and ways as seen in the text and our response, not by making the child the star of the story in a "what are the Goliaths in your life" type of application. 66 Books One Story will be a great addition to our church library/book nook.
About the author: Paul Reynolds is an Assistant Pastor at First Baptist Church of Grand Cayman and Director of Children's Ministry.
This looks wonderful Persis! Thanks for sharing it!
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