Precious Moments Storybook Bible by Sam Butcher

The Precious Moments Storybook Bible, by Sam Butcher is a beautiful hardback book that can be used to introduce stories from the Bible to young children. The pastel illustrations using Precious Moments characters are an added treat.  The pictures, I believe, would capture a child's attention. This Storybook Bible is based on the International Children's Bible® so it is easily understood by children as it is being read to them, and would be equally easy to read by an elementary aged child.  Scripture references for each story are given under each title so children and their parents know where in the Bible this particular story can be found.

The book is divided into four sections: Favorite Bible Classics, Words of Praise and Wisdom, More Stories of the Faith, and Songs and Prayers.  There is also a section in the front of the book, like in regular Bibles, to record family history and major spiritual events.

The Precious Moments Storybook Bible would be a delightful addition to your family library and a wonderful way to share God's Word with a child.

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.

The Mockingbird Parables by Matt Litton

The Mockingbird Parables, written by Matt Litton, is based on Harper Lee's classic book, To Kill a Mockingbird. Litton takes this masterpiece and gleans "parables" from its characters and life situations to instruct it's readers on the Christian faith.  The story of To Kill a Mockingbird had an impact on me that I didn't expect.  It's truths were clear and moved me.  However, I feel Matt Litton stretches things at times and other times falls a little flat in his attempt to take it's characters and assign them a biblical meaning.

Though I could appreciate what the author was trying to do, and found some merit in what he was saying, I didn't always agree with him theologically, and the "parables" didn't always capture my attention. On a positve note, the book was thought provoking as it points readers to consider how their lives should impact those around them, and how the Christian faith can and should be seen in every aspect of their lives and community. While Harper Lee's book inspired me to draw those moral and spiritual conclusions on my own, Litton's book seemed slightly more forced in designating Boo Radley as "God", or Scout Finch as portraying "The Role of Women in Ministry".  I feel the characters in the orginal book spoke for themselves.

Some may find this book interesting, but personally I don't believe To Kill a Mockingbird was intended to be a spritual allegory like C.S. Lewis', The Chronicles of Narnia, or Paul Bunyan's, The Pilgrim's Progress.

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.