The Jesus Story (retold from the Bible by Mary Batchelor)
From SPARK
One-sentence summary
Illustrated children's book retells the life of Jesus in story form.
Description
This 188-page book retells the story of Jesus' life, teachings, death, and resurrection. It is based on Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in the Bible. The author and illustrator have traveled in the Holy Land. Their words and pictures show the 2,000-year-old story of Jesus to interest children and adults. There are twenty-eight picture pages done by Maggie Brand. They describe life as it was during the time Jesus lived on earth. They include food, travel, the Romans, feasts, festivals, and daily life. The parables of Jesus are told by Laura Potter. Some have simple sketches.
Considerations
- The Book begins with three pages that explain the contents.
- Next is a three-page introduction.
- There are twenty-eight chapters.
- Each chapter lists the Bible chapter and verse used to tell the story.
- The book ends with a description of what happened after Jesus went up to heaven. These include the events leading to Pentecost and the beginning of the Christian Church.
- Two other pages list the meanings of special words.
- A three-page index completes the book.
- The colored pictures show a possible view of what life was like when Jesus lived on earth.
- The pictures show accurate representations of Middle Eastern people.
Limitations
- Some of the photos might confuse people who are not picture literate.
- Many pictures show just parts of people. This will confuse people who are not picture literate.
- Because The Jesus Story is told as a story, there are some inaccuracies.
- Page 9, first paragraph refers to the innkeeper as "some kind man".
- Page 33, locusts are described as locust beans instead of the biblical grasshopper.
- Page 36, in describing Satan's temptation of Jesus, the author writes "Then Satan took Jesus, (in imagination) to the topmost point of the shining temple building".
- Page 40, at the Wedding in Cana, the author uses the term "the best man" instead of the man in charge.
Other terms that might be difficult for some to understand include:
- Page 56, "head or tail of it"
- Page 70, "he must be off his head"
- Page 141, "the leading priests were "itching" to get their hands on Jesus."
- Chapter 27 pages 176-177 tell the events on Easter morning but the author writes, "Some of these early visitors had seen bright, shining angels. Some said there were two of them, sitting on the ledge where Jesus' body had been. Others were sure they had seen just one angel, seated on the huge stone that had been rolled away from the tomb. They all remembered what the angels had said." These scenes are difficult to describe.
Guidelines for Use
- This book is easy to read. It would be good for a storyteller to use because it gives the complete story of Jesus' life.
- The book is written for children nine years old and older.
- This book could be used as an audio cassette or DVD.
- The pictures in a flipchart form could be used with a cassette or CD.
- It could be used as a radio series.
- This book would be useful for churches, Sunday schools, schools, and kids clubs.
Where to Obtain
Link to Producer or Source Organization
Cost
- (Hardcover) $9.99 GBP as of August 2007
- (Paperback) $7.99 GBP as of August 2007
Producer/Owners
Author/Artist/Producer
Mary Batchelor
Current copyright owner
Lion Publishers, 2001(?)
- Text - Mary Batchelor, 1992
- Illustrations - John Haysom, 1992
- Information pages - Maggie Brand
- Parables, Laura Potter, 1992
Other Information
If you are interested in translating this book for a minority language, contact Lion Hudson plc. Working together you will make a Creative Commons License agreement.
Reviewed by
Vida, VMS Children's Resource Coordinator
Date
August 6, 2007
