David and Goliath (A Bible Story)

By Jean Marzollo

Book Overview

he third title in an exciting new series by Jean Marzollo, here is another refreshing rendition of a well-loved classic that will appeal to families looking for accessible introductions to the timeless lessons of the Bible. Meet the musical and poetic David, who surprises everyone when he draws on his faith, determination, and skill and accepts the terrifying challenge issued by the enormous warrior Goliath. A chattering flock of little lambs gambol in the border running at the bottom of each page, adding the childlike commentary and humor that makes this series so unusually dynamic. Marzollo's energetic illustrations draw the reader into the heart of this suspenseful tale.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0316741388
• ISBN13: 9780316741385
• Release Date: April 2004
• Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 1.19 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.3" x 0.4" x 8.4"
• Age Range: 4 to 10 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 5

Customer Reviews

A picture book about David

There are many stories for children written about the Bible character, David, as he is a main figure in several books of the Old Testament and the favorite of many children (as well as adults). David and Goliath, written and illustrated by prolific author/illustrator Jean Marzollo, tells the well-known story of David's battle with the giant Goliath, taken from the Scriptures 1 Samuel 17. Children unfamiliar with the story will enjoy the suspense of the story; those who already know it, will enjoy this retelling. What I Like: I liked Jean Marzollo's writing style. She tells about the battle, and what leads up to it, with an emphasis on what David thought about the whole thing. I think kids can relate to that. And, she uses lots of lively, descriptive language throughout the book. In the introduction, she explains that David was the author of many psalms, that are like poems or songs. So, she included verses from the 23rd Psalm as part of the text. The verses are highlighted in blue ink to set them apart from the rest of the text. At first, I didn't like the illustrations. The Bible story is retold, in part, in the usual manner, with normal-sized print on the page. Some of the illustrations are what you'd expect, pictures on the page to illustrate the story. But the storyline is interspersed with comic-book-like illustrations. The characters in the illustrations "talk" to each other, like they do in comic books. I thought they made the page "too busy." But, I've changed my mind: I now think kids would enjoy the story being told this way. And, I know they would enjoy the bold colors, which I do like. Also, there are little animals that run across the bottoms of each page. The pages of David and Goliath are decorated with lambs because, as the author explains, "David was a shepherd." The lambs also comment on the action depicted on each page. I think young children would enjoy these extra illustrations. What I Dislike: Nothing, now! Overall Rating: Excellent. Age Appeal: 4-8. Christine M. Irvin - Christian Children's Book Review

Great telling of the story

While there is no shortage of books with bible stories for young children, there are few that do a good job of it. This is a great book -- I recommend it highly.

Fantastic book for young readers!

This version of the bible story David and Goliath is fantastic! It tells the story with full-color drawings done by the author and tells the story clearly for kids from 4-10. It will make your kids smile at the sometimes silly drawings, but while they are laughing, the story is sinking in also. This is one of the best renditions of this story I have ever read, and highly recommend it. The little sheep at the bottom of each page never hesitate to add their cute comments as seen from a sheep's point of view, either. My kids really enjoyed this book and I'm sure yours will too.