The Pilgrim Book of Bible Stories

By Mark Water

Book Overview

The great stories of the Bible retold using a fresh approach that roots the stories and the art in the historical context of their times. Based on the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, these stories feature gender-inclusive language for God and humanity. A "Read-the-Story-for-Yourself" section on each page highlights corresponding Bible references to the overall text. Brilliant illustrations by Israeli artist Diana Shimon capture the light and flavor of the Middle Eastern countryside, the tumble of village life, the work of the potters and smiths, and ethnically appropriate portraits of the people of the time. Inviting side panels provide background information about artifacts and customs, writings and beliefs. Readable and colorful for young people and their families, this highly researched, illustrated Bible captures the story of the people of God through the Hebrew Scriptures and New Testament, and draws the reader into the captivating world of storytelling. Book jacket.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0829814876
• ISBN13: 9780829814873
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: Pilgrim Pr
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 2.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 1.0" x 8.3"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7

Customer Reviews

Wonderful with a few errors

Overall, this is the best children's Bible I've found. I appreciate the use of the NRSV, the historical and cultural information given, the fact that no particular theological viewpoint was pushed by the text, and that the not-so-contemporary family values of biblical times (like men having multiple wives) were not left out. I also LOVE that it includes some of the prophets. I have never come across a children's Bible story book that included so much Wisdom literature and Prophetic writing before, and it is a great addition to this text. I also appreciate that it includes the NT letters, which are also often left out. The main problem is a few rather glaring typographical issues, as well as the conflation of the two creation stories mentioned in another review. So this is not perfect, but it is a wonderful Bible. I'd highly recommend it for liberal and mainline Christian families looking for a non-evangelical Bible for their children, as well as for non-Christian families seeking to have a Bible story book for their kids that doesn't push a religious agenda.

Even Ezekiel and Proverbs are included in this book!

The Pilgrim Book of Bible Stories is a book worth purchasing for a child in your life. The text is based on the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), and it is both inviting and understandable. The well-researched illustrations are by an Israeli artist, Diana Shimon. I was grateful to note that none of the illustrations are graphic. Despite over 300 pages of text, the stories of the Bible have been dramatically shortened. What I found unusual is that this publisher attempts to give a taste of the whole Bible, rather than just the sections dealing with well-known characters and plots. Thus, there are stories focused on Ezekiel and Proverbs as well as individuals such as Abraham and Jesus. Even if you are very familiar with the Bible, this is a book that will capture your interest -- thanks to the excellent design and the unique choices of material. I found a few minor problems in the text. One relates to the creation stories in Genesis, where the publishers fail to clearly distinguish between two very different versions. Another problem is a glaring typographical error in a heading misspelling Ishmael's name. Despite these small issues, I highly recommend this book. It is a good choice for a Bible story book, even if you have others, such as the classics by Pearl Buck or Jesse Lyman Hurlbut. To read more about The Pilgrim Book of Bible Stories, please see the publisher's website: www.thepilgrimpress.com. Go to the catalog section under children to find the book.

An invaluable and highly recommended resource

Compiled by Christian writer and storyteller Mark Waters, The Pilgrim Book Of Bible Stories is a collection of biblical tales based on the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. Powerful color illustrations, depicting people ethnically appropriate for their times and settings, enhance classical these Bible tales, which are retold in straightforward, gender-inclusive language. Ideal for reading aloud to children, or encouraging children to read on their own, The Pilgrim Book Of Bible Stories is an invaluable and highly recommended resource for teaching young people about the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament.