We had a friend ask us recently “How do you talk to your kids about God?” And we told them to go get the Jesus Storybook Bible. It’s been one of the most helpful things in talking about God with Jenna.
We have a lot of great kids books, some of which we just got for Isaac as gifts. But I have to say the most popular and loved book in our house is the Jesus Storybook Bible. Jenna’s copy is almost worn out. She wants to read it every day and I’m so thankful for that. She knows more about the Bible at 3 than I did at 23 that’s for sure.
One of my favorite lines over and over in the book is how it explains Gods love. It says, “Never stopping, never giving up, unbreaking, always and forever love.” Amazing. I hope my daughter always understands that. Better yet, do I understand that?
Don’t get me wrong, there are stories in this that are kind of brutal. When Jenna was 2 I heard her reciting the story of David and Goliath (her favorite story) where Goliath says to David “I will tear your head off and eat it on toast.” But have you watched any Disney movie or read their books? There is always a scary or bad person in the story line that pretty much always gives my daughter nightmares. So I would rather her read about real stories that may be scary but where God is always there.
One of Matt’s professors in a theology class said that everyone should have this book and he was right. I love to read it, it’s made me cry several times, and it has given my daughter a greater understanding of who God is. I buy this and give it as baby gifts all the time. If you don’t have one, run out and get one. It’s that great.
You gave us this book in Colorado and we have loved it ever since!
I love my copy too Jody! Thanks so much. I read it to Emma all the time and hope she can understand it as well as Jenna does at her age.
It regularly makes me cry, and I think I am reminded of as much as Blake is learning.
I couldn’t agree with you more, Jody! I’m still reading some parts of it for the first time. This past weekend I read The Boy Who Ran Away from Luke 15 aloud to my 11-month-old Howie and I just couldn’t help but sob as it seemed like God was speaking to my very own heart through the pages! Finally, Howie looked up from his wooden pull-along zoo toy as if to say, “Mom, what’s wrong? It’s just a book.” No it isn’t, Howie.
Jody- although my baby is still 2 weeks – in the womb… I completely agree with you. On my second trip to Italy we read the story book bible and studied 1peter. It was an amazing time of growth- I really think all of the stories give me new perspective and a childlike faith. We are already reading Siena the stories 🙂 thank you for sharing your thoughts! I love your blog!!
That’s my favorite line in it too Jody. I almost always tear up when I read that to the boys.
Even though you bought it for Sam, we read it to Bailey every night. Her favorite line is the same one from David and Goliath! Thank you for the awesome gift!
I already wanted to get this for Nathan, but I’ve only looked at it on amazon. Now I am convinced and will order it today!
Yes, we love our copy too! Rosie recently wants to read about Jesus’ death over and over and over. Im wanting her to be just as captivated by the fact He ROSE AGAIN…. but hopefully we’ll get there 🙂
Jenna does too right now. How crazy! I asked her why and she said it was because it showed how much God loved her. I guess that’s a pretty good reason. Love our girls.
Ellie Kate does the same thing as Rosie and Jenna and loves to look at the part where Jesus is dying (isn’t that interesting?). I love this book so much and regularly cry when we are reading it! Our book is on it’s last leg too after only a few years of use…I need to order another one.