The Bible is a big book. If you ask any child, they may tell you the same. Despite its size, it contains a story that must be told and one every child should hear. Author Kevin DeYoung has written The Biggest Story – How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden, which brings the Word of God to life for children.

DeYoung is a father of six children, so he has an idea of what appeals to them and will capture their attention. His book, The Biggest Story, takes readers through the Bible from Genesis through Revelation with a focus on God’s grace and redemption. Now the contents of that book is available in an audio book format as well as an animated short film. Both formats provide parents (and grandparents) just another way to easily share the Word of God with their children. It is one you will also enjoy watching and listening to as DeYoung’s original story is presented.

DeYoung takes the almost 70 books of the Bible and puts them into a short story form. It is like an overview of the entire Bible. Without delving too deep into each book in the Bible, the animated film tells the stories in just 10 short chapters that run from two to three minutes long. The audio CD also covers the same 10 chapters.

The addition of both the audio CD and the short film add a new dimension to the story. I was excited by the images of vivid colors that are presented in the animated short. This presentation will allow your non-reader as well as reader to enjoy the story that is narrated by DeYoung. You may see a snippet from the animated film. My children enjoyed watching the animated film.
When it comes to books for children, they have the best illustrations. Don Clark’s images are just as wonderful on screen as I am sure they are in the book. They are more than just accents on the screen. They are mesmerizing as well as entertaining and compliment the story. The Biggest Story audio CD and animated film short are two items that will enhance your Bible time together with your children.

Author Kevin DeYoung, an America Christian Reformed Evangelical theologian, is senior pastor of University Reformed Church in East Lansing, Michigan and husband to Trisha.

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©2016-2017 Homeschool Roster. Article by Jennifer Smeltser. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the publisher https://www.homeschoolroster.com/.

There is a lot to say about a book that has been able to remain significant for more than 160 years. That is what “All Things Bright and Beautiful” written by Cecil Frances Alexander has managed to do, but it may have more to do with the song that is detailed in the story. Or, it could also have something to do with the beautiful illustrations that have always accompanied the book.

Artist and illustrator Katy Hudson has taken the familiar and memorable hymn by Alexander that has become a mainstay in the religious sector, and has given the lyrics of the song a new life. Hudson, raised in Middlesbrough, England, began displaying her artistic talent at a very early age. AS an adult, she later earned a degree in illustration and now works fulltime as a freelance illustrator.

“All Things Bright and Beautiful” is just one of the many hymns that was written by Cecil Frances Alexander, who was also a poet. Alexander, born in 1818 in Ireland, passed away in 1895, and managed to write hundreds of hymns and poems. “All Things Bright and Beautiful” along with “Once in Royal David’s City” and “There is a Green Hill Far Away” are included in Hymns for Little Children, which was published in 1848.

Hudson has put her own special artistic touch with illustrations that accompany the lyrics of the hymn telling of all things God has created. The “story” opens with the following lyrics:

Hudson uses three characters, two little girls and one little boy, who walk the reader through the story and across beautiful landscapes as they take in the wonder of God and all He has created in nature. While the adults prepare the camp ground, the children enjoy the day out picking flowers and berries, blowing dandelion, watching birds fly and more. God has created much.

“All Things Bright and Beautiful” is a nice read to share with your child (ages four to seven years old) while also introducing them to a hymn that they may one day hear and sing in church or Sunday school. Katy Hudson has given a boost to Cecil Frances Alexander’s hymn remaining a popular and well-loved hymn for another 160 years.

Price: “All Things Bright and Beautiful” is available for $13.59.
Page count: 32
Reading age: 4-7
Category: juvenile fiction/Christian

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©2015-2016 Homeschool Roster. Article by Jennifer Smeltser. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the publisher https://www.homeschoolroster.com/.

The one thing I always enjoy about books written for young children is the amount of imagination and sometimes silliness you can enjoy through the story. Such is that with Would a Worm Go on a Walk? . The title itself is something, as an adult, you would probably never consider. For a child, the question is a logical one and worth flipping through the pages to find the answer.

Author Hannah C. Hall has written a story that is colorfully illustrated by Bill Bolton. It starts with the original question about worms. The question is answered and readers move to the next question of whether or not “Would a Piglet play piano?” that is followed by a number of other silly, but fun questions your child will enjoy. I always wondered if a “possum would like to polka”, haven’t you? Hall brings her story to an end reminding readers that God has a purpose for everything He created, which includes worms, lions, penguins and more. We are all unique in our own way.

“He planned their every detail, both the normal to the odd…………The animals were just a start. God’s masterpiece is you!”

Would a Worm Go on a Walk? is a great story to enjoy with your toddler to early elementary age child (four to seven years old) as a read-aloud or as an independent one by your reader. There is a lot of opportunity for call and response (“Would a…?) as well as for children to learn the characteristics of the many animals included in the story. Would a Worm Go on a Walk? is a fun one and you may even find your older children sitting around just to share the read.

Hannah C. Hall is the wife of a worship pastor and the mother of four children. Hall is a best-selling author of other children’s books that include God Bless You and Good Night and God Bless Our Christmas. You may read more about Hannah C. Hall.

You may purchase Would a Worm Go on a Walk? now for $12.79.

Guess what? Homeschool Roster has a copy of Would a Worm Go on a Walk? to give away to one of its readers. Hmm. Could that person be you? Register below to win!

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©2016-2017 Homeschool Roster. Article by Jennifer Smeltser. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the publisher https://www.homeschoolroster.com/.