This book is a genius of an idea ~ it takes the whole of Jesus’ life from birth to death and all the amazing things that happen in between and brings them together into one book for children. It is a beautiful hardback with bright and bold illustrations and clear text.

This book has thirty three different stand alone stories about Jesus, chronologically through his life. They go from the choosing of Mary by God to the breakfast by the lake, after Jesus has died. The stories are of a good length for a bedtime story.

What did you like about it?

I love the fact that it covers the whole of the life of Jesus. The character of Jesus as shown in these stories is extraordinary and really brings him and his mission to life. I liked the fact that it has a good balance of stories: the kiss of betrayal from Judas is as evident as the more ‘comfortable’ stories such as the healing of blind Bartimaeus. I like the fact that it has clear text and story titles for young readers. I appreciated the fact that there was a detailed picture on each page for children to look at while you read.

What didn't you like?

Nothing, I actually think it should be compulsory reading for young children.

What will you still remember a year from now?

I will remember that it is helpful for children to have a chronology of Jesus’ life. I personally could never ‘fit’ the stories I learned in Sunday School into a basic framework of what happened.

Who would you recommend this book to?

I would recommend this book to children’s workers ~ as it could be used as a template for working through the life and ministry of Jesus in their Sunday groups. To parents of children aged between about four and eight. To godparents, grandparents and anyone who gives gifts to young children. I think Sunday school leaders should give a copy of this book to every child as they reach the age of four.

Can you give us a couple of good quotes from the book?

‘Do you want to be healed?’ asked Jesus. ‘There’s no one to help me,’ the man answered. ‘Every time the water bubbles someone else gets in before I can move.’ ‘You don’t need to worry about that anymore,’ said Jesus. ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’ The man didn’t wait to be told twice. The water hadn’t bubbled; no one had helped him stand. But he stood up and walked. Jesus had made him well.

Jesus replied, saying, ‘Today you will be with me in paradise,’ Then the sky became very dark as if there was going to be a great thunderstorm. It lasted three hours. Then Jesus cried out in a loud voice: ‘It is finished!’ and then he died. John, one of Jesus’ disciples, was there comforting Mary, his mother. The other women wept when they saw what had happened to Jesus.

review by Hilary