"99 Stories from the Bible" by Juliet David & illustrated by Elina Ellis

ISBN-13: 9781859858479
Hardcover: Lion Hudson $14.99

About the book:  Following the narrative of the Bible, this collection of 99 stories starts with At the Beginning, and covers a wide variety of key events, including Samuel Listens, Esther, A Blind Man Sees, and Jesus Walks on the Lake, through to One Day Jesus Will Return. Each story is told over a double page spread with vibrant illustrations and some full page art.

My thoughts:  When I pick up a book designed for a young child, the first thing that I inspect is the size, heft, and art work. A child should be able to hold the book themselves and it should not be too heavy for their young hands and arms to comfortably hold. The art should be engaging and appealing to the young child and this is the way I see the illustrations of Elina Ellis.  When I received 99 Stories From the Bible, I saw immedietly that the children for which it is written will be able to comfortably hold and carry around this sweet book.

Image from: http://www.behance.net/gallery/99-Stories-from-the-Bible-for-Candle-Books/12075307

Image from: http://www.behance.net/gallery/99-Stories-from-the-Bible-for-Candle-Books/12075307

The art work is soft will pastel colors dominating.  The illustrations are detailed without being so complex that a young child can not try to "copy" with his/her own crayons. The stories each cover a two-page spread and are short and concise hitting the primary point in the story. The type set is large enough for a young reader to be able to read to younger siblings. This will make a very nice addition to the home library for those night time read-aloud story times. The language used in the stories is appropriate for conveying to the young child the main point of the story. Study, hardcover binding with thick pages will enhance the life of this book.

Author: Juliet David has written many children’s stories and Bible activity books. Her other interests include painting, music, and travel to Israel and other Bible lands. This experienced author lives in London with her family.

Illustrator: Elina Ellis,  Cambridge, United Kingdom, www.elinaellis.co.uk

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of 99 Stories From the Bible from Kregel in exchange for an honest review which I have done. Opinions expressed are solely my own. No compensation was received for this review.