The Biggest Story: How The Snake Crusher Brings Us Back To The Garden by Kevin DeYoung and illustrated by Don Clark [Review & Giveaway)

About the book: (Publisher: Crossway) In The Biggest Story, Kevin DeYoung - a best-selling author and father of six - leads kids and parents alike on an exciting journey through the Bible, connecting the dots from the garden of Eden to Christ's death on the cross to the new heave and new earth.  With powerful illustrations by award-winning artist Don Clark, this imaginative retelling of the Bible's core message-how the Snake Crusher brings us back to the garden-will draw children into the biblical story, teaching them that God's promises are even bigger and better than we think.

My thoughts: As I began reading The Biggest Story, I was taken aback with the initial sentence, "ONCE UPON A TIME there lived a man and a woman. They were the happiest people on the planet." To me, this smacked of sacrilege and demoting God's Word to the genre of a fairy tale. However, as I read further into the book, I realized that God's story of man's fall and redemption is simply being told in the form of a "story teller" or bard of old. It is not meant to demean or detract from the perfection of God's Word, but to put it forth simply as an introduction to God's plan for mankind.

It is clearly brought out that man failed and man continued to fail but God continued to give man new opportunities. The initial fall of man brought forth by the snake's temptation in the Garden brought forth the promise of God that  the head of the snake would be crushed. It takes many centuries for that to happen.

Of King David, the writer (story-teller) says, "When David wasn't busy sinning (which he did in some really big ways), he was a good, wise, merciful king." And then further into the book, God's way is simply expressed, "But it was also the best thing that's ever happened in the world. [death and resurrection of Christ] Just as we would expect from God. And just as God planned it.  We break promises, so God keeps his. We run from God, so he comes to us. We suffer for sin, so the Savior suffers for us."

The art illustrating this book is strikingly unusual for a children's book. The colors are bold, brilliant, and profuse. The art is abstract and yet reminiscent of iconic art from Russia of many years ago.

This book is not for everyone. The intention of the author and artist is to convey the entire story of man's fall and ultimate redemption in a simple form that will be engaging to the young listener or young reader.

The more I read (and I read the entire book) and the more I looked at the pictures and especially after I read the author's note to parents at the end, I am amazed. So much is covered in this easy to read and easy to listen to story. Depth of theology and themes flowing through from beginning to end. I can highly recommend this book.

GIVEAWAY - 2 WINNERS

1st Chosen: A copy of The Biggest Story
2nd Chosen: A $10 Family Christian Appreciation Certificate
Begins September 6 & ENDS September 14 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT. 

 Open for addresses in USA & CANADA

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Also, only 1 Family Christian Appreciation Certificate may be "won" per individual per month.

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About the author: Kevin DeYoung is senior pastor at University Reformed Church in East Lansing, Michigan.  He blogs at the Gospel Coalition and has authored or coauthored numerous well-known books, including Just Do Something, The Hole in Our Holiness, Crazy Busy, and Taking God At His Word.  He lives with his wife and their 6 children in Central Michigan.

About the illustrator: Don Clark is an artist and the co-founder of Invisible Creature, a widely respected and award-winning design studio in Seattle that has worked with clients such as Target, Nike, LEGO, and WIRED magazine.  He lives with his wife and their 3 children, 4 goats, 12 chickens, and 1 crazy dog on a farm just outside the city limits.

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Many thanks, too, for Family Christian for providing the $10 Appreciation Certificate.