A classic treasure that vividly captures the eternal theme of God’s unending love and the many people and occasions that fill the Old and New Testaments. The Bible for Children contains more than 200 Bible stories, retold by playwright and filmmaker Murray Watts and elegantly illustrated by beloved artist, Helen Cann. The stories comprehensively cover key themes of the Bible; they are faithful to the meaning and spirit of the original Scripture. The imaginative style reflects the variety of the biblical textriveting stories, reporting, poetry, history, letters. The Bible for Children is a visual delight, filled with illustrations that add meaning to the stories. The rich color, the exquisitely drawn faces and settings draw readers into the emotion and power of all that happens. This book for 7-12 year-olds has the design and drama of a modern classic. Author Murray Watts has written many books and plays. He has also directed and produced for the theater and for film, radio, and television. Helen Cann is an experienced illustrator of books for children, including several that deal with ancient stories. Her art has been widely exhibited and can be found in private collections in the United States and Europe. Grade 2-6-In a clear, conversational style that is without sentiment or distortion, this superb retelling of the principal events in the Old Testament, the Gospels, and Acts, as well as a few cogent excerpts from Paul's letters and Revelation, smoothly weaves together a memorable, extensive narrative of God's relationship with the Jews and Christians of biblical times. Filled with expressive action, the glowing, folk-art watercolors are arranged around the crisp, easily readable text and decorate the outer margins of the pages and endpapers. Although there are many fine Bible-story collections, this is a worthy addition to the genre because of its scope and style of writing. Patricia Pearl Dole, formerly at First Presbyterian School, Martinsville, VA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. K-Gr. 4. A vibrant jacket featuring Noah's Ark sets the stage for this comprehensive collection of more than 200 Bible stories. Watts' retellings from the Old and New Testaments are vivid and evocative, introducing young readers to the mystery and wonder of this great book. History is made human and characters made flesh, as in the story of Abraham and Sarah. There is a freshness in the oft-told story of the child born to Abraham and Sarah in their old age, and also in the dramatic testing of faith when God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son. Children will encounter anew Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego walking out of a fiery furnace and Jonah surviving three days in a whale's gut. Besides marvelous stories to rival any edge-of-the-seat video, there are paraphrases of popular psalms and Old Testament words of wisdom and prophecy. The handsome pictures and decorated borders employ a rich palette of colors and patterns, giving the book a contemporary look. Also included are indexes of people and places, a glossary, and a map. Shelley Townsend-Hudson Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved Murray Watts' childhood love of literature and the Bible has been an enduring influence on his life. He studied English literature, art history and theology, and began his career as a playwright while still a student. He was a founding director of Riding Lights Theatre Company and has written scripts for theater, TV, radio, and film. He is the author of a number of books and also wrote the screen play for the acclaimed animated feature film of "The Miracle Maker." His research for this film influenced much of the writing of The Bible for Children: from Good Books. Helen Cann's highly decorative, detailed illustration style can be seen in a wide range of children's books. The Bible for Children: from Good Books, shows her love of patterns and colors, and working on this book has also given her a new interest in the archaeology of ancient civilizations. After training in find art and illustration, she specialized in illustrating children's book. Her work has been widely exhibited and can be found in private collections in Europe and the United States. Used Book in Good Condition