First Bible Story Book

The brief "Introduction to the Bible" as well as "Who's Who" at the back of the book offer some helpful orientation to these 13 Old and New Testament classics--from Genesis and Noah to the Three Wise Men and the Last Supper. Each story is amply illustrated with watercolors by Julie Downing, and the artwork breaks up the text in unpredictable ways--in other words, you'll find the usual DK Publishing eye for good design. Mary Hoffman's tone is undogmatic (the Bible is simply "some of the best stories ever told") and she is particularly good at finding ways to handle stories, such as Abraham and Isaac, or the crucifixion, that might seem rough-going for children. (Ages 4 to 7) --Richard Farr