Bible-based

June 5, 2021

He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands ~ Kadir Nelson

He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands

Written by Kadir Nelson

Illustrated by Kadir Nelson

Featuring a boy and his family, the lyrics of the old spiritual are turned into a wonderful picture book. This book is so cute! After a few pages we were singing along to the words of the song, “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.” The kids had a blast trying to figure out what the next lyrics were based on the pictures, which, by the way, are beautiful. Read more >>

Buy the Book: He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands

Originally posted on May 26, 2009.

May 2, 2021

The Creation ~ James Weldon Johnson

The Creation

Written by James Weldon Johnson

Illustrated by James E. Ransome

A man tells a group of attentive children the Biblical story of God’s creation of the world. The illustrations showcasing a storyteller are a tribute to the oral tradition of block folk stories. Read more >>

Buy the Book: The Creation

Originally posted on May 2, 2021.

April 18, 2021

Melena’s Jubilee ~ Zetta Elliot

Melena’s Jubilee

Written by Zetta Elliot

Illustrated by Aaron Boyd

This is a wonderful story of how each day presents us with the opportunity of a fresh start. After being forgiven by her mother and grandmother for causing a vase to break, Melena seizes the new day. She is kind to her brother. She enjoys a delicious lunch from the vegetables grown in her grandma’s garden. She forgives her friends debt and offers to share her money so all the friends can enjoy a hot fudge sundae together. With a song in her heart, she feels the sun that shines down on everyone!

Based on the concept of jubilee as explained in the book of Leviticus in the Bible, the author encourages the readers and explains that we don’t have to wait fifty years. Everyday we have the opportunity to help change and strengthen communities. Everyday is a fresh start!

I really appreciate this book. While it is a gentle reminder for children, it was also a reminder to me! Today and everyday can be my “fresh start day” based on how I choose to live my life and the decisions I make! Read more >>

Buy the Book: Melena’s Jubilee

Originally posted on April 18, 2021.

February 26, 2021

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read ~ Rita Lorraine Hubbard

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read

Written by Rita Lorraine Hubbard

Illustrated by Oge Mora

You are never too old to learn to read. Mary Walker is the ultimate example of this truth! Mary Walker learned to read at the age of 116! This book tells of the remarkable life of this woman who was officially declared “the nation’s oldest student.” Read more >>

Buy the Book: The Oldest Student

Originally posted on February 26, 2021.

December 17, 2020

Long Ago on a Silent Night ~ Julie Berry

Long Ago on a Silent Night

Written by Julie Berry

Illustrated by Annie Won

A wonderful retelling of the Nativity story, this book doubles as a love letter from a mother to her child. The story parallels the birth of a child to the miraculous birth of the infant King that we celebrate on Christmas Day. The baby boy featured in the book appears to be biracial and the father is periodically shown in the beautifully illustrated pages as well. Read more >>

Buy the Book: Long Ago on a Silent Night

Originally posted on December 17, 2020.

December 12, 2020

Who Built the Stable? ~ Ashley Bryan

Who Built the Stable?

Written by Ashley Bryan

Illustrated by Ashley Bryan

This brilliantly vivid Nativity poem addressed the idea of who built the stable that Baby Jesus was born in. It tells of a young apprentice carpenter who built a wooden stable to house his animals. This young shepherd’s stable becomes the birthplace of the baby who, like him, would also become a carpenter and shepherd. This is a wonderful book to add to any Christmas book collection. Read more >>

Buy the Book: Who Built the Stable?

Originally posted on December 12, 2020.