Children’s Picture/Board Book Review: Near: Psalm 139 by Sally Lloyd-Jones, illustrated by Jago

Book Description:
From Sally Lloyd-Jones, the author of the bestselling The Jesus Storybook Bible, comes an uplifting new board book in a soft padded format that is a perfect fit for little hands. Inspired by Psalm 139—which begins, “O Lord, you have searched me and you know me”—Near’s lyrical text reminds little ones that God is with them anywhere they go in God’s wide world.

God is my Father who made everything.

And I am a little explorer of the wide world.

He is near me

And he protects me.

He sees me

And he knows me.

He is strong

And he looks after me. He is with me—always!

My Thoughts:
Jago’s vivid illustrations and Sally Lloyd-Jones insightful text come together to create a dynamic board book that teaches children, God is always with them. As I read through the text, I found comfort in the words. I can imagine this book would fill little ones with peace and joy to know that the one who loves them so much is with them always. I love the opening: “God is my Father who made everything. And I am a little explorer of the wide world.” The beautiful illustrations take the reader on a great adventure with three children who travel from the city—to the arctic—to the ocean floor and more. This is a perfect gift for Easter, a wonderful story to share with grandchildren, or a teaching tool for Sunday School. Five stars. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Children's Bible Review: The Jesus Storybook Bible, gift edition

Description:

The bestselling The Jesus StorybookBible, written by Sally Lloyd-Jones and illustrated by Jago, is celebrating its phenomenal success with this beautiful clothbound gift edition. The Jesus Storybook Bible tells the Story beneath all the stories in the Bible. From Noah to Moses to the great King David––every story points to Jesus. He is like the missing piece in a puzzle––the piece that makes all the other pieces fit together. From the Old Testament through the New Testament, as the Story unfolds, children will pick up the clues and piece together the puzzle. A Bible like no other, The Jesus Storybook Bible invites children to join in the greatest of all adventures, to discover for themselves that Jesus is at the center of God's great story of salvation––and at the center of their story too.

My Review:

Sally Lloyd-Jones has done a beautiful job re-telling many of the Bible's stories. I am impressed that she's written them for children without a lot of sugar coating. Often, Bible stories get watered down and children don't learn about sin or why Jesus died and was raised. Sally does a nice job and leaves room for parents and teachers to give more explanation. The colorful illustrations liven up the pages. I imagine children will love the color and characterizations of the Bible people. This would make a lovely gift for a child or a teacher of children. You might consider giving this book as a gift to students promoted in Sunday School or who have taken the step to accept Jesus as Savior. It would also be a great for family devotional time.