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Friday, May 20, 2011

Book Review - Children of God

About the Book
Archbishop Desmond Tutu retells more than fifty of his most beloved stories, artfully highlighting God’s desire for all people to love one another and to find peace and forgiveness in their hearts in CHILDREN OF GOD (Zonderkidz; $18.99). In an attempt to create the first truly global Bible for children, the artists from across the world have been invited to portray the stories with the style and richness of their own culture. Their stunning color illustrations allow readers to experience the Bible stories as if they were there—with Adam and Eve in the garden, with Noah on the ark, with Abraham in the desert, and with Jesus on the mountaintop. Every story shows how God works through history and ends with a short prayer, which personalizes the message for each reader’s own life. Archbishop Tutu’s wisdom, compassion, and sense of humor shine throughout, as he reminds us that “We are all God’s children.” 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Archbishop Desmond Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his lifelong struggle to bring equality, justice, and peace to his native country of South Africa. In 1986, he was elected Archbishop of Cape Town, the highest position in the Anglican Church in Southern Africa. Today Archbishop Tutu chairs the Elders, an independent group of global leaders working to promote the shared interests of humanity. In 2009 Tutu received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor. He is known for his great love for children, as well as his powerful and profound understanding of the message of Jesus Christ. The Archbishop lives in South Africa with his wife, Leah. They have four children and seven grandchildren.  childrenofgodbible.com

My Take on the Book
First of all, Archbishop Desmond Tutu wrote an excellent preface to the storybook. His preface is directed to the children who will hear or read the stories, but there is a message for adults too. He said "God also wants us to fill our lives with love.Jesus says we should love God, love other people,and  love ourselves. How do we do this?     By doing three important things: Do what is right, be kind to one another,and be friends with God."

This beautifully illustrated book includes Bible stories retold by Desmond Tutu. There are 56 stories that will be recognized by adults and  children. As you begin with the first story from Genesis 1 , the creation, you will notice  the vibrant descriptive words Desmond Tutu uses to create a picturesque and clear understanding of God's love. For example: "In the very beginning, God's love bubbled over when there was nothing else- no trees, no birds,no animals, no sky, no sea, -only darkness. Out of this love, God spoke, "Let there be light." and so the text continues.  Gorgeous illustrations on two pages of text show the earth,sun, stars and many animals God created. At the bottom of the first story is this: "Dear God, help me to enjoy and care for your beautiful earth."

So the book continues with 55 more stories, illustrated beautifully with each one containing a special prayer.

Included at the end of the book are photographs of all the talented illustrators with the information naming them ,their country, and the Bible stories they illustrated.

I have seen and purchased children's Bible story books in the past, but this one is by far the best one I have seen in many years.

The text is sensitive to the needs of children and it is a wonderful avenue for sharing Bible stories with children. I see this as a valuable resource in your home library to read over and over again.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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