fifty new testament stories for storytellers
Hi Everyone,
Welcome to Wanda Luthman’s Christian and Children’s Book Blog,
Today, I have an author from across the pond as we say in the USA about UK residents. Author Rob James and his illustrator, Amanda Ruston’s Publisher reached out to me about reading and reviewing this book. I truly enjoyed the concept since I also write Biblical Fiction, although my books written in this genre targets adults while this book targets children. You can read my review at the end of this post, but here’s what their publisher had to say about this awesome book, Fifty New Testament Stories for Storytellers…
From the Annunciation to the Resurrection to Paul’s travels, this new illustrated storyteller’s bible offers a fun and engaging way to introduce children to the key events of the New Testament. Each two-page narrative is built for dramatic verbal delivery, and ideas for enhancing the story are offered at the end of each narrative. Vibrant illustrations offer visual inspiration to reader and listener.
We’ve received some strong endorsements for the book, a selection of which you can read below.
“Rob James imaginatively re-tells well-known stories from the Bible, coloring in the highways and byways of the Galilee, drawing out the characters of the people Jesus met and taught and healed, and exploring the lives of the first Christians. Slowly, the narrative of God being with us is woven into the stories of the lives we live so that we can go out and share the stories of Christ’s life with others. I commend it most warmly.”—Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich, Church of England
“Storytelling has always been at the heart of our Christian faith. The best, the most engaging, the most powerful, the most nourishing storytelling isn’t just an active speaker talking to passive listeners. Thank you to Rob James for offering practical tools to involve all of us in the sacred and joyful practice of storytelling.”—Michael Shapcott, Executive Director, Sorrento Centre, British Columbia
“This book made my son laugh the whole time. He really got into participating in the stories . . . and did so with gusto. He gave me a huge hug when we were finished reading.”—Mrs. Kate Keilty, Victoria, British Columbia
“Good storytelling engages the body, mind, heart, and soul, creating a full-body experience. Fifty New Testament Stories for Storytellers by Rob James, with beautiful illustrations by Amanda Ruston, is an excellent resource for immersive and interactive biblical storytelling that will resonate with audiences of all ages.”
—Roger Hutchison, author of The Gift of Baptism and Sparrow’s Prayer
My review…This book is beautifully illustrated which helps the story come to life, especially for children. It is clearly not exact word for word from the Bible but more of an enhancement based on the true story told in the Bible. Readers should know that some license has been taken to fill in the “holes” of the story with feelings, environment, and things the people might have said and/or done. This is called Biblical Fiction. It’s a great way to help make the Bible relatable which often brings greater understanding and deepen one’s faith, possibly even helping an unbeliever find faith. I love this book and think teachers and parents will enjoy reading this with the children in their lives!
Rob James has been a parish priest and the Chancellor of Wells Cathedral, Somerset. Having worked for the Church of England, he then moved to Canada where he is an Associate Professor at the Vancouver School of Theology. His ministry has always included large amounts of children’s ministry and biblical storytelling. He lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Amanda Ruston is an Anglican priest and vowed Benedictine. In addition to over twenty years’ experience in graphic design and illustration, she has an MDiv and is pursuing doctoral work in the field of liturgy and language. She lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Here’s where you can pick up your copy today
Fifty New Testament Stories for StorytellersThank you so much to Rob and Amanda’s Publisher from Morehouse Publishing, Tyler Simnick, for sharing this book with me and my readers today!
I want to say a special thank you to my blog followers for stopping by today. I hope you are enjoying the books that I have been sharing with you. If so, please tell your friends.
As always, likes, comments, and shares are always appreciated.
God Bless You Everyone!
