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Character Sketches #1
Character Sketches from the Pages of Scripture, Volume 1, 10th printing
The very nature and character of God is seen all throughout His created universe. Job remarked, 'But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee' (Job 12:7-8). Each section of this Character Sketches volume begins with a captivating read-aloud nature story that introduces the character quality being taught and continues with interesting facts on the featured animal's characteristics and physical features. This is followed by a story from Scripture that illustrates the character quality, along with background information on the individual or situation in the story, which is then summed up in a character sketch. Generously illustrated with stunning lifelike watercolor and pencil drawings, this oversized book (9 1/4 by 12 1/4) will be treasured and enjoyed for generations. The series is designed to be a tool that fathers can use to teach their children basic concepts of Scripture that are illustrated in the world of nature. Since publication in 1976, hundreds of thousands have enjoyed the gripping stories and beautiful illustrations that the volumes contain. In Character Sketches, Volume I, you will learn about animals such as the Great Horned Owl and how it demonstrates loyalty, and the Raccoon and how it displays initiative. You will also discover from Scripture how people like Daniel showed decisiveness and Stephen exhibited determination.
382 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1976
18 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 21, 2021
There were a few one or two odd interpretations of biblical stories (e.g., Moses failed in his leadership when he followed Jethro's advice and set up a system of judges) but for the most part the information on the animals and the life lessons from both them and Scripture were very admirably done and the volume itself is beautiful. Our children were very engaged.
May 8, 2023
Initially, for my first read of this, I gave a 4 star review. I am not updated my review to 3 stars after using this book in our Bible curriculum for homeschool.
I was very disappointed in the way most of the Bible characters were used as negative examples of the character traits being shown. In fact, only 3 times was the Bible character shown in the positive light. And yet every animal was used to portray the positive side of the character trait.
Most disappointingly was the way women were portrayed. Every woman in this (which there were only 3: Dinah, Abigail and Ruth) was viewed as doing something wrong. Mostly Dinah and Abigail. Abigail is one of my favorite female members of the Bible and I absolutely HATED how this told her story. It blamed her for her husband’s illness and eventual death for going against his wishes even though his wishes would have betrayed David and probably gotten them all killed anyway.
Dinah was also blamed. (Of course she was.) She was blamed for being in the wrong place, while not being the only one to blame.
Another thing that put me off was the way the book began with the introduction. It makes it out that a father should be reading with his children to be the spiritual biblical example. I found that really demeaning and biblically inaccurate that only a father can teach the children spiritually. Although it does explain in a lot of ways why the women were talking about in such a negative light….however in most cases so were the men.
The other thing that annoyed me was the writing style. It’s meant for children and yet it uses so many words that my well read and well educated children did not understand. In a lot of ways it was like reading a high school textbook in that way. Also, I really disliked the way the intro portion of each biblical character was written without proper names. It was written very vaguely as to who the “leader” or “king” or “prophet” or “man” they were referring to. But then the rest of the portion gave the details. It made it vague and confusing and actually less interesting. So I started reading it inserting the names for myself but I was only able to do that because I know the biblical stories.
All in all, I simply didn’t agree with much of what it doctrinally/doxologically explained but that in and of itself was a good learning experience for my kids. I think they remembered those talks as much or more than the actual text they learned.
But no we will not be reading volume 2 for our continued curriculum.
I was very disappointed in the way most of the Bible characters were used as negative examples of the character traits being shown. In fact, only 3 times was the Bible character shown in the positive light. And yet every animal was used to portray the positive side of the character trait.
Most disappointingly was the way women were portrayed. Every woman in this (which there were only 3: Dinah, Abigail and Ruth) was viewed as doing something wrong. Mostly Dinah and Abigail. Abigail is one of my favorite female members of the Bible and I absolutely HATED how this told her story. It blamed her for her husband’s illness and eventual death for going against his wishes even though his wishes would have betrayed David and probably gotten them all killed anyway.
Dinah was also blamed. (Of course she was.) She was blamed for being in the wrong place, while not being the only one to blame.
Another thing that put me off was the way the book began with the introduction. It makes it out that a father should be reading with his children to be the spiritual biblical example. I found that really demeaning and biblically inaccurate that only a father can teach the children spiritually. Although it does explain in a lot of ways why the women were talking about in such a negative light….however in most cases so were the men.
The other thing that annoyed me was the writing style. It’s meant for children and yet it uses so many words that my well read and well educated children did not understand. In a lot of ways it was like reading a high school textbook in that way. Also, I really disliked the way the intro portion of each biblical character was written without proper names. It was written very vaguely as to who the “leader” or “king” or “prophet” or “man” they were referring to. But then the rest of the portion gave the details. It made it vague and confusing and actually less interesting. So I started reading it inserting the names for myself but I was only able to do that because I know the biblical stories.
All in all, I simply didn’t agree with much of what it doctrinally/doxologically explained but that in and of itself was a good learning experience for my kids. I think they remembered those talks as much or more than the actual text they learned.
But no we will not be reading volume 2 for our continued curriculum.
January 1, 2023
I've had this incredible book since I was a child -- used to read it with my dad & sister (along with Fox in Socks (when I was even younger)). Always been fascinated with the artwork by Severt Andrewson -- so gorgeous! And, of course, there are the Biblical passages holding the book together in relation to the power & beauty of nature. I forgot there are (at least) two other volumes available -- may have to check them out at some point.
December 21, 2020
Wonderful book for adults and children.
January 5, 2023
excellent!!!!!
February 9, 2025
This was great when our kids were young.
February 20, 2014
This is an older book, but it is timeless. It gives a great nature story and ties it in to shaping our character and how to live godly. It then goes on to tell a story from scriptures that further shows how having a particular character trait helped a person fulfill God's will for their lives. It has beautiful illustrations, including full page hand drawn pictures of animals in the wild. I loved it and would highly recommend it to everyone.
November 30, 2015
I remember our dad reading these stories to us at bedtime. Learning about bears, wolverines & muskox and so many other creatures along with great life lessons! A walk down memory lane when I came across these books!
March 15, 2008
At church once and a while my Dad would fill in a class he would read this set of book. Our class was awstruck and didn't want to leave until every part of the chapter had been read.
April 9, 2010
Awesome book for children linking spiritual stories and character traits with charter traits of animals in nature.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews