First Bible Story Book

by Mary Hoffman (Adaptor), Julie Downing (Illustrator)

Thirteen of the best-loved stories from the Old and New Testaments, including such timeless favorites as Noah's Ark, the Prodigal Son, and Jonah and the Whale, are sweetly re-told and enhanced with delightful illustrations. A sensitive way to acquaint young children with the important life lessons and values inherent in the Bible. Perfect for adults and children to read aloud together.

Genres: Picture Books

80 pages, Hardcover

First published August 31, 1998

About the author

See also works published under Mary Lassiter

Mary Hoffman is a bestselling British author and reviewer, born in 1945. She is a true enthusiast of Italy and spends a lot of her time there, which shows in her Stravaganza novels: a series currently in publication. In total, she has written over 80 books, including the aforementioned Stravaganza series and the bestselling picture book, Amazing Grace. Mary is also the editor of a review magazine Armadillo for kids.

Watch the book trailer for David, Mary Hoffman's most recent novel

Reviews

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Got this book after I was inspired by the DK CD-ROM My First Bible Stories. This covers a baker's dozen of the most familiar stories from the Old and New Testaments. The pages are attractively set out, with clear but uncondescending re-tellings and beautiful illustrations: I especially enjoyed the animals, birds and insects for Creation and the Ark.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

For all grandparents and family friends giving this book to kiddos - Great! Just remember **THIS IS NOT A BIBLE**
This is a STORY BOOK with Bible STORIES.
Moving on...

The illustrations were solid and colorful and non-scary. The stories chosen were good and hit the high spots, though they interestingly left out some classic Bible stories (Palm Sunday, Samson, Road to Damascus, Jesus Baptism, Jesus' healing miracles.)
The format of the text was always unique and fun to follow along. The stories were short and manageable to break up over a few nights of bedtime reading.

Overall, a very approachable intro to Bible characters for toddlers.

[Ephie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I do not think the language used in this book is suitable for a first bible and some of the 13 stories selected to be included are harsh for a young child. Also, I found the layout on some of the pages to be confusing with the wording going across to the second page and then underneath the first or with words scattered around the page so I think a child would struggle to read this book.

The drawings were cute.

[Michael Schmid · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very basic Bible story book for children containing just 13 Bible stories. Good story telling and nice illustrations, but not much theology.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book to read with young children. Good variety of illustrations. In terms of text, maybe a tad heavy. Nevertheless, a good read.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well-written children's Bible. There is a lot that is left out--it practically skips from Christ's birth to his death with one miracle in between. But I guess that is why it is called "First" Bible Story Book.

The pictures are not scary, but some of the story was. For example, the killing of baby boys (mentioned twice, I believe--once with Moses and once with Jesus) is a little frightening.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A First Bible Story Book
Hoffman, Mary
great early religious text

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kids loved this and listened to the audio while reading/looking at the book every single night for a long time.