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God's Big Picture Bible Storybook: 140 Connecting Bible Stories of God's Faithful Promises
This first illustrated Bible storybook from one of the world's top Bible scholars draws the connections across all of God's very good story, His Word. This practical Bible guide shares all your family's favorite stories, plus some that may be new, combining a theologian's expertise with engaging narratives that will draw kids into the good news of the world's greatest, truest tale. God's Big Picture Bible Storybook N.T. Wright wants his readers to discover the many surprising ways in which one Bible story echoes another, and how different stories contribute to the one very good and very big story of God's love for creation--a story that unfolds over the centuries, until at last it is fully revealed in the life and teaching of Jesus. Young readers will be fascinated and delighted as they hear the echoes and spot the visual links between the pictures and the stories. Not only that, they will be thrilled to discover that this is not just a story involving people who lived long it's a living and enduring story, a story in which God invites them to be involved as well!
296 pages, Hardcover
Published March 5, 2024
38 people are currently reading
2899 people want to read
About the author
N.T. Wright
461 books2,877 followersN. T. Wright is the former Bishop of Durham in the Church of England (2003-2010) and one of the world's leading Bible scholars. He is now serving as the chair of New Testament and Early Christianity at the School of Divinity at the University of St. Andrews. He has been featured on ABC News, Dateline NBC, The Colbert Report, and Fresh Air, and he has taught New Testament studies at Cambridge, McGill, and Oxford universities. Wright is the award-winning author of Surprised by Hope, Simply Christian, The Last Word, The Challenge of Jesus, The Meaning of Jesus (coauthored with Marcus Borg), as well as the much heralded series Christian Origins and the Question of God.
He also publishes under Tom Wright.
He also publishes under Tom Wright.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 27, 2024
This is a fantastic kids bible story book. I enjoyed not only that it tells the story of Gods people, it also talks about biblical concepts like Jubilee, The Kingdom of God, and Covenant. Another favorite thing about it is how it has a “what else in Gods big story links to this?” section at the end of most pages where it tells you what page to turn to to see how that specific theme pops up elsewhere. It’s a fantastic, kid friendly way to teach biblical theology. I wish I would have had this book for teaching school, would be a fantastic short read every morning. The only downside I thought about was some word choices. For instance Wright talks about “setting the world right” which my guess is when he read it to his British grandkids they understood… but there are a few places where I was like “huh, I wonder if that would make sense to American kids”. Anyway I would love to see reviews from parents or teachers who have read it… or grown adults who want a fun way to read through the whole Bible in a year 😂
August 21, 2024
Every children's Bible is different. What sets this apart is the connection N.T. Wright makes with the rest of the story. He has incorporated a "cross-reference" system within this book to help the reader understand the connections that all of Scripture has with itself. He does a fantastic job at painting the big picture of the Bible in a very digestible amount of words. I read this with my son and he loved asking questions about all the pictures. It was very helpful for him to point and ask and led to many good spiritual conversations with him.
May 14, 2025
Mixed feelingsarama. You could definitely do worse than this kid’s story Bible, but there’s a number better (Sally Lloyd Jones setting the standard). First the good, and even unique. At 140 page length stories, it’s pretty comprehensive, and doesn’t miss much. Also, an awesome, is each story is linked to others at the bottom, like tiny cross references—e.g. Gen 11, Babel, dispersing of tongues connected (and reversed) in Acts 2, Pentecost, and tongues of fire; Exodus 20, Moses at Sinai links to Matthew 5, Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount, etc. Buuuuuut… and it kills me to say this… the writing of the stories doesn’t live up to the promise of the book’s outlay. The Old Testament stories were uninspired; mostly retellings without punch, charm, or applications. The New Testament improves a lot, but still falls short of other stellar storybook Bibles. Like the Star Wars prequels (I-III): great in the big picture idea, falls short in specific execution. And this is from a Wright fan.
May 19, 2025
That’s good stuff.
January 15, 2026
God’s Big Picture Bible Storybook: 140 Connecting Bible Stories of God’s Faithful Promises by N. T. Wright and Helena Perez Garcia – Review
God’s Big Picture Bible Storybook: 140 Connecting Bible Stories of God’s Faithful Promises by N. T. Wright, richly illustrated by Helena Perez Garcia, is a beautifully crafted children’s Bible story collection that weaves together the grand arc of Scripture in a way young readers can grasp and treasure. Wright, a leading New Testament scholar and former Bishop of Durham, retells 140 biblical narratives from both the Old and New Testaments with clarity and theological insight that respects the original text while engaging children aged roughly six to ten in its storytelling rhythms.
Each short story highlights how individual moments in the Bible reflect God’s unfolding plan of faithful love and promise, connecting familiar tales with lesser‑known ones so that kids can see Scripture as one cohesive story of creation, redemption, and hope centered on Jesus. Vibrant, whimsical illustrations bring each scene to life and help children visualize the characters, places, and divine purposes that tie these accounts together into one big, joyful narrative.
Reading this storybook felt like stepping into a living tapestry of faith where every thread matters and every story whispers reassurance about God’s steadfast love and redemption.
What moved me most was how Wright does not simply tell stories in isolation, but gently prompts young hearts to notice echoes between them, helping children (and adults reading along) feel the Bible’s unity and the hope woven through its pages from Genesis to Revelation.
The pacing is thoughtful and inviting rather than rushed, making it perfect for shared family readings or early independent exploration, and the artwork enriches each page with warmth and detail that invites lingering.
Rating: 4 out of 5 because it made the Bible’s “big picture” feel accessible, alive, and deeply encouraging for young imaginations.
God’s Big Picture Bible Storybook: 140 Connecting Bible Stories of God’s Faithful Promises by N. T. Wright, richly illustrated by Helena Perez Garcia, is a beautifully crafted children’s Bible story collection that weaves together the grand arc of Scripture in a way young readers can grasp and treasure. Wright, a leading New Testament scholar and former Bishop of Durham, retells 140 biblical narratives from both the Old and New Testaments with clarity and theological insight that respects the original text while engaging children aged roughly six to ten in its storytelling rhythms.
Each short story highlights how individual moments in the Bible reflect God’s unfolding plan of faithful love and promise, connecting familiar tales with lesser‑known ones so that kids can see Scripture as one cohesive story of creation, redemption, and hope centered on Jesus. Vibrant, whimsical illustrations bring each scene to life and help children visualize the characters, places, and divine purposes that tie these accounts together into one big, joyful narrative.
Reading this storybook felt like stepping into a living tapestry of faith where every thread matters and every story whispers reassurance about God’s steadfast love and redemption.
What moved me most was how Wright does not simply tell stories in isolation, but gently prompts young hearts to notice echoes between them, helping children (and adults reading along) feel the Bible’s unity and the hope woven through its pages from Genesis to Revelation.
The pacing is thoughtful and inviting rather than rushed, making it perfect for shared family readings or early independent exploration, and the artwork enriches each page with warmth and detail that invites lingering.
Rating: 4 out of 5 because it made the Bible’s “big picture” feel accessible, alive, and deeply encouraging for young imaginations.
February 5, 2024
If you enjoyed Wright's engaging and fresh translation of the New Testament, then you will enjoy his equally delightful retellings of 140 stories from the Bible. God's Big Picture Bible Storybook is N.T. Wright's first children's book, and it is as good as I hoped it would be!
I've read a lot of children's storybook Bibles that are poorly written--either dumbed down or too informal, but Wright crafts each story in a clear, concise, yet interesting and engaging way. While he summarizes each Bible story into a one-page paraphrase, they don't feel lacking in detail.
The design and page layout is simple and delightful. Each story shares a Scripture reference, as well as a cross-reference to other Bible stories to which it is related. There are also maps, that are simple yet informative. I appreciate that God's Big Picture Bible Storybook appeals to older kids and adults -- it is not overly colorful or cartoony. This is a wonderful addition to your church library, or to your home library, if you have kids from ages 6 - 12.
Read the full book review to see what I really liked and some considerations / helpful insights.
I've read a lot of children's storybook Bibles that are poorly written--either dumbed down or too informal, but Wright crafts each story in a clear, concise, yet interesting and engaging way. While he summarizes each Bible story into a one-page paraphrase, they don't feel lacking in detail.
The design and page layout is simple and delightful. Each story shares a Scripture reference, as well as a cross-reference to other Bible stories to which it is related. There are also maps, that are simple yet informative. I appreciate that God's Big Picture Bible Storybook appeals to older kids and adults -- it is not overly colorful or cartoony. This is a wonderful addition to your church library, or to your home library, if you have kids from ages 6 - 12.
Read the full book review to see what I really liked and some considerations / helpful insights.
December 30, 2024
Loved this telling of major and minor (but with major implications) stories of the Bible. N.T Wright does a terrific job at giving both illustrative and narrative depictions of how the whole bible ties together in a digestable way for all ages. Highly recommend this one to young or old believers alike!
December 14, 2024
This was our latest family Bible read through at breakfast time. It started a little slowly and didn't have the obvious NT Wright touch in the first several stories from the beginning of Genesis, but then it really begins to shine after that. In particular, this book fills in gaps left by other children's Bibles, including the prophets, Acts, and Revelation, to name the first three that spring to mind. You really go get good theology here without it feeling didactic or going over kids' heads. And as a teacher, I appreciate how hard that is. You have to really have your subject mastered to tell it truthfully without taking too long or making it too complicated. Very well done, and I'm sure we'll read through it again.
September 17, 2025
This is a weekly Sabbath read (just as an adult without kids) and has been such a refreshing rhythm of grace to be reminded of the big picture story of the Bible. Wright seamlessly includes stories and parts of the Bible (like prophets or epistles) that often don't make it into children's Bibles, and the biggest strength is how from page to page, he keeps the story going by always reminding readers of where we're at in the one story and how it's all connected. The cross-references at the bottom of the pages linking stories like exile to getting kicked out of the garden is a other huge way that this is accomplished.
March 18, 2024
This children's Bible has some great strengths, but the strengths do not overcome the sadness of the flat, boring, unfinished illustrations.
The Very Very Good:
The breadth of the stories covered! Most kids Bibles do not include this much OT, and rarely any NT after the Gospels. (Zondervan even sells a children’s Bible that skips any passion narrative. It ends with Jesus just being a nice teacher).
The concise storytelling! The text is just the biblical narrative told concisely and clearly. Exactly what children’s Bibles should be. Most kids Bibles today prattle on and on as if the author is bored with the Bible and assumes the reader must be too. Kids do not need their Genesis 1 to be "Well guess what? first everything was SUPER dark. Just like inside your cat's rectum. That's where POOP comes from, isn't that wild?!?! Then God made all the furries and the floofies, the wheezes and the woozes, and all the trees you need for building a tree house. Tree houses are great, I had a tree house when I was a kid. We would spend nights in it, and catch lightning bugs! Well God needed someone to catch all of His lightning bugs, so he made Adam and placed him in a non-specific location!"
Hyperlinks! The bottom of each story directs the reader to relates stories elsewhere, illustrating the beautiful design patterns of the biblical narrative.
The OK:
Children’s Bibles are not the place for idiosyncratic translations of liturgical texts. Communicate narrative and teaching faithfully (as Wright does so well here), but stick to the traditional Our Father. Children are learning to pray with the Church, with the Communion of Saints. Keep common prayer common. Wright's text mirrors the three fold imperative of Matthew's Greek, and that is great. I wish the traditional Our Father did that, sure. But common prayer is even more valuable.
Are there any children’s Bibles that do not repeat the legend of the “full up inn” (even multiple inns here!)? Luke's birth narrative tells the story of the Holy Family traveling to Joseph's hometown to stay with relatives Why would Joseph's family not find a place for him and pregnant Mary to stay? The upper guest room of the house is already occupied (Lk 2.7), so Joseph's relatives graciously find space for them in the cave beneath the house where the animals were keeping warm. Jesus is born surrounded by family (and the ox and donkey, of course). Luke's actual birth narrative would make a great story for a children's Bible.
Give children's Bibles robust sacraments! Like all children's Bibles, the text lacks Jesus' explanation of baptism in John 3 and his commentary on the Eucharist in John 6. Kids' love a sacramental world! Initiate them into the depth of the Church's sacraments.
But all things considered, the text of this children's Bible is head and shoulders, knees and toes above any other children's Bible currently on the market. Wright even correctly calls Jonah's submersible escort a fish. Though the illustrator still drew a whale 😩 (Jonah's unbelievably huge fish and unbelievably huge city and huge anger and huge response all point to God's huge mercy!).
The Illustrations:
Children deserve beautiful, moving, captivating art. The rich color palletes here are beautiful. But most illustrations have an unfinished quality about them. The characters are in the greatest story ever told, and they could not be more bored with what is going on around them. Faces hold little to no emotion, body language is kept to a minimal as well. There is no creative use of light and shadow to convey mystery or holiness (essential qualities to biblical illustrations), but flat literalism.
The best children's Bible illustrations are the ones that will fire up a child's imagination about these incredible events, events filled with the valleys of sadness and the heights of joy. The overwhelming weight of the glory of the God who is with us. The natively Christian art of iconography reflects all of this mystery and glory in its layered depth, and so many modern illustrators have captured the meditative essence of iconography in their own modern styles.
The Very Very Good:
The breadth of the stories covered! Most kids Bibles do not include this much OT, and rarely any NT after the Gospels. (Zondervan even sells a children’s Bible that skips any passion narrative. It ends with Jesus just being a nice teacher).
The concise storytelling! The text is just the biblical narrative told concisely and clearly. Exactly what children’s Bibles should be. Most kids Bibles today prattle on and on as if the author is bored with the Bible and assumes the reader must be too. Kids do not need their Genesis 1 to be "Well guess what? first everything was SUPER dark. Just like inside your cat's rectum. That's where POOP comes from, isn't that wild?!?! Then God made all the furries and the floofies, the wheezes and the woozes, and all the trees you need for building a tree house. Tree houses are great, I had a tree house when I was a kid. We would spend nights in it, and catch lightning bugs! Well God needed someone to catch all of His lightning bugs, so he made Adam and placed him in a non-specific location!"
Hyperlinks! The bottom of each story directs the reader to relates stories elsewhere, illustrating the beautiful design patterns of the biblical narrative.
The OK:
Children’s Bibles are not the place for idiosyncratic translations of liturgical texts. Communicate narrative and teaching faithfully (as Wright does so well here), but stick to the traditional Our Father. Children are learning to pray with the Church, with the Communion of Saints. Keep common prayer common. Wright's text mirrors the three fold imperative of Matthew's Greek, and that is great. I wish the traditional Our Father did that, sure. But common prayer is even more valuable.
Are there any children’s Bibles that do not repeat the legend of the “full up inn” (even multiple inns here!)? Luke's birth narrative tells the story of the Holy Family traveling to Joseph's hometown to stay with relatives Why would Joseph's family not find a place for him and pregnant Mary to stay? The upper guest room of the house is already occupied (Lk 2.7), so Joseph's relatives graciously find space for them in the cave beneath the house where the animals were keeping warm. Jesus is born surrounded by family (and the ox and donkey, of course). Luke's actual birth narrative would make a great story for a children's Bible.
Give children's Bibles robust sacraments! Like all children's Bibles, the text lacks Jesus' explanation of baptism in John 3 and his commentary on the Eucharist in John 6. Kids' love a sacramental world! Initiate them into the depth of the Church's sacraments.
But all things considered, the text of this children's Bible is head and shoulders, knees and toes above any other children's Bible currently on the market. Wright even correctly calls Jonah's submersible escort a fish. Though the illustrator still drew a whale 😩 (Jonah's unbelievably huge fish and unbelievably huge city and huge anger and huge response all point to God's huge mercy!).
The Illustrations:
Children deserve beautiful, moving, captivating art. The rich color palletes here are beautiful. But most illustrations have an unfinished quality about them. The characters are in the greatest story ever told, and they could not be more bored with what is going on around them. Faces hold little to no emotion, body language is kept to a minimal as well. There is no creative use of light and shadow to convey mystery or holiness (essential qualities to biblical illustrations), but flat literalism.
The best children's Bible illustrations are the ones that will fire up a child's imagination about these incredible events, events filled with the valleys of sadness and the heights of joy. The overwhelming weight of the glory of the God who is with us. The natively Christian art of iconography reflects all of this mystery and glory in its layered depth, and so many modern illustrators have captured the meditative essence of iconography in their own modern styles.
January 20, 2024
I love Tom Wright's theology and his adult books but I'm not sure he is the best at writing for children. I didn't actually finish reading the book. What I liked about this volume: The number of stories included. So often Bible storybooks stick to just a few, often-told passages. I also appreciated the notes connecting various stories; this will help parents and kids grasp the overall arc of the Bible. But, I didn't find anything in particular compelling about this as a kid's story Bible. The pictures and writing don't particularly standout in a crowded field. So, I will recommend it if people ask, along with other adequate kid's story Bibles.
Review based on an eARC received through NetGalley.
Review based on an eARC received through NetGalley.
October 22, 2025
I recently had the joy of purchasing six different children's Bibles, and I have to say, this one truly shines above the rest! My 5-year-old grandson was utterly enthralled by the vibrant illustrations, which strike the perfect balance between simplicity and intricate beauty. It didn't take long for him to declare this book his absolute favorite, thanks to the eye-catching artwork. Each story is crafted with young readers in mind, fitting neatly onto a single page, complemented by an engaging illustration on the opposite side. The tales are thoughtfully interconnected, complete with colorful endnotes that offer remarkable insights for older children and even adults. What makes this book even more special is its foundation on the expertise of the acclaimed Bible scholar N.T. Wright, who beautifully weaves the content into God's grand narrative. I was pleasantly surprised to find such a rich collection of Bible stories, with nearly half focusing on the New Testament. With 290 pages, it even includes six maps and a thorough index! I wholeheartedly recommend this treasure for children ages 3 to 9—it's a delightful way to inspire a love for stories and faith! I purchased six different Children's Bibles, but this was definitely the best! My 5-year-old grandson loved the colorful illustrations, simple yet detailed and realistic. He chose this book as his favorite, mainly due to the illustrations. Each story had just the right amount of information for a young child, contained on one page per story with one illustration on the facing page. Many stories are connected to other stories in the Bible with colorful endnotes, offering more information for an older child or even adults. The entire book has the foundation of a leading Bible Scholar, N.T. Wright, who presents the content as God's big story. I was delighted with the number of Bible stories included, since half the book covers the New Testament. This 290-page book consists of six maps and a detailed index. I highly recommend it for children 3-9 years old.
March 9, 2024
I was really excited by the prospect of a storybook Bible developed by such a prominent and respected theologian as NT Wright, and there are some distinctive strengths to this children's Bible, including the choice to weave through a few passages from texts like Psalms and Proverbs, as well as the overall comprehensiveness of the story selection. Very few children's Bibles choose to go beyond the Resurrection to cover the vital New Testament texts through to Revelation, and this Bible does that. The art is also wonderful and compelling – a lot of it was really delightful and detailed. The little notes directing readers to connected stories is also a great resource for parents and teachers who want to support children in drawing connections.
So, what's the problem? There are several, the most prominent of which is some explicit supercessionism. From early in the text, Wright chooses to state that various passages point directly to Christ. While that is how we are expected to read them as Christians, it is simply unacceptable to directly state that passages that we share with our Jewish friends and neighbors – and which they interpret differently in light of their faith traditions – only point to Jesus. We can understand them that way without denying the lens other traditions read them through, especially when supercessionism causes real-world harms.
Other more minor issues with this Bible are the exclusive use of masculine God language - many won't mind it, but many will, as well as the selection of a fair number of stories that simply aren't important for children who are still in the storybook Bible demographic really need to know. Thinking comprehensively is wonderful and children deserve a wider picture, but stories like that of David and Bathsheba are so far from essential as to be a peculiar distraction. Despite some of the compelling elements, this is not a storybook Bible I could ever use as a program director.
So, what's the problem? There are several, the most prominent of which is some explicit supercessionism. From early in the text, Wright chooses to state that various passages point directly to Christ. While that is how we are expected to read them as Christians, it is simply unacceptable to directly state that passages that we share with our Jewish friends and neighbors – and which they interpret differently in light of their faith traditions – only point to Jesus. We can understand them that way without denying the lens other traditions read them through, especially when supercessionism causes real-world harms.
Other more minor issues with this Bible are the exclusive use of masculine God language - many won't mind it, but many will, as well as the selection of a fair number of stories that simply aren't important for children who are still in the storybook Bible demographic really need to know. Thinking comprehensively is wonderful and children deserve a wider picture, but stories like that of David and Bathsheba are so far from essential as to be a peculiar distraction. Despite some of the compelling elements, this is not a storybook Bible I could ever use as a program director.
March 19, 2024
N.T. Wright, one of my favorite scholars, writing a children’s storybook Bible was not on my bingo card for 2024, but here we are! What a time to be alive.
God’s Big Picture Bible Storybook surveys the grand narrative of the Bible via selected, succinctly told stories from both the Old and New Testaments. Each reading is relatively short and includes both a reference to where the corresponding story is found in the Bible, as well as, when applicable, the connection of how the story fits into the larger narrative of other stories the book covers.
The text is made accessible for younger readers but notably doesn’t take too much liberty or stray too far, especially as it continues to use a lot of biblical language. Similarly, the storybook covers several passages that children’s bible and storybooks often shy away from, such as David & Bathsheba and the Woman at the Well. In this, along with highlighting the interconnectedness of Scripture, the storybook truly shines in ways that other similar titles fall short.
Illustrations are colorful and age-appropriate. The back of the storybook also includes various maps, such as the route of the Exile and the world of the New Testament. As a child, I remember I used to love pouring over the colorful maps found in the back of some Bibles. Sadly, though, the maps found in this storybook are sparse and devoid of color. Compared to the engaging illustrations found throughout the rest of the book, this felt like a missed opportunity to engage younger readers.
The length and readability of the passages, as well as the content, make this ideally suited as a family read-aloud, but could also be appropriate for some independent readers. Unfortunately, though, there is a bit of a mismatch between the style and presentation (skews younger) and the text complexity and content (skews older) for this title to work best in that regard.
Overall, a fantastic, accessible storybook from a renowned author that is worth picking up.
God’s Big Picture Bible Storybook surveys the grand narrative of the Bible via selected, succinctly told stories from both the Old and New Testaments. Each reading is relatively short and includes both a reference to where the corresponding story is found in the Bible, as well as, when applicable, the connection of how the story fits into the larger narrative of other stories the book covers.
The text is made accessible for younger readers but notably doesn’t take too much liberty or stray too far, especially as it continues to use a lot of biblical language. Similarly, the storybook covers several passages that children’s bible and storybooks often shy away from, such as David & Bathsheba and the Woman at the Well. In this, along with highlighting the interconnectedness of Scripture, the storybook truly shines in ways that other similar titles fall short.
Illustrations are colorful and age-appropriate. The back of the storybook also includes various maps, such as the route of the Exile and the world of the New Testament. As a child, I remember I used to love pouring over the colorful maps found in the back of some Bibles. Sadly, though, the maps found in this storybook are sparse and devoid of color. Compared to the engaging illustrations found throughout the rest of the book, this felt like a missed opportunity to engage younger readers.
The length and readability of the passages, as well as the content, make this ideally suited as a family read-aloud, but could also be appropriate for some independent readers. Unfortunately, though, there is a bit of a mismatch between the style and presentation (skews younger) and the text complexity and content (skews older) for this title to work best in that regard.
Overall, a fantastic, accessible storybook from a renowned author that is worth picking up.
March 14, 2024
"God's Big Picture Bible Storybook" by N.T. Wright offers a captivating journey through 140 Bible stories, expertly crafted to engage young readers in the grand narrative of God's faithful promises. Renowned scholar N.T. Wright masterfully weaves together Scripture narratives, unveiling their parallels and connections over centuries until they culminate in the life and teachings of Jesus. The book's illustrations by Perez Garcia beautifully complement the storytelling, making it a visual delight for children aged 6 and older.
As a parent and a fan of N.T. Wright, I found this book to be a gem that strikes the perfect balance between accessibility for kids and theological richness. It serves as an excellent resource for introducing biblical theology and emphasizing God's kingdom theme throughout Scripture. The inclusion of cross-references and visual links between stories not only enhances understanding but also encourages readers to delve deeper into the Bible's interconnected message.
The book's illustrations are not just visually appealing but also breathe life into the Bible stories, making them more relatable and engaging for young minds. Moreover, the inclusion of maps at the back adds an educational element, enriching the overall reading experience.
In conclusion, "God's Big Picture Bible Storybook" is a valuable tool for helping children connect different parts of the Bible, understand the overarching story of God's love, and prepare them for deeper engagement with Scripture. It stands out as a comprehensive and visually stunning resource that both kids and adults can enjoy together. I highly recommend it as a stepping stone for young readers embarking on a journey to explore the depths of God's Word.
I received a complimentary copy of 'God's Big Picture Bible Storybook' in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
As a parent and a fan of N.T. Wright, I found this book to be a gem that strikes the perfect balance between accessibility for kids and theological richness. It serves as an excellent resource for introducing biblical theology and emphasizing God's kingdom theme throughout Scripture. The inclusion of cross-references and visual links between stories not only enhances understanding but also encourages readers to delve deeper into the Bible's interconnected message.
The book's illustrations are not just visually appealing but also breathe life into the Bible stories, making them more relatable and engaging for young minds. Moreover, the inclusion of maps at the back adds an educational element, enriching the overall reading experience.
In conclusion, "God's Big Picture Bible Storybook" is a valuable tool for helping children connect different parts of the Bible, understand the overarching story of God's love, and prepare them for deeper engagement with Scripture. It stands out as a comprehensive and visually stunning resource that both kids and adults can enjoy together. I highly recommend it as a stepping stone for young readers embarking on a journey to explore the depths of God's Word.
I received a complimentary copy of 'God's Big Picture Bible Storybook' in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 3, 2026
When I heard that NT Wright was writing a Bible storybook, I was excited about reading this to my kids. We enjoyed it. I especially appreciate the way Wright ties the whole story of Scripture together, and emphasizes the continuing arc of God's covenantal, redemptive story. I also liked the way Wright discusses parts of the Bible not often covered in Bible storybooks: the Law, the Prophets, various Psalms, the Sermon on the Mount, the new heaven and earth, and more. I definitely recommend this as a great choice for family devotions or story time.
I did have a few minor disappointments. There were some stories where I thought he editorialized a bit freely (inserting dialogue, etc.), but then others where I was hoping for a fresh "NT Wright take" and he didn't exactly deliver. (If you want a specific example: I had hoped he would get away from the tired take of the inns being full in Bethlehem. He did avoid saying Jesus was born in a stable, but he stuck with the story of the "inns" instead of "guest room"or "living quarters", which would likely be closer to the actual story - and closer to his translation in his New Testament for Everyone.) Also, the illustrations are also a bit lackluster, in my opinion. Lastly (and yes, I'm a grammar nerd), maybe Tommy Nelson Publishers uses a different style manual than I'm used too, but there were numerous examples of dialogue where a new speaker didn't get a new paragraph.
I did have a few minor disappointments. There were some stories where I thought he editorialized a bit freely (inserting dialogue, etc.), but then others where I was hoping for a fresh "NT Wright take" and he didn't exactly deliver. (If you want a specific example: I had hoped he would get away from the tired take of the inns being full in Bethlehem. He did avoid saying Jesus was born in a stable, but he stuck with the story of the "inns" instead of "guest room"or "living quarters", which would likely be closer to the actual story - and closer to his translation in his New Testament for Everyone.) Also, the illustrations are also a bit lackluster, in my opinion. Lastly (and yes, I'm a grammar nerd), maybe Tommy Nelson Publishers uses a different style manual than I'm used too, but there were numerous examples of dialogue where a new speaker didn't get a new paragraph.
May 9, 2024
There is so much to love about this Bible for kids and families!
* This Bible includes familiar stories families are looking for but also stories that I've never seen in a children's Bible before such as Hezekiah, the people of Judah going into Exile, Onesimus, Paul in Rome, and many more--140 in all!
* There are also stories that aren't "stories," allowing the book to touch on messages from the prophets, poetry and wisdom from Psalms and Proverbs, and New Testament teachings from the epistles.
* Most stories include a note at the bottom with an illustration to point families to other places in the book where they can find related themes. This really helps kids understand the Bible as one big story of God's love.
* The text is kid-friendly and straightforward.
* Done by an award-winning illustrator, the pictures are very engaging and detailed.
* It is written by Bible scholar, N.T. Wright.
I'm so glad I have this for my kids, and not just for the wonderful content. The size, the weight, the prose, the illustrations, the scope, and the connections all signal to kids that this is a really special book.
Thank you to Tommy Nelson for sending me a copy of this book. Of course, all opinions are my own.
* This Bible includes familiar stories families are looking for but also stories that I've never seen in a children's Bible before such as Hezekiah, the people of Judah going into Exile, Onesimus, Paul in Rome, and many more--140 in all!
* There are also stories that aren't "stories," allowing the book to touch on messages from the prophets, poetry and wisdom from Psalms and Proverbs, and New Testament teachings from the epistles.
* Most stories include a note at the bottom with an illustration to point families to other places in the book where they can find related themes. This really helps kids understand the Bible as one big story of God's love.
* The text is kid-friendly and straightforward.
* Done by an award-winning illustrator, the pictures are very engaging and detailed.
* It is written by Bible scholar, N.T. Wright.
I'm so glad I have this for my kids, and not just for the wonderful content. The size, the weight, the prose, the illustrations, the scope, and the connections all signal to kids that this is a really special book.
Thank you to Tommy Nelson for sending me a copy of this book. Of course, all opinions are my own.
May 29, 2024
I love this book. I am incredibly particular (with good reason, I think) about which scripture story books I get for my kids. Young minds are very malleable, and it is SO important that the messages we give them about God and themselves and the world are healthy.
I’ve found a lot of children’s bibles have what I consider to be a very unhealthy slant, but that’s absolutely not a concern here, and for that I say THANK YOU to the author. This book is very true to the stories and text of the Bible. Just really, really good overall. There’s no shame, humans-are-depraved Christian nationalist nonsense in here and I am so sincerely grateful.
I really love the “what does this link to?” Notes at the bottom that are great for discussions about symbolism, story, connection-making, foreshadowing, etc.
I also love the “where is this in the Bible?” Notes with the scriptural references for the story.
(There are definitely still stories that we will wait to share with our kids at more age-appropriate times, and that we will have to have conversations around — like Abraham and Isaac, the destroying angel, animal sacrifice, etc. — but that’s just the nature of the Bible and translating an ancient work for modern (child) audiences.)
Also, the narrator in the audiobook is delightful.
I’ve found a lot of children’s bibles have what I consider to be a very unhealthy slant, but that’s absolutely not a concern here, and for that I say THANK YOU to the author. This book is very true to the stories and text of the Bible. Just really, really good overall. There’s no shame, humans-are-depraved Christian nationalist nonsense in here and I am so sincerely grateful.
I really love the “what does this link to?” Notes at the bottom that are great for discussions about symbolism, story, connection-making, foreshadowing, etc.
I also love the “where is this in the Bible?” Notes with the scriptural references for the story.
(There are definitely still stories that we will wait to share with our kids at more age-appropriate times, and that we will have to have conversations around — like Abraham and Isaac, the destroying angel, animal sacrifice, etc. — but that’s just the nature of the Bible and translating an ancient work for modern (child) audiences.)
Also, the narrator in the audiobook is delightful.
Want to read
March 1, 2024The great stories of the Bible are summarized in 90 pages. Each story has an illustration to accompany it. This is an ambitious task, but the author and publisher pulled it off beautifully.
N T Wright is one of the great theologians of our day. The thing that makes him great is that he can take complicated concepts and explain them to the common person. Wright takes the next step in this book and brings the great stories of Scripture to the level of a child. He doesn’t water them down, but explains the truth in a way that can be understood. For example, in the story of Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac, he explains the concept and practice of animal sacrifice.
I am looking forward to sharing this book with my grandchildren. The stories are concise and are designed for a short attention span. Well done!
Thanks to the publisher, Tommy Nelson, for providing an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
N T Wright is one of the great theologians of our day. The thing that makes him great is that he can take complicated concepts and explain them to the common person. Wright takes the next step in this book and brings the great stories of Scripture to the level of a child. He doesn’t water them down, but explains the truth in a way that can be understood. For example, in the story of Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac, he explains the concept and practice of animal sacrifice.
I am looking forward to sharing this book with my grandchildren. The stories are concise and are designed for a short attention span. Well done!
Thanks to the publisher, Tommy Nelson, for providing an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2024
Very nicely told Bible stories with beautiful and colorful illustrations that take up half or more of each spread. The stories picked for this book does look like they were selected for contributing in a big part to the whole of God’s big story of salvation through Christ Jesus. I loved the related links that are provided at the end of most of the stories and the Bible references for each. I wish though that some help were given as to why those links were chosen. As it were, some homework may have to be done by the adult to help children to understand why those stories are connected.
4 stars. Would have given 5 stars if explanations were given for the links.
Big beautiful book. I’m torn between keeping it for myself (and my future grandchildren haha) and giving it to the church library.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
4 stars. Would have given 5 stars if explanations were given for the links.
Big beautiful book. I’m torn between keeping it for myself (and my future grandchildren haha) and giving it to the church library.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 3, 2024
This is a beautiful book of bible stories. The art work is just fabulous. Each story is just one page long, but sufficient to read to a child or younger reader. N.T. Wright gives us 140 connecting bible story of God's faithful promises. This is a comprehensive book for the bible presented for children. As the writer so rightly says, most bibles for children give a snap shot of the bible. This fills the gap in a wonderful way., the stories link up to give the biblical narrative from Creation in Genesis to the New Creation in Revelation. The author is a world leading New Testament scholar, former Bishop of Durham, a senior research fellow at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University, and has written over 70 books.I must also praise the art work of Helena Perez Garcia. Her artwork really bought the stories to life. I was delighted to receive an ARC from Netgalley and the publisher.
February 24, 2024
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
One hundred and forty Bible stories, geared toward readers/listeners aged 6-10, are condensed for kids by theologian N.T. Wright in God’s Big Picture Bible Storybook. Each story is written as a two-page spread–one page with the story paired with a beautifully illustrated second page. Special features to note in this Bible picture book include where to find the story in Scripture, page numbers linking Old and New Testament stories, and a section of maps at the back of the book. Wright is passionate about linking individual stories into the over-arching story of God’s plan. The reader will enjoy how Wright includes less familiar stories as well as ones that are more commonly known.
One hundred and forty Bible stories, geared toward readers/listeners aged 6-10, are condensed for kids by theologian N.T. Wright in God’s Big Picture Bible Storybook. Each story is written as a two-page spread–one page with the story paired with a beautifully illustrated second page. Special features to note in this Bible picture book include where to find the story in Scripture, page numbers linking Old and New Testament stories, and a section of maps at the back of the book. Wright is passionate about linking individual stories into the over-arching story of God’s plan. The reader will enjoy how Wright includes less familiar stories as well as ones that are more commonly known.
March 5, 2024
N.T. Wright is a household name for us, so I could not wait to preorder this book. I am so glad I did because this book is as incredible as expected. N.T. Wright summarizes the Old Testament and Gospels, and provides meaningful insights for the stories. The illustrations are colorful and beautiful, and they depict the stories well. As bright as the illustrations are, they are balanced against the white space provided on the text pages. Finally, I am so happy to see connections between stories that make up God’s “big story.” This is important for all Bible readers to understand the relevance of the Old Testament. I recommend this to all Christians with children.
Thank you NetGalley and Tommy Nelson for this advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you NetGalley and Tommy Nelson for this advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
February 14, 2024
I really have enjoyed reading this children’s Bible. Wright does a great job in the introduction explaining how the Bible stories point to the gospel and Christ and are not just in the Bible so we can be morally right. Kids will love the short stories and beautiful illustrations. They aren’t too “cartoonish” and are very well done. Wright also puts references to other stories in the book that help connect the dots for how things are connected. I highly recommend this and will be sharing it with the kids in my life.
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 1, 2024
Though a little too advanced (stories a little too long) for our three year old, it will be a perfect transition bible when she slightly older. The illustrations are beautiful and rich in color. I like that most of the stories have a little section showing where it links to other stories in the Bible (it doesn't explain the link, but just states which stories are similar to it). I saw that other people have said the written content was underwhelming or dry, but it doesn't bother me too much. I think most children's bible stories tend to be dramatized, and sometimes a good straight forward approach is a nice change.
(I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review)
(I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review)
May 27, 2024
This is a cool Bible storybook, I like it a lot. The illustrations are beautiful, big and colorful. I especially appreciate that at the bottom of the stories, there are little icons to tell us what other stories connect to the one we've just read. I appreciate that the book is laid out more chronologically to the historical timeline, not necessarily the same order as the Bible is written.
Now, this is a very very G rated Bible storybook. A whole lot of a lot of the stories are left out. But it's written for children so that's to be expected.
Thank you to Goodreads, the publishers, and N.T. Wright for my giveaway copy. I really appreciate it.
Now, this is a very very G rated Bible storybook. A whole lot of a lot of the stories are left out. But it's written for children so that's to be expected.
Thank you to Goodreads, the publishers, and N.T. Wright for my giveaway copy. I really appreciate it.
November 30, 2025
Rating: g+ a little scrubbed for the tiny humans
Recommend: parents of 2-6 year olds wanting a Bible storybook
I would add the actual verses to the pages, so the kiddos are getting more than “just” a summary.
I love the connections throughout - garden of Eden is cross referenced to the new heaven and new earth.
A good basic storybook, doesn’t delve into any specific theology, reformed or otherwise.
I DO love the art - skin tones are accurate to biblical ethnicities. Modern illustrations indicate a sense of social justice ( p 270, the book of James, appears to be a food pantry in a church). Well done.
Recommend: parents of 2-6 year olds wanting a Bible storybook
I would add the actual verses to the pages, so the kiddos are getting more than “just” a summary.
I love the connections throughout - garden of Eden is cross referenced to the new heaven and new earth.
A good basic storybook, doesn’t delve into any specific theology, reformed or otherwise.
I DO love the art - skin tones are accurate to biblical ethnicities. Modern illustrations indicate a sense of social justice ( p 270, the book of James, appears to be a food pantry in a church). Well done.
February 15, 2024
I fell in love with this book when I first opened it. It has beautiful illustrations like other children’s Bibles. The BIG difference is that it includes so many more stories than you usually find. In addition to the number of stories there are links to other stories in the book. These links give correlations between the stories and enhance understanding the Big Picture of the Bible. I can’t wait to read this to my kids.
I received a copy of this book at no charge in exchange for a fair review.
I received a copy of this book at no charge in exchange for a fair review.
February 15, 2024
This is a beautifully illustrated children's storybook Bible that does a great job of introducing the Bible to younger children. At the bottom of each story are suggestions for other stories in the Bible that link up with God's bigger story. Each page also includes a reference to where the story came from in the Bible so older kids could always reference back to the story. I highly recommend this Bible storybook for families with children.
I received a sample eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I received a sample eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
December 2, 2025
I'm disappointed that I didn't like this more. It's serviceable. I wouldn't tell someone they shouldn't use it. I do appreciate how comprehensive it is. But unfortunately I found both the writing and the illustrations flat and uninteresting. It's not one I'll be reaching for.
If you're looking for something similarly comprehensive but more engaging, try The Peace Table: A Storybook Bible.
If you're looking for something similarly comprehensive but more engaging, try The Peace Table: A Storybook Bible.
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