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The Just Love Story Bible
A groundbreaking, justice-oriented storybook Bible for children and families.
In a bold and inspiring new storybook Bible for children, Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis and Rev. Dr. Shannon Daley-Harris join a long line of sacred storytellers and question-askers. For thousands of years, people have told stories, sung songs, asked hard questions, and shared experiences to learn about God and how to live as God's people. The big message of the Bible is that God loves us and created us to love God and each other, to do justice, and to love kindness. In The Just Love Story Bible, children and families are invited to open their imaginations, take hold of their belovedness, and understand that all people on earth deserve to be loved and to have dignity, equality, and justice.
This isn't a book of answers but an invitation to ask important questions. People have always wondered about the great mysteries and, most important, the great questions of life, such How did our world come to be? What is the soul? Is there a source of love that we can't see or touch, but that is real and powerful? Why do people have so many different ideas about God? Why do terrible and unjust things happen? What are the best, most loving, and fairest ways to live with each other? Can we believe in something huge and mysterious and invisible like God and still have questions, doubts, and disagreements? What does it look like to be a follower of Jesus?
Through retellings of thoughtfully selected Bible stories, The Just Love Story Bible presents a way to hear how others have also had questions about God, and the answers they discovered; to have your own ideas and ponder your own experiences; and to keep on wondering.
The Just Love Story Bible
Fifty-two Bible Twenty-six from the Old Testament and twenty-six from the New Testament.
Bold, striking illustrations created by Cheryl "Ras" Thuesday, depicting gorgeous scenes and biblical characters in various shades of brown.
Cultural, religious, and historical context to help kids learn about the experiences of people in ancient times.
Exploration of genre and biblical storytelling styles in words kids can understand.
In a bold and inspiring new storybook Bible for children, Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis and Rev. Dr. Shannon Daley-Harris join a long line of sacred storytellers and question-askers. For thousands of years, people have told stories, sung songs, asked hard questions, and shared experiences to learn about God and how to live as God's people. The big message of the Bible is that God loves us and created us to love God and each other, to do justice, and to love kindness. In The Just Love Story Bible, children and families are invited to open their imaginations, take hold of their belovedness, and understand that all people on earth deserve to be loved and to have dignity, equality, and justice.
This isn't a book of answers but an invitation to ask important questions. People have always wondered about the great mysteries and, most important, the great questions of life, such How did our world come to be? What is the soul? Is there a source of love that we can't see or touch, but that is real and powerful? Why do people have so many different ideas about God? Why do terrible and unjust things happen? What are the best, most loving, and fairest ways to live with each other? Can we believe in something huge and mysterious and invisible like God and still have questions, doubts, and disagreements? What does it look like to be a follower of Jesus?
Through retellings of thoughtfully selected Bible stories, The Just Love Story Bible presents a way to hear how others have also had questions about God, and the answers they discovered; to have your own ideas and ponder your own experiences; and to keep on wondering.
The Just Love Story Bible
Fifty-two Bible Twenty-six from the Old Testament and twenty-six from the New Testament.
Bold, striking illustrations created by Cheryl "Ras" Thuesday, depicting gorgeous scenes and biblical characters in various shades of brown.
Cultural, religious, and historical context to help kids learn about the experiences of people in ancient times.
Exploration of genre and biblical storytelling styles in words kids can understand.
295 pages, Hardcover
Published September 9, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 31, 2025
What I like about the Just Love Story Bible
• Stories Highlighting Women
• Diverse Skin Tones
What I did not like about the Just Love Story Bible
• Word Choices
• Confusing Definitions
• No Sin Story
• Images/Phrases Supporting a Culture Lean
• Misrepresentation of Scripture
• Rewording God's Word
You can see the full review with further references and explanation on my website.
December 11, 2025
The Bible is a complicated collection of sacred writings that were written thousands of years in the past. Bringing the message(s) present in the Bible to children and youth has always been a challenge. The solution has been story Bibles. These books are often illustrated (and likely picture biblical characters as white Europeans) and focus on narrative. Children can catch stories more easily than doctrinal statements or prophetic announcements. Thus, the more didactic portions are summarized or omitted.
Even as translations of the Bible involve interpretative choices, the same is true of story Bibles. For more progressive Christians and Christians of color, many traditional story Bibles fall short of expectations. Now, we have a new story Bible, titled "The Just Love Story Bible," that not only focuses more fully on issues of justice, but the illustrations feature persons of color. I must say that the illustrations provided by Cheryl "Ras" Thuesday are vibrant, colorful, and inviting. This is a story Bible that the entire family can enjoy.
The creators of this Story Bible are Jacqui Lewis, the senior minister at Middle Church in New York City and a noted public theologian, and Shannon Daley-Harris, the Associate Dean of Auburn Theological Seminary. Previous to her current position, Daley-Harris worked with the Middle Church to develop its Just Love Families Initiative. They write/compile the Biblical story in ways that are inviting and help the readers hear a message that is liberating and affirming.
The authors divide the Story Bible into eleven parts, six of which focus on the Old Testament stories, and five which focus on the New Testament. They start in Part 1, "The Beginning of Love," with the foundational stories of creation, the call of Abraham, and the restoration of a fractured family (Jacob and his sons). Part 2, "A Freedom Movement," focuses on the enslavement of the Hebrews and the steps toward liberation in Exodus. Part 3 continues in the Pentateuch. Titled "Daring to Dream a Just Loving Community," they invite us into stories from Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Part 4, titled "God's People Stand Up for Each Other," begins with Ruth and moves through the story of the friendship of Jonathan and David (1 Samuel 18-20), and on to stories from 1 and 2 Kings, ending in Esther. I should note here that they do not include stories from Joshua or Judges (thus no Samson). Part 5 offers an introduction to two kinds of psalms, lament and praise, in "Songs for the Movement." The final section, Part 6, is titled "Speaking Out for Justice." Here we have excerpts from Isaiah, Jeremiah, Micah, Jonah, Joel, and Zechariah. As can be seen, they have chosen to omit such texts as Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Daniel (no Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego).
The remainder of the story Bible recounts the New Testament stories. Since most of the narratives in the New Testament are found in the Gospels and Acts, that is where they focus their attention. Part 7 is titled "Birthing a Revolution. The first story is titled Waiting for Liberation and Hope, which offers a prequel to the Gospels, setting the Gospels in their larger context, focusing on the Roman occupation of the land of Jesus, and the hope that liberation might come for them. The remainder of this section focuses on the infancy narratives found in Matthew and Luke. Part 8, which is titled "A Movement of Love," begins with the message of John the Baptist, preparing the way for Jesus, whom John baptizes. From there, the authors introduce the readers to the stories of Jesus' life and ministry in Galilee, including lifting up the Greatest Commandment and the Sermon on the Mount, as well as several parables. Part Nine focuses on "A Week of Holy Conflict," running from the Palm Parade (something many children enjoy reenacting) through the crucifixion, drawing from each of the four Gospels. Part 10, "The Power of Hope, focuses on the Resurrection of Jesus and his presence with us. Finally, in Part 11, the focus is on "The Movement Continues." They point us to Pentecost and the empowering of the Church by the Holy Spirit, the calling of Paul, and finally the eschatological vision of Revelation 21. Although they draw from 1 John and Romans, the letters, whether Pauline or otherwise, are omitted. Again, that is not surprising because they can't be placed in a narrative.
If you want a story Bible that focuses on sin and the need for repentance, you will need to look elsewhere. The message here is one of God's justice and liberating presence. For more progressive Christians and post-evangelicals, who would love to have something to share with their children that would bring the biblical story alive, they will find it here. Once again, Cheryl Thuesday's illustrations are impressive!
Even as translations of the Bible involve interpretative choices, the same is true of story Bibles. For more progressive Christians and Christians of color, many traditional story Bibles fall short of expectations. Now, we have a new story Bible, titled "The Just Love Story Bible," that not only focuses more fully on issues of justice, but the illustrations feature persons of color. I must say that the illustrations provided by Cheryl "Ras" Thuesday are vibrant, colorful, and inviting. This is a story Bible that the entire family can enjoy.
The creators of this Story Bible are Jacqui Lewis, the senior minister at Middle Church in New York City and a noted public theologian, and Shannon Daley-Harris, the Associate Dean of Auburn Theological Seminary. Previous to her current position, Daley-Harris worked with the Middle Church to develop its Just Love Families Initiative. They write/compile the Biblical story in ways that are inviting and help the readers hear a message that is liberating and affirming.
The authors divide the Story Bible into eleven parts, six of which focus on the Old Testament stories, and five which focus on the New Testament. They start in Part 1, "The Beginning of Love," with the foundational stories of creation, the call of Abraham, and the restoration of a fractured family (Jacob and his sons). Part 2, "A Freedom Movement," focuses on the enslavement of the Hebrews and the steps toward liberation in Exodus. Part 3 continues in the Pentateuch. Titled "Daring to Dream a Just Loving Community," they invite us into stories from Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Part 4, titled "God's People Stand Up for Each Other," begins with Ruth and moves through the story of the friendship of Jonathan and David (1 Samuel 18-20), and on to stories from 1 and 2 Kings, ending in Esther. I should note here that they do not include stories from Joshua or Judges (thus no Samson). Part 5 offers an introduction to two kinds of psalms, lament and praise, in "Songs for the Movement." The final section, Part 6, is titled "Speaking Out for Justice." Here we have excerpts from Isaiah, Jeremiah, Micah, Jonah, Joel, and Zechariah. As can be seen, they have chosen to omit such texts as Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Daniel (no Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego).
The remainder of the story Bible recounts the New Testament stories. Since most of the narratives in the New Testament are found in the Gospels and Acts, that is where they focus their attention. Part 7 is titled "Birthing a Revolution. The first story is titled Waiting for Liberation and Hope, which offers a prequel to the Gospels, setting the Gospels in their larger context, focusing on the Roman occupation of the land of Jesus, and the hope that liberation might come for them. The remainder of this section focuses on the infancy narratives found in Matthew and Luke. Part 8, which is titled "A Movement of Love," begins with the message of John the Baptist, preparing the way for Jesus, whom John baptizes. From there, the authors introduce the readers to the stories of Jesus' life and ministry in Galilee, including lifting up the Greatest Commandment and the Sermon on the Mount, as well as several parables. Part Nine focuses on "A Week of Holy Conflict," running from the Palm Parade (something many children enjoy reenacting) through the crucifixion, drawing from each of the four Gospels. Part 10, "The Power of Hope, focuses on the Resurrection of Jesus and his presence with us. Finally, in Part 11, the focus is on "The Movement Continues." They point us to Pentecost and the empowering of the Church by the Holy Spirit, the calling of Paul, and finally the eschatological vision of Revelation 21. Although they draw from 1 John and Romans, the letters, whether Pauline or otherwise, are omitted. Again, that is not surprising because they can't be placed in a narrative.
If you want a story Bible that focuses on sin and the need for repentance, you will need to look elsewhere. The message here is one of God's justice and liberating presence. For more progressive Christians and post-evangelicals, who would love to have something to share with their children that would bring the biblical story alive, they will find it here. Once again, Cheryl Thuesday's illustrations are impressive!
November 5, 2025
This is the sort of book I wished I could have had as a child. It’s not a replacement for the Bible, but a companion to it. It’s designed to help children see patterns of the past reflected in today’s world, and it teaches them how to reflect Biblical wisdom and approach an array of relevant modern-day topics with compassion and curiosity. So why does everyone either seem to love it with a passion or hate it just as fervently?
I often like to say that you know a book is worth reading when all the one-star reviews are full of accusations of heresy. I say this in jest, but having been raised fundamentalist, I understand the fear of asking questions or seeing new perspectives all too well. I know it’s this fear, not malice, that drives many readers’ anger, and I’m empathetic to that fact.
I think what I’ve seen the most outrage over is the claim on Page 19 that “Some of the stories had made-up characters and events”. Consider this: even if you hold to a strict theology of Biblical Literalism, Jesus Himself made up stories, Parables, to help teach truths about God’s power and love. Does the Parable of the Prodigal Son lose all meaning simply because it isn’t a retelling of a literal, historical event? If your answer is yes, then are you certain you’re truly listening to and following Christ? Now consider the books of the Old Testament, if you can stomach a broader view. They were written by Jewish authors for a Jewish audience as teaching tools. Jews today still regard many of these stories as fictional, but foundational, a lens through which to learn about and understand the Divine, and given their ancestors are the ones who wrote those books, who are we to say they’re wrong? A story does not have to be literally, historically true in order to reveal deep truths about our God.
From both an academic and theological standpoint, this is easily the most well-researched Christian children’s book I’ve had the pleasure of reading. It presents oft-neglected historical context to its many stories. Where it changes wording of verses, the changes all honor the nuances of the original texts. It’s perfect for inquisitive children who ask “Why” nonstop; it doesn’t simply regurgitate Bible stories, but encourages children to engage their imaginations, interact directly with these stories, and contemplate how to put its messages and morals into modern day practice. These not only satisfy the innate curiosity of children, it helps them learn to understand the faith they’re being brought up in and truly embrace it as their own.
I understand the fear and spite with which this book has been received. However, I truly believe that, if you’re willing to put down your sword and open your ears, this book will touch your heart. I believe it has the power to change lives. And read with parents alongside the Bible itself, I think it’s one of the most revolutionary religious works aimed at children that’s on the market today.
I often like to say that you know a book is worth reading when all the one-star reviews are full of accusations of heresy. I say this in jest, but having been raised fundamentalist, I understand the fear of asking questions or seeing new perspectives all too well. I know it’s this fear, not malice, that drives many readers’ anger, and I’m empathetic to that fact.
I think what I’ve seen the most outrage over is the claim on Page 19 that “Some of the stories had made-up characters and events”. Consider this: even if you hold to a strict theology of Biblical Literalism, Jesus Himself made up stories, Parables, to help teach truths about God’s power and love. Does the Parable of the Prodigal Son lose all meaning simply because it isn’t a retelling of a literal, historical event? If your answer is yes, then are you certain you’re truly listening to and following Christ? Now consider the books of the Old Testament, if you can stomach a broader view. They were written by Jewish authors for a Jewish audience as teaching tools. Jews today still regard many of these stories as fictional, but foundational, a lens through which to learn about and understand the Divine, and given their ancestors are the ones who wrote those books, who are we to say they’re wrong? A story does not have to be literally, historically true in order to reveal deep truths about our God.
From both an academic and theological standpoint, this is easily the most well-researched Christian children’s book I’ve had the pleasure of reading. It presents oft-neglected historical context to its many stories. Where it changes wording of verses, the changes all honor the nuances of the original texts. It’s perfect for inquisitive children who ask “Why” nonstop; it doesn’t simply regurgitate Bible stories, but encourages children to engage their imaginations, interact directly with these stories, and contemplate how to put its messages and morals into modern day practice. These not only satisfy the innate curiosity of children, it helps them learn to understand the faith they’re being brought up in and truly embrace it as their own.
I understand the fear and spite with which this book has been received. However, I truly believe that, if you’re willing to put down your sword and open your ears, this book will touch your heart. I believe it has the power to change lives. And read with parents alongside the Bible itself, I think it’s one of the most revolutionary religious works aimed at children that’s on the market today.
September 12, 2025
The Just Love Story Bible
by Jacqui Lewis , Shannon Daley-Harris , Cheryl Thuesday (Illustrator)
A groundbreaking, justice-oriented storybook Bible for children and families.
In a bold and inspiring new storybook Bible for children, Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis and Rev. Dr. Shannon Daley-Harris join a long line of sacred storytellers and question-askers. For thousands of years, people have told stories, sung songs, asked hard questions, and shared experiences to learn about God and how to live as God's people. The big message of the Bible is that God loves us and created us to love God and each other, to do justice, and to love kindness.
The Just Love Story Bible invites you into this big story. This isn't a book of answers but an invitation to ask important questions. People have always wondered about the great mysteries and, most importantly, the great questions of life. What are the best, most loving, and fairest ways to live with each other? Can we believe in something huge and mysterious and invisible like God and still have questions, doubts, and disagreements? What does it look like to be a follower of Jesus?
Through retellings of thoughtfully selected Bible stories, The Just Love Story Bible presents a way to hear how others have also had questions about God, and the answers they discovered; to have your own ideas and ponder your own experiences; and to keep on wondering.
The Just Love Story Bible includes:
Fifty-two Bible stories: Twenty-six from the Old Testament and twenty-six from the New Testament.
Bold, striking illustrations created by Cheryl "Ras" Thuesday, depicting gorgeous scenes and biblical characters in various shades of brown.
Cultural, religious, and historical context to help kids learn about the experiences of people in ancient times.
Exploration of genre and biblical storytelling styles in words kids can understand.
I like this Story Bible.
I recommend this book.
The Just Story Bible by Jacqui Lewis ,Shannon Daley-Harris and Cheryl Thuesday is a 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Jacqui Lewis ,Shannon Daley-Harris and Cheryl Thuesday.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
by Jacqui Lewis , Shannon Daley-Harris , Cheryl Thuesday (Illustrator)
A groundbreaking, justice-oriented storybook Bible for children and families.
In a bold and inspiring new storybook Bible for children, Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis and Rev. Dr. Shannon Daley-Harris join a long line of sacred storytellers and question-askers. For thousands of years, people have told stories, sung songs, asked hard questions, and shared experiences to learn about God and how to live as God's people. The big message of the Bible is that God loves us and created us to love God and each other, to do justice, and to love kindness.
The Just Love Story Bible invites you into this big story. This isn't a book of answers but an invitation to ask important questions. People have always wondered about the great mysteries and, most importantly, the great questions of life. What are the best, most loving, and fairest ways to live with each other? Can we believe in something huge and mysterious and invisible like God and still have questions, doubts, and disagreements? What does it look like to be a follower of Jesus?
Through retellings of thoughtfully selected Bible stories, The Just Love Story Bible presents a way to hear how others have also had questions about God, and the answers they discovered; to have your own ideas and ponder your own experiences; and to keep on wondering.
The Just Love Story Bible includes:
Fifty-two Bible stories: Twenty-six from the Old Testament and twenty-six from the New Testament.
Bold, striking illustrations created by Cheryl "Ras" Thuesday, depicting gorgeous scenes and biblical characters in various shades of brown.
Cultural, religious, and historical context to help kids learn about the experiences of people in ancient times.
Exploration of genre and biblical storytelling styles in words kids can understand.
I like this Story Bible.
I recommend this book.
The Just Story Bible by Jacqui Lewis ,Shannon Daley-Harris and Cheryl Thuesday is a 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Jacqui Lewis ,Shannon Daley-Harris and Cheryl Thuesday.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
September 9, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Beaming Books for this ARC.
I absolutely love this Story Bible. The authors do a great job of retelling some of the major stories from the Bible and tie them to more contemporary/current events to give the big message of the Bible. Each story has the scripture references as well, so it’s even better to have a Bible on hand when using it. The book itself is split up into two sections and 11 parts, with 6 parts falling under the Old Testament stories and 5 falling under the New Testament stories. The cover and illustrations are what drew me to this book. They were truly beautiful depictions of biblical times, and the vibrancy of the artwork was amazing. I would have loved to see a resource or companion guide for this as well. I think after each story or part, discussion questions would’ve made this book perfect. To be honest, that’s the one thing missing.
I absolutely love this Story Bible. The authors do a great job of retelling some of the major stories from the Bible and tie them to more contemporary/current events to give the big message of the Bible. Each story has the scripture references as well, so it’s even better to have a Bible on hand when using it. The book itself is split up into two sections and 11 parts, with 6 parts falling under the Old Testament stories and 5 falling under the New Testament stories. The cover and illustrations are what drew me to this book. They were truly beautiful depictions of biblical times, and the vibrancy of the artwork was amazing. I would have loved to see a resource or companion guide for this as well. I think after each story or part, discussion questions would’ve made this book perfect. To be honest, that’s the one thing missing.
September 20, 2025
This book is a welcome gift for anyone who cares about children: parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, neighbors, church libraries! The illustrations are lively and engaging. The narrative arc of the Bible is shared with words accessible to children - I would say best for those in Kindergarten or 1st grade through the elementary grades. There is nothing juvenile, sentimental or cartoonish about this book. Highly recommend. I am grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. I will be ordering the hard copy!
November 10, 2025
This is such an abomination of the bible. It is sad to see that the authors completely fail to understand the fundamental teachings of the bible and the original teachings it contains. Where is the penalty of sin, the need of salvation, the sacrifice God made to reconcile us to Him?
Please if you love truth avoid this book at all costs. The lies contained in this book will bring suffering into your life. We all need God and to rely on Him is the only source of peace that surpasses understanding.
Please if you love truth avoid this book at all costs. The lies contained in this book will bring suffering into your life. We all need God and to rely on Him is the only source of peace that surpasses understanding.
November 18, 2025
I love this story Bible. I am a progressive UMC pastor and Bible and Theology resources for children and teens is a passion of mine.
What I loved
Diversity in skin tones
The illustrations were so great
The color theme carried through out the book was right one
It is organized well and by theme
It leans into some of the tougher Bible stories such as Shiphrah and Puah (one of my favorite Bible characters).
A must buy for folks that want to talk about the Bible with their children and do it in a way that leans into justice and redemption.
Thank you to NetGalley for this copy.
What I loved
Diversity in skin tones
The illustrations were so great
The color theme carried through out the book was right one
It is organized well and by theme
It leans into some of the tougher Bible stories such as Shiphrah and Puah (one of my favorite Bible characters).
A must buy for folks that want to talk about the Bible with their children and do it in a way that leans into justice and redemption.
Thank you to NetGalley for this copy.
March 4, 2026
A delightful companion to the Bible. The artwork alone is worth opening this book. The authors simplify scripture for younger readers. No, it is not the entire Bible and states that from the beginning. The stories focus on the clear message of love from Genesis to Revelations.
March 17, 2026
Total trash
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews