The Story of All Stories: A Story Bible for Young Catholics (Ages 7–13) – Catholic Children’s Bible Storybook for Learning Scripture, Catholic Faith ... from Saints, Popes, and Church Fathers

by Emily Stimpson Chapman, Diana Renzina (Illustrator)

Genres: Catholic, Childrens

496 pages, Hardcover

Published October 13, 2025

Reviews

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully done! This collection of Bible stories brings the Word of God to families through the power of story with engaging and memorable illustrations.

Stories are a suitable length for bedtime reading and include short quotations from saints and others that help illuminate the stories.

This is a book for families to treasure and pass down.

[Antonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story Bible is quite insightful for even adult readers. Chapman’s writing is spot on, but even better are quotes at the end of each story from Catholic saints, leaders or writers. The key point and key connection sections that follow the quotes wrap each story up succinctly, but also unite the story to the whole. Though lovely, this story Bible would not be an ideal choice for the narrations children complete when working with MODG curriculum.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t wait to share this with my children! The illustrations are great, nothing cheesy or juvenile about them. The story tone is conversational and approachable for kids, while not shying away from the truth the Bible conveys. This will be a great read-aloud book for my family for years.

[Leah Samec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Technically for "Young Catholics" - but I'm so glad I purchased this for myself. A truly accessible Bible that always points you back to the main focus - Jesus. Eloquently written and beautifully illustrated.

[Elayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was jusy right for my 6 and 9 yo boys who love to read the Bible. engaging stories that contain Truth, without detailed accounts of how many died in various Old Testament battles. Thoughtfully woven and wonderful audio

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this for my grandchildren, but learned so much from the intro (read the succinct explanation on typology) and first chapters, that I bought another copy for myself. As an award-winning catechist and children's author, my respect and admiration for the wisdom in these stories shaped by Emily Stimpson Chapman runs deep.

Here's an example of the gentleness of her lessons. In the retelling of the tower of Babel, Emily writes: "Now, you would think that after the flood, people wouldn't be so foolish . . . But this is one of the things Adam and Eve's sin did to the world: it hurt people's ability to think clearly." Such a lovely way to explain how the people got the idea to build the tower "to make themselves great and their name great."

The simplicity of each chapter's ending in a single Key Point, followed by a Key Connection makes a difficult task look easy. Such summaries take great skill. This is a perfect Home Schooling Bible. And a perfect Bible for people like me who like things broken down into simple concepts.

[Lauren Hoffpauir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this book. Each book of the Bible is summed up in different chapters and written as a story thay my 5 year old and 7 year old understood with beautiful pictures to go with it. They loved reading a chapter everynight before bed. Every chapter had a key point and key connection at the end which tied together the old and new testaments beautifully. Everything Jesus did has fulfiilled the Old Testament! He is King!

My 7 year olds review: "I absolutely loved reading it ❤️. it was good 👍I just wanted you to know there were some scary 😨 parts but nothing I couldnt handle.l hope you get this book it will teach your kids to read and know about Jesus. it told me about the eucharist and I am so excited to get first communion this year in April. hope you like 👍this book 📖. 🥰😍😍😍"

[Margaret Gipson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good story Bible with a canonical approach to the scriptures. The reflections by Church Fathers, saints, etc. are my favorite part, and they were very well-chosen. In both style and focus this is a lot like The Jesus Storybook Bible, but this is much more comprehensive and has none of the annoying stylistic tics. I don't love the digital illustrations and wish people would actually draw things, but at least they aren't cartoons and are basically pretty.

This is one of the best children's story Bibles I've come across. I enjoyed reading it, and my kids enjoyed listening to it. I appreciated that it was written not just for very young children, but really works for all ages.

[Irisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purchased this book for my 2 and 3 year olds, and they are completely engaged every time we read it aloud and look at the pictures together. It’s a beautifully illustrated storybook version of the Bible.

Would recommend it for children ages 3–8. Younger kids would probably enjoy the visuals and storytelling, while early readers can begin to follow along.

Older children may find the text somewhat simplistic, but they can still appreciate the illustrations and the clear, thoughtful presentation of the stories.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm currently doing the Bible In A Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz and use this BEAUTIFUL book of Bible stories as a companion. Whenever I reach a point in the Bible that has a story to tell, I stop and read it in The Story of All Stories. You don't need to be 7-13 yrs old to appreciate the simplified content and stunning illustrations. This book of Bible stories is very special and I'm glad to have a copy for 65 yr old ME!

[BRIAN DAY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great compilation of key biblical stories, lessons and characters. Very readable format of 3-4 pages per chapter. Is a readable introduction to the bible for grade schoolers. Especially helpful to have a teacher or catechist to lead the young reader.

[Courtney B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent Bible to read each night. The chapters are the perfect length and it is solid theologically. The illustrations are beautiful.

I would say it was most effective for 6-7 year old age range and difficult for the four year old, so the ages 7-13 listed is a good range.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really enjoyable and does a great job at covering the significant points of Salvation History. My favourite story was the Lost Lamb, which was so good!

[Laken Schmalz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give 10 stars if I could.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kevin and I listened to 2 chapters per day for Lent.

[John D Ottini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not only beautiful but engaging. I loved it just as much as the kids did.

[W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Bible! Just wow!! This is a wonderful gift for anyone Catholic! Love the illustrations!!

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good storytelling and illustrations, although a few plot points, quotes and connections gave me pause. We will read it again.