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The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden
Once upon a time there lived a man and a woman. They were the happiest people on the planet.
True, they were the only people on the planet, but they were still terrifically happy.
Unfortunately, things didn’t stay happy and wonderful for long . . .
The Bible is full of exciting stories that fill children with awe and wonder. But kids need to know how all those classic stories connect to Scripture’s overarching message about God’s glorious plan to redeem his rebellious people.
In The Biggest Story, Kevin DeYoung—a best-selling author and father of six—leads kids and parents alike on an exciting journey through the Bible, connecting the dots from the garden of Eden to Christ's death on the cross to the new heaven and new earth.
With powerful illustrations by award-winning artist Don Clark, this imaginative retelling of the Bible’s core message—how the Snake Crusher brings us back to the garden—will draw children into the biblical story, teaching them that God's promises are even bigger and better than we think.
Ages 5-8 (read to me)
Ages 8-11 (read to myself)
True, they were the only people on the planet, but they were still terrifically happy.
Unfortunately, things didn’t stay happy and wonderful for long . . .
The Bible is full of exciting stories that fill children with awe and wonder. But kids need to know how all those classic stories connect to Scripture’s overarching message about God’s glorious plan to redeem his rebellious people.
In The Biggest Story, Kevin DeYoung—a best-selling author and father of six—leads kids and parents alike on an exciting journey through the Bible, connecting the dots from the garden of Eden to Christ's death on the cross to the new heaven and new earth.
With powerful illustrations by award-winning artist Don Clark, this imaginative retelling of the Bible’s core message—how the Snake Crusher brings us back to the garden—will draw children into the biblical story, teaching them that God's promises are even bigger and better than we think.
Ages 5-8 (read to me)
Ages 8-11 (read to myself)
129 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2015
19 people are currently reading
1303 people want to read
About the author
Kevin DeYoung
113 books1,239 followersKevin DeYoung is the Senior Pastor at University Reformed Church (RCA) in East Lansing, Michigan, right across the street from Michigan State University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 365 reviews
January 2, 2016
I probably would've given a little more weight to the creation mandate, but I do so like DeYoung—and the illustrations were simply fantastic.
More important than anything I might say: my children asked for more.
More important than anything I might say: my children asked for more.
February 9, 2017
I love Kevin DeYoung and have been looking forward to this book since I heard about it earlier in the year. It was what I expected. Though in some ways, I was surprised.
I was not surprised with the text. DeYoung has been a favorite write of mine for quite some time. I was expecting excellent, deep theology distilled in a manner that would allow me to share the great truths of Scripture with my boys of various ages and various spiritual and intellectual levels. This is what Pastor DeYoung has provided and it is great! I love teaching the big picture of Scripture to my kids. It was such an aha moment for me when I realized that the Bible tells one, unified story. I had to wait until I was in my late twenties and was exposed to the works of Graeme Goldsworthy, via Vaughn Roberts, to see that the Scriptures are a unified whole. I am more than thankful that publishers and writers are making resources available with this truth in mind. I loved James Hamilton’s The Bible’s Big Story, but DeYoung’s work will replace it as my go to on this topic with my kids (in part because this book is really good and in large part because DeYoung’s work is aimed at an older reader, of which my kids qualify).
So, I was expecting an excellent overview of the Bible’s grand narrative and I received that. What I was not expecting was to be wowed, time and again, by the illustrations. I tire of kids book illustrations often and pay them little attention for the most part. Don Clark’s illustrations made me audibly gasp on a couple of occasions. Beyond being beautiful (which should not be minimized), these illustrations complement the text beautifully. They aid in the telling of the story and improve the reading experience exponentially. I am interested to see these in printed form (I am working off of a pdf review copy from the publisher) when this book releases. I can only imagine that I will look even better.
DeYoung and Clark take the reader through The Biggest Story to show us How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden. It is a beautiful book telling the most beautiful story that there is; that what was corrupted will be made right, that what was broken will be fixed, that what was lost will be redeemed by the victorious One who reigns forever.
Go check out some pages here: https://www.crossway.org/books/the-bi...
I was not surprised with the text. DeYoung has been a favorite write of mine for quite some time. I was expecting excellent, deep theology distilled in a manner that would allow me to share the great truths of Scripture with my boys of various ages and various spiritual and intellectual levels. This is what Pastor DeYoung has provided and it is great! I love teaching the big picture of Scripture to my kids. It was such an aha moment for me when I realized that the Bible tells one, unified story. I had to wait until I was in my late twenties and was exposed to the works of Graeme Goldsworthy, via Vaughn Roberts, to see that the Scriptures are a unified whole. I am more than thankful that publishers and writers are making resources available with this truth in mind. I loved James Hamilton’s The Bible’s Big Story, but DeYoung’s work will replace it as my go to on this topic with my kids (in part because this book is really good and in large part because DeYoung’s work is aimed at an older reader, of which my kids qualify).
So, I was expecting an excellent overview of the Bible’s grand narrative and I received that. What I was not expecting was to be wowed, time and again, by the illustrations. I tire of kids book illustrations often and pay them little attention for the most part. Don Clark’s illustrations made me audibly gasp on a couple of occasions. Beyond being beautiful (which should not be minimized), these illustrations complement the text beautifully. They aid in the telling of the story and improve the reading experience exponentially. I am interested to see these in printed form (I am working off of a pdf review copy from the publisher) when this book releases. I can only imagine that I will look even better.
DeYoung and Clark take the reader through The Biggest Story to show us How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden. It is a beautiful book telling the most beautiful story that there is; that what was corrupted will be made right, that what was broken will be fixed, that what was lost will be redeemed by the victorious One who reigns forever.
Go check out some pages here: https://www.crossway.org/books/the-bi...
July 16, 2015
It just didn’t seem right that the One destined to crush the Serpent would be crushed himself. So when Jesus, the Christ, the Son of the living God, died on the cross that Friday afternoon, it seemed a shocking evil beyond belief….
We break promises, so God keeps his.
We run from God, he comes to us.
We suffer for sin, so the Savior suffers for us.
The Garden of Eden where all was good is a great place to start when teaching our children about the love of God. With the fall of man, we are in a war that never ends. But God gives us a promise of redemption. The Biggest Story ever told starts in the Garden (Genesis) and ends in the Garden with the 2nd coming of Christ (Revelation).
With the teaching of Kevin DeYoung and the vivid illustrations of Don Clark, children see how sin keeps us from God and how trust and belief in who God is, saves us from death such as it saved Noah and his family.
The promises of God thru Abraham reveal that even though we are unfaithful, God is still faithful. How our faith in those promises keeps us near to God like it did with Abraham.
The Biggest Story tells what God did and how the world rejected him. Israel rejected God by desiring a King as all the other nations. How is this bad? God reveals to us a better kingdom, a better reign. A kingdom that would deliver all whom placed their faith in the Kingdom to come. That Kingdom came in Jesus. The Biggest Story is still being told in us as we trust and believe in the promises of God.
A book that is an heirloom to pass a lasting faith to the next generation.
I appreciate Crossway Publishing as they continue to publish Christian books that strengthen those in the faith with integrity and faithfulness.
A Special Thank you to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
We break promises, so God keeps his.
We run from God, he comes to us.
We suffer for sin, so the Savior suffers for us.
The Garden of Eden where all was good is a great place to start when teaching our children about the love of God. With the fall of man, we are in a war that never ends. But God gives us a promise of redemption. The Biggest Story ever told starts in the Garden (Genesis) and ends in the Garden with the 2nd coming of Christ (Revelation).
With the teaching of Kevin DeYoung and the vivid illustrations of Don Clark, children see how sin keeps us from God and how trust and belief in who God is, saves us from death such as it saved Noah and his family.
The promises of God thru Abraham reveal that even though we are unfaithful, God is still faithful. How our faith in those promises keeps us near to God like it did with Abraham.
The Biggest Story tells what God did and how the world rejected him. Israel rejected God by desiring a King as all the other nations. How is this bad? God reveals to us a better kingdom, a better reign. A kingdom that would deliver all whom placed their faith in the Kingdom to come. That Kingdom came in Jesus. The Biggest Story is still being told in us as we trust and believe in the promises of God.
A book that is an heirloom to pass a lasting faith to the next generation.
I appreciate Crossway Publishing as they continue to publish Christian books that strengthen those in the faith with integrity and faithfulness.
A Special Thank you to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
September 4, 2015
Fantastic concept and BEAUTIFUL illustrations. Would make a fabulous Christmas gift.
July 8, 2020
Personally, my favorite kids Bible book. Super artistic. Can't wait for the video series and the audiobook.
-----------------
2020 update --
I still really like this book. It's super artsy. However, this works better for 7-12 year olds than it does for those younger. This book also assumes you catechize your kids. Take that for what you will.
Also, the audiobook and video are wonderful.
Five stars.
-----------------
2020 update --
I still really like this book. It's super artsy. However, this works better for 7-12 year olds than it does for those younger. This book also assumes you catechize your kids. Take that for what you will.
Also, the audiobook and video are wonderful.
Five stars.
December 9, 2016
I loved the idea behind this book---to show children the "big picture" of the Bible instead of telling them about different events that may seem disconnected to them. And the illustrations were very intriguing, most of the time going beyond the book's text and requiring the reader to be knowledgeable of the Bible. But while I've enjoyed DeYoung's writing style in other books, the tone here, almost sounding flippant in some areas, just didn't always feel quite right for children.
September 14, 2022
I've read this several times to my boys, and just finished it once more with my youngest. I absolutely love the writing and artwork, but I think I appreciate it more than my kids. It's not written as individual Bible stories, but as an overarching big picture.
October 28, 2025
Bought this for our four-year-old son, however it has left a lasting impression on me.
The metanarrative of Scripture is beautifully illustrated and adapted for children.
The metanarrative of Scripture is beautifully illustrated and adapted for children.
January 28, 2023
A beautiful, overarching view of the story of God and His people - there was a lot of anticipation in our home to find out who the snake crusher would be! The artwork is fun and unique.
Four stars only because I feel like there are far too many pronouns for a children’s book which created unnecessary confusion.
Four stars only because I feel like there are far too many pronouns for a children’s book which created unnecessary confusion.
Read
August 17, 2024With the boys.
June 2, 2025
This short version of DeYoung’s children’s Bible has beautiful illustrations and rich theology. The entire story is written from the voice of the narrator though, which I think makes it harder for a child to connect with it. For the sake of engagement, I think the addition of dialogue or poetry at the right time would help a child better connect to it.
August 13, 2017
So beautiful 😍
December 24, 2015
I really wanted to like this book. Really. The artwork is gorgeous and the idea of telling the Story of God from the perspective of how Jesus gets us back to the garden is really intriguing -- especially since it's geared toward children.
Unfortunately, I didn't like this book. Yes, the art is still stunning, but the language used to tell the story just doesn't go with it -- it isn't nearly as elegant or poetic. What's more offensive to me is how the story is told.
If you're going to condense God's story, you've got to choose your details well. As an example, the author chose to include that different people's names were changed (Abram to Abraham, etc). The offense is stating that they didn't know why their names were changed. Yes, you know why. Mentioning it and then glossing over it isn't helpful. If you aren't going to explain the significance of the name change, why bring it up at all? I just think it sets kids up for failure in terms of biblical understanding of God's story to say we don't know the why of something when we do.
I also don't think someone who isn't familiar with the Bible could follow this story. There are large chunks of narrative missing (understandable given it is just a summary) but larger theological ideas are brought up with no explanation, and again, if you didn't already know the story, you would be totally confused.
The author's note at the back said this was originally a sermon near advent and it probably should have stayed that way instead of trying to become a children's book. I don't recommend it except for the art. Again, totally beautiful but it belongs with something more thoughtfully told.
Unfortunately, I didn't like this book. Yes, the art is still stunning, but the language used to tell the story just doesn't go with it -- it isn't nearly as elegant or poetic. What's more offensive to me is how the story is told.
If you're going to condense God's story, you've got to choose your details well. As an example, the author chose to include that different people's names were changed (Abram to Abraham, etc). The offense is stating that they didn't know why their names were changed. Yes, you know why. Mentioning it and then glossing over it isn't helpful. If you aren't going to explain the significance of the name change, why bring it up at all? I just think it sets kids up for failure in terms of biblical understanding of God's story to say we don't know the why of something when we do.
I also don't think someone who isn't familiar with the Bible could follow this story. There are large chunks of narrative missing (understandable given it is just a summary) but larger theological ideas are brought up with no explanation, and again, if you didn't already know the story, you would be totally confused.
The author's note at the back said this was originally a sermon near advent and it probably should have stayed that way instead of trying to become a children's book. I don't recommend it except for the art. Again, totally beautiful but it belongs with something more thoughtfully told.
December 30, 2021
This book targets kids around the age of 3-12 but I think it is great for all ages. DeYoung summarizes the Bible’s storyline and pulls out major themes of Gods redemptive plan in 10 short chapters. The book is even a sort of simple intro to/example of biblical theology; showing how the whole Bible points to, revolves around, and climaxes in Jesus.
The illustrations are awesome. Vibrant and colorful enough to even hold the attention of a two-month old. I look forward to reading this many more times over the years. It’s sweet to see the some of the over-arching themes of the Bible communicated in such a Christ-exalting, clear, and concise way. As DeYoung says at the end: “We need redemption. We need forgiveness. We need the Promised One to lead us to our promised home.”
I read this with my 8 week old daughter. She didn’t say much but I think she liked it.
The illustrations are awesome. Vibrant and colorful enough to even hold the attention of a two-month old. I look forward to reading this many more times over the years. It’s sweet to see the some of the over-arching themes of the Bible communicated in such a Christ-exalting, clear, and concise way. As DeYoung says at the end: “We need redemption. We need forgiveness. We need the Promised One to lead us to our promised home.”
I read this with my 8 week old daughter. She didn’t say much but I think she liked it.
January 12, 2021
Kevin DeYoung presents an excellent summary of redemption history in this book. It's full of deep (yet concise) interpretations of Old Testament narratives and the way they point forward to Christ. Jesus is presented as the new Adam, as well as the ultimate prophet, priest, and king. I only wish that His identity as God Himself would have been made more explicit. This can, of course, be supplied in discussion of the story, but I wish it had been emphasized within the book itself.
Don Clark's illustrations are flawless. Even if DeYoung's writing had been awful, the pictures would have been worth the price of the book.
Don Clark's illustrations are flawless. Even if DeYoung's writing had been awful, the pictures would have been worth the price of the book.
November 20, 2015
Gush, gush, gush, gush, gush! DeYoung is one of my favorite authors and bloggers, and he does it again with this beautiful book! We have read The Big Picture Story Bible to the kids over and over. The Biggest Story takes the biggest story to the next level with engaging prose and whimsical artwork. I cannot recomment this highly enough.
January 4, 2016
The illustrations in The Biggest Story are absolutely stunning.
The text. Eh, it's alright. Obviously the story is good, but it just felt a little awkward and a lot rushed. It's hard to fit this much epic narrative in 125 pages.
Stick with The Jesus Story Book Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones instead for easy reading, gorgeous illustrations, and a powerful message.
The text. Eh, it's alright. Obviously the story is good, but it just felt a little awkward and a lot rushed. It's hard to fit this much epic narrative in 125 pages.
Stick with The Jesus Story Book Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones instead for easy reading, gorgeous illustrations, and a powerful message.
February 3, 2023
DeYoung shares a clear and engaging overview of the Bible story. I listened to this free
audio version
from Crossway and also read the hardcover with my daughter. The text is solid but I wonder if the art is too abstract for many kids’ palates.
June 18, 2023
GOODREADS FRIENDS! I bought this for my baby niece who simply will not be able to read for years but I shed tears reading it because it’s so beautiful. Illustrations are so so wonderful and the theology presented within a children’s book is epic! All of Scripture is one story from Genesis 3:15 and Kevin DeYoung showcases this beautifully. Awesome for tiny tots but maybe even better for adults!
I also just love children’s books and art and the storyline of Scripture so basically this is just the best. LOVE.
I also just love children’s books and art and the storyline of Scripture so basically this is just the best. LOVE.
January 23, 2019
The illustrations are worth it alone, but the masterful way the entire Bible is translated into a format children can understand and adults can enjoy, all while pointing every second to the One the entire Bible is all about—Christ Jesus—is amazing. Definitely recommend.
October 4, 2017
4* overall
The illustrations deserve all the stars!
The illustrations deserve all the stars!
April 29, 2019
A childrens crash course on Biblical Theology. Beautifully illustrated. Very well done.
November 19, 2017
Great Biblical book! Paints a clear picture of what the Bible is all about!!! Highly recommended!!
April 11, 2022
Great book!
July 12, 2024
True story! Would recommend!
January 15, 2025
This book made me cry. This is truly one of the best picture books on the whole of the Bible, I'm so grateful that the Lord so obviously had a hand in it, and the theology and doctrine is so sound. I absolutely was in awe at the beauty of every page, and now I'm even more excited about reading through my Bible every day.
April 16, 2019
Deeply moving. Wonderfully engaging for my 4 & 3yo. Gorgeous illustrations. Perfect read for Holy Week leading up to Easter.
May 30, 2025
A bit wordy at times abd previous knowledge required. Excellent for Sunday club and church kids, not accessible for kids hearing about the word for the first time.
October 24, 2024
10/10 recommend reading a chapter a night of this book with your husband before bed
October 12, 2018
The best part of this book is probably the interesting and deeply symbolic imagery. As far as the book is concerned, it is an attempt to take the Bible and make it more accessible to younger readers [1]. This attempt is not entirely successful, and it is not exactly clear why. Part of the difficulty, at least, relates to the fact that the person telling it is a somewhat strident Calvinist writer, and the tone of this book is at least part of the difficulty in fully appreciating it, as he distracts the reader from the tone of history to spend a great deal of time haranguing the ancient Israelites. This is, admittedly, not a difficult task, but is somewhat undercut by the fact that the author himself shows no loyalty to the laws and ways of God that he abuses the Israelites for disobeying. At any rate, while this is part of the problem it is not the whole problem, as the author's insistent way of calling Jesus Christ the snake crusher because of the imagery of the protoevangelium is somewhat odd as well.
At any rate, this short book, liberally illustrated and ten chapters, manages to focus its attention at least some of the time on the grand narrative of the Bible. The book begins with a focus on the Garden of Eden and mankind's sin (1) along with the early wickedness that included Cain's murder of Abel, the flood, and the dispersion of mankind at the tower of Babel (2). After this the author discusses God's calling of Abraham and God's continued work with the patriarchs despite their being flawed (3) as well as God's deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt (4). A brief discussion of the laws of God and the blessings and curses for obedience and disobedience and a very abbreviated discussion of Israel in the time of the Judges follows (5) before the author discusses the early monarchs of Israel and how they were either great disappointments like Saul and Solomon or served God despite human flaws, like David (6). Strangely skipping over the exile, the author talks about how God sent many prophets but then was silent for hundreds of years (7) before we come to the birth of Jesus Christ at Bethlehem and the course of his righteous life (8). The book then closes with a discussion of the resurrection of Jesus Christ (9) and a summary of the promises for his return (10).
Given that this book is clearly an abbreviation of the large narrative arc of the Bible, it is worth praising the book for at least grasping that idea pretty well. That is not to say that it does its job perfectly. The author, for example, teases but does not go into the New Jerusalem as the restoration of Eden, and may conflate that with the Millennial blessings promised to mankind after the return of Jesus Christ. The author does not appear aware of the fact that God and Jesus Christ are looking for human beings to be a part of their family, which adds considerable emotional heft to the continual rejection of God's ways by humanity. The author also does not discuss the church age to any great degree, bringing in Jesus Christ so late in the story that there is little time to discuss anything between his resurrection and return. I am not sure how I would want to see those problems corrected, but although this is certainly a book that means well and tries hard, it just does not quite succeed at conveying the master narrative of the Bible in a compelling way.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
At any rate, this short book, liberally illustrated and ten chapters, manages to focus its attention at least some of the time on the grand narrative of the Bible. The book begins with a focus on the Garden of Eden and mankind's sin (1) along with the early wickedness that included Cain's murder of Abel, the flood, and the dispersion of mankind at the tower of Babel (2). After this the author discusses God's calling of Abraham and God's continued work with the patriarchs despite their being flawed (3) as well as God's deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt (4). A brief discussion of the laws of God and the blessings and curses for obedience and disobedience and a very abbreviated discussion of Israel in the time of the Judges follows (5) before the author discusses the early monarchs of Israel and how they were either great disappointments like Saul and Solomon or served God despite human flaws, like David (6). Strangely skipping over the exile, the author talks about how God sent many prophets but then was silent for hundreds of years (7) before we come to the birth of Jesus Christ at Bethlehem and the course of his righteous life (8). The book then closes with a discussion of the resurrection of Jesus Christ (9) and a summary of the promises for his return (10).
Given that this book is clearly an abbreviation of the large narrative arc of the Bible, it is worth praising the book for at least grasping that idea pretty well. That is not to say that it does its job perfectly. The author, for example, teases but does not go into the New Jerusalem as the restoration of Eden, and may conflate that with the Millennial blessings promised to mankind after the return of Jesus Christ. The author does not appear aware of the fact that God and Jesus Christ are looking for human beings to be a part of their family, which adds considerable emotional heft to the continual rejection of God's ways by humanity. The author also does not discuss the church age to any great degree, bringing in Jesus Christ so late in the story that there is little time to discuss anything between his resurrection and return. I am not sure how I would want to see those problems corrected, but although this is certainly a book that means well and tries hard, it just does not quite succeed at conveying the master narrative of the Bible in a compelling way.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 365 reviews