A Child's Garden of Bible Stories

by Arthur William Gross, Marilynn Barr (Illustrator)

Remember when you read your first Bible storybook? It may have been this volume. Originally written in 1948, this book has enjoyed a popular readership for more than 50 years. Todays classic version offers 60 Old and New Testament Bible stories in updated language. Read to your children the timeless biblical accounts of Gods faithfulness, grace, and mercy as He interacts with His people.

Genres: Childrens

144 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1948

Reviews

[J. Boo]

Says "The Classic Edition" on top, and was originally published in 1948! I cheerfully spent the $5 $7 and added it to my big Pathway catalog order. (Pathway's an Amish publisher; I'm sure there aren't many others sending out book catalogs through the mail.)

Now that I have the book, I see on the back: "Today's classic version offers 60 Bible stories in updated language"

Did I get rolled, or was "updated language" something one could expect of the original version? I usually prefer downdated language to make my children suffer develop better verbal skills.

ETA: On re-reading the catalog entry and refreshing my memory, I can't really blame Pathway for this. I'd looked up the book on the internet before placing my order with them. See the errors that creep up when one uses technology!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this 1

[Brandee Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

We bought the original, 1948 paperback version for a quarter at a yard sale, and it was my favorite of all our homeschooling resources, this year. I love the vintage illustrations and the way in which the stories are told: simply, but beautifully and with dignity. The length of the stories is perfect, too. As is likely typical with children's Bible stories, some details are left out; my 6yo was aggravated, tonight, that the account of the crucifixion doesn't include Jesus's asking: "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" But, again, I love this book...and to the point that I can get a bit weepy talking about it. We'll read through it again, I'm sure.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence: Long, long ago there was no world. There were no birds and bees, no fields and flowers, no lakes and rivers, no sun, no moon, no stars. There were no people either. There was nothing at all. Only God was there.

Child's Garden of Bible Stories was originally published in 1948; it has since been republished multiple times through the decades. There are twenty-eight stories from the Old Testament. There are thirty-two stories from the New Testament. Each story has a handful of illustrations.

What I most appreciate about this children's classic is the variety of stories included. It is always interesting to me when reading and reviewing children's bible story books WHICH stories are included and which are not. Length of the book often plays a big role I imagine in what gets included. But also I think stories can reflect the times in which the book is published. There are stories that rarely make the cut. One of the more unusual stories included in this one is David and Absalom! (Including an illustration of Absalom getting hung in the tree by his hair.)

The books definitely does a great job in presenting the gospel and a biblical Jesus.

[Jatina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of Bible Stories was biblically accurate and appropriately illustrated, but wasn't very appealing. My daughter had trouble paying attention and honestly, so did I. There are better options out there.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beautiful 1948 edition of this little book was my favorite childhood Bible story book. It is now in its third generation of use in our family!

[Connor Armour · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was very long and wasnt very informational. The book is meant for a religious background and preaches different bible passages through out. I rated this book so low because I did not understand this book.