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The World of the Bible: Biblical Stories and the Archaeology Behind Them
Travel back to ancient times to revisit classic Bible stories from the Old and New Testaments. Learn fascinating facts about biblical history, then explore that same landscape as archaeologists are studying it today. Unearth clues about where these stories took place and how people in that time period might have lived. Stories include the Garden of Eden, Joseph in Egypt, Moses and the Ten Commandments, the birth of Jesus, Paul's conversion, and many more. Classic paintings and photos of the Middle East today enrich the archaeological explanations. Kids don't just revisit classic Bible stories in this book ... they'll dig deeper into the history behind the tales to learn more about the biblical world.
128 pages, Hardcover
Published November 7, 2017
22 people want to read
About the author
Jill Rubalcaba
30 books9 followersJill Rubalcaba is an American writer.
She was born in Boston in 1953, and attended the University of Vermont. She obtained a degree in mathematics and intended to become a teacher. However, teaching jobs were scarce, so she worked as a model for a year to pay rent. She landed a teaching job a year later.
She says that she writes because of her endless curiosity about the world.
She was born in Boston in 1953, and attended the University of Vermont. She obtained a degree in mathematics and intended to become a teacher. However, teaching jobs were scarce, so she worked as a model for a year to pay rent. She landed a teaching job a year later.
She says that she writes because of her endless curiosity about the world.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 27, 2019
3.5 Stars
A reading experience that combines the Bible with actual archaeological finds and information—bringing scripture to life in a more vivid and academic (yet accessible) way than children typically encounter. The book is divided into two distinct sections. The first 85 pages convey select portions of the Old Testament, and the last 35 pages encompass the New Testament.
The actual content is engagingly laid out. The text-based segments include condensed retellings, singular emphasized bible verses, cultural/contextual explanations, and quick “Did You Know?” facts set in larger stand-alone font. Visual aids range from maps to illustrations to pictures of actual archaeological sites, artifacts, reliefs, and frescos. Though there are plenty of visuals and free space, some of the segments are very text dense with font small enough I would say this trends more toward a Middle-Grade audience than simply “kids.”
The illustrations crop up on roughly every other 2-page spread and are made up of gorgeous paintings from the 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Their styles, while variable, all carry a cohesive feel that ties the aesthetics together. The downside to this… the paintings are all European in origin, and so the many Biblical characters depicted are almost painfully Caucasian in appearance.
Personally, I wasn’t a huge fan of some of the paraphrased retellings. They tend to leave much out in a bid for simplicity—which, I realize, one must compromise on when adapting material like this for child consumption. Still, it runs the risk of perpetuating contextual misunderstandings that have been long-running issues for both the churched and unchurched. I recommend parents read the retellings with their children so that they can answer questions and potentially modify elements that don’t as successfully convey the point. (I had to do this with the Adam & Eve telling in particular, as the wording didn’t make it clear that Adam was present to watch Eve eat the fruit first and she did not ‘trick him’, as my children were gathering.)
Note: At one point the book states that Abraham sacrificed a lamb in Isacc's place. (All texts I can find state it was a ram, not a lamb.) A minor discrepancy of animal sex and developmental age, perhaps, but still a touch concerning.
I also found it curious how frequently the Old Testament section includes possible scientific explanations for numerous miracles, plagues, acts-of-God, etc. This was especially prominent in the portions dedicated to the plagues of Egypt, and the Israelite nation’s crossing of the Red Sea. While these are interesting considerations, it had something of a vaguely dismissive effect. It also seems relevant to note that the New Testament is not given this same treatment (i.e. there is no attempt to explain or downplay the miracles of Christ.)
A reading experience that combines the Bible with actual archaeological finds and information—bringing scripture to life in a more vivid and academic (yet accessible) way than children typically encounter. The book is divided into two distinct sections. The first 85 pages convey select portions of the Old Testament, and the last 35 pages encompass the New Testament.
The actual content is engagingly laid out. The text-based segments include condensed retellings, singular emphasized bible verses, cultural/contextual explanations, and quick “Did You Know?” facts set in larger stand-alone font. Visual aids range from maps to illustrations to pictures of actual archaeological sites, artifacts, reliefs, and frescos. Though there are plenty of visuals and free space, some of the segments are very text dense with font small enough I would say this trends more toward a Middle-Grade audience than simply “kids.”
The illustrations crop up on roughly every other 2-page spread and are made up of gorgeous paintings from the 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Their styles, while variable, all carry a cohesive feel that ties the aesthetics together. The downside to this… the paintings are all European in origin, and so the many Biblical characters depicted are almost painfully Caucasian in appearance.
Personally, I wasn’t a huge fan of some of the paraphrased retellings. They tend to leave much out in a bid for simplicity—which, I realize, one must compromise on when adapting material like this for child consumption. Still, it runs the risk of perpetuating contextual misunderstandings that have been long-running issues for both the churched and unchurched. I recommend parents read the retellings with their children so that they can answer questions and potentially modify elements that don’t as successfully convey the point. (I had to do this with the Adam & Eve telling in particular, as the wording didn’t make it clear that Adam was present to watch Eve eat the fruit first and she did not ‘trick him’, as my children were gathering.)
Note: At one point the book states that Abraham sacrificed a lamb in Isacc's place. (All texts I can find state it was a ram, not a lamb.) A minor discrepancy of animal sex and developmental age, perhaps, but still a touch concerning.
I also found it curious how frequently the Old Testament section includes possible scientific explanations for numerous miracles, plagues, acts-of-God, etc. This was especially prominent in the portions dedicated to the plagues of Egypt, and the Israelite nation’s crossing of the Red Sea. While these are interesting considerations, it had something of a vaguely dismissive effect. It also seems relevant to note that the New Testament is not given this same treatment (i.e. there is no attempt to explain or downplay the miracles of Christ.)
January 10, 2018
This book is not only large in physical size but the time span and subject are enormous in scope providing the young reader an opportunity to whet his or her appetite for life, times, geography and historic impact of those beloved stories from the Judeo-Christian Bible consisting of the Old Testament and the New Testament.
As the Biblical account is read, the following pages provide insight and information into archaeological discoveries that substantiate or grant authenticity to the Biblical account. Those who believe the Bible take it on faith and actually don't need physical proof, yet it is interesting and the pieces of the puzzle that one can actually see are enormously interesting.
I found it interesting that archaeological scholars recount that rivers flow differently from that which they did 4,000 years ago because of changes to the topography caused by earthquakes and other phenomena.
The text can easily be understood by upper elementary students but will also provide enough challenge that the older reader will not become bored but will be mentally encouraged to pursue further information by researching the topics. This is not a standard Bible storybook. It is a retelling of events in the Bible and information gleaned from the world of historical and archaeological research and exploration.
The paintings used to illustrate the stories are identified by title, artist, and year of creation. This is a subtle introduction to young readers to the beautiful art of the centuries from around the World. It is a beautiful presentation of drawings and photographs completed with understandable text and side-bar bites of information. This is a book that should grace the shelves of home libraries as well as public and school libraries. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading through this volume and foresee much potential for its use individually and in a group setting.
Parents should bear in mind that this is a secular publisher and opinions and ideas expressed might not be in agreement with widely held Biblical beliefs of those of the the Jewish or Christian faiths. It is, however, a good source that is well done by a recognized source of said materials.
GIVEAWAY Begins January 10 & Ends January 31 @ 12:01 a.m. EST - Open to USA addresses only. https://chatwithvera.blogspot.com/201...
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review. Opinions are solely my own and are freely given. Winner's copy is provided by the publisher and publicist and sent directly to the winner.
As the Biblical account is read, the following pages provide insight and information into archaeological discoveries that substantiate or grant authenticity to the Biblical account. Those who believe the Bible take it on faith and actually don't need physical proof, yet it is interesting and the pieces of the puzzle that one can actually see are enormously interesting.
I found it interesting that archaeological scholars recount that rivers flow differently from that which they did 4,000 years ago because of changes to the topography caused by earthquakes and other phenomena.
The text can easily be understood by upper elementary students but will also provide enough challenge that the older reader will not become bored but will be mentally encouraged to pursue further information by researching the topics. This is not a standard Bible storybook. It is a retelling of events in the Bible and information gleaned from the world of historical and archaeological research and exploration.
The paintings used to illustrate the stories are identified by title, artist, and year of creation. This is a subtle introduction to young readers to the beautiful art of the centuries from around the World. It is a beautiful presentation of drawings and photographs completed with understandable text and side-bar bites of information. This is a book that should grace the shelves of home libraries as well as public and school libraries. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading through this volume and foresee much potential for its use individually and in a group setting.
Parents should bear in mind that this is a secular publisher and opinions and ideas expressed might not be in agreement with widely held Biblical beliefs of those of the the Jewish or Christian faiths. It is, however, a good source that is well done by a recognized source of said materials.
GIVEAWAY Begins January 10 & Ends January 31 @ 12:01 a.m. EST - Open to USA addresses only. https://chatwithvera.blogspot.com/201...
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review. Opinions are solely my own and are freely given. Winner's copy is provided by the publisher and publicist and sent directly to the winner.
March 12, 2018
@KidLitExchange #partner
4/5 stars
The World of the Bible was a really unique way to show younger kids the Bible and some of the important stories that come from it. It brings the stories to life with large, detailed illustrations and then points out the actual historical archaeology behind the stories. It's perfect for people who may believe in the Bible, but also love history and struggle with "Can we prove it?" It's an interesting historical read that has amazing illustrations.
4/5 stars
The World of the Bible was a really unique way to show younger kids the Bible and some of the important stories that come from it. It brings the stories to life with large, detailed illustrations and then points out the actual historical archaeology behind the stories. It's perfect for people who may believe in the Bible, but also love history and struggle with "Can we prove it?" It's an interesting historical read that has amazing illustrations.
April 30, 2019
This book included some very interesting facts about the times and archeology. The one issue I had was it presented a couple of stories as told in the Bible, stating God had done something in particular but then they went on to speculate how this could’ve occurred naturally. If the Bible said God did something, then I believe He did it, I don’t think we need to look for a natural explanation.
April 4, 2018
Are your children intimidated by reading the Bible, yet you still want them to know the stories and lessons from it? This book tells the important stories from the Bible like Noah and the Flood, Joseph's Robe, Jesus Walking on Water, and The Good Samaritan in a condensed version based on the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible. Vivid and detailed illustrations and classical portraits fill the page along with the story to hold your child's attention. There are also "Did You Know" bubbles on the pages to share other historical facts that go along with the story. The pages also reflect which Book of the Bible and chapter/verse this story came from in case you want to dig deeper into the story.
These brief versions of the stories offer the main points and the lesson God was trying to teach us...as in the story of Jonah and the Whale, after disobeying God, his fellow sailors threw Jonah overboard to his death to stop the raging storm that God had created. Jonah was then swallowed by a whale just before he drowned. After three days, he was spat out onto dry land. The next time God asked Jonah to do something, he complied. This story from the book of Jonah can be found in Chapters 1-4. The "Did You Know" bubble offers factual information on Nineveh and the Hanging Gardens.
The other parts of the book share historical and archaeological finds related to stories from the Bible. Archaeologists in Israel found ancient beehives that uphold the truth of God commanding Moses to lead the Israelites to "the land of milk and honey". Honey was in high demand in ancient times because it was used for medicine and as a sweetener. I had no idea jars of honey were also placed in tombs as part of a ritual to feed the dead in the afterlife. Many of the other archaeological finds shared in this book are just as fascinating.
As a mom who frequently read her children stories from the Bible and also taught Sunday School, this book would have been a wonderful resource to add more layers to the story. All of the information in this book has been reviewed by biblical scholars to make sure all the facts and details are up-to-date and accurate. This book is a bit larger than normal and the pages are heavyweight paper. It is well-written and full of details, much like any other National Geographic quality book would be. It would make a great addition to a church or homeschool library.
These brief versions of the stories offer the main points and the lesson God was trying to teach us...as in the story of Jonah and the Whale, after disobeying God, his fellow sailors threw Jonah overboard to his death to stop the raging storm that God had created. Jonah was then swallowed by a whale just before he drowned. After three days, he was spat out onto dry land. The next time God asked Jonah to do something, he complied. This story from the book of Jonah can be found in Chapters 1-4. The "Did You Know" bubble offers factual information on Nineveh and the Hanging Gardens.
The other parts of the book share historical and archaeological finds related to stories from the Bible. Archaeologists in Israel found ancient beehives that uphold the truth of God commanding Moses to lead the Israelites to "the land of milk and honey". Honey was in high demand in ancient times because it was used for medicine and as a sweetener. I had no idea jars of honey were also placed in tombs as part of a ritual to feed the dead in the afterlife. Many of the other archaeological finds shared in this book are just as fascinating.
As a mom who frequently read her children stories from the Bible and also taught Sunday School, this book would have been a wonderful resource to add more layers to the story. All of the information in this book has been reviewed by biblical scholars to make sure all the facts and details are up-to-date and accurate. This book is a bit larger than normal and the pages are heavyweight paper. It is well-written and full of details, much like any other National Geographic quality book would be. It would make a great addition to a church or homeschool library.
December 25, 2017
The bible is considered to be the word of God. This is the belief of Jews and Christians. This book is divided into two parts. The old and new testaments. Readers can learn about early civilization with illustrated maps and guides found here. Readers can learn about Adam and Eve, Noah’s Ark and even the Ark tablet. We may think of cherubim as cute and chubby, but in the bible, they are described as scary 15-foot-tall four-sided head creature with hooves. In the new testament readers will learn about the world of Jesus.
The beautiful illustrations found through out these pages depict life during biblical times. Readers will get brief snippets of important well-known parts of the bible. In some sections there are scientific explanations presented as an alternative way of viewing the events in the bible. In the back pages of the book readers will see a glossary of terms and even a list with pictures of some of the personalities found in the bible. Their names, vitals which describes where they are found in the bible and their purpose and also information regarding what they were famous for. Parents and teachers can use this as a tool to introduce the bible to young readers.
The beautiful illustrations found through out these pages depict life during biblical times. Readers will get brief snippets of important well-known parts of the bible. In some sections there are scientific explanations presented as an alternative way of viewing the events in the bible. In the back pages of the book readers will see a glossary of terms and even a list with pictures of some of the personalities found in the bible. Their names, vitals which describes where they are found in the bible and their purpose and also information regarding what they were famous for. Parents and teachers can use this as a tool to introduce the bible to young readers.
April 4, 2018
The World of the Bible: Biblical Stories and the Archaeology Behind Them is so chock full of information and wonderful things I hardly know where to start.
For the full review: https://twobookwormsblog.wordpress.co...
For the full review: https://twobookwormsblog.wordpress.co...
July 21, 2018
A very good book to read. Plenty of interesting facts and stories to amuse, entertain and inform without boring and useless detais.
April 7, 2019
Loads of information! Here's my full review: https://agoodreid.blogspot.com/2018/0...
December 5, 2017
I would have liked to see a lot more about archaeology and the world of the Bible as opposed to art and myths. Plenty of places for those things in another book. Well laid out though, enjoyable to peruse.
December 13, 2017
I received this book from #kidlitexchange to read in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟National Geographic Kids The World of the Bible by Jill Rubalcaba is an amazing book that ties some popular bible stories with real archaeological findings to tell us how life in those places and times may have been for people. The Bible story retellings are written so that children can understand the story and the beautiful illustrations look like actual paintings. There are more modern photographs posted opposite the story with an explanation of archaeological finds. This book contains something for all ages inside. A piece of history explained in ways children can grasp the subject matter. This book is definitely going on my shelf soon! Review also posted on Instagram @jasonnstacie, Library Thing, Go Read, Amazon, and my blog at readsbystacie.com
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews