The True King

by Nancy Guthrie, Jenny Brake (Illustrator)

" There are lots of books that tell stories about kings and kingdoms, princes and princesses... There is only one book, however, about a king and a kingdom that is the truest story ever told. " This gorgeously illustrated book will introduce children to the big story of the Bible ― the story of the True King who rules over his people in perfect goodness and a kingdom that will last forever.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Christian

48 pages, Hardcover

Published December 12, 2022

About the author

Nancy Guthrie teaches the Bible at her home church, Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Franklin, Tennessee, as well as at conferences around the country and internationally, including through her Biblical Theology Workshops for Women. She is the author of numerous books and the host of the Help Me Teach the Bible podcast at The Gospel Coalition. She and her husband host Respite Retreats for couples who have faced the death of child and are co-hosts of the GriefShare video series.

Reviews

[Tacy Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids, who loves kings and queens and princes and princesses and bandits and bad guys, LOVED this. And I loved it too- The story of God as our true King ending with us living in His kingdom.

[Malini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done by MeemsAngel82

First off I just want to mention that I am just reviewing the book as it is and not delving into religion here. I saw this and picked it up for myself and was delighted because I saw the great artwork! Then I read it and was impressed by how the the book was written and how well the story and visuals paired together.

The writing was clear and easy for anyone to understand. A child can most definitely read this and understand what is being told.

The artwork was simple in a way and yet told so much. Same with the wording. It was done in a way anyone can truly understand what is being told. You can understand clearly the events of Adam and Eve to David and Noah and the connections to each. The timeline and points are well done and a child can grasp the message of this book with ease. Everything tied together clearly and wonderfully. Well done!

[Cassie Zhang · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, the illustrations were beautiful.
Second of all, this books covers a lot of information in a easy for older children (elementary age) to understand. It starts with creation, hits up Abraham, cover King David, comes to Jesus’ birth and death. It ends with the second coming of Christ. It focuses on a war between The Great King (God) and the evil serpent (Satan). It mentions a few times the tactics the evil serpent had to win the war (ie make people want to kill Jesus). It also quotes a few Bible verses, although I’m not sure which version of the Bible it use.

All in all, a great book.

[Becky B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nancy Guthrie recaps the story of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation as the story of a King and a Kingdom.

This is a decent recap of the Bible. I like how it points out major themes, and helps readers see the big picture. I felt like it was kind of similar to The Biggest Story by DeYoung and felt like DeYoung and Clark did it slightly better, but it is good to have multiple options for readers with different tastes and preferences. This is fully illustrated, and it looks like a picture book, but it is much longer than it looks. There's a full page of text on every spread, so don't expect to read this quickly like your average picture book.

[Sarah Poling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story of creation to the cross. Its hard to find books for preschoolers and early elementary children who are ready to listen longer but to share the truth of the Bible and connect the gospel, the Kingdom, and the Savior to help critical thinking, check understanding, and build connections of the key events (stories) told to children and develop the right view of the why behind each event in the Bible. This reads as an engaging take with excellent art work and is vital doctrine and connections. For a well aware, biblically literate kid.

[Penny Reeve · Rating 4 out of 5]

The True King is a story that spans the whole of the Bible and offers an answer to the question, Why do we pray 'your kingdom come'. It's beautifully illustrated and packed with theological gems (many that will likely go over young reader's heads). I loved how the book ends with a sense of longing for God's kingdom. I did wonder, however, whether restless young readers may not have the patience to last the full 45 pages.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an overview and survey of the redemptive history of Scripture starting from Genesis to Revelation, from creation to the return of Christ. As an adult it is an easy read, but I think for a child it would take some intentionality to read it through as it is like a long timeline of information. The content is spot on which I appreciate.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

"This is the story of the Bible. This story doesn't begin with 'once upon a time'. Instead, it begins at the very beginning of time."

What a wonderful walk-through of the greatest story every told about the greatest King forevermore!

[Danette · Rating 4 out of 5]

6/4/23 Read with my preschool class

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*
A brilliant Bible overview for kids following the thread of King and Kingdom, pointing to Jesus.

Though I felt the ratio of text to illustrations was a tad off and could have done with more illustrations or less wordy text. And there were a few places where God's sovereignty and salvation plan at work pointing forward to Jesus could have been emphasised more, especially given the amount of text.
But overall, a great little overview with lovely illustrations.