Be Not Far From Me

by Eric A. Kimmel, David Díaz (Illustrator)

Eric Kimmel weaves favorite biblical tales with lesser known ones from the Midrash to create a suspenseful, accessible collection that reads like a novel. The story begins with Abraham, who as a boy searched for and discovered a God greater than the idols others worshipped. It continues with vivid portrayals of nineteen other leaders, including beloved characters like Samson, David, Deborah, and Daniel, and less familiar ones like Miriam, Hosea, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. These heroes and heroines accomplish incredible feats yet also exhibit human weaknesses. And, like a father, God remains constant in his love but must teach his children the error of their ways.

Kimmel captures the drama of these timeless tales in modern language that makes them accessible and riveting. His perceptive prologue and epilogue also link these stories to today's world. More than just a collection of Bible stories, Be Not Far From Me is a thought-provoking epic that brings past, present, and future together in the ongoing love story between God and humanity. Illustrated with powerful portraits by David Diaz, this is a page-turner to be treasured by people of all ages.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1998

About the author

Eric A. Kimmel is an American author of more than 150 children's books. His works include Caldecott Honor Book Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins (illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman), Sydney Taylor Book Award winners The Chanukkah Guest and Gershon's Monster, and Simon and the Bear: A Hanukkah Tale.
Kimmel was born in Brooklyn, New York and earned a bachelor's degree in English literature from Lafayette College in 1967, a master's degree from New York University, and a PhD in Education from the University of Illinois in 1973. He taught at Indiana University at South Bend, and at Portland State University, where he is Professor Emeritus of Education.
Kimmel lives with his wife, Doris, in Portland, Oregon.