Once Upon a Time Storybook Bible

This book is illustrated by Omar Aranda and published by ZonderKids. The book is approximately 8 x 10 inches which is similar to other hardback illustrated children's books. Comprised of 33 popular Bible stories, there are 18 stories from the Old Testament and 15 stories from the New Testament. Each story has a title, scripture verse (taken from the New International Version (NIV), vibrant illustrations, "Once Upon A Time..." paraphrased story, and a "Happily Ever After" word of wisdom and story scripture reference.

On the front cover, it states, "The Bible is not a fairy tale. Every great story happened once upon a time." An example of a "Happily Ever After" section in the Queen Esther story states, "Esther was brave to face Haman and the king. God gave her the courage she needed to save her people. He makes all of us brave when we need to be." In the Darkest Day story about Jesus dying on the cross it states, "Jesus gave his life to save the world. He died so that one day, you could join him in heaven. Tell him thank you for his sacrifice." I love the colorful illustrations of this book. The stories are written simplistically for a preschool and early elementary audience. This book will definitely appeal to young children and would make a great gift!

In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission I am required to disclose that ZonderKids provided this book for free in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

What a great storybook to share the Bible with the next generation? As fairy tales and "happily ever after" stories trends forward, many can't relate it to the truth of the Bible. Many also don't see the connection of "happily ever afters" with the Bible, therefore opting to read storybooks rather than the Bible stories to kids. Once Upon a Time Storybook Bible takes the many true stories of the Bible and present it in a colorful and easy to understand way for parents and kids. A great large format hardcover book, it's a great size to share over on the bed or on the couch. Parents and kids will be able to enjoy pre-selected stories from the Bible, read together and chat more able the "happily ever after" section at the end of each story. A great way to share the Bible with kids, as well as have them envision with the realistic and beautiful illustrations. A great storybook for every kids' library. This is a must have if you want to start the Bible with kids at a young age.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of both these books from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.

This beautiful hardcover Book is a wonderful addition to my library. The illustrations are colorful and so relevant to the stories they depict. . Even though these stories were once upon a time.. They are a wonderful way to teach the truths of the Bible. The Once Upon a Time Storybook Bible contains 33 of the greatest stories of the Bible. I was gifted a copy by FlyBy Promotions and my review is voluntary..

I like how at the bottom it says, 'The Bible is not a fairy tale. Every great story happened once upon a time'. This one opens up to a full color presentation page, introduction and contents - one page Old Testament and one page New Testament. The listings are all stories - see photo attached if you'd like to see what the stories are. Then the next page is a title page for the Old Testament. Each story has a title, verse and story starting with 'Once upon a time..." At the end is a section that says 'Happily Ever After' which may have a practical application or thought directed to God and a scripture.

The stories all follow scripture and are sound summaries. The illustrations by Omar are outstanding. It reminds me of an animated movie in style. I am very impressed with this book and would definitely recommend it highly. It would make a fantastic gift also.

I LOVE this book. The size is a large 'storybook' size that just makes you want to open the cover and begin. The illustrations are beautiful-- similar to Disney type animation. There are many, many Bible stories in the collection and they are written at a great level for children, containing important truths but in a way little ones can understand. Each story begins with 'once upon a time,' going along with the book's subtitle of "The Bible is not a fairy tale, but every story happened once upon a time." I was also delighted with the "Happily Ever After" tidbits at the end of each story: a moral or lesson, such as 'Abraham trusted God even when he couldn't see the promise coming true. We too can trust that God is always working in our lives!' The only thing I might change would be the very last chapter about the book of Revelation. It talks about Jesus coming back and the kingdom of God, but Revelation is actually full of additional wisdom about God's kingdom here on earth, and even more specifically the Catholic Mass. All in all, though, a definite treat for a child. I've always loved fairy tales and I love the way this book shares the beauty and wonder of fairy tales but with Biblical stories that actually happened! As Hans Christian Andersen said, "Life itself is the most wonderful fairy tale." I'm excited to give this to my godson for his birthday next month, giving him the gift of both stories and truth!