Adventures in theology

I See Jesus

Nancy Guthrie
(10Publishing 2022)

Guthrie introduces children to the concept of foreshadowing in the Bible by relating their understanding of human shadows to the shadows of Jesus found in the Old Testament: “Just like we can’t see everything about ourselves in our own shadow, we don’t see everything about Jesus in his shadows, but we do see some things about who he will be, what he will do, and how he will save.” Each of the 20 spreads then offers an example from the Old Testament that points to Jesus. Although the format is geared with younger children in mind, the concepts will resonate with older children, so the book could be used as a springboard for deeper family ­discussion. Ages 5-10

The Biggest Story Bible Storybook

Kevin DeYoung
(Crossway 2022)

In this 529-page book, DeYoung offers a carefully crafted retelling of God’s redemption story from Genesis to Revelation. The 104 succinct entries each include a suggested Scripture reading and closing prayer, making them well-suited for the dinner table or bedtime reading. Children listening to a parent read this book aloud will be captivated by Don Clark’s illustrations, which appear on nearly every page and feature bold colors and designs. DeYoung writes in his note to parents that some ­pictures depict an ­artistically stylized Jesus because “we thought it would seem strange, if not theologically misleading, to have a big book where Jesus never shows his face but appears only in shadows and ­silhouettes.” Ages 5-12

The Awesome Super Fantastic Forever Party

Joni Eareckson Tada
(The Good Book Company 2022)

Getting an invitation to a party is exciting, Tada writes, but the problem with earthly parties is the fun eventually ends. Jesus, however, has offered us an invitation to a celebration that will never end. Tada then explores a Biblical understanding of heaven while ­unraveling worldly misconceptions (e.g., wearing a white gown while sitting on a cloud playing a harp). Catalina Echeverri’s illustrations capture the excitement and joy Jesus’ followers will experience when Jesus comes back and brings heaven with Him. Tada includes the gospel message as well as a reminder for children to look to the last chapter of Revelation to send their own invitation to Jesus: “Please come quickly, Jesus!” Ages 3-8

The King and the Dragon

James W. Shrimpton
(Crossway 2022)

With beautiful rhyming prose, Shrimpton uses an allegory to tell the story of man’s fall and God’s redemption plan. When a dragon deceives the King’s people into believing a lie, darkness takes root and the people find themselves poisoned “with shame and with lies.” Their only hope is in the King’s promise: “I’ll send you a strong and most wonderful Knight to slay the foul Dragon and put all things right.” The ­people must wait a very long time before the Knight finally arrives in an unexpected way to fulfill the King’s promise and rescue the ­people once and for all. Shrimpton’s closing pages present the gospel and remind children of the hope they have in Christ. Ages 3-7