God's People : Stories from the Old Testament

Rating:
Summary: God's littlest people enjoy "God's People" (and so does Mom)
Review: As a mom supplementing her children's education with part-time homeschooling in the areas of ancient history, literature and religion, I had already acquired several of McCaughrean's other books (most notedly her kid version of "The Odessey" and "Greek Myths") when I changed apon this book (yes, on Amazon!). Knowing the quality of Geraldine McCaughrean's work already, and desirous of intertwining Old Testement stories with the study of Ancient Egypt, Rome, etc I bought "God's People". It has exceeded my expectations! My eight year old, six year old, and four year old are listening , mezmerized, to the story of Adam and Even, Cain and Abel, Noah and the Flood (as is my son with autism - who particularity enjoys the colors and details of Anna Leplar's apt illustrations.) Each "story" is condensed to just two or three illustrated pages, perfect for little attention spans at bedtime. McCaughrean's writing is truly livid and poetic - she does not "dumb down" material (as too many adapters of material for children often do). Read this bit out loud to yourself : "Let the ocean teem with life," cried God, and in the rich salt soup of the seas there floated life-forms -- too small to see at first, one cell, then two, then worms and jellyfish, sharks and razorshells. Soon more species swam the coral halls and muontain peaks of the seven seas than imagination can fathom. Whales as huge as islands cruised their purple territories, singins their eerie music to the stars."

Can't you just see and hear those whales! This is a book even a parent can enjoy - and has a mom of four kids I've had to read a lot of kid lit bilge and know the "good stuff" when I see it. I will be buying more books by this author - you will, too. And if yo are particularily looking for an introduction to the Bible that will captivate the younguns' stop here - you've found it.