The Storyteller’s Bible by Kathryn Butler

This is a fully illustrated Bible storybook with 35 stories: 17 Old Testament 18 New Testament. It is specifically written to be read aloud to children ages 4-8. Each story contains the Scripture references where it can be found as well as a few questions at the end to start meaningful conversation with your children.

This Bible storybook has some unique things to offer in the world of story Bibles. First, it’s specifically written to be read aloud. Butler is a master craftswoman with words, and it’s able to be on full display here. What separates this from other colorfully written options is that this one stays true to Scripture. While she weaves lovely word pictures, she doesn’t bend Scripture to fit her vision but submits her vision to Scripture. Frankly, I’d recommend this to replace Sally Llyod-Jones hugely popular Jesus Storybook Bible as it’s more faithful in its storytelling and still has beautiful artistic illustrations.

Speaking of the illustrations, this story Bible is especially unique as each story is depicted by a different artist. I appreciate the importance placed on the visual storytelling, and it’s wildly fascinating to see different visions of Scripture back-to-back. While it’s mostly a positive, I’d say this is a bit of a double-edged sword as it does make each story feel as a “stand alone,” instead of helping children to view Scripture as a continuous story. There are also a few depictions of Christ that make me scratch my head, but it could certainly be used as a teaching moment with children. As a whole, I greatly enjoy the artwork.

Butler also makes a point to connect the Old Testament and New, with cross references in both. For example, in the story of Jonah:

“God had rescued Jonah from the belly of the fish after three days. Hundreds of years later, the Lord would free another prophet–the greatest Prophet–from the heart of the earth after three days. And that Prophet would command even the raging waters to be still.”

From the story when the Holy Family flees to Egypt:

“As they left, soldiers stormed into Bethlehem, and cries of mourning soon echoed throughout the town…just as they had in Egypt long ago when Pharaoh’s cruelty wrenched newborn babies from their mothers’ arms. During that time, God had saved a helpless baby, Moses, who would become a prophet and save his people. And now, again in Egypt, God protected a prophet even greater than Moses. He was the Messiah, Jesus, who would save the world.”

Overall, if you are looking for a simple story Bible that’s a joy to read aloud and has beautiful and eclectic artwork, The Storyteller’s Bible is faithful to Scripture and one I recommend!

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