The Big Story of the Bible: An easy read journey through God's special book

There is so much to love about it, and it was an honour to be asked to endorse it! Whilst designed for adults with additional needs, ‘The Big Story of the Bible’ would also be great for kids – with additional needs or not. Every chapter opens with a short summary, a slightly longer ‘quick look’ page and then the story, with explanation and application, and a response at the end. The bible is full of metaphors and analogies which are hard to understand for those who think literally, so I love that the concept of ‘pictures in words’ is explained. I also love the fact that Jesus is highlighted constantly throughout the Old Testament section, to ensure readers don’t miss the point of the bible. (This is not just an ‘intellectual’ read, but a book designed to draw the reader closer to Jesus.)

Jo has done an amazing job of simplifying the trickier stories so that they aren’t left out. Thus ‘The Big Story of the Bible’ feels respectful and honouring to its readers, not patronising. The ‘Zoom in’ sections, every few chapters, expand on biblical themes, drawing them together helpfully and giving basic theology – I learnt lots of new facts, for example what happened to Israel when the Jews were exiled to Babylon and what happened in the 400 years between OT and NT. The book is really focused on application, never speaking down to the reader but encouraging them to respond to Jesus for themselves, and there are fabulous visual clues and prompts throughout the book.

Finally, ‘The Big Story of the Bible’ is available in standard A4 paperback (it’s a hefty tome, due to large print and lots of pictures) as well as in a layflat ringbound format. The winner gets to choose which they’d like, as Jo has kindly sent me both! Thoroughly recommended.