In the Beginning: My Storybook Bible

by Jonathan Shmidt Chapman, César Garcés (Illustrator)

Overview

"A won­der­ful com­pi­la­tion of the foun­da­tion­al sto­ries of the Jew­ish peo­ple, one that can be used both in edu­ca­tion­al set­tings and at home." —Jewish Book Council

"Masterful job...just the right size for little hands." —Association of Jewish Libraries

30 Bible stories you want your children to know, retold just for them.

Taken from the first five books of the Bible, the stories of In the Beginning: My Storybook Bible are retold to emphasize a progressive approach to religious traditions, both Jewish and Christian.

The book Includes a balance of women's and men's stories, treats gender roles with equality, and focuses on what the Bible teaches us about universal values such as kindness, compromise, inclusion and gratitude.

Stories of Creation, Adam and Eve, Noah's ark, Abraham and Sarah, Joseph and his brothers, the Exodus from Egypt and more are told with child development in mind, allowing young children to encounter potentially difficult biblical topics in ways appropriate to their age and understanding.

Beautifully illustrated and presented in a size just right for little hands, In the Beginning: My Storybook Bible makes a great book to present to young students as they begin their religious education, or a lovely gift for Hanukkah or Christmas.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781681156897
Publisher:	Behrman House, Incorporated
Publication date:	11/26/2024
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 7.90(h) x 0.60(d)
Lexile:	700L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 7 Years

About the Author

Jonathan Shmidt Chapman is a nationally-recognized leader in the fields of Theater for Young Audiences and Jewish Education. He is the founder of The K’ilu Company, creating projects that activate Jewish early childhood through theater and imaginative play. Jonathan served as founding project director of Aggadah Adventures at Congregation Beit Simchat Torah, staging Jewish stories as immersive theater experiences for children and families. He is part of the inaugural cohort of the Mandel Institute’s Jewish Education Leadership Program and a Jewish Education Project Young Pioneers Award recipient. He serves on the theater faculty at Northwestern University, teaching coursework on Sensory Theater. As a writer and director, Jonathan has created new theatrical work for children and families at Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, and Seattle Children’s Theatre. He holds an M.A. in Educational Theatre from NYU and a B.A. in English Literature/Theatre Arts from Boston University. He currently lives in Northbrook, IL.

César Garcés is an artist and children's book illustrator. He is the illustrator for Meeting an Astronaut. As a recent graduate of graphic design, César has a passion for art and is excited about the future of digital illustration. He lives in Mexico City, Mexico.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

1. Let There Be Everything
2. Adam and Eve Take a Bite
3. Noah and the Fierce Flood
4. The Tower of Babel
5. Abraham and Sarah’s Big Adventure
6. Hagar and the Wonderful Wish
7. Sarah and the Welcoming Tent
8. Rebecca and the Thirsty Camels
9. Brothers and the Birthright
10. Jacob Takes the Blessing
11. Jacob and the Ladder to the Sky
12. Rachel and Leah Work Together
13. The Reunion of the Brothers
14. Joseph and His Wild Dreams
15. Joseph Has A Plan
16. The Case of the Stolen Cup
17. Shifra and Puah Save the Day
18. The Baby in the Basket
19. The Burning Bush
20. Let My People Go!
21. Moses, Lead the Way!
22. The Israelites and the Red Sea
23. A Bid Day at Sinai
24. The Golden Calf
25. Bezalel Builds Something Beautiful
26. Adventures of the Scouts
27. Are We There Yet?
28. The Sisters Who Spoke Up
29. Moses Hit the Rock
30. Lead Us to the Land

Editorial Reviews

"This bright­ly illus­trat­ed vol­ume teach­es chil­dren about the Bible in a clear, easy-to-read way. Read­ers learn about Adam, Eve, and a host of charm­ing ani­mals, as well as their expul­sion from Eden. The book also fea­tures Abra­ham and Sarah, Hagar, and the Tow­er of Babel. The author gen­tly teach­es read­ers lessons by describ­ing Abra­ham’s joy at the birth of Isaac, Rebec­ca­’s care of thirsty camels, and the ten­sions between Jacob and Esau. The book goes on to explore Joseph’s sojourn in Egypt and his reunit­ing with his broth­ers, as well as the slav­ery of the Israelites and the birth of Moses, the leader who will bring them to free­dom. As the Jew­ish peo­ple trav­el through the desert toward the Promised Land, read­ers get a taste of their tri­als and triumphs.

The author shares help­ful tips for bring­ing these tales to life for an audi­ence of young peo­ple. This is a won­der­ful com­pi­la­tion of the foun­da­tion­al sto­ries of the Jew­ish peo­ple, one that can be used both in edu­ca­tion­al set­tings and at home." —Jewish Book Council

"Author Jonathan Shmidt Chapman does a masterful job of interpreting the foundational stories of the Torah for the very young. In the Beginning: My Storybook Bible retells thirty stories from the books of Genesis and Exodus in simple and appealing language that is accessible for lap-sit and independent readers alike. Familiar stories include Creation, Noah, Abraham and Sarah, Jacob and the ladder, Moses in the basket, and the Jewish people entering the land of Israel are all presented in colloquial text.

Evocative and colorful illustrations by Cesar Garcés adorn almost every page. These rich images help to imprint the meaning and values of the Torah stories in the imagination and memory of the young. At eight inches by six inches, this charming volume is just the right size for little hands.

In the Beginning: My Storybook Bible is recommended for Jewish schools and homes as well as for Christians learning the Old Testament." —Association of Jewish Libraries

From the Publisher