"The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible" ... and a GIVEAWAY! (Read with Audra blog tour)

Sunday, September 16, 2018

"The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible" ... and a GIVEAWAY! (Read with Audra blog tour)

God’s Spirit is living among God’s people.

He always was, always is, and always will be.

These are the stories that tell about him and what he does.

The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible, written by Doris Rikkers and illustrated by Fernando Juarez, presents over 40 Bible stories from the old and new testaments that show how God’s Spirit has been with his people from the beginning of time. Keep reading to learn more about this new release from ZonderKidz!

About the book...

The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible brings to life more than 40 Bible stories that help readers understand that God’s Spirit has been with us since the beginning of time and continues to be with us today. From the glory of creation through the powerful letters of Paul, God’s Spirit is living in his people. Old and New Testament stories such as Adam and Eve, Abraham, Joseph, the Baptism of Jesus, and Pentecost come alive with dramatic illustrations by Fernando Juarez and moving text by Doris Rikkers. With a cover that sparkles and shines with foil, this is a special storybook Bible that will appeal to both children and parents alike.

Where can I go from your Spirit?

Where can I flee from your presence?

If I go up to the heavens, you are there;

If I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

If I settle on the far side of the sea,

Even there your hand will guide me,

Your right hand will hold me fast.

~ Psalm 139: 7–10

About the author and illustrator...

Doris Wynbeek Rikkers is a freelance writer and editor who has written many bestselling children’s books and Bibles. Although she loves the ocean, she lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, surrounded by her books, her flower gardens, and her family and friends.

Spanish artist Fernando Juarez illustrates children’s books and also works as an art supervisor at the Madrid studio Ilion Animation. The company produces 3D feature films for children. Fernando has three kids himself, and if he has any time left after work and family, you might catch him playing guitar in a rock band.

My review...

The title of this book is a bit misleading, as it’s not really a Bible. Instead, it’s a book filled with forty-five stories pertaining to the Spirit of God. There are numerous Bible verses throughout, as well. The verses are from the NIV translation of the Bible, which is a popular translation. However, verses may be a bit different than what some readers are used to reading.

The stories are divided between the Old Testament (twenty-nine stories) and New Testament (sixteen stories), and they follow the Spirit of God moving among the people of the Bible (some familiar, and some, not so much), such as King David, King Josiah, Mary and Joseph, Balaam, Ezekiel, Simeon, and the disciples. There are various short stories, which reference specific Scripture verses. The stories combine in a way to feel like one continuous story. Not all of the stories are well known or frequently taught in Sunday School, so some readers may be unfamiliar with them (but perhaps learn something while reading this). The illustrations have a bit of a “cartoon” feel to them, and they are vibrantly colored.

If you are looking for a traditional Bible story book, this may not be what you’re looking for. However, if you’re looking for something a bit different, The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible may be one for you to check out.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher as part of the Read with Audra blog tour, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

Amazon purchase link

You can also enter to win a copy of The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible and other awesome kids' releases in a giveaway hosted by Read with Audra. Details below!