13 Favourite Bible Picture Books

Bible Picture Books

Sharing with you our favourite Bible picture books. Bible picture books are high on my list of must haves.. I have high standards as to what I deem worthwhile.  They must have beautiful illustrations and words close as possible to Bible text. The following authors are ones that came highly recommended from reviewers I value. I have deliberated about my selections, but feel comfortable about these recommendations.

Check out the The Motherload of Excellent Catholic Picture Books. for even more suggestions. Ellie has a fantastic round up of her favourite Bible picture book recommendations. Her recommendations are always worthwhile to investigate.

 

Jonah

Hard to Swallow Tale of Jonah and the Whale – Joyce Denham

The story of Jonah is full of ingredients that children love. A dangerous mission; a man on the run; danger at sea; an incredible whale rescue; and a grand finale about forgiveness. Amanda Hall and Joyce Denham give this classic tale their own special twist. The beautiful illustrations and dramatic story line make this a great read.

 

 

The Book of Jonah – Peter Spier

This is my childhood favourite telling the well known story of Jonah, his disobedience to God and his eventual obedience to the Mission God entrusted to him. Like all Spier’s books the illustrations are jam packed with a visual feast of lots happening. I love the text too.

 

 

Jonah and the Big Fish – Susan Collins Thoms

What happens when you disobey God? After loving Noah’s Ark I set out to find if the author/illustrator had more titles published and was thrilled to discover Jonah. Once again Thoms and Stoop captured a classical Biblical story with whimsical illustrations and engaging text. Highly recommend.

 

 

Noah

 

Noah’s Ark – Jerry Pinkney
The text has a Biblical cadence and much of the language is Biblical text. Soft and warm watercolour illustrations. My personal favourite of the three. Highly recommend.

 

 

Noah’s Ark – Jane Ray
The text in this copy is directly from the Bible unchanged, simple to follow and understand accompanied by gorgeously illustrated pictures edged in gold. Love the simplicity of this book. Highly recommend.

 

 

Noah’s Ark – Peter Spier
I absolutely love Spier’s illustrations and writing in The Book of Jonah, so was keen to add his Noah’s Ark to our collection. The scenes are incredibly detailed on double spread pages.  I admit to being disappointed when I discovered it has no text as I’m not a fan of wordless books. However as I study the book more I’m seeing the beauty. Highly recommend.

 

 

 

Noah’s Ark – Susan Collins Thoms

The story of Noah’s Ark is one of the most well known Bible stories, this rendition is depicted with lush and whimsical illustrations by artist Naoko Stoop. The text is gentle and engaging as well, fortunately I love this book as my little one insists on reading this repeatedly   Highly recommend.

 

Brian Wildsmith

 

Joseph – Brian Wildsmith

The story of Joseph and his coat of many colours is one of the oldest stories in the world. This version by Brian Wildsmith tells the story faithfully amidst the landscapes of vast deserts and the immense architecture of Ancient Egypt.

 

Exodus – Brian Wildsmith

The story of how one man led his people out of slavery to a land that God had promised to give them. His name was Moses. With vivid, richly detailed illustrations,this familiar journey comes alive against stunning backdrops–from the great palaces of ancient Egypt, to the vast expanses of Sinai’s mountains and wilderness, to the peaceful place God’s people can finally call home. The text is long.

 

 

Yet More

The Creation – Jane Ray

Glows with colour and filled with animals, fish, planets, oceans and forests. The timeless story of Creation in Bible text unchanged. gorgeous illustrations, edged in gold.

* There is nudity, only briefly on a couple of pages and semi discreetly.

 

 

David and Goliath – Beatrice Schenk de Regniers

The biblical tale of the young shepherd who uses a slingshot to do battle with a giant and eventually becomes a king.

 

 

Moses: The Long Road to Freedom – Ann Keay Beneduce: Illust Gennady Spirin

Whenever a book involves illustrator Gennady Spirin I’m quick to grab, this one is accompanied by author Ann Beneduce.

When Moses encounters the voice of God, he learns that only he has the power to fight the Pharaoh of Egypt and free the Hebrew slaves. With the help of his brother Aaron, he begs the Pharaoh to free the slaves, but he refuses many times. When God kills the Pharaoh’s son and many of his people, he finally surrenders.
As Moses and the slaves approach the Red Sea, they learn that the Pharoah has changed his mind and has sent his men to bring them back. But with the help of God, Moses is able to free them once and for all.

 

The Tower of Babel – William Wiesner

The story is clear and readable and accurate and the pictures are of a vintage type. Happy to have found this Bible story done well in picture book format!