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Katie Fitzgerald highlights some favorite picture books for teaching kids about the Old Testament.  


Introducing the Old Testament through picture books 

A great way to introduce Scripture to very young children before they can read on their own is to share picture books that depict kid-friendly Bible stories. In our six years of homeschooling, my kids and I have found several wonderful titles that help bring Old Testament figures and their stories to life for the preschool and early elementary levels. Clearly written, beautifully illustrated, and faithful to the Bible, the books on this list are the perfect addition to any Catholic child’s bookshelf. 

 

Three books by Jacqueline Jules  

Sarah LaughsJacqueline Jules has a set of three Old Testament picture books illustrated by Natascia Ugliano that are strong favorites in my family. They were previously published in hardcover, so they may appear on the shelves of your local library, but they are currently only available to purchase as ebooks.

Sarah Laughs is the story of elderly Sarah’s reaction to the news that she will have a son, and it depicts the birth and naming of Isaac. Benjamin and the Silver Goblet tells the story of Joseph and his colorful coat from the point of view of the youngest of Joseph’s brothers. Miriam in the Desert introduces Moses’s sister Miriam and her grandson, through whose eyes we witness the Israelites’ departure from Egypt and Moses receiving the Ten Commandments. All three of these books are illustrated in full color, and they invite children into the Biblical setting in a warm, cozy way.  

 

A few favorite illustrators  

Book of JonahQuite a few beloved favorite children’s illustrators have adapted Old Testament tales to the picture book format as well. Peter Spier’s bibliography includes The Book of Jonah and Noah’s Ark. Like Jules, Spier retells the Biblical stories in his own words, but his panel-style illustrations add many details not included in the text, so that the pictures really carry the stories. His art is just phenomenal, and his Noah’s Ark was the winner of the Caldecott Medal in 1978.  

Tomie de Paolas Book of Bible StoriesBrian Wildsmith and Tomie dePaola also each have a volume of illustrated Bible stories. The text in each of these is standard fare for a children’s Bible story collection, but the style of the artwork is what sets each book apart. Brian Wildsmith's Illustrated Bible Stories has more of an abstract style, while Tomie dePaola’s Book of Bible Stories is in keeping with his signature sweet, wholesome style. Both titles include the New Testament as well, making either book a nice first Bible for a young child.  

 

A few more books  

There are a few more books that we return to again and again. Paradise by Fiona French portrays the story of Creation and the fall of Adam and Eve using paintings of stained-glass windows. The pictures are visually stunning and very engaging. French’s illustrations are accompanied by text from the King James version of the Bible. Baby Moses in a Basket by Caryn Yacowitz and Julie Downing is a rhyming story in which the infant Moses is assisted on his trip down the Nile by a series of sweet and gentle animals. While the author obviously invented some details of this story, it’s a very reassuring take on what could be an upsetting story for a young child.  

We also love to reinforce knowledge of these Old Testament stories with fun stickers. There are five Old Testament figures represented in the Big Book of Bible Hero Stickers series: Moses, David, Noah, Joseph, and Jonah. Sometimes these books even show up at the Dollar Tree, where I often grab stuffers for Christmas stocking and Easter baskets.  

 

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Happy reading! 

Whether you’re homeschooling, teaching in a Catholic school, volunteering as a CCD teacher or discussing the faith at home with your own children, these Old Testament picture books are a perfect way to engage kids at their level and to help them bring the Bible to life in their own imaginations. I hope your family enjoys them as much as mine has!  

 

What Bible storybooks do you enjoy reading with your children? Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.


Copyright 2024 Katie Fitzgerald
Images: Canva