Well organized and beautifully presented, the text consists of highlights from the Old and New Testaments, using quotations from the wonderfully poetic King James Version, and the more-modern-in-language and easier-to-understand Good News Bible and New Revised Standard Version. Half of the volume is devoted to stories and wisdom literature from the Hebrew Bible and includes the Creation, the Garden of Eden, Abraham, Jacob, the Ten Commandments, David and Goliath, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the prophets, with excerpts from Isaiah leading into the birth of Jesus. The New Testament section includes the Nativity, some parables and other teachings of Jesus, the crucifixion and resurrection, and a few passages from Acts, the Pauline letters, and Revelation. All are grouped under topic headings, such as "Good Advice" and "Warnings to the Wicked," with a brief introduction for each subject and scripture citations. The quotations are short; printed in a clear, varied, handsome typeface; and attractively arranged among a multitude of charming illustrations, ranging from vignettes to half-page scenes. Done in a delicate folk-art technique, using gold and rich, stained-glass colors, the pictures reflect and enhance the text. Each page has a gleaming, patterned border, as well, adding to the elegance of the format. This is not the usual collection of Bible stories, but rather a selection of well-chosen passages to inspire and edify young readers.
