In this engaging, unique children’s storybook Bible, renowned Christian theologian and author of children’s picture books and adult nonfiction helps children to understand God’s great redemptive story to develop his two-pronged theme: of God’s intention to draw all the nations of the world to himself and to protect and care for poor, oppressed, and marginalized people.
In 31 stories beginning at creation, McCaulley highlights God’s “big diverse family.” For example, from the Old Testament, he shares the narrative of God calling Abraham and promising him that he will become the father of many nations; the account of Jochebed, Puah, and Shiphrah, women who were instrumental in saving God’s children; the story of Ruth the Moabite who joined God’s people and became an ancestor of Jesus; and the tale of Daniel and his friends who lived under Babylonian captivity, yet were faithful to God because God cared for them.
In relating the story of Jesus’ birth, McCaulley concludes with a paragraph that encapsulates his themes: “When Jesus arrived, he was surrounded by his family, animals, and shepherds. He was visited by foreigners and strangers. But no one has to be a stranger or a foreigner to God. He is a God for the people who feel stepped on and ignored. He is with us.”
In the New Testament, McCaulley relates the gospel writers’ narratives and describes Jesus’ strange and upside-down kingdom. McCaulley also focuses on Jesus’ death on the cross for all nations, his resurrection, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the nations at Pentecost. He also highlights the apostle Paul’s letters to Jews and Gentiles, whom God was forming into one body, the church.
In an introductory note, McCaulley writes, “I am attempting to emphasize these stories while staying focused on God as the Hero of the whole story and on the great salvation that Jesus brings us. I’m drawing attention to these two themes in the Bible while hopefully never getting off track from the grand narrative that the Scriptures declare about God and his gracious love for us.”
Illustrator Rogerio Coelho’s spectacular, energized artwork is a delightful feast for the eyes, making McCaulley’s narrative leap from the page. God's Colorful Kingdom is recommended for children ages 6 to 10, but even younger children will surely enjoy the detailed illustrations, even if they don’t entirely understand the narrative.
(Tyndale Kids)
About the Author
Sonya VanderVeen Feddema is a freelance writer and a member of Covenant CRC in St. Catharines, Ontario.