“101 Color and Sing Bible Stories” by Stephen Elkins

Most of the well-known Bible stories are included in this book.  The author has shortened and summarized these tales so that they are interesting and understandable for the intended audience, small children.  Stories from both the Old and New Testament are included.  Little children will hear about Adam & Eve, Noah & the Ark, David & Goliath, as well as, Jesus & His disciples, Zacchaeus and Paul.

Two computer discs are included with this volume.   They contain songs and printable coloring pages that correspond to the stories.  The discs are stored in heavy-duty clear pouches in the front and back of the book.  A word of caution, the pouches have a REALLY sticky seal, so make sure it does not come into contact with any of the pages.

This sturdy, thick book is very well-made, and has a padded cover that is brightly colored.   The eye-catching colors are used throughout the book, making it very appealing to young viewers.  Each story has a picture, a printable coloring page,  a reference to the song that goes with it, along with a Fun Fact.  The Fun Facts really are fun!  For instance, the Sea of Galilee is about 140 feet deep, which is comparable to 23 men stacked on top of each other.  Or, the fish Jesus and the disciples ate was more than likely tilapia–which is also known as St. Peter’s fish!

I think this is a wonderful work.  When you open this book, you swing wide a door to good times and adventure–as big or as small as you want to make it–with the Bible.  The stories are all short, so it can provide a jumping off point for adding more details, or can be kept as is, depending on the child’s interest.  Having the discs really adds another dimension to the experience, because the catchy songs reinforce the stories, and it is another fun activity to share with a youngster.   Dancing, singing or both, can take place with these tunes. The coloring pages print out full-sized, and are well-done pictures begging to be colored.  Anyone with a small amount of computer knowledge should be able to use these discs.  Reading this book, singing the songs, or coloring the pages–or all of the above–will make great memories, furnish an enjoyable time and introduce Bible stories to little ones.  I look forward to sharing this five-star book with the child in my life.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Tyndale Blog Network (Tyndale Kids/Tyndale House Publishers) for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.

Author information:  http://www.tyndaleblognetwork.com/1_title/author-bio.php?authorID=1504