Talk about the impact a book can have on a child: my wife and I (who were a grade-level apart from one another) both recall a set of Bible storybooks that the grade school we attended used over 50 years ago! It was a two-volume set—Old Testament and New Testament—with the story on one side of the spread and a color picture on the opposite side of the spread. Unfortunately, neither of us saved a copy of these books, but we recall them vividly!
Such books laid the foundation for Bible literacy: a familiarity with the Bible’s contents and arrangement and an ability to read the Bible with sufficient understanding of its meaning. The foundation for Bible literacy begins in early childhood as we help young children to become familiar with the stories and characters of Scripture. As they grow older, we help them to become familiar with the arrangement of the Bible and deepen their knowledge of the narrative thread of Scripture and the skill of interpreting Scripture and applying its meaning, wisdom, and guidance to everyday living.
But let’s get back to young children, where the foundation is laid for biblical literacy. The way to capture and populate the imaginations of young children is through stories and visuals—precisely why my wife and I both recall our illustrated Bible storybooks from over 50 years ago. Recently, I posted on the importance of storytelling (using digital resources). Now, I’m excited to share a resource that will assist in capturing the imaginations of young people with Bible stories and images: The Seek and Find Bible. This collection of 46 stories from the Old and New Testaments is sure to spark a love of Scripture and serve as a memorable introduction to the Bible. With whimsical illustrations, interactive games, and easy-to-understand stories, children will reach for this book again and again. Perhaps they will even recall it 50 years from now, as my wife and I recall our childhood Bible storybook! Here is a brief 30-second video that provides a glimpse of this wonderful resource.
The Seek and Find Bible is also available in Spanish. Of course, for adults who either missed out on such a foundation in their childhood or are in need of a refresher, I recommend my book, The Bible Blueprint: A Catholic’s Guide to Understanding and Embracing God’s Word. (Also available in Spanish.)
Bible literacy is a crucial part of faith formation, since it is one of the primary ways that we encounter Christ and hear God speaking to us!
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