Also by this author: Moses and the Very Big Rescue, Deborah and the Very Big Battle, Moses and the Very Big Rescue, Deborah and the Very Big Battle, God's Very Colourful Creation, Esther and the Very Brave Plan, God's Very Colourful Creation, God's Very Colourful Creation, God’s Big Promises: The First Christmas: Sticker and Activity Book, God’s Big Promises: Advent Calendar and Family Devotions, God’s Big Promises Bible Story Prayers: 101 Prayers for Children
Series: Very Best Bible Stories #11
Published by Good Book Company on December 16, 2024
Genres: Children's, Bible Stories
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
Use the story of Joshua's victory over Jericho to teach children 2-4 years old that God always keeps his promises.
In this faithful retelling of a classic Bible story, children 2-4 years old will discover how God worked powerfully to give his people victory over Jericho. Children will learn that God always keeps his promises to his people.
Contains bright, fun-filled illustrations by Jennifer Davison.
This picture book retells the biblical story of the Battle of Jericho in a way that is faithful to the source material, while greatly simplifying the plot for a very young audience. Tim Thornborough writes in a kid-friendly style, with lots of short sentences, simple vocabulary, and some counting elements. The colorful illustrations from Jennifer Davison are eye-catching and full of energy, and they will engage kids individually and in group contexts. Because the illustrations are so vivid and high-contrast, this will work well in a church classroom setting where a teacher is holding this up for a whole group of kids to see.
The text has a great, punchy rhythm that is easy to read aloud with expression, and unlike some other books in the same series, this one also includes interactive elements to act out. Kids can march along in a rhythm, can count how many times the Israelites marched around the city walls, and can join in with some excited exclamations. This is very engaging, and the book emphasizes the message that God is always with us, and always keeps His promises.
Joshua and the Very Strong City will appeal to fans of this series, and to people who are interested in Bible story books written for toddlers and preschoolers at a very basic level. However, even though this book is kid-friendly, the story it represents is complex and raises tough questions, and I wish that this had included an author’s note for parents and educators to provide more information from the Bible and possible perspectives for how to discuss the story’s complexity with kids who are ready for that. Nonetheless, this is a solid, appealing book that will work well for the target audience.