Book Review: The Big Picture Story Bible, by David Helm

Synopsis: The Big Picture Story Bible, written by a gifted story-teller with an uncanny insight into childhood imagination, and illustrated by a talented child-at-heart, is for all its simplicity a rock-solid explanation of the big-picture message of the bible: the gospel story of Jesus Christ, promised and prepared for in the Old Testament, fulfilling all the promises in a spectacular and unexpected fashion in the New Testament, and culminating in unimaginable glory in the very good ending of the apostle John’s Revelation. Any parent who wants to bring up his children, not in moralism or fragmented lessons, but in the big-picture story of the bible, would do well to invest in this compellingly-wrought re-telling of the greatest news ever heard.

There have been many story bibles produced in the past, written to introduce young children to the message and truth of God’s Word, at a level appropriate for their intellectual and attentive development. This is certainly a goal worthy of pursuing: but unfortunately, many of these story bibles are often no more than collections of loosely related stories from the bible, each with its own set of moral instructions. There are many stories told and many lessons learned; but the central story of the bible, and the central message that it speaks to throughout, of man’s utter helplessness and God’s free grace in Christ, is not always evident in each of these collected histories.

When one reads The Big Picture Story Bible, he quickly finds that the intended usage of that term “story” is a little different than he might initially have expected. This is no collection of bible stories; it is only the single, overarching story of the bible. It is, quite truthfully, the “big picture” story. In short, it is nothing less than a redemptive-historical biblical theology, formulated for children. And as such, it will certainly prove to be an invaluable tool for parents who wish to instruct their children, from the earliest ages, in the most foundational lesson of the faith: the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Big Picture Story Bible begins with an account of God’s marvelous creation, through his all-powerful word, which culminates in his special creation of man, to rule over all creation in his own image. But when man rebels against God, that purpose is frustrated…or is it? When all hope seems lost, God promises to send his Forever King to bring God’s people back to God’s place, which they had lost through their sin. For many, many years, God’s great promise keeps growing, and he keeps helping out his people, giving them kings and a special land and deliverance from their enemies. But still, God’s Forever King has not yet come, and God’s people have not seen all of God’s promises fulfilled for always. When will God’s Forever King come? What will he be like? How can we know him today? What will be the very good end for those who follow Jesus as God’s Forever King?

The simple, captivating language of the best story ever told is augmented throughout the book with equally simple and captivating artwork. This is a story children love to hear, told in such a way as to keep them waiting expectantly for what they hope will be a very good ending indeed. And unlike so many stories, the ending to this one far exceeds the wildest dreams of the most imaginative children anywhere. In fact, it is an ending that will even capture the attention of boring, unimaginative adults. But I won’t tell you what that ending is; it is waiting for you to discover it, at the end of the most exciting story ever told, the Bible.

4 Responses to “Book Review: The Big Picture Story Bible, by David Helm”

  1. brandon says:
    February 5, 2008 at 7:55 am

    Hello, i just wanted to see which of these children bibles you thought would be better.

    The Jesus Storybook Bible, by Sally Lloyd-Jones

    The Big Picture Story Bible, by david helm

    since you have read both of them i wanted to see which one would be best to get in your opinion or if i should just get both?

    thank you

    love and justice brandon

  2. pitchford says:
    February 5, 2008 at 8:14 am

    Hi Brandon,

    I thought both of them were really good. The Big Picture does an excellent job of giving an overview of the bible’s basic storyline, with an emphasis on God’s kingship, and the coming of the great King. It emphasizes the whole land/seed/blessing motif (although not in those words, but talks of God’s big promise, God’s people, God’s place, etc.). The artwork was excellent too.

    The Jesus Storybook didn’t have as simple and clear a synopsis of the overarching story of the bible, in my opinion, but it did point specific events to their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. In other words, their redemptive history might not have been quite as well developed, but their typology was more explicit. The Jesus Storybook also had more text for each story, and seemed to have been written for a slightly older audience.

    If I had to pick one to recommend over the other, it would be the Big Picture Story Bible. But both of them are really good.

    Nathan

  3. brandon says:
    February 5, 2008 at 10:09 am

    thank you for such a quick response. I love your blog man, very encouraging and full of great information. I pray that the Lord blesses your ministry here and remember, Hebrews 12:2 … “keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith…”

    brandon

  4. pitchford says:
    February 5, 2008 at 12:41 pm

    Thanks for the much-needed reminder, brother!

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