Book reviews - religion

 Going to Mecca by Na'ima B Robert

 Bible Stories from Priddy Books

This book retells seven favourite Bible stories - Creation, Noah's Ark, David and Goliath, Moses, Christmas, the feeding of the 5000 and Easter. The illustrations are outstanding, with their simplicity and tactile raised shapes. The stories are retold in a simple style, perfect for reading aloud at home, in class or assembly or at Sunday School. There is a CD accompanying the book which complements the stories with the use of enchanting sounds - a good way to keep interest levels high. A well-produced book with flexible board pages - perfect for 3+.

My Look and Point Bible by Christina Goodings

This is a clever way to get children involved in the stories as they are shared. Lots of words are given along with the pictures, so children can learn to read them using the clues of the pictures - children will love to share in telling the story as they recognise the words. The stories are clearly and simply retold and this is a perfect one-to-one sharing book. The pictures are clear and simple and in a style which will appeal to children - the facial expressions convey plenty of emotion. There's lots of fun here too - see the lions snoring and the men running in the story of Daniel in the Lion's Den. A lovely introduction to bible stories.

The Life of Jesus - Look Inside the Bible by Tim Dowley

This book is a lovely way to bring to life the scenes from the Bible and Jesus' story. It starts with Bethlehem and Nazareth, and the reader is drawn into scenes of life in the town on a four page spread. Cutaway pictures show us the inside of houses, packed full of day-to-day activity - but look closer, and you will see scenes from the Bible depicted and the reader is told what to look out for. Capernaum, the Sea of Galilee and Jerusalem are all treated similarly. There is lots to look out for and searching out the events depicted will fix them in children's minds - Bible verses are quoted to support all the events. It also shows how people lived in Bible times, making them more real to us. The sturdy card pages make this a great resource for school, Sunday School as well as home use.

Food and Faith by Susan Reuben and Sophie Pelham

This colourful book covers the six religions generally taught in schools - Christianity, Judaism, Muslim, Buddhism, Hindu and Sikh. I like the way that the food  and special occasions for each are described by children (and written in the first person) as this makes it easy for other children to relate to. We are introduced to each child at the start, then each describes some of the special food associated with their religion and the associated festivals. You get to know about the children and their families and this the understanding of people of different faiths is enhanced. Some recipes are included and there is a useful glossary. An excellent book for home and school use.