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The Biggest Story ABC
From Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden to Zion and the new creation world, the Bible is telling one big story—the story of God's promise to deliver his people. Kevin DeYoung, best-selling author of The Biggest Story, has written a new board book to help kids ages 1 to 3 to make connections from Genesis to Revelation and from A to Z. Each page introduces a new letter of the alphabet with engaging and whimsical illustrations from award-winning artist Don Clark, retelling the biblical narrative in one continuous story. This board book is a fun way for parents to introduce their small children to the big story of the Bible.
32 pages, Board Book
First published August 1, 2017
About the author
Kevin DeYoung
85 books1,080 followersKevin DeYoung is the Senior Pastor at University Reformed Church (RCA) in East Lansing, Michigan, right across the street from Michigan State University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
October 1, 2017
Tells a simple story of God and redemption through the alphabet.
But gets minus 1 star because it does not seem easy to teach your kids the ABCs using this book. Each alphabet's page is not pointed enough (for example, X's alphabet page is something along the lines of "And everything was eXcellent again."
Gets another minus star because the illustrations are cool, but not always related to the alphabet itself.
Overall good story and I like the concept of teaching your kids the ABCs and the gospel at the same time. However, I think it falls short in the execution of making ABCs easy to learn.
But gets minus 1 star because it does not seem easy to teach your kids the ABCs using this book. Each alphabet's page is not pointed enough (for example, X's alphabet page is something along the lines of "And everything was eXcellent again."
Gets another minus star because the illustrations are cool, but not always related to the alphabet itself.
Overall good story and I like the concept of teaching your kids the ABCs and the gospel at the same time. However, I think it falls short in the execution of making ABCs easy to learn.
August 1, 2017
Jesus Wins.
The Christian message told by the ABC's - starting in the Garden with Adam and ending in Zion. The gospel with who God is and what he has done brings your child and you to the Good news. Each letter is given to the gospel and in doing so, your child is learning their ABC's by sight and sound.
With colorful illustrations, it engages a family devotion of redemption.
Will be purchasing these for my grandchildren!
A Special Thank You to Crossway Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
The Christian message told by the ABC's - starting in the Garden with Adam and ending in Zion. The gospel with who God is and what he has done brings your child and you to the Good news. Each letter is given to the gospel and in doing so, your child is learning their ABC's by sight and sound.
With colorful illustrations, it engages a family devotion of redemption.
Will be purchasing these for my grandchildren!
A Special Thank You to Crossway Publishers and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
July 31, 2021
Listened to the free audiobook from Crossway narrated by Kevin Deyoung himself... it's so fun listening to it with its truth and accurate storytelling..very clear and easy to understand and while listening to it, it's like I can vividly imagine every scene in my mind. Every chapter was a delight even to a young at heart adult. It's truly the biggest story of hope and we are part of this story unfolding before us.
April 7, 2024
Might be my new favorite board book!🙌🏼
December 8, 2017
I have not yet read The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden, but I would like to get ahold of it at some point, because I really like the idea of learning to view the Bible as "one big story."
But I was excited to see a board book version, because that's about the stage we're at. I really like it. I will say, if you're looking for an alphabet book that's aimed at preschoolers and presents a concrete physical item for each letter, you'll want something else for that -- and there are tons of other ABC books out there (from basics like My First ABC to just about any subject matter).
This book's main purpose is to communicate the "big story" of the Bible in a linear way, while focusing on one term for each letter, and I think it does a great job even though, like I said, some of the terms are more on the abstract side (Curse, Law, Naughty, Quiet, etc.). So while the language is simple enough for preschoolers, it can work just as well for kindergarten-aged kids since the alphabet gives it a linear framework.
The only letter I didn't really care for was "G" for "gnats" (while talking about Egypt and the plagues). I mean... the G isn't even pronounced... surely there are other words that would have worked better... God? Glory? *shrug*
Overall though, this is a really great book for introducing children to the big story of the Bible. Author Kevin DeYoung comes at it from a Reformed perspective, and while I enjoyed and appreciated it without being a Calvinist, I can't speak for how well it would appeal to Christian traditions that are very different from my own.
But I was excited to see a board book version, because that's about the stage we're at. I really like it. I will say, if you're looking for an alphabet book that's aimed at preschoolers and presents a concrete physical item for each letter, you'll want something else for that -- and there are tons of other ABC books out there (from basics like My First ABC to just about any subject matter).
This book's main purpose is to communicate the "big story" of the Bible in a linear way, while focusing on one term for each letter, and I think it does a great job even though, like I said, some of the terms are more on the abstract side (Curse, Law, Naughty, Quiet, etc.). So while the language is simple enough for preschoolers, it can work just as well for kindergarten-aged kids since the alphabet gives it a linear framework.
The only letter I didn't really care for was "G" for "gnats" (while talking about Egypt and the plagues). I mean... the G isn't even pronounced... surely there are other words that would have worked better... God? Glory? *shrug*
Overall though, this is a really great book for introducing children to the big story of the Bible. Author Kevin DeYoung comes at it from a Reformed perspective, and while I enjoyed and appreciated it without being a Calvinist, I can't speak for how well it would appeal to Christian traditions that are very different from my own.
March 11, 2023
An excellent ABC board book.
As the title and associated series may suggest, this tells a story while highlighting the ABCs within statements on each page.
Those statements follow not just a Biblically accurate story of Christ and God’s people through the Old and New Testaments, but also God’s promises and our need for Christ.
The art is Beautiful as with Clark’s others within this series.
There are a million ABC board books out there but this is truly wonderful and unique and will make a great read allowed to small children in every home.
As the title and associated series may suggest, this tells a story while highlighting the ABCs within statements on each page.
Those statements follow not just a Biblically accurate story of Christ and God’s people through the Old and New Testaments, but also God’s promises and our need for Christ.
The art is Beautiful as with Clark’s others within this series.
There are a million ABC board books out there but this is truly wonderful and unique and will make a great read allowed to small children in every home.
February 23, 2024
This is a lovely introduction to biblical ideas for very young toddlers and children. It works through the alphabet, but I would not use this book as an introduction to letters as others do a better job for that purpose, in my opinion. To not sacrifice the flow of the biblical narrative, the key letter is not at the beginning of each page, and it disrupts the story to point out the letter or word to the child. It works best to simply read through the story without taking the time for letter instruction. That being said, I'd rather the alphabet learning aspect be lacking than the flow and truthfulness of the biblical narrative. Kevin DeYoung made the right call.
January 7, 2021
Since I now read children's books as much or more than adult books (lol), I figured I'd start a list of kid's books that we've particularly enjoyed.
This one goes through the big story of the Bible in the format of an ABC book, and the art is very cool!
This one goes through the big story of the Bible in the format of an ABC book, and the art is very cool!
February 29, 2024
One 2CV, and one semi-2CV. Otherwise a great book!
May 22, 2021
This is an excellent introduction to the story of salvation for little listeners!
October 12, 2018
The illustrations are beautiful and the story is well written. I read this to my children at a friends house and will definitely be purchasing a copy for our home:)
December 28, 2018
Behind-the-scenes video (plus preview of entire book) here.
Surely KD could have picked a better word for G than "Gnats."
Surely KD could have picked a better word for G than "Gnats."
December 3, 2020
Beautiful illustrations. Great idea. Too high-concept for the form. Misses the main point of an ABC boardbook. This genre, after all, is aimed at young toddlers. Each "letter word" here is buried in a sentence which is probably beyond the comprehension-level of the intended audience.
April 9, 2018
3.5 stars. Great art work. We loved the original Biggest Story but this seemed almost like an attempt to make more money off the same product. The content is meh.
August 1, 2023
This originally appeared in Grandpappy's Corner at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
WHAT'S THE BIGGEST STORY ABC ABOUT?
This is an ABC book with a twist—DeYoung uses the alphabet to tell (in an age-appropriate way) to tell the story of Creation and Redemption from
to
LET'S TALK ABOUT THE ART FOR A MINUT
On the whole, the art was stunning. It's not at all the typical board book art. It's not cute or bubbly. I think it's pretty eye-catching, and striking. I'm not sure exactly how the Board Book-Set would appreciate it, but maybe just because it doesn't look like every other book they get, they'll be interested?
Or maybe it'll be the colors that get them. I'm not sure.
Thankfully, there are examples on Crossway's site so I don't have to try to describe this. Here are the K and L pages so you can get an idea:
HOW IS IT TO READ ALOUD?
It's fine—there are no rhymes, there's no consistent rhythm or pattern or anything like that. This book isn't about that kind of thing—it's simple and straightforward text. Easy to read and easy to understand.
I HAVE A PROBLEM
The Reformed Confessions and Catechisms are pretty clear—no pictures of members of the Godhead. But, this book contains some images of Jesus. I realize that DeYoung argues against this interpretation in his book on the Heidelberg Catechism (a pretty good, but not great book), so at least he's consistent.
Given that many of the readers (or at least buyers) of this book are going to be from the Reformed or Presbyterian traditions. Why risk offending them?
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT THE BIGGEST STORY ABC?
The way DeYoung told the story of redemptive history was great. He had to get inventive (a less charitable take might say that he really stretched things, but he managed) with the way he used a couple of letters to stick with the storyline, but it was really a fantastic job.
The text is great, and I'd eagerly recommend the book based on it. But a board book/picture book for kids is never just about the text. It's also about the pictures and the way the book looks. And because of the Second Commandment violations, I just can't recommend it.
---
WHAT'S THE BIGGEST STORY ABC ABOUT?
This is an ABC book with a twist—DeYoung uses the alphabet to tell (in an age-appropriate way) to tell the story of Creation and Redemption from
In the beginning, God created Adam and Eve.
to
One Day we will live forever in Zion, the new world God is preparing for those who love him.
LET'S TALK ABOUT THE ART FOR A MINUT
On the whole, the art was stunning. It's not at all the typical board book art. It's not cute or bubbly. I think it's pretty eye-catching, and striking. I'm not sure exactly how the Board Book-Set would appreciate it, but maybe just because it doesn't look like every other book they get, they'll be interested?
Or maybe it'll be the colors that get them. I'm not sure.
Thankfully, there are examples on Crossway's site so I don't have to try to describe this. Here are the K and L pages so you can get an idea:
HOW IS IT TO READ ALOUD?
It's fine—there are no rhymes, there's no consistent rhythm or pattern or anything like that. This book isn't about that kind of thing—it's simple and straightforward text. Easy to read and easy to understand.
I HAVE A PROBLEM
The Reformed Confessions and Catechisms are pretty clear—no pictures of members of the Godhead. But, this book contains some images of Jesus. I realize that DeYoung argues against this interpretation in his book on the Heidelberg Catechism (a pretty good, but not great book), so at least he's consistent.
Given that many of the readers (or at least buyers) of this book are going to be from the Reformed or Presbyterian traditions. Why risk offending them?
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT THE BIGGEST STORY ABC?
The way DeYoung told the story of redemptive history was great. He had to get inventive (a less charitable take might say that he really stretched things, but he managed) with the way he used a couple of letters to stick with the storyline, but it was really a fantastic job.
The text is great, and I'd eagerly recommend the book based on it. But a board book/picture book for kids is never just about the text. It's also about the pictures and the way the book looks. And because of the Second Commandment violations, I just can't recommend it.
April 2, 2018
This is a children’s book written by Christian pastor, theological professor and Christian writer Kevin DeYoung. DeYoung is probably better known for his works for an adult Christian general audience. This is what I believe his second children’s book and he brings his writing skill to share biblical truths in a way that is accessible to his specific audience which in this instance is for children ages 1 to 3.
I love how the author wrote this book based upon the ABCs of the English alphabet. For instance A is for Adam and DeYoung tells us that in the beginning God created Adam and Eve. Parents reading this to their children will be able to expose their kids not only to biblical truths but also to the Alphabet. I thought it was pretty cool with how the book was a “biblical theology” marching from Genesis to Revelation beginning with God’s creation and ending with God’s new creation. It’s kind of neat to see that summary of the Bible! Each Alphabet covers a page that has a picture of the word of that letter.
Since it is a children’s book of course there is illustrations. The illustrator Don Clark at times gives pictures that are more abstract and maybe too abstract for the children. I know that in my reading to the kids they did ask me what does the picture has to do with what was read. Yet at other times the pictures are concrete and enjoyable and a delight for my children. For those who are concern with second commandment issues with images of Jesus this booklet is illustrated with that consideration. As a whole I did enjoy this book’s illustration and also the colors throughout the book. This cardboard book is handsome and printed in quality material.
I recommend this book because it is kids tested and theologian approved.
I love how the author wrote this book based upon the ABCs of the English alphabet. For instance A is for Adam and DeYoung tells us that in the beginning God created Adam and Eve. Parents reading this to their children will be able to expose their kids not only to biblical truths but also to the Alphabet. I thought it was pretty cool with how the book was a “biblical theology” marching from Genesis to Revelation beginning with God’s creation and ending with God’s new creation. It’s kind of neat to see that summary of the Bible! Each Alphabet covers a page that has a picture of the word of that letter.
Since it is a children’s book of course there is illustrations. The illustrator Don Clark at times gives pictures that are more abstract and maybe too abstract for the children. I know that in my reading to the kids they did ask me what does the picture has to do with what was read. Yet at other times the pictures are concrete and enjoyable and a delight for my children. For those who are concern with second commandment issues with images of Jesus this booklet is illustrated with that consideration. As a whole I did enjoy this book’s illustration and also the colors throughout the book. This cardboard book is handsome and printed in quality material.
I recommend this book because it is kids tested and theologian approved.
August 5, 2017
A Different & Unusual ABC Board Book
Most ABC board books for small children use the letters of the alphabet to focus on a single word like Apple or Ball. Instead Kevin DeYoung tells the story of creation, the fall of mankind, then the message of the Old Testament melds into the salvation of the world through God sending Jesus Christ. The combination of the focused message is combined with the beautiful illustrations from Don Clark.
Instead of the normal where each letter is focused on a single word, DeYoung has the particular word in a sentence for that letter. For example, M “They needed a Messiah to make things right.” Or N “But God’s people were Naughty almost all the time.” The distinctions make the text more flexible than the normal ABC book and entertaining for young children. The creative twists with THE BIGGEST STORY ABC make this book a hit with young readers and something parents will enjoy reading repeatedly. I recommend this book.
Most ABC board books for small children use the letters of the alphabet to focus on a single word like Apple or Ball. Instead Kevin DeYoung tells the story of creation, the fall of mankind, then the message of the Old Testament melds into the salvation of the world through God sending Jesus Christ. The combination of the focused message is combined with the beautiful illustrations from Don Clark.
Instead of the normal where each letter is focused on a single word, DeYoung has the particular word in a sentence for that letter. For example, M “They needed a Messiah to make things right.” Or N “But God’s people were Naughty almost all the time.” The distinctions make the text more flexible than the normal ABC book and entertaining for young children. The creative twists with THE BIGGEST STORY ABC make this book a hit with young readers and something parents will enjoy reading repeatedly. I recommend this book.
December 6, 2017
DeYoung walks readers through God's plan for humanity and salvation as outlined in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation by using one sentence phrases that highlight and explain one term that starts (or incorporates for X) the letter of the alphabet.
This is an exemplary work of summarizing the message of the Bible succinctly and doing it chronologically AND alphabetically. There are people who have written entire multi-volume doorstoppers to say what DeYoung says in just 26 sentences. Kids should find it attractive and adults should find it a good avenue to talk about God's plan of salvation through Jesus, how the Bible stories fit into that plan, and other basics of Christianity. A fantastic picture book for Christian families and schools.
This is an exemplary work of summarizing the message of the Bible succinctly and doing it chronologically AND alphabetically. There are people who have written entire multi-volume doorstoppers to say what DeYoung says in just 26 sentences. Kids should find it attractive and adults should find it a good avenue to talk about God's plan of salvation through Jesus, how the Bible stories fit into that plan, and other basics of Christianity. A fantastic picture book for Christian families and schools.
August 7, 2017
This is a beautifully simple, theologically sound ABC storybook. The overall story of the Bible is all there and flows smoothly even with the alphabetical constraints. Though geared for children ages 1-3, I think a slightly older child could memorize this book and have a good basic understanding of God’s story. It’s written well and has interesting though somewhat abstract pictures to go with each page.
This is the board book version of “The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden.”
Thank you to Crossway for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. I was not required to leave a review. All opinions are my own.
This is the board book version of “The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden.”
Thank you to Crossway for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. I was not required to leave a review. All opinions are my own.
August 29, 2017
I loved "The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden" and didn't think you could net the essence of the Bible down to much shorter of a story but Kevin DeYoung has done it with his new book "The Biggest Story ABC Board Book. In 26 phrases he has captured the essence of God's love for his people (us!) and how Jesus not only rescues us from our sins but is our Victor and how we will get to live with him some day.
I recommend this board book for everyone who wants to understand the essence of the Christian faith as presented in the Bible whether you have a baby to read it to or not.
I recommend this board book for everyone who wants to understand the essence of the Christian faith as presented in the Bible whether you have a baby to read it to or not.
July 10, 2017
This is the most beautiful Bible alphabet board book I have ever seen. Not your typical "B is for Bible", this book has a message of salvation from creation to Christ, with beautifully colored illustrations that are both classic and modern at the same time. This reads in a very normal and natural way to the child on your lap or in your cradle roll or Bible class. Wonderfully done! This book is a must for church collections, libraries of all kinds - public and book mobiles, and is perfect for gift giving for new babies, and toddlers. Stunning!
July 11, 2017
This is a neat children's book that marches through the Bible, from Creation to Resurrection, with the guidance of the ABCs. There are colorful illustrations that help engage the young reader in the story of the Gospel. I would recommend this book to parents who desire to teach their young children about the Bible in a fun and exciting way. It would be an excellent addition to church libraries and Sunday school classrooms.
I received this as a free ARC from Crossway on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this as a free ARC from Crossway on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2023
I love this book. The artistry is a magnificent delight of color and design. The story of God is told with emphasis on a key word that uses that pages letter of the alphabet.
A- In the beginning, God created Adam and Eve.
B- Everything was Beautiful in God's good world.
Y- But more importantly, he is the Yes and Amen to all of God's promises.
Z- One day we will live forever in Zion, the new world God is preparing for those who love him.
The book is well done on all levels and if you want to hear the rest of the story, you should buy it...or read God's word!
A- In the beginning, God created Adam and Eve.
B- Everything was Beautiful in God's good world.
Y- But more importantly, he is the Yes and Amen to all of God's promises.
Z- One day we will live forever in Zion, the new world God is preparing for those who love him.
The book is well done on all levels and if you want to hear the rest of the story, you should buy it...or read God's word!
January 6, 2018
I have used and read a lot of board books. I believe this book to be of a higher quality of material than typical board books. That being said, the book goes through the ABC with a biblical theme. The pictures and each page keep my children engaged and interested throughout the whole book. It has become a favorite of ours and one that we read on a regular basis.
January 24, 2018
Very encouraging and helpful book! Puts the Bible into perspective for those who are developing their understanding of the English language! I was uplifted by how simple yet profound this book was. While I do not have kids yet I was pushed in the direction to help them learn their alphabet by learning words that relate to Christ and God!
November 6, 2022
A very nicely done book of letters. The illustrations are purposeful, mysterious, colorful, and captivating. The concepts are slightly beyond my toddler’s ability, but he loves it anyway. We liked the pictures and tried to say the words that go with each letter. The rhythm of the story is well crafted, and the gospel story well told.
August 2, 2017
This is an excellent board book connecting the learning of the ABCs to the telling of the Biblical narrative. Each sentence is brief, and moves the narrative along. The illustrations from Don Clark and bright and fun.
Read more at http://jasoncstanley.com/book-review-...
Read more at http://jasoncstanley.com/book-review-...
February 26, 2019
Great little board book for story time with very young children. The message is deep enough for older children, but the book would appeal to younger kids and mothers. The content is top notch. It teaches the story of redemption from beginning to end.
October 6, 2020
I love this book. What a wonderful way for children to learn the ABCs than to relate each letter to the Gospel? The illustrations are colorful and a child could look at them to discover many colors and patterns.
September 6, 2022
I liked this abc book that tells that story of the entire Bible from A to Z. I only had a couple issues, one of the letters (x) wasn’t the best. But to be fair no word that starts with x fits. And I wish the picture of the judges included Deborah. But overall a great child’s Bible story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews