Book Review— I Wonder: Exploring God’s Grand Story by Glenys Nellist
Y’all know me. I love a good children’s Bible. There have been a lot of good ones in recent years, some of which I have had the privilege to contribute to, and I Wonder: Exploring God’s Grand Story is another good one! Just published today, in this children’s Bible, Glenys Nellist, author of storybooks like The Wonder That Is You and Little Mole Finds Hope, retells popular Bible stories with engaging language.
And, if you’ve been around me at all, you know I love language around WONDERING. Yes, I am fully invested in the Godly Play’s structure of open-ended questioning, and I am delighted to find a Bible for kids that is based on wondering. For so long, children’s ministry has been about teaching kids the “rights and wrongs” about Biblical stories, and doubting and questioning have been discouraged. But no more! Here comes this beautiful children’s Bible, where kids can delve into these ancient stories and find in them something awesome.
From the introduction to the epilogue, Glenys Nellist encourages her young readers to wonder about God's story. Specifically, how they are a part of “God's grand story.” This illustrated Bible is beautifully written, is poetic and personal, and makes the sometimes-stilted Biblical words and concepts easy to understand for children.
How does it measure up to my progressive theology check? Pretty well! There is little theologizing in the story of Jesus' death, which is always important for me to check when I am reading children's Bibles. The story is presented simply and straightforward, and the wondering questions encourage exploration of the emotional landscape the reader might be experiencing while reading about Jesus' death. When possible, stories are told from women's perspectives, such as the woman who anoints Jesus' feet and Jesus' ancestor, Rahab. And there is no gendered language for God...perhaps young readers can even wonder about that!
The art is engaging and vibrant, and the complexion of the people depicted is appropriate to the ancient middle East (read: no white Jesus!). I love the use of color and texture in the art by Alessandra Fusi, and the illustrations will prompt their own wondering questions.
This will be a beautiful children's Bible to share with kids who are ready to use their senses and their emotional intelligence as they explore where they are in God's grand story and in God's family.
Order a copy for a child in your family, for your church library or as a gift for another loved one! Then, prepare to wonder together with all of the readers of this book, and find how you are part of God’s grand story.
Get yours here: https://amzn.to/3Av4LHL
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