Deborah and the Very Big Battle – Tim Thornborough and Jennifer Davison

Deborah and the Very Big Battle Tim Thornborough
Deborah and the Very Big Battle by Tim Thornborough, Jennifer Davison
Also by this author: Moses and the Very Big Rescue, 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
Series: Very Best Bible Stories #7
Published by Good Book Company on November 16, 2020
Genres: Children's, Bible Stories
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four-stars

Teach children that listening to God is always the very best thing to do with this fun retelling of the story of Deborah for 2-5-year-olds.

This is an innovative and faithful retelling of the story of Deborah from the book of Judges, with bright, vivid, fun-filled illustrations by Jennifer Davison and actions so that kids can join in.

Children of 2-5 years olds will discover what happened when God’s people stopped listening, and how God rescued them when two of his people, Deborah and Barak, started listening, and how he helped them to win a very big battle.

Children will learn that listening to God is always the very best thing to do.

This vibrant picture book shares the biblical story of Deborah, emphasizing the way that this prophet listened to God and led others at a time when most of the Israelites were worshiping idols. The text from Tim Thornborough is simple, punchy, and active, and the illustrations from Jennifer Davison are colorful. Deborah and the Very Big Battle is a fun read-aloud, and even though it does not provide any detailed information about the story’s historical context or placement in the biblical narrative, it provides an inspiring snapshot of a moment in time, introducing young children to Deborah’s role in Israel’s history.

Deborah and the Very Big Battle obviously addresses warfare, but even though the text refers to violence in frank and direct ways, the page spread depicting the battle hides most of the action behind a large cloud of dust. Even though highly sensitive readers may feel distressed or have questions about the role of violence in the Old Testament, the book does not focus on the battle. Rather, the story focuses on Deborah’s role as a wise and just leader who listened to God, followed His instructions, and helped lead Israel to victory.

This is a great resource for families, Sunday schools, and church libraries. There are very few resources available that focus on Deborah or on the time period covered in Judges, and this book helps fill in that gap. Because it expresses things in a simple, childlike way, Deborah and the Very Big Battle brings complex political and religious issues down to a young child’s comprehension level, helping them understand the importance of worshiping the true God and listening to Him, regardless of what other people are doing.

four-stars