Published by Zonderkidz on August 17, 2021
Genres: Children's, Bible Stories
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“Love is patient, love is kind.” These familiar words from the Bible begin one of its most beloved and recognized passages. Love Is brings the text of 1 Corinthians 13 to life through an illustrative exploration of God’s greatest gift to us.
Critically acclaimed artist Paola Escobar delivers beautiful, nature-filled illustrations , reminding us that love is a constant positive force in the lives of those touched by it–from beginning to end, through good times and tough times.
This beautiful, jacketed hardcover:
Will appeal to parents and grandparents of children ages 4-8Draws directly from the New International Reader’s Version of the Holy BibleFeatures stunning illustrations by award-winning artist Paola EscobarIs perfect for gift-giving for Christmas, Valentine’s Day and birthdaysIs especially giftable for anniversaries, engagements or weddingsLove Is shares imaginative, thought-provoking depictions of the concepts found in 1 Corinthians 13, presenting opportunities for thoughtful conversations about love, selflessness, service, humility, honor, self control, trust, hope and perseverance. Read this picture book aloud to someone you love ... over and over again.
1 Corinthians 13 is one of the most famous chapters in the Bible. Known as “The Love Chapter,” this 13 verse treatise on love from Paul to the church in Corinth has been the subject of countless sermons, the text at many a wedding, and even featured in songs and Presidential speeches. With quick, punchy sentences, the text is easily memorized and quite dramatic when spoken aloud. It is, in sum, a rhetorical masterpiece.
Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not want what belongs to others. It does not brag. It is not proud. It does not dishonor other people. It does not look out for its own interests. It does not easily become angry. It does not keep track of other people’s wrongs. Love is not happy with evil. But it is full of joy when the truth is spoken. It always protects. It always trusts. It always hopes. It never gives up. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NIrV)
Love is takes the text above and places it within the beautiful artwork of award-winning Columbian illustrator Paola Escobar. Escobar’s work is magnificent, telling a silent story unto itself. The first panels depict a tiny plant just emerging from the ground, but it grows and grows. Animals big and small come to it for nourishment and safety as the seasons change and the world moves ever onward. Things change, but the tree continues to grow and grow, a constant amid all the uncertainty. Not even a forest fire can take it down. It’s a beautifully and elegantly told story unto itself and captures the nature of love with both abstract generality and concrete specificity. It’s absolutely incredible.
The text of the book is taken from the New International Reader’s Version (NIrV), an official adaptation of the very popular NIV meant for English learners and young readers that is at about a third-grade level. The NIrV is my personal go-to for teaching young children and its translation of this passage grasps the truth of the text in a very simple and easy to understand way.
Whether you simply want your kids to reflect on the text or memorize it, Love is is a beautiful way of presenting this portion of Scripture. Absolutely magnificent.