Tell Me the Story

Tell Me the Story, written by well-known Christian author Max Lucado, is a collection of short stories that illustrate the truths of the Bible. There are six stories in all, each preceded by a Bible verse. The first story, titled "In the Beginning," takes its quote from Genesis 1:1 (NIV). Other stories use quotes from various parts of the Bible. According to the blurb on the book jacket, the stories are "tiny slices of the larger story of God and His people." The first story is about the Creation as told by the angel Michael. It offers a unique perspective on how and why the universe was created. "Morning" is about the Crucifixion, and "Warfare" is a story that illustrates how the angels protect us in our everyday lives. The illustrations, done by award-winning artist Ron DiCianni, are few but they are masterpieces of exquisite detail, full of color and light. What I Like: I like the variety of the stories in the book. I also like the nuggets of wisdom imbedded in each story and the beautiful illustrations in the book. What I Dislike: This book is not promoted as collection of previously published stories, so readers might feel short-changed when they realize they've read a story before -- or at least a version of it. There are at least three previously published stories in this edition. One of them, titled "Too Late," is basically a rewrite of one of the author's previous books called Coming Home. The version in this collection is somewhat different from the original, though, as the author changed the ending. However, he didn't change the characters' names, the location, or the basic premise of the original story. This book's "The Fall" was previously published as Because I Love You. "Into His Presence" was previously published as Just the Way You Are. However, I don't know if either story has been rewritten for this edition as I have not personally read the original versions. Overall Rating: Excellent. Age Appeal: 9-12 is the suggested reading level for this book. But, in the Introduction to the book, Max Lucado says, "These stories and paintings are for children from six to sixty who desire to see God." I don't think children as young as 6 would find much of interest in this book. I'd say you'd have to be at least 9 or 10 to even begin understand most of it. This book is geared more for the older set, teenagers through adults." Christine M. Irvin - Christian Children's Book Review

This book should be used by parents to engage their children both visually and emotionaly about truths of life. The hidden messages in the pictures followed by a story illustration help sink principles deep into the hearts of young & old alike. In Him, Dr. Carl

Max Lucado is truly gifted. This beautiful, gentle book is truly a gift. This book is a compilation of Biblical accounts accompanied with first rate illustrations. It is an excellent teaching tool and families, educators and lay people alike will always find something useful in this book they can draw from.This book will most likely stir up powerful emotions and certain passages are indeed, quite moving. The illustrations are masterpieces and the nearness of God's love is the theme that runs throughout the book. It is a very comforting book and one that will always remain part of one's life. As another reviewer aptly noted, bless these men who have used their talents in a way to impart good.I just can't recommend this book highly enough.

This book was recommended to me by my aunt and as she tried to fullly express her feelings about it I decided to read it to my young sons as bedtime stories. BEAUTIFUL! Very moving, especially if you are familiar with the Bible correlations. I was so overcome with emotion I had to let my oldest son finish reading some of the stories aloud. Since they were young, I explained the moral of the story and how it was based on God's word. Now that they are older, I want to purchase this book and again read the stories to them. Also, I plan to buy "Tell Me the Secrets".

Max Lucado has long been one of my favorite authors, and if the beautifully illustrated cover had not been enough to attract my attention the name on the binding would. Through the use of inspiring and inspired allegories he presents the love of God in a way to touch the spirit and encourage the soul. The lovely drawings only enhance the story. We can only be thankful that these men are using their God-given talents for the forces of good!