A Heartfelt Introduction to Faith: Review of First 100: Bible Words by Roger Priddy

There’s something magical about introducing faith to a child—the gentle unfolding of biblical stories, the warmth of devotion, and the joy of shared learning. First 100: Bible Words by Roger Priddy is more than just a children’s book; it’s a gateway to spiritual discovery for the youngest readers. Designed for babies and toddlers, this board book blends vibrant imagery with foundational biblical vocabulary, making it an ideal first step in nurturing a child’s faith.

As a parent or caregiver, you might wonder: How do I begin teaching faith in a way that’s engaging and age-appropriate? Priddy’s book answers that question beautifully. But does it succeed in balancing simplicity with meaningful content? Let’s explore this charming book in depth.

A Simple Yet Meaningful Structure

First 100: Bible Words follows a straightforward but effective format. True to its title, it introduces 100 key words associated with the Bible, grouped into thematic categories like:

  • People of Faith (e.g., Noah, Mary, Jesus)
  • Places & Symbols (e.g., Bethlehem, cross, ark)
  • Objects & Concepts (e.g., prayer, love, angel)

Each word is paired with a bright, colorful illustration, making it visually appealing for little ones. The book doesn’t tell full stories but instead serves as a primer—a way to familiarize babies with biblical terms before diving into deeper narratives later.

Character Analysis & Development: Introducing Biblical Figures

Since this is a word primer rather than a storybook, there isn’t traditional character development. However, Priddy does an excellent job selecting figures who are central to the Bible:

  • Jesus (depicted with warmth and approachability)
  • Moses (shown with the Ten Commandments)
  • David (illustrated with his harp)

The illustrations humanize these figures in a way that’s relatable for children, avoiding overly complex details while still capturing their essence. Parents can expand on these images by telling simplified versions of their stories, making the book a springboard for deeper discussions.

Writing Style & Narrative Technique: Perfect for Little Learners

Priddy’s approach is minimalist yet intentional. The book relies on:

  • Single-word labeling (great for vocabulary building)
  • Bold, high-contrast illustrations (ideal for developing eyesight)
  • Durable board pages (made to withstand tiny, eager hands)

There’s no narrative arc, but the sequencing—grouping related words together—creates a subtle sense of storytelling. For example, seeing “shepherd,” “lamb,” and “staff” side by side can prompt parents to briefly explain the 23rd Psalm or the Nativity.

Themes & Deeper Meanings: Planting Seeds of Faith

While simple, the book carries profound themes:

  • Divine Love (words like “grace,” “mercy,” and “forgiveness”)
  • Community & Belonging (terms like “family,” “church,” and “friends”)
  • Miracles & Wonders (“rainbow,” “star,” “loaves”)

These words plant early seeds of theological understanding. A toddler won’t grasp the full depth of “redemption,” but hearing it early makes it familiar—something to grow into.

Personal Reading Experience: Why This Book Resonates

Reading this with my own child, I was struck by how naturally it sparked curiosity. Pointing to “Jonah” led to a toddler-friendly version of the whale story. The image of “Bethlehem” became a chance to hum Away in a Manger.

The book’s strength lies in its flexibility—it’s as interactive as you make it. Some parents might simply name the words; others might weave mini-lessons around them. Either way, it fosters bonding through faith.

Comparison to Other Children’s Bible Books

Compared to other early Bible books:

  • More visual than narrative-driven (unlike The Jesus Storybook Bible)
  • More faith-focused than general word books (unlike Priddy’s First 100 Words)
  • Simpler than theological primers (unlike The Big Picture Story Bible)

It fills a unique niche—a first Bible vocabulary book rather than a full story collection.

Strengths & Minor Weaknesses

Strengths:

✅ Engaging visuals – Bright, clear illustrations hold attention.
✅ Durable design – Thick pages survive teething and tossing.
✅ Faith foundation – Introduces key concepts without overwhelming.

Minor Weaknesses:

❌ Limited storytelling – Parents must supplement with oral storytelling.
❌ Some abstract terms – Words like “faith” or “obedience” may need extra explanation.

Still, these are minor quibbles given the book’s intended purpose.

Target Audience: Who Is This Book For?

  • Ages 0-3 – Perfect for babies and toddlers.
  • Christian families – Especially those wanting early faith exposure.
  • Gift-givers – A great baptism, birthday, or Easter present.

It’s less suited for older kids or those seeking detailed Bible stories.

Memorable Quotes & Passages

Since the book is word-based, here are a few standout terms that spark conversation:

  • “Jesus” – The centerpiece of the book, depicted with a kind expression.
  • “Rainbow” – A natural lead-in to Noah’s Ark.
  • “Prayer” – Opens discussions about talking to God.

Cultural & Historical Context

The Bible’s influence on Western culture makes this book more than just religious instruction—it’s also cultural literacy. Recognizing “Moses” or “Jericho” early helps kids engage with art, literature, and history later.

Final Verdict: A Beautiful First Step in Faith

First 100: Bible Words is a delightful, purposeful book that makes early faith learning joyful. While it doesn’t replace full Bible stories, it prepares the way—giving children a vocabulary of devotion to grow into.

If you’re looking for a gentle, sturdy, and visually engaging introduction to biblical concepts, this book is a wonderful choice.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

Discussion Questions for Readers:

  • How do you introduce faith concepts to young children?
  • What’s your favorite children’s Bible book?
  • Do you think word-based books like this are effective for early learning?

I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment below! 📖✨

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