Book Review: The Biggest Story Bible Storybook
The Biggest Story Bible Storybook by Kevin DeYoung: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction: A Fresh Take on Timeless Stories
Imagine a Bible storybook that doesn’t just recount familiar tales but weaves them into one grand, redemptive narrative—a story where every hero, every event, points toward Jesus. That’s exactly what The Biggest Story Bible Storybook by Kevin DeYoung accomplishes. With engaging prose and vibrant illustrations by Don Clark, this book isn’t just another children’s Bible; it’s a theological adventure that helps young readers (and even adults) see the Bible as one unified story of God’s love and rescue mission.
If you’re looking for a Bible storybook that goes beyond surface-level retellings and connects the dots from Genesis to Revelation, this might be the perfect choice. But is it right for your family? Let’s dive in.
Plot Summary: The Bible as One Epic Story
Unlike traditional Bible storybooks that present standalone tales, The Biggest Story Bible Storybook is structured to emphasize the Bible’s overarching narrative. DeYoung divides the book into 10 chapters, each highlighting a key biblical theme or era:
- The Garden (Creation & Fall)
- The Snake Crusher (Noah & Abraham)
- The Exodus (Moses & the Red Sea)
- The Warrior Leader (Joshua & Judges)
- The True King (David & Solomon)
- The Man of Sorrows (Prophets & Exile)
- The Birth of the King (Jesus’ Nativity)
- The Miracle Worker (Jesus’ Ministry)
- The Substitute (Jesus’ Death & Resurrection)
- The King of Kings (Revelation & New Creation)
Each chapter builds on the last, reinforcing the idea that every story in the Bible points to Jesus. The retellings are concise yet rich, avoiding oversimplification while remaining accessible for young readers.
Character Analysis & Development: Heroes, Villains, and the Ultimate Rescuer
DeYoung doesn’t just tell stories—he humanizes biblical figures while keeping Christ at the center. Some standout character portrayals include:
- Adam & Eve: Their fall isn’t just a mistake; it’s the inciting incident that sets up God’s rescue plan.
- Moses: Not merely a hero but a flawed leader whose greatest act (the Exodus) foreshadows Jesus’ greater deliverance.
- David: A king who fails yet points to the perfect King to come.
- Jesus: The true protagonist of the Bible, portrayed as the fulfillment of every promise.
The book avoids moralizing (e.g., “Be brave like David!”) and instead emphasizes God’s faithfulness despite human failures.
Writing Style & Narrative Technique: Engaging, Theologically Rich, and Kid-Friendly
DeYoung’s writing is:
✅ Clear & Conversational – He avoids dense theology but doesn’t dumb it down.
✅ Rhythmic & Memorable – Short sentences and repetition make key truths stick.
✅ Christ-Centered – Every story ties back to Jesus in a natural, unforced way.
Example passage:
“The snake was crushed, but not completely. The battle was won, but the war wasn’t over. One day, the Snake Crusher would come again.”
The illustrations by Don Clark are bold, colorful, and slightly abstract, adding a modern artistic flair that stands out from typical Sunday-school visuals.
Thematic Exploration: The Bible’s Grand Storyline
The book’s core theme is redemption—how God’s plan to save His people unfolds across history. Key sub-themes include:
- Promise & Fulfillment (How God’s covenants lead to Christ)
- Kingship (Why humanity needs a perfect ruler)
- Sacrifice & Rescue (From the Passover lamb to the cross)
Parents will appreciate how DeYoung handles difficult topics (sin, judgment, sacrifice) with age-appropriate honesty.
Personal Reading Experience: Why This Book Stands Out
As someone who’s read countless Bible storybooks, I was struck by how theologically deep yet simple this one is. My kids (ages 6 & 8) stayed engaged, and I found myself appreciating the fresh connections between Old and New Testament stories.
The chapter on Revelation was particularly moving—DeYoung doesn’t shy away from the hope of Christ’s return, making it exciting rather than scary.
Comparison to Other Bible Storybooks
How does it stack up against classics like The Jesus Storybook Bible or The Big Picture Story Bible?
| Feature | The Biggest Story | The Jesus Storybook Bible |
|---|---|---|
| Narrative Style | More concise, faster-paced | More lyrical, poetic |
| Artwork | Bold, modern, graphic | Soft, watercolor-like |
| Theological Depth | Strong on biblical theology | Strong on emotional warmth |
Verdict: If you want a tighter, faster-moving version of the Bible’s big story, The Biggest Story is ideal. If you prefer a more emotive, detailed retelling, The Jesus Storybook Bible might suit you better.
Strengths & Minor Weaknesses
Strengths:
✔ Unifies the Bible’s message brilliantly
✔ Artwork is unique and captivating
✔ Great for family devotions (short chapters)
✔ Avoids moralism—focuses on grace
Weaknesses:
❌ Some stories feel abbreviated (e.g., Joseph’s tale is condensed)
❌ Art style may not appeal to everyone (subjective)
Target Audience: Who Is This Book For?
- Kids ages 5-12 (younger ones will need help; older kids can read alone)
- Parents wanting a theologically rich storybook
- Sunday school teachers looking for a fresh resource
- Adults new to the Bible who want a big-picture overview
Memorable Quotes & Passages
“God’s people kept forgetting, but God kept remembering.”
“The best king wasn’t just coming—He was here.”
“One day, the darkness will be gone for good, and the light will win forever.”
Cultural & Historical Context
DeYoung writes from a Reformed Protestant perspective, emphasizing covenant theology and Christ’s centrality. The book avoids denominational debates, making it broadly accessible.
Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Christian Families
The Biggest Story Bible Storybook is one of the best children’s Bibles available today. It’s theologically robust, visually stunning, and narratively compelling—a rare combination. Whether you’re reading to preschoolers or discussing with tweens, this book will help your family see the Bible not as a collection of random stories but as one epic tale of rescue.
🔗 Get the Book: Amazon
Discussion Questions for Readers:
- How does seeing the Bible as one story change the way you read it?
- Which biblical character’s story stood out most to you in this retelling?
- How do you talk to kids about difficult themes (sin, judgment) while keeping it hopeful?
Would you recommend this book to other families? Let’s chat in the comments!
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