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Bible Sleuth: New Testament
Based on the Where’s Waldo concept and adapted for Bible themes, Bible New Testament introduces young readers to stories about Jesus and the early church, while engaging them in seek-and-find activities. Perfect for young Bible sleuths, complete with activities that take readers back to Biblical times.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published May 9, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 21, 2017
I have heard the stats that only two in ten millennials attend church regularly. Why? I blame Martin Handford, creator of the Where's Waldo series (Where's Wally in the UK). Because of him, a generation of kids, in the late 80's and 90's, stopped looking for Jesus and instead asked 'Where's Waldo?' It was more detrimental to childhood faith development than Bill Nye the Science Guy explaining away theism.
Thankfully, we now have Bible Sleuth: New Testament. Mike, an adventure-loving little boy, sporting an orange and red painter's cap, a red and white striped t-shirt and yellow overall shorts (an outfit which was last seen in 1991 worn by R&B sensations TLC) explores the New Testament. Unlike Waldo, who trekked across the globe, urban centers, and visited other cultures, Mike restricts his exploration to Bible Stories alone. So when you hunt for Mike and other figures in each scene, you are sure to only learn the Bible and not any new, subversive ideas. Doesn't that sound much safer?
I'm kidding. There are tons of kids' search books of a wide variety, and Bible Sleuth stands in a long tradition of Christian children's books making use of the same idea. Bible Sleuth illustrator, José Pérez Montero has previously illustrated Seek & Find Bible Stories (Zonderkids, 2008, with author Carl Anker Mortensen) and I have reviewed similar kids books here before (see here or here).
Here is the thing though, when it comes to kids book reviews, my critical faculties pretty much go out the window and I end up saying things like, "My kids like it, so I like it." And this is true again. My oldest, who is nearing ten, my seven-year-old, my six-year-old all enjoy it. My two-year-old likes the pictures though hasn't demonstrated the patience required to find everything (though he is really great at Where's Elmo). All of us get annoyed that invariably one of the people we are looking for in the picture is barely cresting out from the center crease. But such is life.
But one of the things I always try to pay attention to in Children's Bible books, "How white is everybody?" I remember a friend observing that Jesus' family once hid in Egpyt, so you know he must have had some color. And yet Little Mike and his pasty legs blend in pretty well to these pages, because of how white all the middle Eastern Palestinians seem to be. At least Jesus has brown hair and not blonde locks, that is until he is surrounded by a crowd of ONLY white people in John's Revelation 19 vision (and the final scene in the book). Hair color throughout ranges from red, to brown and blonde.[The Tyndale site identifies the author of this book, as Scandinavia Publishing House, which may explain some this].
My kids like it and that means something, but on cultural accuracy and sensitivity, I find this book wanting. I give it a middle of the road review. -3 stars.
Notice of material connection: I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review
Thankfully, we now have Bible Sleuth: New Testament. Mike, an adventure-loving little boy, sporting an orange and red painter's cap, a red and white striped t-shirt and yellow overall shorts (an outfit which was last seen in 1991 worn by R&B sensations TLC) explores the New Testament. Unlike Waldo, who trekked across the globe, urban centers, and visited other cultures, Mike restricts his exploration to Bible Stories alone. So when you hunt for Mike and other figures in each scene, you are sure to only learn the Bible and not any new, subversive ideas. Doesn't that sound much safer?
I'm kidding. There are tons of kids' search books of a wide variety, and Bible Sleuth stands in a long tradition of Christian children's books making use of the same idea. Bible Sleuth illustrator, José Pérez Montero has previously illustrated Seek & Find Bible Stories (Zonderkids, 2008, with author Carl Anker Mortensen) and I have reviewed similar kids books here before (see here or here).
Here is the thing though, when it comes to kids book reviews, my critical faculties pretty much go out the window and I end up saying things like, "My kids like it, so I like it." And this is true again. My oldest, who is nearing ten, my seven-year-old, my six-year-old all enjoy it. My two-year-old likes the pictures though hasn't demonstrated the patience required to find everything (though he is really great at Where's Elmo). All of us get annoyed that invariably one of the people we are looking for in the picture is barely cresting out from the center crease. But such is life.
But one of the things I always try to pay attention to in Children's Bible books, "How white is everybody?" I remember a friend observing that Jesus' family once hid in Egpyt, so you know he must have had some color. And yet Little Mike and his pasty legs blend in pretty well to these pages, because of how white all the middle Eastern Palestinians seem to be. At least Jesus has brown hair and not blonde locks, that is until he is surrounded by a crowd of ONLY white people in John's Revelation 19 vision (and the final scene in the book). Hair color throughout ranges from red, to brown and blonde.[The Tyndale site identifies the author of this book, as Scandinavia Publishing House, which may explain some this].
My kids like it and that means something, but on cultural accuracy and sensitivity, I find this book wanting. I give it a middle of the road review. -3 stars.
Notice of material connection: I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review
July 24, 2017
My grandchildren absolutely love these search-and-find story books and when the emphasis is on Bible themes they are truly a go-to product to acquire. In this new publication illustrated by José Pérez Montero the young reader (I think upwards to age 12) will enjoy searching out the hidden characters (shown in a sidebar). Each two page spread is a story with the text in a side paragraph briefly presenting the Biblical story. The pages are simply packed with humorously drawn characters. They seem to nicely represent the middle eastern individual in appearance and dress and are presented in a somewhat caricature style.
Cute young "current times" Mike is also frolicking amongst the Biblical times characters and Mike is wearing his ball cap and red striped shirt. Also on a funny note, there is a wheelchair and a kid on a scooter. What else can the reader find that is funny?
The stories include Jesus' birth and childhood as well as his earthly ministry. Jesus clearing the temple is packed with action. Then after Christ's death (not covered here), Pentecost, the apostles healing, and Stephen's death are stories covered. These are not usually covered in a young child's book and I found it refreshing to see them given this attention and gentle presentation.
Concluding the book is "A Crowd of People Praising God." This is a stylized version of Revelation 19:6-9 when God gave John a vision of heaven and of a large crowd of people praising God. Since no one knows what God looks like or what heaven will actually be like, this interpretation is as good as any. It is an imaginative interpretation and o.k.
I like these books because they grab the child's attenation and he or she focuses on action that is coordinated with a Bible story. This imprints the Bible story in the child's mind quite nicely and affords future recollection.
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by Tyndale Blog Network to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and freely given.
Cute young "current times" Mike is also frolicking amongst the Biblical times characters and Mike is wearing his ball cap and red striped shirt. Also on a funny note, there is a wheelchair and a kid on a scooter. What else can the reader find that is funny?
The stories include Jesus' birth and childhood as well as his earthly ministry. Jesus clearing the temple is packed with action. Then after Christ's death (not covered here), Pentecost, the apostles healing, and Stephen's death are stories covered. These are not usually covered in a young child's book and I found it refreshing to see them given this attention and gentle presentation.
Concluding the book is "A Crowd of People Praising God." This is a stylized version of Revelation 19:6-9 when God gave John a vision of heaven and of a large crowd of people praising God. Since no one knows what God looks like or what heaven will actually be like, this interpretation is as good as any. It is an imaginative interpretation and o.k.
I like these books because they grab the child's attenation and he or she focuses on action that is coordinated with a Bible story. This imprints the Bible story in the child's mind quite nicely and affords future recollection.
DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy by Tyndale Blog Network to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and freely given.
July 16, 2017
Bible Sleuth: New Testament Illustrated by Jose Perez Montero
A million different red and white striped Waldo's cover the page and you are supposed to find the one with a ski cap and green glasses? The series of books devoted to finding Waldo were both fun and darn near frustrating at the same time. The same idea holds here for the new book, Bible Sleuth: New Testament illustrated by Jose Perez Montero. The book looks at particularly significant themes int he NT such as the birth of Jesus and the Beatitudes and also includes a synopsis of what's going on in the story. The illustrations and the characters that you are supposed to find are very large and that is good, because you don't want to hunt for hours for Mary.
The illustrations in the book were both fascinating and humorous. On the section where The Apostles Heals many, you have Roman guards looking sternly at the people while a man in the past confined to a wheelchair is pushing his chair down the way careening into onlookers. The book is primarily geared toward younger ages, (2-5) but my 8 year old enjoyed it also. The good thing also about the book is that it points younger children back to the original Scriptures where the story came from, so that their parental units can read the story while they see it imagined out on the page in picture form. I think many parents and young children will enjoy this book and have an adventure trying to find the characters on the page.
Thanks to Tyndale Publisher for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A million different red and white striped Waldo's cover the page and you are supposed to find the one with a ski cap and green glasses? The series of books devoted to finding Waldo were both fun and darn near frustrating at the same time. The same idea holds here for the new book, Bible Sleuth: New Testament illustrated by Jose Perez Montero. The book looks at particularly significant themes int he NT such as the birth of Jesus and the Beatitudes and also includes a synopsis of what's going on in the story. The illustrations and the characters that you are supposed to find are very large and that is good, because you don't want to hunt for hours for Mary.
The illustrations in the book were both fascinating and humorous. On the section where The Apostles Heals many, you have Roman guards looking sternly at the people while a man in the past confined to a wheelchair is pushing his chair down the way careening into onlookers. The book is primarily geared toward younger ages, (2-5) but my 8 year old enjoyed it also. The good thing also about the book is that it points younger children back to the original Scriptures where the story came from, so that their parental units can read the story while they see it imagined out on the page in picture form. I think many parents and young children will enjoy this book and have an adventure trying to find the characters on the page.
Thanks to Tyndale Publisher for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2017
If you were anything like me, then your childhood might have included the well-known I Spy or Where's Waldo books. I remember laying in bed with my mom and searching for all those hidden items. So, when I had the chance to review this book, I knew I had to.
Bible Sleuth: New Testament is a fun, look-and-find book that also gives kids the chance to learn a bit about the Bible. Each page is a new scene which corresponds directly with a passage from the Bible. Although the pictures are cartoons and not exact, they do give children at least some idea of what things were like during Bible times. Within each picture, kids will find little tidbits of both truth and humor, all the while learning about different stories from the Bible.
If you are a parent looking for a book that will add a little bit of fun to the Bible, then this might just be the one you are looking for. Kids will love the bright colors and fun illustrations while searching to find the different characters throughout the book. Also, if you are a parent, consider taking a few minutes every once in a while to go through this book with your little one. It might not seem like much, but trust me, they will forever remember those moments!
I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review from Tyndale House Publishers.
Bible Sleuth: New Testament is a fun, look-and-find book that also gives kids the chance to learn a bit about the Bible. Each page is a new scene which corresponds directly with a passage from the Bible. Although the pictures are cartoons and not exact, they do give children at least some idea of what things were like during Bible times. Within each picture, kids will find little tidbits of both truth and humor, all the while learning about different stories from the Bible.
If you are a parent looking for a book that will add a little bit of fun to the Bible, then this might just be the one you are looking for. Kids will love the bright colors and fun illustrations while searching to find the different characters throughout the book. Also, if you are a parent, consider taking a few minutes every once in a while to go through this book with your little one. It might not seem like much, but trust me, they will forever remember those moments!
I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review from Tyndale House Publishers.
May 6, 2017
Children in the 1990's had fun with books like Where's Waldo and I Spy. Now Tyndale Publishers with illustrator Jose´Pe´rez Montero have created the Bible Sleuth for the kids of today to enjoy.
In this book; however, one must find Bible characters the are under the "look for" column on the opposite page.
The book has 29 pages with lots of drawings and they are all about the Bible. For example, on page 9 the pages are about Jesus Clears the Temple. This is also somewhat like the "old" can you find it pictures.
There is a short explanation/verse from the Bible about the story and a Bible reference.
I thought this would be an easy book. But, honestly, as an adult the pictures were a challenge for find. This is good! The pictures are great for keeping children entwined for an extended length of time.
However, we did realize that it may be best for each child to have a book so that arguing about the pictures is not such a challenge for the adult. 😊
The age range for this book is 4-7 years old but kids 8-10 liked it as well.
This book makes a nice gift or just a nice book to put in your child's "bored summer box."
*This book was provided for review by Tyndale*
In this book; however, one must find Bible characters the are under the "look for" column on the opposite page.
The book has 29 pages with lots of drawings and they are all about the Bible. For example, on page 9 the pages are about Jesus Clears the Temple. This is also somewhat like the "old" can you find it pictures.
There is a short explanation/verse from the Bible about the story and a Bible reference.
I thought this would be an easy book. But, honestly, as an adult the pictures were a challenge for find. This is good! The pictures are great for keeping children entwined for an extended length of time.
However, we did realize that it may be best for each child to have a book so that arguing about the pictures is not such a challenge for the adult. 😊
The age range for this book is 4-7 years old but kids 8-10 liked it as well.
This book makes a nice gift or just a nice book to put in your child's "bored summer box."
*This book was provided for review by Tyndale*
May 8, 2017
`Bible Sleuth: New Testament` Is a puzzle book for children illustrated by Jose Perez Montero. Each page has a summarized Bible story with the scripture address listed with it. This book reminds me of the hunt & find books my children had when they were growing up. On the sidebar, the child will find a list of pictures to find in the hidden pictures puzzle. It took me an hour to sit and read and find the hidden pictures. Each picture has, Mike, a modern day boy to find. Once I found a rhythm to the puzzles I was able to find them faster.
The books cover is vibrant in color and has a detailed picture like the ones the child will find once opening the book. The text for the book was written by Vanessa Carroll. The primary medium used in the illustrations is drawings. The only thing I didn't like about this book is that some of the hidden pictures are hidden in the crease between the two pages.
I recommend this book to children ages 8-12, younger if they have a long attention span.
Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own."
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews