Thursday, November 15, 2012

Bible Detective Written by Peter Martin and illustrated by Peter Kent

Young detectives will never tire of this picture-search puzzle book. Readers can pore over 17 cleverly illustrated scenes of Bible events to find the answers to the questions posed on each page. Some puzzles involve looking for details of everyday life, others highlight things that happened in the Bible stories--offering hours of fun to readers as they search for the answers.

With lots to find, this kind of picture book is particularly great for reluctant readers and visual learners, helping all children get an overview of the Bible's history and content as they super-sleuth their way through the book. Warning: may be addictive.

My review:

I don't review many books for this age group, but thought this one looked really cool, and am always on the look out for good books for my nieces and nephews. I can't find an intended age group on the book, but I would guess ages 6-9 or so. Good reading ability is definitely needed, or assist from an adult.

There is a short Bible story, and a picture that covers two pages. Kind of reminiscent of the "Where's Waldo?" books, the child then has several items or people to locate in the picture. For instance, in the story about Noah: "Noah's wife needs water to make bread. Spot her daughter-in-law bringing water from the river." There is a picture of a young woman with a water pot beside that, and the child has to find the same woman in the large picture.

The book is really neat. In addition to finding things and people in pictures like the Waldo books, it also has a short Bible story/lesson and objects to find from the story. Although I am way beyond the intended age level for the book, I found it a lot of fun, and kids will love it. Highly recommended.

About the authors:

Peter Martin has developed a wide knowledge of Biblical history during his many year working in religious education. He acted as advisor on The Lion Bible In Its Time.

Peter Kent's focus as an illustrator is bringing historical scenes to life with humor and detail that appeals to children. He has been illustrating for over 30 years and has created over 12,000 illustrations for children's books. 

Bible Detective is available from Kregel Publishing.

Thanks to Kregel for the review copy.

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