Tuesday, January 9, 2018

The World of the Bible: Biblical Stories and the Archaeology Behind Them from National Geographic Kids [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts: This book is not only large in physical size but the time span and subject are enormous in scope providing the young reader an opportunity to whet his or her appetite for life, times, geography and historic impact of those beloved stories from the Judeo-Christian Bible consisting of the Old Testament and the New Testament.

As the Biblical account is read, the following pages provide insight and information into archaeological discoveries that substantiate or grant authenticity to the Biblical account. Those who believe the Bible take it on faith and actually don't need physical proof, yet it is interesting and the pieces of the puzzle that one can actually see are enormously interesting.

I found it interesting that archaeological scholars recount that rivers flow differently from that which they did 4,000 years ago because of changes to the topography caused by earthquakes and other phenomena.

The text can easily be understood by upper elementary students but will also provide enough challenge that the older reader will not become bored but will be mentally encouraged to pursue further information by researching the topics. This is not a standard Bible storybook. It is a retelling of events in the Bible and information gleaned from the world of historical and archaeological research and exploration.


The paintings used to illustrate the stories are identified by title, artist, and year of creation. This is a subtle introduction to young readers to the beautiful art of the centuries from around the World. It is a beautiful presentation of drawings and photographs completed with understandable text and side-bar bites of information. This is a book that should grace the shelves of home libraries as well as public and school libraries. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading through this volume and foresee much potential for its use individually and in a group setting.

Parents should bear in mind that this is a secular publisher and opinions and ideas expressed might not be in agreement with widely held Biblical beliefs of those of the the Jewish or Christian faiths. It is, however, a good source that is well done by a recognized source of said materials.

About the book: 
Have you ever wondered about the real location of the Garden of Eden?  Or how Moses could have parted the Red Sea? The World of the Bible takes the reader back to ancient times to revisit classic Bible stories from the Old and New Testaments, learn fascinating facts about biblical history, and explore that same landscape as archaeologists are studying it today. Stories include the Samson and Delilah, Joseph in Egypt, Noah and the Flood, the birth of Jesus, Paul's conversion, and many more.  Classic paintings and photos of the Middle East today enrich the archaeological explanations. Additionally, this book was reviewed by biblical scholars to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate information and includes profiles of important Bible personalities, analysis and explanation of key archaeological sites and maps of the Middle East to provide context to the stories and sites. Kids won't just revisit classic Bible stories in this book ... they'll dig deeper into the history behind the tales to learn more about the biblical world.

Author Bio: Jill Rubalcaba is author of more than 12 books of nonfiction and fiction for children and young adults, including National Geographic’s Ancient Egypt: Archaeology Unlocks the Secrets of Egypt’s Past. The biography I.M. Pei; Architect of Time, Place, and Purpose, published by Marshall Cavendish in 2011, was among Booklist’s Top 10 Books for Youth, Kirkus’s Best of 2011, and is a Junior Library Guild Selection.
GIVEAWAY
Begins January 10
Ends January 31 @ 12:01 a.m. EST
Open to USA addresses only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway 
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review. Opinions are solely my own and are freely given. Winner's copy is provided by the publisher and publicist and sent directly to the winner.

5 comments:

  1. Here is the full url to the book’s pin:
    https://www.pinterest.com/sueemery57/2018-sweepstakes/

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  2. I can see my oldest daughter enjoying reading this. She loves National Geographic!

    #ProductReviewParty

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  3. Interesting book!Thanks for sharing with Party in your PJs!

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  4. This book will answer so many questions we have and allow us to teach our family better about the Bible.

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  5. This looks interesting. I'd be interested to see how the secular worldview comes through in this book and would definitely want to pre-read it, but it really does look fascinating! Thanks for sharing this on Booknificent Thursday at Mommynificent.com!
    Tina

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