I had the opportunity to review a new children’s book entitled Great Kings of the Bible: How Jesus is greater than Saul, David and Solomon. It is a hardback book containing 48 full-color pages. The reason I wanted to review this book was the illustrations—they are the “old-time” illustrations. The font in the book is larger than normal, which makes it easy to read. There is typically not more than a paragraph of writing per page, and 13 pages have illustrations only. This book is recommended for ages 8-12; I would have to agree.

The book covers three of the most famous kings of the Old Testament: Saul, David, and Solomon. The stories of Saul and David are covered in sixteen pages, and Solomon in twelve. The stories are true to Scripture, and although they are written for younger readers, they don’t leave anything out (for instance, “He came to her and slept with her. Sometime later, Bathsheba sent word to David, saying, ‘I am pregnant.’” There is also an illustration of Absalom hanging in a tree.). So, if you haven’t had particular discussions with your children or if you have made some Scripture a bit more “gentle,” you may want to pre-read this book so you are prepared.

Each king’s story covers the major events of his life, explains that each was a sinner just like we are, and closes with the fact there is only One True King—Jesus.

My overall impression of this book is that it is a good biblical resource for teaching how we are all sinners and that there is only One who is perfect. However, it is not an entertaining, easy read. I would not recommend reading it to children under the age of 8.

-Product Review by Dawn Winters, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, January, 2015