There are many adaptations of the Bible written at a child’s level. The JPS Illustrated Children’s Bibleis one of the best versions I’ve ever come across. Ellen Frankel, theformer CEO and editor-in- chief of the Jewish Publication Society has carefullyselected fifty-three Bible classics and crafted them into exciting,easy-to-understand stories for young learners. Complementing the textare the dramatic illustrations of award-winning artist, Avi Katz. Hissoftly brushed landscapes are the perfect backdrops for his vividportraits of the characters in each scene. Children will be captivatedby the pictures as they are drawn in by the words. Most of the storiesin the JPS Illustrated Children’s Bible are from the Torah, with asmattering included from Prophets and three major tales from theWritings. Each retelling, while true to the ancient version, has beenmasterfully adapted for the twenty- first century child. Archaiclanguage has been replaced with more familiar vocabulary, yet someancient terms have been retained to “give children a feel for thespecial diction that characterizes sacred texts.” Throughout the book,care has been taken to balance these two concerns. An “Author’sNotebook” at the end of the book explains the choices Frankel made asshe translated the Jewish text. Her adaptations accommodate the youngAmerican reader without diminishing either the content or the meaning ofthe original stories. The chapters are dramatic, the illustrationspowerful, creating a dynamic children’s Bible that will be cherished bythe entire family. Recommended for adults to share with children ages4 – 8, reading level ages 9 – 12.
Read Ellen Frankel’s Posts for the Visiting Scribe
Making the Bible PG: How Children’s Bibles Differ
What is Jewish Literature?
The Tower of Babel and Crisis of Translation
Marcia Berneger is a retired teacher who lives with her husband and three crazy dogs. She taught both first and second grade, as well as special education. She currently teaches Torah school, in addition to her volunteer work in classrooms, libraries, and with various fundraisers. She lives in San Diego.
