Adam and Eve (Lion Story Bible)

 Adam and Eve
The Lion Story Bible
Story by Penny Frank
Illustrated by Tony Morris
Copyright 1985
Format: Hardcover
Status: Not currently in print, but many pre-owned version are available from ebay.
Conclusion: Keep



I have always thought that the story of Adam and Eve was one of most well known stories from the Bible.  However, despite its fame, it sure it difficult to find reasonable versions as children's stories.  In fact, after a few years of searching through local thrift stores, I hadn't found a single one. Finally, when my daughter was 4 or 5 and I still didn't have a copy, I finally bought one on ebay. I had never read it before, but I had read other books from The Lion Story Bible set which seemed pretty solid, so I decided to give it a chance.

It was a good choice. The book was quite true to the Bible, so we were happy to have it in our collection. It was fine at the time, since our daughter was 4 or 5 years old and very used to sitting for longer stories.  However, it certainly wouldn't have worked for her when she was younger and I still haven't brought it out for my 3 year old son. I may try it when he's 4, but for now I don't expect that he would pay attention to it.

The Good Points:
  • It is very accurate.  
The Discrepancies:
  • The tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil is never named.  The book simply states that God said they were not allowed to eat from the tree in the middle of the Garden.  However, the Bible does specify that the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil was in the middle of the Garden, so this isn't wrong, just maybe not specific enough.
  • God's conversation with Adam and Eve after they eat the fruit is a bit condensed. The important parts are there, but the conversation was simplified. 
  • It doesn't mention what happens to the serpent.
Aside from those two things, this story stays true to the Bible. Do you notice that I don't have many good points to say about this book?  It's because there's really not much about it that is noteworthy.  There is nothing wrong with it and it is certainly accurate so we've kept it around, however, it has never been a family favorite. I'm not sure if my daughter has ever chosen it as a read aloud. I think the biggest problem with this book is that it just doesn't have anything special about it so it isn't very memorable. The pictures are pretty, but mostly in pastel greens and browns so they are a bit bland.  The story of Adam and Eve in itself is interesting, but this book doesn't really do anything with it to make it come to life or be especially relatable to children.

I personally think the every Christian home should have a child-friendly version of Adam and Eve to turn to when they need to address difficult questions about sin.  This book is fine for that.  It's also great if you just want your children to be familiar with the story.  I think there are probably better ones out there, I just haven't found them yet.

Is it a keeper?  Yes, unless you can find a better one. I would recommend this story for ages 4-8



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