A small soft-cover book about Moses is sure to draw the attention of a young child, and that is exactly what happened in our home when I first removed this delightful book from the shipping box. Moses, Man of God is a thirty-two page book which fits perfectly in the hands of a child.

Immediately on the title page, reference is made to the author's reliance on the Bible for accuracy in the retelling, using the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy for details. While the book is written to be read aloud to young children or independently by young readers, actual names of people and places are used, which I appreciate. The author names Moses' mother, Jochebed, as well as the location where the Hebrews camped where water was scarce, Rephidim. These small details are what make this an enjoyable Bible retelling, rather than a watered-down version.

There are several books in this series, eight others from the Old Testament, and seven from the New Testament. Each tells the story of a significant person in the Bible, representing both men and women. In Moses, Man of God, each page includes at least one paragraph, and up to four, with a full-color accompanying illustration. The art is bright and the brush strokes of painting are visible. The book is ideal as a read aloud for younger children of about three to five years of age, and as good practice reading for independent children age six and up.

At appropriate points in the story, the author makes connections about how to apply the Bible story lessons, or states what we can learn from the story, rather than just retell the story. For example, when the Hebrews grumbled about lack of water, Moses cried out to God for help and received help in the form of water from the rock. The author adds, "How kind and patient God was with the Hebrews. He is the same today--showing grace and mercy to all who trust in Him. The Lord Jesus is described as a rock. From him comes all that we need to satisfy us." When we read Bible stories together, I usually add this kind of commentary when needed, but I appreciate it being included, because it helps an independent reader process the lessons learned through Moses about God. The story ends with a lesson about looking to faith in Jesus Christ and ends before telling of Moses' death. While reading the book with two of my children, they noticed that Moses' disobedience is not included in this book, nor is the fact that he was not permitted to enter the Promised Land.

We have other books in our home that resemble this type of Bible biography, but the colorful cover and glossy paper of this publication drew the attention of my children immediately. Even a child who is very familiar with the Bible story of Moses will enjoy this book.

Product Review by Melissa Theberge, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, May, 2009