Stories Jesus Told:  The Story of the Two Builders is a nice retelling of the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builder.    The illustrations are beautiful.  I love how the author indicates that a good foundation in Christ takes hard work.  At the end of the book it has a parents note with questions that could be used in a family devotional or even a Christian classroom setting.  Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book.  (This review is also on GoodReads.)

A lovely illustrated version of the parable of the two men: one who builds his house on stone and one who builds his house on sand. The illustrations will really help this story be understood by children so they can heed Jesus' meaning.

The story of two men who build two different houses. We might heard this already, or even over and over. But told for curious minds of children, we should make this into a "lesson learned" not just a story to tell. What did we learn from this story should be passed on to our children.

Stories Jesus Told: The Story of the Two Builders by Tim Ladwig was a charming retelling of the parable of the wise man and the foolish man.  You are shown this amazing experience through the eyes of Jesus as he is using example this to illustrate how upsetting it is for him when people do not obey and do what he has told them to do.

This bible story is brought to life with simple sentences and words to make this accessible for even the youngest children with shorter attention spans.  My almost four year old son was enthralled and enthusiastic about this story,  The detailed illustrations helped to hold his attention.  It was very clear to see the destruction that can come when we do not build our house on the literal rock of Jesus,  the rock is the word of God.  The builder who built his house with no foundation had his beautiful house washed away.

Ideas to enrich your reading experience are shared at the end of the book with suggestions and questions to start a discussion.  This book would make a nice addition to a library for a young child learning more about their own faith.  The images and inspiration will bless their lives and reminders about how Jesus wants us to apply his teachings in our own life and listen to his words.

I was provided a free advance reader copy by Our Daily Bread Publishing in exchange for my honest review from Net Galley.  The opinions shared in this review are my own.

Another fantastic children's book from Tim Ladwig!  We love his illustrations and the way he fleshes out biblical stories.  I highly recommend all his books!

So pleased to have another opportunity to read and follow Tim’s work as he expands his books about the teachings of Jesus.
Some fifty odd years ago I was read similar looking books about the stories of Jesus.
The beauty of these books are twofold, the author’s inspiring illustrations and the use of original biblical text. So while my fuzzy memory of such childhood books shared with me are of similar pictures they perhaps lost the message by elaborating on the text.
In these modern classics “Stories that Jesus Told”,  the work of the illustrator goes beyond just dramatising the biblical account.
For the words speak for themselves while the drawings offer a possible scenario. In the range of interpreting the parable’s meaning there is perhaps little that needs to be added. So look at the pictures illustrating the simple words.
The land is similar; one builder surveys and plans. He takes his time, creating firm foundations. The work involves his whole family and is a long and tiring effort. The house that is built is less ostentatious and more functional as many footprints go to the door.
One is a home the other more a statement house.
It is this aspect of the work that impresses me the most. The parable is enriched by the imaginings of the illustrations as with every successful story book.
In this way I feel as a reader sharing the story with my grandchildren we can have more scope to talk about the story and what might have happened. Following on, at the right time,  we can explore its deeper meaning and follow the wisdom in our own lives.

If you want to have some “Sunday school time” with your own kids these books will help enormously. There are hints to assist in sharing the story but with the simple text and engaging illustrations the hard work has been done already.

5 stars
Stories Jesus Told: The Story of the Two Builders
by Tim Ladwig

What an absolutely beautiful book and wonderful story. This is one children will love to hear and read over and over again!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.