Stories Jesus Told: The Story of the Two Builders

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.)

This beautiful picture book depicts the story that Jesus tells about the builder building on a firm foundation versus no foundation. I read the book with my 5 and 8 year old daughters. While they enjoyed the story, the meaning kind of went over their heads until we discussed it, which is part of the purpose of the book so that parents have the opportunity to discuss Biblical truths in a way kids will understand.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion.

In The Story of the Two Builders, award-winning illustrator Tim Ladwig brings the parable of the wise and foolish builders to life. The varied visual perspectives and use of color draw the reader in and add rich detail to the biblical account. The language of the text, which closely follows the account found in Luke 6:46-49, is spare but vivid. A letter to parents features thought-provoking conversation starters that support parents’ efforts to help children apply the Bible to everyday life. #StoriesJesusToldTheStoryoftheTwoBuilders #Tim Ladwig #NetGalley

Simple, but powerful. The illustrations are beautiful and the message clear. Discussions questions are provided at the end of the book for further family conversations.

Absolutely!
I was awed before I even got passed the first couple pages. The simplicity. The elegance. The experience of this children's book is pure Truth. There isn't a thing I would wish to change about it.

I can't imagine my children's bookshelf without this book on it. Tim Ladwig has 4 Stories Jesus Told so far and I will be adding them to both our own shelves and those of our friends.

An adorable story made for children. It would make a perfect Easter gift. Illustrations are attractive and the words entice parents to have a conversation with their children.

This book is a retelling of the parable of the wise man and the foolish man.

I am not religious but I still enjoy a good story and this is one I had heard before told in a way that is perfectly aimed for its target market – I loved the illustrations and the way it was written with the sentences kept short and punchy where possible was great and keeps focus.

A great bible story that has been retold very well – 4 stars from me for this one! Highly recommended!

Very well illustrated story of Jesus and the parable from Matthew 7:24-27.
Let your faith be like a
house built on solid foundation, not like one built on top of the sand. I would love to read this particular book to my grandchildren.

This is a great way to tell this parable to your Littles. Filled with beautiful illustrations & easy to follow narration this would be a great addition to any ones home library!

This was such a good book on one of the parables of the Bible. It begins with Jesus standing infront of a crowd and then leads into the story. The illustrations make you feel like you are right in the crowd, listening to Jesus speak. The story is one that has been told many times, but when you see the pictures and read the words in this book, you feel like you are there. I would recommend this for a bedtime story.

Stories Jesus Told: The Story of the Two Builders
by Tim Ladwig
Back of the Book: “Your family can gather together to enjoy a treasured Bible story with this impressively illustrated book. Tim Ladwig incorporates vibrant, kid-friendly illustrations with text from the New International Version of Scripture to tell the story of the foolish and wise builders. Your children can learn that when we practice the Lord’s commands, we are likewise men building a structure on a firm foundation. An application page at the end of the book equips parents and teachers to dive into meaningful discussion with children ages 4 to 7.”
The first line of the book is, “Jesus also told them this parable…”. In my opinion, this was a strange introduction. I appreciated the pictures with the parable, however. They were colorful in illustrating the ideas of the parable. I think that rather than using such a literal example of the parable it would have been helpful to share a practical example for kids to relate to as well. Although there are questions in the back to work through with your kids it didn’t seem like enough for this to be a standalone book as the story is straight from scripture.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review shared here.

A well-illustrated version of the parable of the wise and foolish builder. The book tells the story from the Bible well, and it is supported by lovely illustrations. My daughters enjoyed this book vrey much at bedtime.

I enjoyed this book and my son also enjoyed it when I read it to him. It was a very good story..the retelling of one of Jesus parables. I did feel that the writing may have been a little bit out of his age bracket for a children's book, but it did encourage discussion, so that could be considered a positive. The story went exactly as the Bible story goes and didn't have a bunch of fluff. The artwork was very beautiful and brought a lot of meaning to the story. I would likely purchase this book for my son and me to read over and over. Thank you to #NetGalley and #StoriesJesusToldTheStoryoftheTwoBuilders for the opportunity to read this ARC for a fair and honest review.

The illustrations in this book highlight the story so well that young readers will have no trouble getting the point of the Biblical text. In addition, the book is put together so well that it will also make a nice gift.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the publisher and Net Galley but the thoughts expressed are my own.

I had high hopes for this book and it let me down a little. The concept is great and I love the parable of the two builders, however the beginning of the story was a bit clunky. It started out worded like it was a continuation from something else, but as far as I know its not. The illustrations were really well done and the best part of the book, but the wording was confusing.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review

A pretty straightforward retelling of the parable. The interpretation is shaded towards obedience rather than taking Jesus' words to heart. Do like the art though.

This book offers scripture straight from the Bible without commentary but with descriptive illustrations that can help show a child the deeper meaning. It is short but gave my daughter and I a great chance to talk through the scripture and imagine what Jesus meant. There’s a good list of discussion questions at the end of the book to help parents talk about the text and dig in a little more. It was a good, quick read and the images are pretty.

I love the illustrations and simple to read format. I did feel like the story began and ended rather abruptly. More intro to the story and maybe a tie back to the sermon on the mount at the end would have given this 5 stars!!
Story 3
Illustrations 5
Format 4

Want a children’s picture story book that you can read that capture Jesus’ teaching about the wise and foolish builder? Tim Ladwig has illustrated another excellent children’s book on Jesus’ parables for the ages of four through seven. I was delighted to see Ladwig has another volume out as part of his “Stories Jesus Told” series. Previously I have enjoyed three of the books he illustrated: The Lost Son Comes Home, Who Is My Neighbor? and Looking for the Lost Sheep. So when I saw he has a new book out titled The Story of the Two Builders I realized I need to read this to my kids! What’s amazing is my kids can identify his illustration style as the same as the previous books from him we read before!


The words for the book comes straight from the Bible in the Gospel of Luke. Specifically the book’s wordings comes from Luke 6:46-49. I like that as it is God’s Word that I’m reading to my children.

Ladwig’s illustration is great and realistic and I have to say that since today’s some children’s book’s illustration is abstract or even bizzare; I don’t know why they do that as it leaves little ones confused. Such is the sign of our times I suppose. The quality of the artwork done for the cover is representative of the quality of the artwork within the book’s pages for those that is wondering what it’s like.

Kids who are elementary school age and younger will enjoy the book and parents will appreciate it being reading from God’s Word. I recommend this book!

NOTE: This book was provided to me free by Our Daily Bread Publishing and Net Galley without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

Well done illustrations allow this known parable to gain clarity in a way young listeners can grasp and enjoy.

This book is part of a series, but I haven't had a chance to peek at the other ones, yet. The parable is a well-known one, the house build on sand versus the house built on stone, and, in this book, taken from the view of the New International Version of Scripture, which, honestly, doesn't change of affect the basics of the tale as opposed to other translations. While there is some text to make certain aspects clear and keep the main parts of the parable as the main theme, it's the illustrations which carry this book and allow the setting of the parable to become clear. I truly appreciated this, since a more realistic way of building from the time period is presented and allows the story to keep its historic foundation and, at the same time, make it accessible to children (and adults). At the end, there is a section with questions and such, which can be used to open up discussions and lead into a family devotional setting.

As said, I do highly appreciate the way the author/illustrator has brought the time-true setting of the parable to life, enabling readers to 'see' the parable in the culture and frame it was told. It becomes clear that the house on stone isn't only sturdier than one on sand, but illustrates the work and effort that this type of building process took. I was a bit disappointed when the 'house built on sand' flew over so quickly as it wasn't quite as clear what was going on. Also, if it weren't for the discussion questions at the back for guardians, parents, and/or teachers, a listener would be left hanging without a true understanding of what the parable meant. The beginning also threw me a bit as it starts quite sudden. A little more and clearer introduction would have been nice.

I'm not sure if this one really works well for a family devotional really as well as it works as a way to introduce children....with guidance and explanation afterwards...to the parable. Still, I do enjoy how it was done and find the illustrations very interesting and lovely. So, I'm recommending it as a resource to the topic rather than something which can be used well as a read all on its own.

I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley and enjoyed exploring these pages.

Daily Bread brings out another well-illustrated children's book that presents a Biblical story in an entertaining yet educational way.

This is something I would like to avoid. Lack of clarity in the moral is directing towards ambiguity of the thoughts of Author on the subject. Why he presented the God himself demanding to follow him? Was this like that? Didn't people followed him blindfolded? Didn't there were preachers and not he himself given tracks? Its all good of nothing book. But yeah, the illustration is worth appraising considering the subject.

For me its just 1.0/5.0. This is the honest review against the ARC.

The story of the wise man and the foolish man. I wanted to like this book more, but the language used was not simple or easy for little ones to understand. I recognize the need to teach children the language of the scriptures but I wish there was more written to bridge the gap. Wonderful to see more resources for teaching children though. Thanks NetGalley

This is an absolutely beautiful book. I have read other books of the parables by this author and publisher and I am never disappointed. The illustrations are stunning. The story is formatted in a way that is simple enough for young children to enjoy and ask questions about. I love the “Dear Parents” at the end of every story to help explain it further to the child. I also like the fact that the author puts questions to ask the child during or after the story. This helps get the child involved and help them remember what was read to them. These books are, as I mentioned, always a good read. They are wonderful resources for parents and Sunday School teachers.

Charmingly illustrated picture book on Jesus’ parable about the man who built upon a rock and the man who built upon sand.

I liked that there are notes to guide parents on how to talk about the parable and what it means. There are also questions for the child and parent to discuss.

Overall, a good little book to add to any library.

We often sing the song about the wise man who built his house on the rock and the foolish man who built his house on the sand during our family worship, so my kids and I were excited to find Stories Jesus Told: The Story of the Two Builders.

Tim Ladwig tells the parable of the wise man and the foolish man alongside eye-catching illustrations so the reader can "watch" the story play out throughout the book. I appreciated the Biblical accuracy, as well as the discussion questions at the end.

This is one I'll definitely be adding to our shelf and reading regularly!

*I received a complimentary copy of Stories Jesus Told: The Story of the Two Builders through the publisher and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. My positive opinion is not required.

Love the focus on a not-often-written-about Bible story! I appreciate having this kind of story out there in the world.

This version of the Bible story The Two Builders is from the New International Version of the Bible. It is well told with beautiful illustrations. This is the story of the wise builder that builds on a firm foundation and foolish builders that do not. This story helps teach God’s lessons is our firm foundation in life. It does a good job and is interesting. It is good for youth 4 to early elementary, but younger and older would benefit from the story as well.