VeggieTales® Bible Storybook: With Scripture from the NIrV by Cindy Kenney, illustrated by Big Ideas Design Grades K-3 256 pages ZonderKidz October 2006 Hardcover     The familiar characters of Veggie Tales fame are here to teach young readers about the characters in the Bible. The first story is about Little Joe and the trouble he gets into because his father favors him over his eleven brothers. His brothers get really mad at him and try to run him off from home. The story has a cowboy lilt to it, with all of the characters dressed in cowboy attire and living in Dodge Ball City. Once God lets Little Joe know how to interpret the dream of the mayor, Little Joe become a very important man and is able to bring his family to town so that they will be protected. Following this story, the reader finds a brief version of the Biblical story of Joseph and the reference for reading the story from the Bible, if desired. Also included for each set of stories is a key verse and questions that will help young readers to understand how the lessons learned by the character in the story can help them. Twelve stories are included from the Old Testament, including Esther and the king, Gideon and the fleece, and Daniel in the lions’ den. The nine stories included from the New Testament relate more to events than specific characters. Events include the nativity story, the Easter story and lessons from Romans and 2 Corinthians. The Veggie Tales products have long been praised for their quality and ability to reach young readers. This book of Bible stories will not disappoint the adult who wishes to share these stories with grandchildren, or the church leader who needs fresh, new material.     web reviews   Joyce Rice/2008 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)