The Biggest Story!

If The Biggest Story, by Kevin DeYoung, sounds familiar to you, maybe it is because I have reviewed the book before.

So why talk about it again?

Because it is an amazingly beautiful and wonderful book about God and His creation.  And now it is also available as an audio CD and a DVD!

Did you hear me squeal?

Because really, I did when I found out I had the chance to review this combo for FlyBy and then get to offer one of you the combo as well.  More on that in a minute, promise!

For those not familiar with The Biggest Story, it is a story about God and his redemptive plan, from the creation of the Earth to the new Heaven and Earth yet to come.  Woven throughout are God's promises to mankind for redeeming his rebellious children.  It is simple enough for young children to enjoy, and yet clearly paints a picture of God's love and mercy in 10 chapters.

Although I am more of a visual kind of gal, I do have a son that is an auditory learner, so an audio book is often the best way to get him interested in anything.  He does like to read, but let's face it, CDs are more portable and great for families like us who tend to spend a lot of time in the car!  It has also been a great addition to my youngest son's collection of nighttime CDs.  Narrated by Kevin DeYoung, the soothing story and beautiful music are perfect for quiet time listening.  The running time is 26 minutes and contains 10 chapters.

You are going to love this DVD for your visual kiddos!  In this animated short film, the illustrations by Don Clarke have been set in motion to stunning original music and brought to life.  I already knew I loved the basic story, but to see it on screen in this 26 minute DVD took my breath away.  Just like the original book, the colors are vibrant and sure to capture even young children.

We have loved having this book in our home and are even more thrilled to now have the CD and DVD as well.  Thanks to the great people at FlyBy, one of you can win this great combo pack for your family, or to give as a gift to someone you love!  Just leave me a comment and a way to contact you if you win.  A random winner will be chosen next Wednesday!  

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Blessings,

The Biggest Story

This is a review that almost did not happen.  I was not part of the first call for it, but got picked up when a few spaces opened up.  It was a book I almost passed up until I saw the author named.  But with the book Just Do It under his belt, I figured it was a book worth considering.

I was right!

The Biggest Story: How the Serpent Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden, by author Kevin DeYoung is a gem!  Really it is.  

The story behind the story- Kevin wrote this book from a sermon he preached to his congregation around Christmas.  He eventually expanded his sermon and wrote it down in story form.  While it may look like a simple children's book, it is oh so much more.  Woven through a book written in simple story form is the story of redemption.  The story of sin and the One who conquered sin.  The story of the first Adam and the second Adam.  

For 132 pages, The Biggest Story goes beyond the familiar stories we all learned in Sunday School. Yes, inside you will find mention of Adam and Eve and Abraham and Noah.  But instead of just the typical story book fashion of many little tales from the Bible, Kevin has woven one continuous story of God's love for his people- from beginning to the end.

Is it serious?  Yes!  Will your kids like it? Yes!  Because tucked in between the powerful message  and colorful pages, Kevin inserts humor that will also make you giggle.  

My kids' favorite line-

 "When David wasn't sinning (which he did in some really big ways), he was a good, wise, merciful king. "  p 83

Yes, trust kids to focus on the humor.  But, hey, focus is good regardless and if it draws them in and holds their attention without taking away from the story in any way, I am game.

My favorite line-

"God's promises never fail and the Promised One never disappoints."  p.123

There are 10 amazing chapters in this book.  The plan was for our family to read one chapter a night during our devotion time.  Didn't happen.  We ended up reading the book in three nights because no one wanted to stop with just one.  Honestly, you could easily read the book in one sitting- it is just that good.  Just be ready to read it again.  And again!

At the end is a two page Note to Parents from Kevin that I would recommend you read FIRST!  It will give you ideas of some things to look for while you are reading and some topics to expand on and discuss with your kids.  

Just a quick note about something else that really stood out for our family.  The illustrations in The Biggest Story are brilliant!  I will admit that modern art is not really my thing, but wow, these pictures will knock your socks off.  It is quite frankly one of the most beautifully illustrated books I have seen in a very long time.  Every time I read a two page spread I turned the book around to show the kids the pictures and we have since had many conversations about several in particular.  In addition, people who have walked in our house and seen it sitting on our coffee table have also picked it up and commented on it.  

The pictures alone would hold the attention of younger kids who may not yet be ready to grasp the story and it makes for a beautiful book to keep out.  Who knows, maybe it will be the book that sparks conversations in your house that open doors to sharing the Gospel.  God can use anything and anyone!

As usual, Fly By Productions is graciously allowing us to share a copy of this beautiful book with one of our readers.  Please leave a comment here and one winner will be randomly selected next Friday!

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

About Kevin DeYoung:

Kevin DeYoung is senior pastor at University Reformed Church in East Lansing, Michigan.  He blogs at the Gospel Coalition and has authored or coauthored numerous well-known books, including Just Do Something, The Hole in Our Holiness, Crazy Busy, and Taking God At His Word.  He lives with his wife and their 6 children in Central Michigan.

About Don Clark:

Don Clark is an artist and the cofounder of Invisible Creature, a widely respected and award-winning design studio in Seattle that has worked with clients such as Target, Nike, LEGO, and WIRED magazine.  He lives with his wife and their 3 children, 4 goats, 12 chickens, and 1 crazy dog on a farm just outside the city limits. 

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Blessings,