A BIBLICAL bestseller for youngsters is to be read aloud in a latest video series for youngsters, read by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Bear Grylls, Mary Berry, and the CBeebies presenters Gemma Hunt and Joanna Adeyinka-Burford.
The book The Jesus Storybook Bible, by Sally Lloyd-Jones, illustrated by the artist Jago, has sold greater than six million copies worldwide. Six of its Bible stories have been chosen for the brand new video series, it was announced on Friday. They include those of David and Goliath and the feeding the five thousand.
Each shall be read by a unique presenter after an introduction from the Cheeky Pandas, an animated series for youngsters.
The collaboration is a response to a survey by Care for the Family, which suggested recently that, though 95 per cent of the Christian parents who took part within the survey recognised the importance of teaching children about their faith, fewer than three-quarters had told or read Bible stories to them.
Archbishop Welby said: “We all love stories. They remind us who we’re, what we’re here for and the way best to live. Jesus loved telling stories. They tell us who God is, how much he loves us and what his plans are for us. The stories of God are told within the Bible.
“To open the Bible is to divulge heart’s contents to God’s voice. We are never too old or too young to listen to about God’s story. I’m beyond delighted about this project.”
He continued: “Sally Lloyd Jones wrote the peerless Jesus Story Book Bible to have interaction children in these stories of God which make us. Six of them have been recorded by friends of mine. . . My prayer is that they’re watched and listened to far and wide.
“These stories are for youngsters to hearken to and watch with their parents at home, their teachers in school, their friends in after school clubs and on their very own, anywhere and in every single place. And what I do know will occur is that, as we hearken to these stories, we are going to find ourselves invited to be an important a part of God’s story. And there may be nowhere higher to be than a part of His story.”
Episodes shall be available to observe totally free on the Cheeky Pandas YouTube channel and website from 9 a.m. on Friday. Additional resources include free activity packs, assembly plans, British Sign Language (BSL) episodes, and widget packs — which break down episodes into symbols — tailored for the needs of neurodivergent children.
“This comprehensive approach goals to empower and equip parents to have accessible, faith-based conversations with their children,” a press released from Lambeth Palace says.
Ms Hunt said: “It has been such a delight to be an element of this excellent project. Reading the stunning scripture within the Jesus Storybook Bible has really brought the stories to life again in a latest way.
“It is such an honour to have read them aloud, which is how they were intended to be heard; I hope our versions encourage families to read them together and share in the valuable Word of God.”
