Book Review: MY TENDER HEART BIBLE (Sassi)

Are you looking for a Bible-based board book for your little ones? Then, consider this book review of MY TENDER HEART BIBLE.

The Author

The author, Laura Sassi, a graduate of Princeton University and UCLA, had a successful teaching career before becoming a children’s author. She’s been a homeschool mom, children’s ministry director, historic museum interpreter, and more.

Sassi has written numerous books, including LOVE IS KIND, GOODNIGHT ARK, and DIVA DELORES AND THE OPERA HOUSE MOUSE.

In addition to Sassi’s HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHRISTMAS CHILD, Paraclete Press recently published the 24-page board book, MY TENDER HEART BIBLE.

The Illustrator

The illustrator, Sandra Eide, created beautiful pictures for this book. Children will find the bright-colored scenes of nature, animals, and people delightful.

I love all the different shades of brown represented in the skin colors. I also like that the forbidden fruit in Genesis is not depicted as apples like other books. Eide illustrated them as an unfamiliar-looking fruit.

In addition, it’s fun to see that Abraham’s wife, Sarah, has a cat hanging out near their tent. I don’t typically see many cats illustrated in children’s Bibles!

Eide thoughtfully put the joyful scenes front-and-center for the tender hearts of little ones.

MY TENDER HEART BIBLE Contents

This board book features twelve Bible stories:

Creation Joy Genesis 1:1 – 2:3

God’s Garden Genesis 3:1-24

Star Promise Genesis 15:1-6

Great Escape Exodus 14:10-31

Tasty Blessings Exodus 16:11-18

Brave Queen Esther 14:13-17

Welcome, Jesus Luke 2:8-19

Dove Love Matthew 3:13-17

Precious Children Mark 10:13-16

Worry Cure Matthew 6:25-33

Donkey Parade Luke 19:35-38

Easter Joy Matthew 28:1-10

There is some creative leeway in the wording since it is presented in rhyming text and written for very young children.

One example, from Dove Love:

“ . . . and God says, ‘Meet Jesus, the Son I adore.”

But, the scripture reference is clearly given so it’s a great way to show children how to look up a passage in the Bible.

In this case, Matthew 3:17 (ESV) states:

. . . and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

The scripture can be read from a full-version of the Bible, such as the English Standard Version or the New King James Version, and further discussed, if so desired.

Rhyming Text

A sample of Sassi’s engaging rhyming text introducing God’s truths to little ones:

Dark. Light. Day One:

God’s creation has begun.

Splash. Whoosh. Day Two:

Next, come sea and heavens too.

Sprout. Grow. Day Three:

God fashions every plant and tree.

Heart Moments in MY TENDER HEART BIBLE

Each Bible story ends with a Heart Moment, which is a one-sentence prayer.

The one for Creation Joy says,

“Thank You, God, for making the universe and everything in it—including me!”

Recommendation

I highly recommend MY TENDER HEART BIBLE to introduce your toddlers and preschoolers to stories in the Bible.

Check out Sassi’s one-minute, You Tube video clip sharing more about this wonderful book.  

Sally Matheny believes deep inside of us there’s a desire to tell the next generation something of true value, something life-changing, something to which they’ll cling to for the rest of their lives. Her passion is encouraging families through the power of story, history, and His Story.

In addition to culling from current events, Sally also curates fascinating facts from the past. Then, she polishes those discoveries into stories that entertain, educate, and inspire. Her writing appears in worldwide, national, regional, online and print publications.

She and her husband live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and are blessed with three children and armfuls of grandblessings.