This easy-to-read collection of Bible stories includes the David and Bathsheba story and others which may call for some explaining if it’s read to very small children.  However,  for older children and adults the familiar stories are an interesting and entertaining collection of folk tales, poetry, short stories, and history.  The author introduces each chapter with a summary of his research and opinions on the story that is to follow.

The flood is there, though in a couple of paragraphs rather than the many verses that King James gives it.  The important genealogy of Jesus is shortened to a paragraph, which is enough to explain that Joseph was a descendant of David.

Purists may be reciting the beautiful King James wording in their minds, and students will note that chapter and verse divisions are not there, though the index at the end does identify in which book the stories appear in the King James version.  Nevertheless,  this story format works very well for reading aloud.  The author’s thoughts, such as that Joseph cries himself to sleep in frustration when he finds out that Mary is pregnant before their wedding, are an interesting addition.