The Isabel Reed Bible Story Book

Edited: A. H. Reed Bible Stories by Alfred, Marian and Wyclif Reed Illustrations by British and New Zealand Artists

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National Library of NZ Entry

From the inside front flap: "The Isabel Reed Book of Bible Stories is something new, written, printed and published in New Zealand, for New Zealand homes. There are scores of full-page illustrations, including pictures by New Zealand artists and a number in full colour. These 129 captivating stories, newly told for boys and girls of to-day, are of interest to grownups as well as children, and invaluable to teachers and the clergy. The illustrations are mainly in outline, ready for colouring if desired, with suggestions for colour schemes. The Isabel Reed book is more than a book of Bible stories. It contains a selection of specially written children's prayers, children's hymns, maps, Bible games and Bible puzzles. It is, in fact, a set of useful books in one, to be treasured by to-day's parents and children and handed down to the next generation. It is a book of which the children will never grow tired, and a boon to parents who want to give their boys and girls what leaders of all Christian nations are agreed is of vital importance - a Christian home training..."

This is a very special book that I hold in high regard in my collection.

Published in 1944 by A.H. & A.W. Reed, The Isabel Reed Bible Story Book (together with Children's Prayers, Hymns, Bible Games, etc) was created especially for New Zealand families. It provides Bible lessons complete with prayers, hymns, colouring pages, and even games; all thoughtfully designed for young readers.

The hardcover edition spans 480 pages and features numerous beautiful colour plates throughout. It is exquisitely bound and printed. The book opens with a touching memoir tribute to Alfred Reed's wife, Isabel, a dedicated Christian. Their deep love for each other and for Christ inspired this work.

Published during wartime, the book benefited from a generous grant to keep costs low. While many other New Zealand children's books from that era are of poor quality, this one stands out for its high production standards—if cared for, it could easily last multiple generations.

Here’s what the book contains:

• Inside front cover: Event Map of the Old Testament

• Inside back cover: Event Map of Palestine in the Time of Christ

• New Zealand National Song: In colour, with words and musical score

• Isabel Reed: A Memoir

• Part I: The World's Most Wonderful Book (All about the Bible—its origins and creation)

• Part II: Stories of the Beginnings (Creation to the Patriarchs)

• Part III: Generals and Judges (Stories of Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Samson, Ruth, Samuel)

• Part IV: Kings and Princes (Stories of Saul, David, Jonathan, Absalom, Solomon, Josiah)

• Part V: Prophets and Exiles (Stories of Elijah, Elisha, Naaman's Maid, Jonah, Jeremiah, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, Daniel, Esther, Nehemiah and Ezra)

• Between the Testaments

• Part VI: Stories of Jesus

• Part VII: Heroes of the Early Church (Stories of Peter and John, Dorcas, Stephen, Philip and the Ethiopian, Cornelius)

• Event Map of the Acts of the Apostles

• Part VIII: The Story of Paul and His Friends

• Part IX: A Book of Visions (The strange and beautiful last book in the Bible)

• Part X: Something about Prayer (Including prayers for girls and boys)

• Part XI: Singing and Gladness (Hymns for Boys and Girls), including "A Maoriland Hymn of Praise"

• Part XII: Bible Games and Puzzles (Happy Hour Occupations)

  
  

The Bible stories are written in simple, engaging language that's never boring. Any content potentially inappropriate for young ears has been thoughtfully omitted. The narratives are heavily paraphrased, which sometimes offers a slightly different perspective from the original biblical meaning, but I appreciated the inclusion of references to New Zealand history, nature, and the ANZACs (stationed in Palestine at the time of publication), making it feel especially relevant and personal for Kiwi families.

I was fortunate to acquire a copy with its dust jacket intact, complete with the original fold-out insert featuring Play Figures for Bible Stories; ready to mount on card and cut out.

This is an excellent addition to any homeschool library. I read it through with my own daughter, and we both enjoyed it immensely. Bible stories are a wonderful way to introduce children to Scripture, and though this version may feel "dated" to some, it is truly a treasure. Copies are still available online at reasonable prices.

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