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Cover of Child's Story of the Bible

Child's Story of the Bible

Written by Mary A. (Mary Artemisia) Lathbury

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Bible stories, English

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About this book

"Child's Story of the Bible" by Mary A. Lathbury is a children's book that presents the biblical narratives in a simplified, approachable manner, likely written in the late 19th century. This work offers retellings of the major stories from both the Old and New Testaments, aiming to introduce children to these foundational tales of faith and morals. The stories span from the creation of the world to the life of Jesus, providing a narrative that is meant to instill spiritual values and understanding in young readers. The opening of the book introduces a preface addressed to mothers, emphasizing the importance of teaching children through stories from the Bible. It establishes that the author intends to provide a tool for mothers to share meaningful narratives from their own backgrounds, reinforcing their roles as primary educators in their children’s spiritual lives. Lathbury outlines her mission to present these biblical tales in a manner that retains the essence and integrity of the scriptures, while making them accessible and memorable for children. The narration begins with the creation story, detailing how God created the world in six days and formed Adam and Eve, followed by the introduction of sin into their lives through temptation. This sets the tone for a series of moral and spiritual lessons woven throughout the subsequent chapters.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Child's Story of the Bible, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • beginner
  • didactic
  • reverent
  • moralistic

Mary A. Lathbury's "Child's Story of the Bible" is a late 19th-century children's book designed to introduce young readers to core biblical narratives. It simplifies major stories from both the Old and New Testaments, spanning from creation to the life of Jesus, with an overarching goal of instilling spiritual values and moral understanding. The work emphasizes the role of mothers as primary educators in faith, presenting itself as a tool for sharing foundational tales in an accessible and memorable way. Lathbury's approach aims to retain the essence and integrity of the scriptures while adapting them for a child's comprehension, focusing on clear moral lessons and the overarching narrative of divine providence.

“A child's heart, open to these stories, will learn the ways of God's love and wisdom.”

Key themes

Faith and Obedience
This theme is paramount throughout the book, illustrated through numerous biblical figures. Stories like Noah building the ark, Abraham leaving his homeland, and Moses leading the Israelites exemplify the importance of trusting and obeying God's commands, even when difficult or seemingly illogical. The book teaches children that faith in God leads to blessings and protection, while disobedience brings consequences.
Sin and Redemption
Introduced prominently with Adam and Eve's fall, this theme explores the concept of human imperfection, the consequences of wrongdoing, and God's plan for restoration. The Old Testament stories show the recurring cycle of human sin and God's judgment, often followed by opportunities for repentance. The New Testament section culminates in Jesus's life and sacrifice as the ultimate act of redemption, offering forgiveness for sins.
Moral Instruction and Consequences
Woven into every story, this theme explicitly teaches children about right and wrong, and the natural or divine consequences of their actions. Each narrative serves as a cautionary tale or an inspiring example, reinforcing virtues like honesty, kindness, courage, and generosity, while discouraging vices such as jealousy, pride, and deceit. This aligns with the book's primary didactic purpose.

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