Reviewer: Patricia Ann Timbrook, PatSays
Remember Arch Books? You might, if you were raised in a Christian household or had received them as a gift. I purchased them in the late 90s to read to our grandchildren. From the Arch Book’s website, the picture books number in the hundreds and they are priced modestly. So, collecting them can be inexpensive and fun. Amazingly, their 150 year-old publishing company, Concordia, to date has produced millions of these little books (and a lot of other resources) from both the Old and the New Testaments. If you have not yet discovered these bible story gems for little ones, you still can– online at https://www.cph.org/t-topic-archbooks.aspx, in a Christian bookstore, or borrow a copy from a Christian school library.
Joseph Forgives His Brothers, a 1996 paperback bible story, by author Robert Baden and illustrator Chris Sharp, is one of many Christian children’s books I had purchased for our grandchildren in the late 90s. Arch Books have stood the test of time and the test of time includes parents, grandparents, or anyone who enjoys reading aloud to children, the accounts from the old and the new testaments in an age-appropriate level. Arch’s picture book account of what happened when Joseph’s siblings banished him is written with historical accuracy and a rainbow of bright illustrations, that, together, adequately depict appropriate feelings of jealousy and mercy; and acts of God’s protection and care. The theme of forgiveness reflects the love that Jesus has for all of mankind. And, the actions following that forgiveness prove the depth of that Godly trait. In Joseph’s case, not only did he forgive them for their wrongdoing toward him; but, he gave his brothers money, he fed them, and he provided his entire family with a new home. This pictures the grace of God, that “outstretched arm” that gives to man that which is undeserved.
The “Dear Parents” section on the last page of every Arch Book truly complements each book’s theme, with suggestions on how to explore other ways to help children understand family issues, whether they be envy, or selfishness, or jealousy; this page also includes what the bible says regarding the love of Jesus. Joseph Forgives His Brothers, as well as all of the other dozens of Arch Books by Concordia, stay true to their mission: to produce the truth of God’s Word for children.
(PatSays, Children’s Book Reviewer Patricia A. Timbrook 3/25/2019)
Rating: 4 stars
Mrs. Patricia Ann Timbrook 