This Bible storybook by Sally Lloyd-Jones is one of our favorites. Each story is told in its relationship to the overall Gospel narrative and, more specifically, to Christ Himself. Probably best for 2-4 year olds, the stories are just as enjoyable for older kids and even (especially?) for adults. Lloyd-Jones writes in an engaging style that is by turns deeply serious and wildly hilarious, but always reverent.
There are 44 stories (21 from the OT, 23 from the NT) that vary in length. The stylized full-color illustrations fill every page and legitimately contribute to the text. While there isn't an obvious doctrinal emphasis, the author clearly comes from a Reformed/covenantal perspective, evidenced most explicitly by her relation of each story to the life and work of Jesus. This doesn't come across as too forced, either; the importance of Christ to each story (even Old Testament ones) is gently displayed rather than shoehorned in just to fit with the rest of the book.
Kids will be introduced to the main stories in both Testaments. There is no moralizing, but there is also no wrestling Scripture out of context to suit the author's agenda (Bible references are included so you can check for yourself). If you want your kids to grow up with a love of the Bible and its narrative, this is an excellent place to start.
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