Paw Paw Chuck's Big Idea in the Bible

By Charles R. Swindoll
Word Publishing, $14.99

ISBN 0-8499-1067-6 audio ISBN 0-8499-6225-0

Review by Mike and Amy Nappa

Big Ideas for Little Folks

The bear on the cover sports wire-rimmed glasses and gray hair parted down the side-looking remarkably like a certain well-loved pastor, author, and radio preacher. And the stories within the book remind us why the real Paw Paw Chuck-Charles Swindoll-has become such an admired part of Christian literature today.

Paw Paw Chuck's Big Ideas in the Bible is Swindoll's first attempt at writing for children, but this veteran storyteller has put together a enchanting collection of read-aloud tales for the little ones in your life. The book contains 12 stories focused on various biblical themes such as trusting God ("Good News Bears"), love ("The Aussies are Coming!"), and life after death ("Heaven Can't Wait").

Each story follows a reassuringly familiar pattern: First an opening scene in the life of Paw Paw Chuck's "grandcubs," then a transition into a related story from Scripture, and finally back to the grandcubs for the story's resolution. Along the way, illustrator Ross Vera has captured the essence of each story in colorful, eye-catching scenes (and seemed to catch the likenesses of many Swindoll family members too!).

The collection of stories also comes in a two-cassette audio version, each lasting for an hour. Swindoll himself narrates all 12 stories with the familiar, grandfatherly enthusiasm of a natural born storyteller. A special treat in the audio version is a heartfelt prayer that Swindoll shares with his listeners.

Children of all ages will find Paw Paw Chuck's Big Ideas in the Bible delightful reading-especially if they follow Swindoll's advice to "add a big bear hug" at the end of each story.

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