A fun and interactive picture book about Joseph for kids ages 2+. Uses opposites as a storytelling technique.
Part of the Very Best Bible Stories series.
Fun and interactive, this faithful Bible story retelling isn’t just about Joseph - it’s about God!
As the storybook repeats:
“The Lord has a plan, and he’s working it out. He speaks words we can trust, so there’s no need to doubt.”
Kids ages 2+ will be enthralled as they encounter the ups and downs of Joseph’s story. They’ll be amazed to discover that:
Using opposites as a storytelling technique, this exciting and educational story encourages active listening. The vibrant illustrations will also keep kids' attention.
Your little one will ask to read this classic Bible story about Joseph over and over again.
Perfect for family, preschool, and Sunday school read-aloud times.
| Age range: | 2+ |
|---|---|
| Contributors | Tim Thornborough |
| ISBN | 9781802541243 |
| Format | Hardback |
| First published | June 2025 |
| Dimensions | 210mm x 210mm x 9mm |
| Weight | 0.28 kg |
| Language | English |
| Pages | 24 |
| Publisher | The Good Book Company |
The illustrations in this series is always so bright and bold, and done with more accurate skin tones for Bible characters. Although I don’t typically prefer “cartoonish” characters for Bible stories, this series is so fun and my kids really enjoy them. The only negative thing for this book is that my kids thought Joseph was a girl at the end when he’s dressed in wealthy clothes. This book does a great job at telling the story of Daniel in terms that kids will understand. It also includes a fun way to learn about opposites throughout the story.
There’s a little rhyme repeated a few times throughout the book that says, “The Lord has a plan and he’s working it out. He speaks words we can trust, so there’s no need to doubt.” This is a fun reminder that kids can keep with them long after reading the story.
This is a truthful account of Joseph and what happened after his very strange dream!
At the beginning of the book, the reader is encouraged to look for opposites that occur in this book--there are many!
Just like the other books in the "Very Best Bible Stories" series, every page has colorful and captivating illustrations and is engaging for our littlest listeners.
Joseph's story is one of my personal favorites as it highlights God's purpose and redemption in even the most confusion of situations! I am so happy to recommend this wonderful retelling for children!
Something unique about this book is that they never mention the 'coat of many colors.' Most stories about Joseph really emphasize this, leading this to be the only thing many littles know about Joseph. However, it's really a small detail in the overarching narrative. Instead, they focus their attention on God's providence and how God is sovereign and control over every situation. Even when life is taking a dark turn, we can trust that God will bring peace and justice in God's time.
- Sometimes I worry when I see Bible stories with cute illustrations and the target age start with 2 years old. It might mean the story becomes watered down. Nothing might be left but a typical children's book with a moral lesson and colorful artwork. Well not this book! Of course, there are parts of Joseph's story that are not for kids. This book didn't elaborate on these parts. It instills in readers that the protagonist has gone through hard times. The author used the storytelling technique of opposites. This technique superbly culminates with Genesis 50:20 at the end of the story. This story is not about his dream. It is not about his "technicolor" clothes. It is not about the storytelling technique. The sovereignty of God is the main point of this book. For something complex and hard to explain to kids, this book is commendable for delivering that topic. Added the cute and colorful artwork of Jennifer Davison, this is a must read book for kids.
If you’re looking for exciting and truthful Bible storybooks, this is a great place to start! We have several books from this series and enjoy them all. Joseph and the Very Strange Dream focuses on the truth that God works all things for good and we can trust Him! What an amazing foundation to give our little ones! You’ll love the illustrations and rhyming. Plus this book even teaches the idea of opposites—perfect for that preschool/kindergarten age! I’m planning to use these books for storytime at my church library 🤗 definitely recommend adding these to your home and church library!
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
*I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
We own every book in this series, and they’ve all been such a gift for introducing Bible stories in a way that’s engaging and age appropriate for little ones ages 2 to 4. My little one loves them and always looks forward to reading them together. This one is especially fun and interactive, with playful language and vibrant illustrations. It would be a great addition to your morning basket routine or read-aloud.
I received a complimentary copy as a reviewer all opinions shared are your own
For your littlest ones at home, the “Very Best Bible Stories” books are a super fun and interactive series that retell stories from the Bible alongside fun prompts.
In this latest release, your kiddos will learn about opposites in the story of Joseph and how God can turn a bad situation into something good, and according to His plan!
I love how these books are interactive, engaging and communicate biblical truth in an understandable way.
*I received a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This was a cute book, and a great retelling! Really a fun way to introduce the story of Joseph to young readers.
Reading through it, the pictures were adorable, and really eye catching. Perfect to help keep kids’ attention, to help explain the story.
It was fun to read, and my own kiddos loved it. The story was well told, but easy for them to follow. It’s a definite reread for us!
If you’re looking for a great Bible story to read to your kids, I recommend that you check this one out!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, received from The Good Book Company. However, all thoughts and views reflected are strictly my own opinions.
I received Joseph and the Very Strange Dreams compliments of The Good Book Company in exchange for my honest review.
Joseph and the Very Strange Dreams is the latest picture book in the Very Best Bible Stories series by The Good Book Company. This story is a paraphrase of the biblical account of Joseph’s life in Genesis. This is a great way to introduce children ages 3-5 to this story and help them learn how powerful God is.
The illustrations are rich with color, and included in this retelling are opposites so children can learn those while becoming familiar with this biblical account. While this story is for young ones, it encouraged me as an adult with the reminder that what others mean for evil, God can use for good. This is an excellent picture book, and I can’t wait to read more in the series!
In Joseph and the Very Strange Dreams, Tim Thornborough tells of God’s perfect plans.
From Joseph’s first dreams about bundles of wheat bowing down to him, to Joseph being glad to see his brothers – this is a story about God looking after his people and blessing the whole world.
God’s Sovereignty Seen
The refrain is “The Lord has a plan and he’s working it out. He speaks wors we can trust, so there’s no need to doubt.” It’s a wonderful wording of God’s sovereignty seen in the story of Joseph.
The illustrations by Jennifer Davison are vivid and vibrant, with incredible colors flowing over every page. My kids found this book and the story to be fascinating, and I’m glad I was able to use it to talk about our faith!
I received a media copy of Joseph and the Very Strange Dreams and this is my honest review.
