Each story in the 264-page book is condensed for young readers and illustrated with full-color comic images. Action-oriented stories like those of the giant warrior Goliath, of Jonah's encounter with a huge fish and of Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal are complemented by teachings from the wisdom books, Jesus' parables and the New Testament epistles.

Written and illustrated by Rob Suggs, with coloring by Christopher "Scribble Boy" Gray, The Comic Book Bible sold almost 250,000 copies in a previous trade paperback edition. This new digest-sized version aims to draw a new generation of readers, according to Paul Muckley, senior editor for nonfiction at Barbour Publishing.

"The Bible's a big book, daunting even for many adults," Muckley said. "But The Comic Book Bible boils down the most important stories and ideas to a level elementary-age kids can understand. And the comic illustrations make it fun."

Read more in the July 6 issue of Christian Retailing.