Rob James has been a parish priest and the Chancellor of Wells Cathedral, Somerset. Having worked for the Church of England, he then moved to Canada where he is an Associate Professor at the Vancouver School of Theology. Among other things, he has research interests in the New Testament, in particular Luke’s Gospel. His ministry has always included large amounts of children’s ministry and biblical storytelling. He lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.
 
Amanda Ruston is an Anglican priest and vowed Benedictine. In addition to over twenty years’ experience in graphic design and illustration, she has an MDiv and is pursuing doctoral work in the field of liturgy and language. She lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.

“In these stories, Rob James has given us accessible and simple ways that adults and children can participate in the telling of core New Testament stories... encouraging all of us to re-enter these narratives with our minds, our hearts and our bodies.”—Melissa Skelton, retired Bishop of New Westminster and Archbishop of the Province of British Columbia and Yukon, and former Provisional Bishop of the Diocese of Olympia

“Rob James imaginatively re-tells well-known stories from the Bible, coloring in the highways and byways of the Galilee, drawing out the characters of the people Jesus met and taught and healed, and exploring the lives of the first Christians. Slowly, the narrative of God being with us is woven into the stories of the lives we live so that we can go out and share the stories of Christ’s life with others. I commend it most warmly.”—Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich, Church of England

“... offers a thoughtful retelling of classic New Testament stories by helping us to hear the gospel with renewed interest and curiosity. Accompanied by Amanda Ruston’s stunning illustrations, this work of Christian education is a gift for both the storyteller and the listener.”—Dr. Ross Lockhart, Dean of St. Andrew’s Hall, and Professor of Mission Studies, Vancouver School of Theology

“Rob James’ book of biblical stories, with lavish illustrations by Amanda Ruston, . . . does not talk down to children but speaks to them in a language that engages them intellectually, calls upon them to participate in the stories physically, and takes seriously their own spiritual gifts and knowledge. . . . This is no easy feat, and I highly recommend that you buy it as a gift to introduce the Gospel to all of the children in your life!”—Dr. John W. Martens, Professor of Theology and Director of the Centre for Christian Engagement, St. Mark's College, Vancouver

“As a primary school teacher, I highly recommend this captivating storyteller’s Bible. The stories are presented in a delightfully creative, interactive, and imaginative way that truly engages young minds. . . . Rob’s stories have become an invaluable part of my classroom. My students are consistently captivated by the stories, eager to join in and share their own reflections. I cannot recommend this book enough for any teacher looking to breathe new life into Bible storytelling.”—Mrs. Zöe Walls, primary school teacher, Gloucestershire, England

“This book made my son laugh the whole time. He really got into participating in the stories . . . and did so with gusto. He gave me a huge hug when we were finished reading.”—Mrs. Kate Keilty, Victoria, British Columbia

“Storytelling has always been at the heart of our Christian faith. The best, the most engaging, the most powerful, the most nourishing storytelling isn’t just an active speaker talking to passive listeners. Thank you to Rob James for offering practical tools to involve all of us in the sacred and joyful practice of storytelling.”—Michael Shapcott, Executive Director, Sorrento Centre, British Columbia