The World Jesus Knew: A Curious Kid's Guide to Life in the First Century

Jesus often told stories using everyday objects to help his listeners understand life with God. But for most of us, the deep imagery and meaning behind those objects has been lost to history. This book helps kids discover the world Jesus lived in through maps, charts, graphs, and other infographic elements. They'll learn about the culture Jesus lived in-his Jewish religion, the power of the ruling Roman Empire, the role of fishermen and carpenters and shepherds. It's an invitation to explore the stories of Jesus in their cultural context, bringing new life to familiar biblical events. This beautifully illustrated book will be a family favorite that kids and adults will come back to over and over again

The World Jesus Knew is a Junior Library Guild Selection. Junior Library Guild is a curated subscription service for libraries featuring books recommended by expert librarians for building an excellent collection.

Marc Olson is a theologian and a former pastor. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Pacific Lutheran University, and a Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary. He was also awarded the Seminary’s International Preaching Fellowship in 2007, which resulted in a year abroad, studying and teaching with his family in Tanzania as well as Israel and Palestine. Marc lives in St Paul, Minnesota with his son, Sigurd, and their Basset Hound, Bruce. He also drives a garbage truck.

As a child, Jem Maybank was inspired to draw the exotic animals as the next best thing to having them. Her style is inspired by the minimal shapes and subtle use of textures seen in mid-century children's books, and she makes sure to include nature in her work. She lives in England.