ONE PERFECT PLAN: THE BIBLE'S BIG STORY IN TINY POEMS by Nancy Tupper Ling

Review by Amanda Smith

One author –
                    pen crafting inspiring scenes
One illustrator –
                     brushes brimming with colorful dreams
One picture book –
                   overflowing with heroes and queens.

One Perfect Plan: The Bible’s Big Story in Tiny Poems (WaterBrook), written by Nancy Tupper Ling and illustrated by Alina Chau makes the essence of the Bible accessible to young readers in a colorful and engaging way. Each spread features two or more stories from the Bible, written in easy-to-understand language. Nancy’s “tiny poems” are laced with affirming messages of love and hope. Repetition and a catchy refrain invite young listeners to “read” along.

Alina Chau’s soft illustrations unfurl and flow in vivid watercolors across the pages, perfectly complimenting Tupper Ling's lyrical writing. Rife with symbolism and layered details, young readers will love pouring over the pages – perhaps while their adults tell them the more complete stories summed up in the poems. (Scriptural references are listed underneath each poem.)

Whether one reads this book in one sitting, or use it as a jumping off point for deeper study, One Perfect Plan: The Bible’s Big Story in Tiny Poems imprints the message of God’s love on the readers’ hearts.

WaterBrook also created a five-day devotional with YouVersion that readers could use alongside the book to dive deeper into the stories. You can access that here.

On Writing:
In One Perfect Plan Nancy Tupper Ling condenses a document of over 1,200 pages into a 435-word picture book keeping the overall theme intact, and ensuring each poem and each page drives towards the main message. Bravo, Nancy!

Whether you are writing a biographical picture book, or something based on a big historical event, or if you want to make other lengthy historical texts accessible to young readers, One Perfect Plan serves as an excellent mentor text for tight language, laser-like focus, and a kid-friendly approach.
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Learn more about Nancy 's books www.nancytupperling.com/ and visit Alina Chau's dreamy gallery to learn more about her artwork and other books.

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