Kaleidoscope adopts a unique approach to children’s Bibles by treating the Old and New Testaments, totaling sixty-six books, as a kind of library. Rather than presenting the entire Bible, Kaleidoscope publishes narrative versions of individual books (sometimes combining two or three when appropriate) to serve as a bridge for elementary-aged children who might find reading the entire Bible overwhelming.
One of Kaleidoscope’s offerings is “Bright Star,” a narrative focusing on the story of Esther. The book begins by providing historical and cultural context, addressing questions about why the Jews remained in Persia and exploring the meaning of Esther’s name, “star,” symbolizing her role in shining brightly amidst darkness. The text is carefully drawn from the biblical account, offering details that enhance the reader’s visualization of the events without deviating from the Scriptures.
Mackle’s engaging writing style is a notable aspect, tailored to her audience, particularly as a school librarian. She skillfully addresses topics such as the appeal of villains while avoiding romantic themes for this age group. Additional sections titled “Kaleidoscope Corners” provide insights into challenging subjects like the submission of a wife to her husband, enmity, sovereignty, providence, and how the book of Esther points to Jesus.
The volumes come in slim hardcovers, easily portable and featuring attractive designs suitable for both boys and girls. While designed for an elementary-age audience, it’s worth considering the limited white space and denser font, which may pose a challenge for emerging readers. Readers’ confidence levels should be taken into account when deciding whether the book is suitable for independent reading or better as a read-aloud. Some feedback suggests that the illustrations have heavy and dark colors, with much of the action depicted at night. While the symbolism of the bright star in the darkness is understood, reducing color saturation could improve the visual balance of the pages.