Jonah and the Very Big Fish - Hardback

A Grumpy Prophet, a Very Big Fish, and a Very Kind God

There is something wonderfully funny about the story of Jonah. Here is a prophet who runs the wrong way. Who gets swallowed by a fish — and spends three days inside it. Who finally does what he was told, and then sulks when it works. Jonah is one of the most surprisingly human characters in the whole Bible.

But beneath the humour is one of the most important truths Scripture teaches: God is kind and loving, and he longs to save people — even the people we might least expect him to care about. Even people like Jonah. Even people like us.

Jonah and the Very Big Fish brings this wonderfully surprising story to life for the very youngest readers, with an innovative and faithful retelling that toddlers and preschoolers will love — and return to again and again.

About This Book

Written for children aged 2–4, Jonah and the Very Big Fish is a beautiful hardback picture book that retells the biblical story of Jonah with all the fun, freshness, and faithfulness that the Very Best Bible Stories series is known for. Tim Thornborough’s retelling captures the drama and the gentle comedy of the story — a grumpy prophet, a very big fish, a very bad city, and a very patient God — while keeping the central truth of the book clear and memorable for young children.

Jennifer Davison’s bright, vivid illustrations bring every scene to vibrant life — from the storm at sea to the belly of the fish to the great city of Nineveh — with the warm, bold, expressive style that parents and children across the series have come to love.

Like all books in the Very Best Bible Stories series, this title also teaches some interesting linguistic skills through interactive storytelling techniques — engaging children as active participants in the story, not just passive listeners.

This is a book to be read at bedtime, in Sunday school, at the breakfast table, and as many times as little ones request it.

What Makes This Book Special

One of the Bible’s most immediately captivating stories — Children are drawn to the Jonah story naturally. A man swallowed by a fish is the kind of detail that seizes a two-year-old’s imagination and holds it. This retelling honours that instinct — keeping the story’s sense of adventure and surprise fully alive.

The real truth at the heart of it — The fish is unforgettable, but the point of the story is God’s extraordinary kindness to people who do not deserve it — including the city of Nineveh, and including Jonah himself. This book helps children understand that God’s love is wider than they might expect.

Bold, beautiful illustrations — Jennifer Davison’s artwork captures the scale and drama of the story with rich colours and expressive characters, making every page a visual delight.

Interactive and educational — The book uses creative storytelling techniques that draw young children in and develop early language skills alongside the Bible story.

A God-centred retelling — Jonah is not simply a story about obedience. It is a story about a God who pursues his prophet, rescues his prophet, and through his prophet reaches a whole city. This book keeps God at the centre where he belongs.

Hardback and built to last — Durable enough for the most enthusiastic toddler readers, and beautiful enough to give as a thoughtful gift.

What Children Will Learn

• That God is kind, loving, and longs to save people — even people we would not expect
• What happened when Jonah ran away from God — and why God did not give up on him
• That God is patient and merciful, both with his servants and with those they are sent to reach
• The dramatic story of Jonah and the big fish, told faithfully and memorably
• Early language and literacy skills through the book’s interactive storytelling techniques

Who This Book Is For

Parents of toddlers and preschoolers (ages 2–4) who want to share one of the Bible’s most beloved — and most surprisingly funny — stories in an edition perfectly pitched for young children.

Grandparents and family members looking for a meaningful, beautiful gift that will delight a young child and plant the truth of God’s extraordinary kindness from the very earliest years.

Sunday school teachers and crèche leaders wanting a high-quality hardback for preschool Bible sessions. The bold illustrations are easily visible from a distance, and the short, engaging text is ideal for reading aloud to a group.

Christian schools and homeschool families building a library of biblically faithful picture books for the youngest age groups.

Anyone looking for a gift for a young child’s birthday, baptism, baby dedication, or Christmas — one of the most beloved stories in the Bible, in one of the most beautiful editions for young children available.

About the Author and Illustrator

Tim Thornborough founded The Good Book Company in 1991 and is the author of the Very Best Bible Stories series. He is the driving force behind some of the most trusted children’s Christian publishing available today. Tim is married to Kathy and has three adult daughters.

Jennifer Davison is a freelance illustrator from Northern Ireland, working from her home studio surrounded by children’s books, toys, and cups of tea. A former digital artist in children’s television, she has been telling stories through pictures for as long as she can remember. Her warm, lively, boldly coloured illustrations are the visual heart of the entire Very Best Bible Stories series.

Series Information — Very Best Bible Stories

Jonah and the Very Big Fish is part of the Very Best Bible Stories series by The Good Book Company — a collection of faithful, fun hardback picture books introducing children aged 2–4 to classic Bible stories.

Every book in the series features Jennifer Davison’s vivid illustrations and interactive storytelling techniques that help the very youngest children enter into Scripture’s great stories and carry their truths into everyday life. Other titles in the series available at forthetruth.in include:

• Esther and the Very Brave Plan
• Daniel and the Very Hungry Lions
• David and the Very Big Giant
• Deborah and the Very Big Battle
• God’s Very Colourful Creation

Look for the full Very Best Bible Stories collection at forthetruth.in.