The Ballad of Matthew's Begats: An Unlikely Royal Family Tree [With CD]

by Andrew Peterson

Book Overview

Who says all those "begats" in the first chapter of Matthew aren't fun to read? Kids and parents will have fun reading and singing along with this joyful Andrew Peterson song. The lyrics tell not only of the Biblical list of relatives, but for the first time, kids will learn why the "begats" are extremely important. This story and song demonstrate that Abraham's long lineage lead directly to the most important Bible character ever . . . Jesus Christ...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1400309093
• ISBN13: 9781400309092
• Release Date: January 2007
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publishers
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.83 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.2" x 10.3"
• Age Range: 6 to 10 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 5

Customer Reviews

An Unusually Delightful Advent Book

Looking for an unusually delightful addition to your Advent tradition? How about a bluegrass rendition of Jesus' genealogy as delivered in Matthew1:2-6? The "begats" are a section many readers are tempted to skim over to get to the "real" story, but included in Jesus' family history are many people from familiar Old Testament stories, those that make it to flannelgraph and those who only get a verse or two in the books of Kings. The begats ground the humanity of Jesus in the long history of God's relationship with Israel and are vitally significant to his incarnation. Andrew Peterson, as part of his unforgettable meditations on Jesus' incarnation in Behold the Lamb of God: 10th Anniversary Edition, puts the dreary "begats" into a fast-paced and funny bluegrass song. This book provides a joyous, lively illustrated rendition, with a cd version of the song included. The long historical story, presented as snapshots from a family photo album, builds to a dramatic visual climax of the Nativity, which is powerfully evocative of the transforming hope that Jesus brought. The song is appropriate for all ages, but the book (with informational sidebars about some of the characters) is best for ages 4 and up. The song is fast-paced enough that it is quite difficult to listen while turning the pages of the book, so the two are best used as complements to one another rather than trying to combine them.

The Ballad of Matthew's Begats: An Unlikely Royal Family Tree

The Ballad of Matthew's Begats, is written and sung by Andrew Peterson and illustrated by Corey Godbey. Drawings of Bible characters are placed like snapshots on colorful pages throughout this book. If you've seen the genealogy of Christ written in the book of Matthew, you know how long and difficult some of the names can be. A sing along CD is included in the front of the book making this an entertaining way to learn the family history of our Lord. There are fourteen generations from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon and fourteen from the exile to Christ. It's all wrapped up in a fun educational sing along book. There are very brief "Did you know...?" facts on each page; for example: "Did you know...Jehosophat had 28 sons and 60 daughters?" What I Like: Everything. The pages are intriguing. The song is fun to listen to. What I Dislike: Nothing. Overall Rating: Very Good. Loretta from Christian Children's Book Review

"A must-share"

Andrew Peterson's "The Ballad of Matthew's Begats" is a whimsical must for parents, Sunday School Teachers, grandparents, AWANA leaders, pastors, and anyone who is seeking a purpose-filled synopsis of the begats of the book of Matthew. A CD accompanies the text and is guaranteed to please young and old alike. Though this is a children's book, Andrew has added wit and wisdom in the margins of his simplistic, rhyming rendition of this classic true story. We have shared this book with 3's who adore it, our adult Sunday School class who were charmed by its humor (a few gems thrown in when least expected), and our children who have contemplated their own places in this story.

The Ballad of Matthew's Begats: An Unlikely Royal Family Tree

Very creative song/musical way of learning a long list of begats. The children love it!

TRULY A FAMILY TREASURE

This is a great Christmas book year round! What a treat to sit down and be captured by something as simple as the lineage of Jesus. Andrew Peterson is a musical genius and his creativity comes through in this project. A delight for the whole family - kids of all ages will get a kick out of the illustrations and can find hours of fun with each page and its content. A keepsake for years to come.