Finally: Non-religious Bible stories

Some parents without strong religious beliefs often welcome the mixed-faith basis of their local primary schools, but are less pleased to find their children are missing out on stories that are still the most influential in western culture: the tales from the Old and New Testaments. Now there is a solution for troubled agnostic and atheist mothers and fathers. They can read their favourite parables to their children at bedtime, alongside Winnie the Pooh and Peter Pan.

A growing number of children’s publishers are bringing out books that re-tell the stories of the Bible so that children can read them at home, away from an overtly religious context. This Christmas, acclaimed author Jeanette Winterson has taken up the crusade by bringing out her own, unorthodox account of the nativity story told from the point of view of the donkey in the stable. Christian publishing company, Zonderkidz, based in the US, has also produced a series of children’s picture books based on Bible stories, such as Jonah and the Big Fish and The Lost Son. One book tells the tale of two shepherds, Jed and Roy, who make their way to the manger. While these colourful publications could be used in conventional Sunday school classes, they also fulfil an important cultural function for many parents.