by Kate Shunney
Berkeley Springs author Barbara Ott-Harding has published her newest book, a collection of Bible stories set in verse to draw in readers.
Bible Stories in Rhythm and Rhyme was released by Xulon Press of Florida in December of 2024. 
The 257-page book interweaves Old and New Testament stories in rhyme with color illustrations and lively figurative language that shares Harding’s unique approach to biblical verse.
“Through vivid imagery, impactful metaphors, and poignant rhymes, Barbara retells the stories of the most influential biblical events and figures. From the tragic events with Cain and Abel and the bravery of Samson, to the obedience of John the Baptist and the invaluable teachings of Jesus Himself, readers will be swayed with the rhythmic beat of each word and layered emotions in each piece,” her publishers wrote about Bible Stories in Rhythm and Rhyme.
“It is my prayer that this book will be a blessing to all my family and friends and to anyone who picks up the book and reads any portion of it,” Harding tells readers in her introductory section.
Verses move from the Old Testament stories including Noah’s Ark and Joseph’s Coat of Many Colors to Daniel in the Lion’s Den and Jonah and the Whale. In the book’s selection of New Testament stories, Harding retells the Birth of Jesus, Jesus’ First Miracle, tales of The Prodigal Son and The Last Supper, all the way through the betrayal of Jesus, his Crucifixion and Resurrection. Ending the collection are the Lord’s Prayer and Bible Verses.
The book is dedicated to her three children – Owen, Lynlie and Devon — “the most treasured blessings of my life” and to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In talking about her inspiration to craft the book, offering a new view of some of the most retold stories in the world, Harding said is credited to God.
“He has always been there for me during my struggles. When my best wasn’t good enough, I would turn it over to God and shortly thereafter, the words would again, begin to flow,” she said.
Her first attempt at the book was more than a decade ago, focused on the series of poems from the Last Supper to the Ascension, she said.
“I read it to the congregation of the church we belong to. I was asked to write other stories for special programs and events after that. The stories grabbed the attention of the young people in the church, and I realized I enjoyed putting the Bible stories to rhyme. I felt like this was the reason God gave me the talent and He worked with me all through the book,” said Harding.
Besides inspiring a relationship with God, Harding hopes that her new book will prompt readers to look further into Bible resources.
“I’m hoping the readers will fact-check the stories as they are written in the Bible using the King James Version. I’m also hoping that my book will pique the interest of my readers to find the rest of the treasures throughout the Bible,” she said.
Bible Stories in Rhythm and Rhyme is Harding’s second book. Her first, Baby Talks, the Inside Story, was published in 2011 and recounted the life of a baby from conception through the first few years of life. That book was more in the education genre, telling young mothers what to expect and when.
Harding said she’s been writing poems since an early age – a route for her to express her feelings to those she loves.
“As time went on, I wrote lyrics to country songs, and even recorded in Nashville in the early seventies,” she said.
Now, at the age of 81, she feels that finishing her second book was her fate, to some extent.
“God is always in control and I started to feel like once I finished the book, there would be no need for me to remain on earth, so I started to drag my feet and put the book on the back burner for a few years,” Harding shared.
But her drive to finish and share her verses strengthened once again, and the book is now available to the world.
Bible Stories in Rhythm and Rhyme can be ordered through Barnes & Noble and from Xulon Press’s Christian Author Bookstore online or by calling Xulon Press at 1-866-381-2665.
