There are positives and negatives to this work by Paul Maier. While I generally do not like his tone, his content is excellent. Overall, I think the good outweighs the bad - though I do confess to editing as I read. I have chosen to keep this book in our library because I think it adds some valuable and unique perspective to the Creation story. The other creation book I like, which I would give a slight edge over this one is "The Story of Creation for Children" by the Haidles. 
 ~~~~~~~~~~WISH IT COULD HAVE BEEN DIFFERENT 
 I find the title itself off-putting. Why is it that people who hold to the absolute authority of Scripture have taken to titles that use the word *true* or *real* when using their imagination to enhance the Biblical text. If you or I want the *True* story of Noah's Ark, we should be reading our Bibles. Now that we have that out of the way... 
 "Chapter One" encourages us to find ancient explanations for creation "amusing". Yes, let's laugh at people who don't believe the Biblical account... not exactly Christlike. 
 He doesn't have a clear delineation of the days. For example, day 1 (light) and 4 (sun, moon, stars, planets) were covered together. Part of the reason is that my student looks forward to Day 4 as space is fascinating to him and this approach seemed to cut it short. 
 While a point is made that One God created, the author doesn't explain the use of the plural when God created man, even though he quotes the text of Genesis 1:26, "Let Us made man in Our image." This would seem an obvious question. Avoiding an explanation makes it seem like a simple answer is not available. 
 ~~~~~~~~~~WHAT I LIKED 
 On the positive side, I like the presentation of other ancient perspectives in a way that exposes children to the information without endorsing it. I just wish it could have been done in a less condescending manner. 
 Unlike other books in Maier's repertoire (specifically "The Very First Christmas" and "The Very First Easter"), Maier has abandoned the forced story premise in favor of simply listing the verse and then using a conversational tone to explain what is going on. Sometimes, he references commonly asked questions. This reads more like a dialogue with the reader, and this style minimizes his bombastic tendencies. 
 Maier doesn't talk down to children (just unbelievers). Maier's assertion that Genesis 1:1-2 are a summary statement of God laying the foundation for matter, with day 1 culminating in the creation of energy in the form of light is an interesting perspective not often attempted in children's books. 
 The best thing about Maier's approach is that he effectively goes beyond the 6 days to put creation in perspective in ways that other works do not. He ties in God's creative act with God's divine nature. For example, in the creation of light, he mentions that Jesus was called "the light of the world" and discusses how the light God created helps us to see/ understand God Himself. Day 7 includes explanation of God's creation of a rhythm of work and rest for man's benefit, and Maier naturally branches into the fall. The book closes with Genesis 3:15, illuminating how the curse upon the serpent is the first reference to the hope of a Savior; the illustration on this page of the empty tomb is particularly moving. I would say the items in this paragraph, more than any other have made this book a keeper in our home library.