Preschoolers Know How to Follow

Picture Book: Follow Me      

Author & Illustrator: Ellie Sandall

Summary: Lemurs, many of them and of all sizes, 

follow their leader towards food, 

away from danger, 

and eventually sleep. 

This fast-paced rhyming book is packed with double page spreads of racing, chasing, 

and community delight. 

Follow me” is heard time and time again as the lemurs experience a crazy day in the rainforest.

Hanna’s Comments: Preschoolers know how to follow, so this is a good book for beginning to build concepts of discipleship to Christ and devotion to God. Hopefully these concepts will grow throughout their lives. To convert the reading of this book to a religious lesson, talk about the concept of “following.” Then give examples of how that word is commonly used in your family of faith. Specific behavioral examples will help them understand. For instance, say “Jesus listened to people. If you want to follow Jesus, then be like Jesus and listen to your parents.” OR “God wants us to follow God’s rules. ‘Do not lie’ is one of God’s rules. Telling the truth means you are following God’s rules.” This is the heart of discipleship and righteousness but those words are too big for young children. My PBT series Theological Statements for Young Children offers 12 posts based on 12 simple religious ideas. Each post lists age appropriate books that connect to each statement. Follow Me connects directly to several of these statements. Check out the beginning of this series [here] and email me if you’d like a list of the 12 statements.

Original Publisher & Date: McElderry Books, 2015

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: The 10 commandments (Exodus 20:1-26); they left everything and followed Jesus (Luke 5:11); whoever follows me will not walk in darkness (John 8:12); if anyone serves me, you must follow me (John 12:26) 

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to young children when introducing them to the concepts of following Jesus or following God’s ways.