Like a good shepherd
with her not-so-intelligent sheep, God knew my need before I did. The essence of the
spiritual journey is so evident in [Psalm 23].
So, I’m reposting one of my favorite posts of these 5 years at PBT. You’ll see why...
Four books are featured today! All of them have as their text the 23rd Psalm. The language is traditional except for the book for preschoolers (listed first below). First I show you a sample of illustrations from all 4 books. Then I give you some details for each book. Applications in ministry are obvious. Consider presenting 2 books and having your audience (adults or children) talk about which illustrations most appeal to them and why. Then connect their ideas to personal spiritual growth.
The Lord is my shepherd.
I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads in paths of righteousness for His name sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me.
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil.
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life.
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
Here are the 4 books!
Picture Book: Found: Psalm 23
Adaptation: Sally Lloyd-Jones
Illustrator: Jago
Hanna’s Comments: This book for preschoolers is pulled from The Jesus Storybook Bible. If yours is not the Christian tradition, do consider this book about Psalm 23. The Jesus Storybook Bible does refer to Jesus, but this beautiful book does not. Its text is a simple paraphrase of the 23rd Psalm.
Original Publisher & Date: Zonderkidz, 2017
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 3 and up, Pre and up
Formats other than Book: Tablet
Picture Book: Psalm Twenty-Three
Illustrator: Tim Ladwig
Hanna’s Comments: The preface of this book explains that the illustrations are of urban America and highlight a "black family living among urban dangers." A stained glass window of Jesus is a crucial part of the visual story.
Original Publisher & Date: Eerdmans, 1993
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 5 and up, Pre and up
Formats other than Book: None at present
Picture Book: Psalm 23
Illustrator: Richard Jesse Watson
Hanna’s Comments: These illustrations are more magical and dramatic than the others which will appeal to some in your audience. The images are all of children or a lamb. It uses “thy” and “thou” and has "th" endings on some of the verbs (He maketh me to lie down…).
Original Publisher & Date: Zonderkidz, 2013
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up
Formats other than Book: Tablet
Picture Book: Psalm 23
Illustrator: Barry Moser
Hanna’s Comments: Zonderkidz, 2008
Original Publisher & Date: This is my favorite version for older children for it shows the meaning of these words in a context closest to the original psalm. The illustrator explains that his images are inspired by travels in the Caribbean. Here you have a shepherd boy as an image of God as well as other traditional images of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit such as doves, butterflies and a pelican. Have your audience find them.
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 5 and up, K and up
Formats other than Book: None at present
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