Psalm Twenty-Three

by Tim Ladwig (Illustrator)

Through poignant, heart-warming images of an urban African-American family, children experience the comfort and encouragement this favorite psalm still offers: the powerful message that they can rely on the Lord as they thread their way through the risk-filled maze of daily life in the city."

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Christian, African American, Family, Theology, Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published July 7, 1997

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've actually read this more than 2 times but I love the illustrations and I read every now and again.

This book is so beautifully illustrated and captures Psalm 23 perfectly. Tim Ladwig's artwork is brilliant.

[Ursula · Rating 5 out of 5]

 
Another beautifully written and illustrated book giving glory to God! :D
 

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Psalms 23 illustrates the day of a little boy who lives in a big city. The little boy's situations correspond with the different verses of the psalm. For instance, the little boy walks by what looks to be some rough characters (gang members) to the verse, "Even though I walk through the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me."

Beautiful illustrations. I especially like the stained glass window of Jesus - where Jesus is not depicted as a blond, fair-skinned man.

[J. Robin Whitley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great art and Ladwig has us rethink the way we see the Psalm by moving it from a rural setting to the city.

[Mileena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a beautiful addition to my journey on more things that connect me to the powers of this world. I immerse in that in all forms but have only recently began exploring those areas as they relate to Christianity. The illustrations are absolutely GORGEOUS. They reminded me so much of art from one of my favorite picture books growing up entitles Martin’s Big Words, (I checked, different artists) I am excited to highlight and read over this book in my actual bible and love that even though it’s a heavily quoted verse, my first full exposure to it was this way where it is given the context of being plugged into our very real world. I am a teacher and have kids in many sectors of my life that I am lucky enough to be a part of raising. But it is so scary in this world and especially with shit getting as bad as it is here with shootings and cops needing to be outside my ELEMENTARY school now. Like obviously I’m not implying that they all need to turn to the Christian interpretation of god and whatnot, but being connected to the universe, meditating, spell casting, or now the Bible, make you realize there is something out there that wants you to be kind and make something out of yourself. This life sucks and is scary, but it can also be beautiful too.

[R. L. Peterson · Rating 1 out of 5]

You have to star books, so that's why this one got a star at all. I can't remember for sure but I don't think it was King James, and the art work seemed to promote living conditions that aren't ideal. I know kids are trapped in inner city situations but this book didn't depict how to help them, but almost embraced it... idk, it just gave a weird vibe.

Because this is 2023, I have to say I am not saying people are bad people because of where they live. It's unfortunate that anyone has to live in terrible places. I am saying promoting less than ideal/dangerous environments isn't okay.

[E & E’s Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tim Ladwig is an amazing illustrator and is also was a minister. He worked with an inner-city Christian organization, so his illustrations include urban settings recognizable to inner-city kids, giving them a unique way to connect to this precious psalm. Also great is his book on the Lord’s Prayer.

Age read: 2 years old

[Nicole Washer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible illustrations that accompany Psalm 23. A realistic and moving story that will be sure to comfort any child who reads it. I read it as an adult and was drawn into the pages and impacted by the illustrations and scripture. I highly recommend this book to be read by both children and adults alike.

[Sandra Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poetry-verse

I love this book. The main part is the illustrations are showing a black urban neighborhood. Beautiful story. I would not use this in class in public school but could be used in private school.

[Bright · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pictures are so realistic, at times it looks like a photo. The expressions on the people’s faces tell a story as well. I know this family.

[Desirae G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent gift for my 3 year old grandson. I also donated a couple to our church library

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic modern setting of the wonderful psalm.

[Set · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice illustrations and message. A picture says a thousand words. This is a good psalm to recite and remember when throughout the day.

[Jenny Wood]

❤️

[Casseroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautiful! It’s one psalm spread out over beautiful artwork. I highly recommend reading this book.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations accompany the words of Psalm 23, bringing the meaning to life for children today.

[LeAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ladwig's full-color paintings interpret the words of the Shepherd Psalm in the inner-city world of an African-American child. “Green pastures” become the grass of the park. “Your rod and your staff” become the stop sign of the school crossing guard. “The valley of the shadow of death” is a scary street lined with thugs and aggressive dogs. Not all pages have words, and children have to study the pictures, rich in detail, to find the story. The lesson that God is there for them in their world will be clear to urban children in either Africa or North America.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

the two other women at my job saw this, sighed with that deep wow what a great book pleasure, and announced who was receiving this for a Christmas present. A mother, a brother. I think this might be the book I want to donate in honor of my mother that I like to do every year on her birthday. I love how it expresses the grace in everyday life (something I am apt to forget if not reminded) and I love how it shows the loving grandparents raising the children. A story brought to life via the wonderful illustrations all wrapped around the God-hearted words of the 23rd Psalm.

[Elaine Bearden · Rating 5 out of 5]

PreS-upper elementary/middle school
This is an amazing book. It takes the text of the bible passage from Psalm 23 and puts it in an inner-city setting. The juxtaposition of the text with the joys and troubles of a real family - in this case, African-American, is just really amazing. Published originally in 1993, then again in 2003 by Eerdmans. In a very few cases, the people are a bit stiff, but mostly really well-done acrylics? or oil paints? in strong colors.

[Art · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love how Tim Ladwig paints African-American children in urban settings paralleling the message of beautiful Scripture passages. I pause on each page and read the phrase while considering the painting- very much like doing a centering prayer, but doing this with my 3 year-old, too! "Psalm Twenty-Three" is just as colorful and calmly centering as Tim Ladwig's "The Lord's Prayer".

[Rose Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best children's books ever. It is simply the 23rd Psalm, illustrated. It shows 2 children who live in the ghetto, and shows their day as they walk to school in the morning, play, eat their meals and bathe and go to bed. Simply put, but incredibly moving. Makes me weep every time I read it.

[Salsabrarian]

The 23rd Psalm narrates the day of an African-American brother and sister as they get ready for school and walk to school and back again at the end of the day. They are raised by their grandparents and live in an urban setting where shady characters hang out on the streets. But they are buffeted by the love of their teachers, grandparents and God. Lovingly portrayed with realistic paintings.

[Livvie Esslinger]

Through the words of this psalm and beautiful illustrations of African American children, this book shows the meaning and application of the scripture.

I thought this book was so sweet and beautifully done.

I might not read this aloud, but would definitely be one I would keep in my library.

[Debbie Hoskins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books in our library. It's very sweet depiction of urban life.

[Shasta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving and contemporary interpretation of the 23rd Psalm

[Angela]

The words are timeless, the setting is inner city.