Let's Learn about Psalm 23

by Catherine DeVries, Ryan Jackson (Illustrations)

In this second book of the HeartSmart series, preschoolers are invited to join five-year-old Jackson for a day at Grandpa’s farm. Together they learn how to gather eggs, feed baby lambs, and brush horses. When a storm approaches, they go inside for breakfast and Grandpa reads Psalm 23. Everything they have experienced on the farm helps Psalm 23 come alive.

HeartSmart is a Scripture memory series designed to create opportunities for children to fill their hearts with God’s Word. HeartSmart combines key scriptures with songs, giving parents a spiritual formation path for building a strong foundation of faith.

Genres: Childrens, Christian

26 pages, Board Book

First published February 1, 2016

About the author

Catherine DeVries has written more than twenty-five books for children, including the bestselling Adventure Bible Storybook. She lives with her family in the Colorado forest.

Reviews

[Richelle Zirkle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very nice book with bright colorful illustrations. Great for younger readers learning about the bible and Jesus.

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Kyle Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the HeartSmart series, and once again Catherine DeVries does a good job of presenting a Bible story that appeals to and engages children. I do not think this book is as good as the first in the series ("Let's Learn about the Lord's Prayer), but it is still worth having in the series. To me, this one focuses more on the life on the farm instead of the scripture. I realize that there are limitations when writing a book for children, so in order to set the story up DeVries had to focus the first part of the book on the farm.

The story takes place on a farm, with horses, chickens, sheep, and lambs. The main character, Jackson, is visiting his grandparents and is helping out with the daily chores. When a storm develops and Jackson and his grandma move inside, he is reminded of a Bible story about a shepherd attending his flock. Grandma points out to Jackson that the sheep are not afraid of the storm because their shepherd is watching over them. She then begins to recount Psalm 23 ("The Lord is my Shepherd..."), and how it means that God loves us and always takes care of us.

This book has wonderful illustrations that will appeal to children, and it engages children throughout by asking questions that are relevant to the story. I would recommend it to all parents to have in their home library and to Sunday school classes that teach children. I received this as a free ARC from David C. Cook Publishing on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this second book of the HeartSmart series, preschoolers are invited to join five-year-old Jackson for a day at Grandpa’s farm. I did not like this one as well the first in the series "Let's Learn About the Lord's Prayer". In this book Jackson and his friend (the reader) gather eggs, feed the lambs, and brush the horses. When it looks like a storm is coming, Jackson and his grandma go in the house and let Grandpa and his dog, Beau, gather up the sheep and lambs to get them safely in the barn. This reminds Jackson of a story that he heard in church. He and grandma talk about the 23rd psalm and how Jesus is the Good Shepherd. The psalm is actually printed in its entirety at the end of the book. This would be a good book to have in a Sunday School classroom or early Kindergarten class in a Catholic or Christian School environment, as well as in any Christian home.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful rendition of Psalm 23 for kids! I loved the colorful pictures for catching the children's attention. Catherine DeVries uses the idea of a farmer taking care of his "flocks" to show how God takes care of us. The author has taken the message of Psalm 23 and broken it down to the very basics for children to begin learning about the love and protection that God provides us as his children.

The format of this story, is in my opinion, geared toward that of children ages 2-5 specifically. The illustrations are bold and eye catching with many animals for the child to see and learn about. The style of writing makes it simple, easy to follow to grab their attention. I can see many enjoyable moments reading this story to a little one. This book would make a wonderful addition to a child's library.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lord is my Shepherd…It means God loves us. He takes care of us, even when storms come.


You and your little one go on a journey learning Psalms 23 with Jackson and his grandpa while tending his grandfather’s farm. What it means to take care of the animals on the farm and how God takes care of us. In God’s care and Jackson’s grandfather’s care of his animals, you see a parallel to how growth and health is vital to our relationship with God. Each page is a teaching moment with your child whether it is counting, naming the animals, and/or the love and care of a great God.

A Special Thank You to David C Cook and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story draws your child into the what is happening on the farm with Jackson and his grandparents. Your child will learn a little about the chores on the farm, and how it relates to Psalm 23.

I loved the simplicity of the story, yet it maintained the integrity of the Psalm and put it into words that a young child can understand. The illustrations are beautiful. Even though I have heard Psalm 23 several times because it is my grandfather's favorite psalm, the illustrations and the storyline help bring it alive. I love that Jackson invites your child to come along on the journey with him, and your child is addressed throughout the book as his friend. It makes the story more personal.

I received an ARC curtesy of Net Galley and David C Cook in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Beth | Faithfully Bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://www.faithfullybookish.com/revi...
My four year old loved this adorable book. The illustrations are bright and colorful and the characters have an interactive dialog with the reader (or listener). My little guy enjoyed conversing with the characters and pointing out the different farm animals. I would recommend this book for toddlers and preschoolers especially. The book reinforces the concept of God as the Good Shepherd with a story about 5 year old Jackson's grandfather taking care of his sheep during a storm. Psalm 23 is included at the end of the story.

I requested this book through NetGalley in order to read it and offer an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.