With illustrations that bring to life Psalm 23, the popular picture book is
now available in board book format.
As a follow-up to his bestselling children’s book, The Lord’s
Prayer, Richard Jesse Watson created Psalm 23. The soothing and
familiar words of the iconic scripture are paired with the vibrant and
child-friendly illustrations of Richard Jesse Watson, resulting in a board book
edition of the acclaimed picture book that is pleasing to the eyes and soul.
Using KJV text, this book helps familiarize children with real biblical text
while also incorporating beautiful illustrations that help make the words of
David come alive for even the youngest reader.
Although this is
much smaller than expected, Psalm 23
is an adorable little keepsake for ages four to eight. It is made in
a hard “board book” format. Derived from the King James Version,
verses are divided up along 22 pages to parallel visual depictions.
It then concludes with the Psalm in its entirety
at the very end.
It simply maintains the biblical
translation verbatim without
paraphrasing into juvenile lingo
to get the message across like some
children's literature and Bibles
are inclined to do.
From one
of the most
beloved and
renowned passages
of the Holy
Scriptures,
this Old Testament piece is manifested
via beautiful
illustrations by Richard Jesse
Watson. The artwork is the primary
draw for my request to review
this book. As an artist
I tend to pay particular
attention to the fine
detail such
as the facial
and hand features as
well as
the lion's mane, which are all exquisitely
rendered. My own
favorite is the tranquil allure of the
celestial background and the overall theme of gentility amongst the
children's faces.
It
is also
quite
comforting
to see
the
23rd
Psalm
displayed
in a more
uplifting, joyful ambiance
rather
than the somber,
albeit hopeful
intent
that I have been around in my funeral directing career.
Unfortunately, it started to take on that connotation
for me personally,
so this is a nice
refreshing angle of interpretation. Retailing at $7.99,
this treasure makes
an affordable yet timeless gift for that
special petite soul
just coming to know the Spirit through God's spoken Word.
Richard Jesse Watson has been making books for children since 1984. He
collaborated with Ruth Bell Graham on One Wintry Night, and his version
of The Night Before Christmas was a New York Times bestseller.
Watson won the Golden Kite Award for his picture book, Tom Thumb, and his
illustrations have also been selected for the Society of Illustrator’s Annual
Exhibits. Richard and his wife, Susi, live in Port Townsend, Washington. Their
children are following in his footsteps as writers and illustrators of
children’s books.
Visit the illustrator at his website
Preview and purchase Psalm 23
This book was provided free for review by
Zondervan Publishers
