This brings to life Psalm 1 for young children by helping them understand who they are in Godās sight. Employing the psalmās metaphor of a God-honoring person being like a tree planted by streams of water, author Sally Lloyd-Jones writes, āBy a stream / is a good place / for a little tree / to be. / She reaches down / her roots / to drink. / And the water never dries up. / She grows strong / and beautiful.ā Illustrator Jagoās endearing artwork captures the joy of children planting a tree and watching it grow and grow and grow!
Children discover that the tree thrives in every season: āEven in winter / her leaves donāt wither / and fall off. / They stay green. / And in the summer, fruit! / And fruit! / And fruit!ā
Soon children learn that they are like a tree by the stream of water and that they have a secure relationship with their loving heavenly Father: āClose to you, God, / is a good place / for me / to be ... / Where you can look after me. / And help me grow. / And love me.ā The narrative and artwork climax in resounding praise: āI am so happy / with you, God! / Like a little tree / by a stream.ā
Strong: Psalm 1 is Lloyd-Jonesās and Jagoās latest addition to their excellent board book series based on the Psalms. Others include Near: Psalm 139; Happy: A Song of Joy and Thanks for Little Ones, based on Psalm 92; and Known: Psalm 139. Young children will enjoy clasping any of the easy-to-hold books as they hear about Godās love for them. (Zonderkidz)
About the Author
Sonya VanderVeen Feddema is a freelance writer and a member of Covenant CRC in St. Catharines, Ontario.