Guide to Categories : Kid Review – review of books for elementary-aged and younger children

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About the Book

Book: Psalms in Rhyme for Little Hearts

Author: Donna Wyland

Genre: : Picture Book

Release date: 2023

stretched high above the sun,

that floats and falls from end to end

and warms till day is done.

~ Psalm 19:5-6

Young hearts will cherish the sweet rhyme contained in Psalms in Rhyme for Little Hearts as they are gently guided to a closer relationship with God. From beginning to end, the colorful childlike illustrations bring the psalms to life and inspire children to hide God’s Word in their hearts.

Uniquely created for children ages 4 – 8, this book of scriptural poetry will inspire children to sing praises to God and help them understand and remember God’s constant presence and powerful promises. And, for parents who want to lead their growing children to the original Bible psalms, they are included at the end.

Whether for morning devotions or nighttime prayers, Psalms in Rhyme for Little Hearts will bless children seeking to know the Lord and provide a foundation for intimate spiritual time with parents, grandparents, and others.

Click here to get your copy!

My Kid Review

Wyland, Donna. Psalms in Rhyme for Little Hearts. Illustrated by Courtney Smith. Plymouth, MA: Elk Lake Publishing, 2023.

Most versions of the Bible are hard for little ones to understand. Donna Wyland has written 12 poems based on 12 different Psalms. The poems are beautiful and easy to understand for younger elementary children. 

My problem with the poems is in how they are presented. Rather than giving each poem a title with a subtitle based on Psalm ____, each poem is given the title of Psalm ____. To me this indicates the poem is actually the Psalm which it is not. They are not even translations of the Psalm, they are really poems which help children understand the concept behind the Psalm. Many of the poems actually refer to Jesus by name which never happens in any of the Psalms.

Courtney Smith’s artwork is well down and in most cases matches the text well. There was at least one illustration that left me curious – it appears to be of a modernized Daniel in the Lion’s Den yet the text doesn’ really mention that Bible story. The concept of the poem is asking for help so in a way the illustration makes sense but it could mislead little children.

In spite of my concerns I can see Psalms in Rhyme for Little Hearts being used as a mentor text in writing poetry based on Scriptures.

Psalms in Rhyme for Little Hearts could find its way into a K-12 Christian school classroom. It has uses across all grade levels. 

I received a complementary copy of Psalms in Rhyme for Little Hearts. This is my honest review. 

About the Author – Donna Wyland

DONNA WYLAND is an award-winning author, busy mother, grandmother and friend. She is the author of ‘Twas the Night Before Jesus, a best-selling children’s picture book and is a contributor to many inspirational essay collections. Donna lives and writes at her home in Southwest Florida and her condo overlooking the ski slopes in Steamboat, Colorado.

More from Donna Wyland

“More than 30 years ago I discovered the meaning of the Book of Psalms. Whether I was struggling or celebrating, God led me to individual psalms that encouraged and comforted me and gave me the strength to persevere. It is my heart’s desire to see children learn the power and peace of the psalms early in life so they, too, will turn to God’s Word when they need hope and comfort, or they are searching for the right words to praise Him for His blessings and favor. This book of rhyming psalms protects the biblical meaning of each psalm while putting the message in a child’s vocabulary with rhyme to help them remember.”

Blog Stops

Divine Perspective, July 1

Blossoms and Blessings, July 2 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, July 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 3

Life on Chickadee Lane, July 4

Labor Not in Vain, July 5

Texas Book-aholic, July 6

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, July 7

Vicky Sluiter, July 8 (Author Interview)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, July 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 10

For Him and My Family, July 11

Cover Lover Book Review, July 12

Guild Master, July 13 (Author Interview)

A Reader’s Brain, July 14 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, July 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Donna is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Magnolia Market gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2c80a/psalms-in-rhyme-for-little-hearts-celebration-tour-giveaway

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