A Review of Psalms for Young Children

A review of Psalms for Young Children 

By Marie-Helene Delval; Illustrated by Arno

I teach my 3-5-year-old class about the book of Psalms each Sunday when we begin our Call to Worship. “Psalms means songs,” I say. I hold up my Bible to show them that it can be found in the middle of the Bible. “Here you can find songs of praise to God, songs crying out to God for help or for forgiveness, or songs about being lonely, fearful or sad.” I want them to know that this is a good place to go when they are struggling as well as when they are full of praise to God. In the spring, when they are a bit older, I point out that the book of Psalms is a strange word. There is no “p” sound. We all think that is a bit silly.

Marie-Helene Delval interprets many of the psalms in language appropriate for 4–11-year-olds. Each full-page spread has a summary of a psalm in simplified language accompanied by a beautiful illustration featuring one child conversing to God, expressing their true feelings.

A few examples:

From Psalm 4

“God, when I’m in my bed at night, I think about you. And then I’m not scared of anything. I can fall asleep quietly and in peace.” 

Psalm 23 

“God is my shepherd. He leads me in the right direction. And even if I have to walk in a dark place, I am not scared. I know nothing will hurt me if I walk with God!”

Psalm 88

“God, please listen to me. I am full of sadness, I am crying. I feel lonely and scared. Do you really love me? I’m calling you, God. Please comfort me!”

I suggest that parents also point out the psalm in the Bible. As a child grows, they can read the psalm in the book followed by the psalm in the Bible, a helpful transition as they become more adept at understanding the language of Scripture. Once a child knows his or her way around Delval’s book and the book of Psalms, they can search for a psalm that they want to read, a prerequisite to depending on God’s Word in difficult times. This is a terrific nightstand book to read before going to sleep, especially for children who need a reminder to trust in God rather than to be fearful of all manner of things, including those monsters under their beds.

This book is appropriate for readers ages 9-11 but equally good for parents to read to children ages 4 or older. I gladly give this book five stars!. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️