*Psalm Twenty-Three and *The Lord’s Prayer, both illustrated by Tim Ladwig

Tim Ladwig illustrates two well-known Biblical texts, using Black families in urban settings in these picture books.

*Psalm Twenty-Three, illustrated by Tim Ladwig. Eerdmans, 1997. 32 pages.

Reading Level: Picture books

Recommended For: All ages

The text of this book is Psalm 23, but Ladwig juxtaposes it against an urban Black child’s daily life. The contrasts are striking and make this psalm relevant to those of us who aren’t shepherds. Indeed, the Lord is with us in the valley of the shadow of death, even if that valley looks like a dangerous street with thugs. The Lord uses His people to guide one another, and places children in families for comfort and protection. Some might read this book as a sentimental, comforting story about the security a child feels at home, but God’s Word is true and we see His hand at work even amidst the mundane daily acts of bathing and feeding children, walking to school, and going about our daily work. Ladwig’s art is lovely, but note that there is a picture of Jesus in the stained glass window on the cover (and that image is repeated at the end).

*The Lord’s Prayer, illustrated by Tim Ladwig. Eerdmans, 2002. 32 pages.

Reading Level: Picture books

Recommended For: All ages

Like Psalm Twenty-Three above, the text of this book is entirely Scripture: the Lord’s prayer. As the text unfolds, a young girl accompanies her father on a mission of mercy, helping a neighbor with some yard work. The artwork is stunning, doves echoing some of the spiritual overtones even as ordinary, daily life comes into focus. The color palette, changes in perspective, and combination of full page spreads with small vignettes enhances the storyline. My only quibble is that the prayer begins with “our Father” as the girl looks at her earthly father. A small point, perhaps, but our earthly fathers are only pale imitations of our heavenly Father!

Both of these books would be nice additions to a church or Christian school library as well as a home collection.

Overall Rating: 4.75 out of 5

• Worldview/Moral Rating: 5 out of 5
• Literary/Artistic Rating: 4.75 out of 5

Read more about our ratings here. *indicates a starred review

Related Reading From Redeemed Reader

• A Review: A Light For My Path (a picture book based on Psalm 119)
• A Review: Last Stop on Market Street (a picture book also about an errand of mercy)
• A Resource: Why Your Church Needs a Library

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