Customer Reviews

Sammy and His Shepherd

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Sammy and His Shepherd written by Susan Hunt and Illustrated by Corey Godbey is one of the best children's books I have read in a long time (though its great for adults too) . It is an illustrated look at Psalm 23 through the eyes of a little lamb named Sammy. Sammy gets to know another nameless sheep on the other side of the fence and share about his Good Shepherd.

The book is divided into several short and teachable sections. Ending with a reference to the "Talk about it" section in the back of the book where parents can ask engaging questions about the story. The "Talk about it" reverences and section are the best integration of story and spiritual application I have seen in a children's book. Especially relevant is the "something to do" portion of each "talk about it" section where children are challenged think about their own actions and ask God to work in their lives to help them better reflect His Character.

This was a great book and I would highly recommend it for parents and children alike. The book can easily be read over several nights. Though I imagine the book is geared for kids a little older, I read it to my 4-year-old daughter in one sitting (we will of course go back through it time and again at a slower pace)

We purchased this book for our 2 1/2 year old for Christmas. I began reading it to her and found my 6 year old coming around to hear when I would read. I found myself becoming eager to read the next chapter. It is one of those books that come to life in your mind and the minds of your children. It has greatly blessed our family and I have no doubt that it would bless everyone who reads it.

Sammy and His Shepherd is not a book to read in one sitting--at least, not to a child. But for adults who love the 23rd Psalm, it may be hard to put down.

Susan Hunt's book has eleven short chapters. Each chapter illustrates a verse from Psalm 23. These illustrations are perfect for children, but they will be appreciated by the grown-ups, too.

In chapter one: "The Lord is My Shepherd; I Shall Not Want," we are introduced to Sammy, the happy and content sheep. Sammy's shepherd loves his sheep, names them, and cares for them in every way. Sammy meets a nameless and pathetic little ewe across the fence. She is amazed to hear about Sammy's shepherd and wants to know more. The good shepherd eventually buys the little ewe, and she continues to be amazed by his love.

At the end of the book are related verses, discussion questions, and applications for each chapter. The verses are taken from the English Standard Version. This supplemental material is ideal for helping children understand the concepts taught in each chapter.

Susan Hunt has a degree in Christian education from Columbia Theological Seminary. It shows in this book. Sammy and His Shepherd teaches good theology in a way that children can understand.

Cory Codby's full-page, colorful paintings top the book off. They are wonderfully done. The aesthetics combined with the sound teaching in Sammy and His Shepherd make a winning combination.

Reformation Trust children's books are refreshing. Theological sloppiness is common in children's resources, but I've come to trust the material from Reformation Trust to be sound. I asked the author of Sammy and His Shepherd, Susan Hunt, how she ensures theological accuracy in her book. Susan Hunt is the wife of a retired PCA pastor whom gives support and helps with theological accuracy. In other cases Susan Hunt gets additional review from other pastors, friends, or the elders of her local church. In the case of Sammy and His Shepherd, she "had great confidence in the theological oversight of the Ligonier editors" and didn't see the need for additional oversight. I agree her confidence was well placed as I too have come to trust the theological oversight of the Ligonier editors.

Susan Hunt takes us through Psalm 23 in a way both parents and children will learn from. Cory Godbey did a wonderful job with the illustrations, but the words to pictures ratio was a bit off to keep my two year old's attention. I'd recommend this book for ages 5 and up. I do not mention an upper limit here because even though this book is targeted for kids, tweens, teens, and even adults will find the book entertaining and enlightening.

Sammy and His Shepherd is a allegorical tale where Sammy (a Christian) has a wonderful Shepherd (Jesus) and befriends a sheep with a bad shepherd (a lost friend). In each of the eleven chapters, Susan Hunt does a wonderful job of using the allegory to exegete a passage of Psalm 23.

At the end of the story, Susan Hunt has provided us with a great teaching resource to use in discussing the book with our children. For each chapter we are given a section of what the Bible tells us, something to talk about, and something to do.

Sammy and His Shepherd is a great story that will give both parents and children a deeper understanding of Jesus and Psalm 23.

What a wonderful way to share God's love and care with a child by reviewing the 23rd Psalm in this format! The illustrations are phenomenal and the story is wonderful for young and old alike. I highly reccomend this book.

Sunday school curricula author and grandmother of twelve Susan Hunt presents Sammy And His Shepherd: Seeing Jesus In Psalm 23, a fairly advanced reading-level storybook based on Psalm 23. Told from the perspective of Sammy the sheep, the simple parables expound on the basic meaning of the biblical verses, and correspond to discussion points and questions in the back. In the eleventh chapter, a fellow sheep named Precious tells Sammy, "I've learned to trust our shepherd. He's merciful. He bought me when I was sick and dirty, and he has cared for me so that now I'm strong and healthy. He's good. He always does what is good and right for me. He has forgiven me when I've disobeyed him, comforted me when I've been fearful, and rescued me when I've wandered away. I have finally realized that I'm a precious jewel to him, and that I will dwell in his flock forever." An excellent and worthy addition to church libraries, and a good way for parents (or Sunday School teachers) to introduce children to what it means to be in the loving care of the Lord God and His son Jesus Christ.

Sammy and His Shepherd: Seeing Jesus in Psalm 23 was written by Susan Hunt and illustrated by Cory Godbey. This outstanding book takes young readers on a fun and faith-filled journey through the twenty-third Psalm.

This book walks through Psalm 23 phrase by phrase in an enjoyable story, helping children to better understand this familiar psalm. The title of each chapter of the book includes one phrase taken from Psalm 23 and goes on to expound on that phrase through the story of Sammy the sheep and his experiences.

Sammy is a joyful sheep who is happy to be under the care of a good shepherd. He encounters a sad and dejected sheep living on the other side of the fence. This sheep, which does not even have a name, belongs to a bad shepherd, and her needs are not being met. Sammy befriends this sheep, and Sammy's good shepherd later purchases her. She is given a new name, Precious, and becomes part of the flock. As they journey together, Sammy patiently helps Precious understand what it means to live as part of this flock.

The story is a wonderful parable of the Christian life, living as part of the flock under Jesus, our Good Shepherd. Although this book is intended for children, even adults can learn valuable lessons from the simple truths of the faith that are presented. At the end of each chapter, readers are pointed to a "Talk About It" section located at the end of the book. These questions and thoughts are important to help young readers connect the story of Sammy and Precious with the real-life idea of Jesus as our Good Shepherd. One thing I might change about this book is the consistency of these sections in regards to the type and number of questions and activities. The "Talk About It" section for some chapters contained several questions, Bible verses, and thoughts, while others contained only a few. Some sections featured questions requiring higher levels of thinking, while others included mostly simpler comprehension and review questions.

The illustrations in this book were very well done. The excellent use of light and color in the illustrations helps to capture the mood throughout the story. Dark hues are used to show the depression, misery or hardship experienced in the story, while lighter colors are used to illustrate the hope radiating on the better side of the fence. The newfound joy and peace of Precious are evident throughout the pictures, as her ears appear to perk up little by little throughout the book.

Many children are encouraged to memorize Psalm 23, and this book would be a good resource in helping children to comprehend the meaning of the words they are learning. This book will help readers to understand some of the background information relating to sheep and shepherds that formed the basis for such biblical passages. Many children love animals, so this book will connect with children and help to illuminate biblical truths.

Disclosure: I am to receive a free copy of this book from Reformation Trust Publishing as compensation for my review.

As a father of little ones, I am always on the look out for good children's books. As a student of theology, I also keep an eye out for Christian children's books with solid biblical and theological messages. Such a book, I believe, is Sammy and His Shepherd: Seeing Jesus in Psalm 23 (Reformation Trust, 2008), written by Susan Hunt.

Sammy and His Shepherd is a simple story about sheep and shepherds. Sammy, a sheep of a good shepherd, meets and interacts with a sheep across the fence in the pasture of a bad shepherd. First named `My Friend' by Sammy, the unfortunate sheep is rescued, purchased, and given a new name--`Precious'--by Sammy's good shepherd. Though sometimes confused and afraid as a new member of the good shepherd's sheepfold, through conversations with Sammy and experiencing the good shepherd's faithfulness, Precious begins to trust him.

Sammy and His Shepherd is at the same time an expositional exploration of Psalm 23. Each chapter's title is a phrase from the psalm and its episode explores the theme contained in that phrase. For example, in chapter eight--"You Prepare a Table before Me in the Presence of My Enemies"--Sammy explains to Precious that the good shepherd had prepared a `tableland' beforehand for the sheep, clearing a piece of land of harmful elements so that the sheep could graze and rest in the peace and safety he provides from their enemies.

Sammy and His Shepherd is a wonderful book. It includes beautiful pictures (illustrated by Cory Godbey) that engage children, and its story is based upon faithful explanation of Scripture that Christian parents will appreciate. In addition, it presents Reformed soteriology, as in showing that Precious cannot save herself by getting through the fence that separates the sheepfolds of the good and bad shepherds, but needs the good shepherd first to come to, rescue, and redeem her. It even subtly teaches Reformed ecclesiology in showing that, as in Precious' case, sometimes coming fully to trust the good shepherd comes after joining the sheep of his pasture. Furthermore, it is a beautiful story of patient friendship exemplified by Sammy as he explains the life of a good sheep to Precious. Another strength to note is the "Talk about It" sections at the end of the book corresponding to each chapter that include additional Scriptures, discussion questions, and suggestions for actions to take in response to what was learned. Both child and adult will enjoy interacting with the themes of Psalm 23 in this story that ultimately point the reader to the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, and the salvation, protection, and rest he provides for his people.

Our three-year old loves the book though it is a bit advanced for her and probably more suitable for elementary age children. The themes explained and the author's pedagogical approach, however, could be used with children of any age. The only thing that could enhance the story might be more excellent illustrations to engage the imaginations of young children as they read. The illustrations that are included, however, are wonderful and draw the child into the world of the shepherding themes used by the Psalmist. As such, and for the reasons stated above, I would recommend this book for parents who read Scripture with their children and desire to point them to the Good Shepherd.

[Per the Federal Trade Commission guidelines, which took effect December 1, 2009, it must be noted that I received compensation for the posting of this book review, namely a hard copy of the book from Reformation Trust Publishing.]

Sammy And His Shepherd by Susan Hunt
Recommendation: Highly Recommended

Sammy is a dear little lamb who loves his shepherd. As he grows he continually learns new and wonderful things about his Shepherd. One day he meets another sheep, one who isn't from his flock, one who has another shepherd. He feels sorry for this poor sheep as he sees her struggle. One day his shepherd buys his new friend and now they can live together. This new friend however has many questions, Sammy patiently answers her questions and teaches Precious all about their wonderful Shepherd.

Positives: If you have ever wanted to show your children Jesus in the Old Testament this is a perfect book for it! This portrayal of Psalm 23 clearly illustrates Christ as the Good Shepherd, a wonderful balance of of tenderness and truth. The questions to talk about at the end of the book provide a great resource for parents to continue to expand their child's understanding of Scripture and of who Jesus is. The illustrations are beautiful as well.

Negatives: None

Talking Points: The "Talk About It" section at the end of the book is marvelous, I cannot improve on this excellent resource! Use it as you read through the book. It provides additional Scripture references and excellent questions that will spur on conversation with your child. Take the author's suggestion and memorize this Psalm together as a family.

Age Level: 3-8 year olds

I received a free copy of this book from Reformation Trust Publishing for this review.

This book by Susan Hunt, consultant for the PCA's Women in the Church ministry, tells the story of a little sheep named Sammy who is in the care of the good shepherd. He befriends a nameless sheep in another pasture and calls him My Friend. As Sammy and My Friend grow to care for one anther, My Friend learns about how the good shepherd takes care of his sheep, so unlike his own shepherd who is cruel and uncaring.

In desperation, My Friend attempts to escape his own pasture by digging under the fence. Sammy becomes upset and soon the shepherd notices what is going on:

Finally the shepherd freed My Friend from the fence. He picked her up and held her tenderly in his arms. "I will buy her from you," he said to the other shepherd.

"Why do you want to buy her? She's so sickly she'll probably die."

The good shepherd smiled. "Maybe so, but I love her and I want her to be one of my sheep."

He paid the man and began to walk across the pasture holding the dirty, sickly sheep. Sammy skipped along beside the shepherd, bursting with happiness.

Hunt does a beautiful job of telling the story of our Lord Jesus in this childlike story of sheep putting trust in their shepherd and journeying with him even into places that seem dangerous.

Brought to life with colorful artwork, this book could easily be considered a "child's first Bible commentary" as each chapter exposits Psalm 23 verse by verse. I, too, found it to be a refreshing look at the gospel as I took the journey with Sammy and My Friend to the heights where there were greener pastures and still streams.

A bit advanced for my 5-month-old, but I look forward to sharing this book with him when he is older, though he does already enjoy the picutres. A great way to share the gospel with any elementary age student as they learn about how My Friend grows to love and trust the good shepherd.

[Legal: A copy of this book was provided as compensation for this review.]