Product Description

In Sammy and His Shepherd, veteran children's writer Susan Hunt takes youngsters on a delightful trip through Psalm 23 from the point of view of a sheep named Sammy. Sammy lives happily under the care of his faithful shepherd. But one day he meets a sheep from another flock, one who lives in misery because her shepherd is not so caring. Eventually, to the delight of both of them, Sammy's shepherd buys the needy little sheep for his flock and gives her a name Precious. Thereafter, Sammy tells Precious all the wonderful things about their shepherd. At first, Precious has a hard time believing that the shepherd can be so good. But eventually, as she sees the shepherd pouring out his energies for the good of his flock, she comes to trust him, for she sees that he loves his sheep unconditionally and sacrificially.

Each chapter of Sammy and His Shepherd is an exploration of a passage from Psalm 23. As they work through the book, children will grow in their understanding of the metaphors the psalmist used in composing this beloved poem. But more important, they will gain a deeper appreciation for the one who is the subject of the psalm: the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Captivating illustrations by Corey Godbey help Sammy and Precious come to life for children. A special section in the back of the book provides Bible passages, discussion questions, and activities to reinforce the lessons of each chapter.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #21939 in Books
• Published on: 2008-12-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 56 pages

About the Author
Susan Hunt is a former director and a current consultant for the Presbyterian Church in America s Women in the Church ministry. She has written Sunday school and discipleship curricula and Bible study series, as well as a number of books for women and children. Her published titles for women include: Leadership for Women in the Church (co-authored with Peggy Hutcheson), Spiritual Mothering: The Titus 2 Mandate for Women Mentoring Women, Women s Ministry in the Local Church (co-authored with Dr. J. Ligon Duncan III), and Heirs of the Covenant. Her children s books include My ABC Bible Verses, and three titles co-authored with her son Richie Hunt: Big Truths for Little Kids, Discovering Jesus in Genesis, and Discovering Jesus in Exodus. She has spoken in women s conferences across the United States and in several other countries. Susan is married to Gene Hunt, a retired Presbyterian Church in America pastor. They have three adult children and twelve grandchildren.

Customer Reviews

Sammy and His Shepherd
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.

Introduces children to what it means to be in the loving care of the Lord God and His son Jesus Christ
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, a review
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.