About the Book

Book: Psalms in Rhyme for Little Hearts

Author: Donna Wyland

Genre: : Picture Book

Release date: 2023
The sky is like a large blue tent

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!

Author Interview

What was the most challenging part of the writing process for you and why? The most challenging part of the writing process for this particular book, Psalms in Rhyme for Little Hearts, was maintaining the purity and integrity of the Bible message for each psalm while also discovering a way to write in perfect rhyme. This book is intended to encourage children to fall in love with the Word of God and with the book of Psalms in particular.

What was something new you learned while writing this book? I learned that simplifying word selection does not have to change the deeper meaning of a passage or psalm. Children can understand far more than we often give them credit for. Writing the selected psalms in rhyme will help children to remember the heart of God, his love and faithfulness. Beyond the salvation message, that is the most important message to impart to little ones.

How did you balance keeping your book informative yet engaging as a non-fiction? I think much of the balance between informative and engaging is shared between the text and illustrations. I try to add some playful words here and theretrusting that the illustrator will add a sense of whimsy to his or her art to engage a child’s imagination while the text is read.

How did you celebrate when you completed your book? This is an excellent question. As a Certified Life Coach, Iunderstand the importance of celebrating life achievements, no matter how small. So, I took myself to Barnes and Noble, sat down with an Iced Caramel Macchiato, and savored a stack of home decorating magazines. It really is my guilty pleasure. I love to decorate! Then I went home and began to work on Starlight and Pockets Full of Shells, two nonfiction picture books I hope to see on bookshelves in the not-too-distant future.

What message do you hope readers take away from your book? My deepest desire is for children to learn to love the Word of God, specifically the psalms, and will know without a doubt God hears and answers their prayers.

About the Author

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

“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.”