Sammy and His Shepherd (Hunt)

Sammy and His Shepherd: Seeing Jesus in Psalm 23 is an illustrated children’s book by Susan Hunt that guides young readers through Psalm 23 by means of an imaginative allegory about a lamb and his caring shepherd.

Narrated by Sammy, a contented sheep who lives under the watchful care of a good shepherd, the story unfolds as Sammy befriends a neglected sheep from a neighboring pasture—one who has no name, little food, and no protection. When Sammy’s shepherd purchases the struggling sheep and names her Precious, she begins to learn what it means to belong to a shepherd who provides, protects, restores, and loves unconditionally. Through their conversations, each chapter explores a successive verse of Psalm 23, translating its imagery into scenes and language accessible to children.

The book includes discussion questions and activities for each chapter, encouraging families to read together, talk about what the psalm teaches, and memorize Scripture. Hunt’s preface describes Psalm 23 as “a celebration of the comprehensiveness of salvation by grace” and expresses her hope that the book will help children delight in knowing Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Illustrated by Cory Godbey, this book serves as a resource for family discipleship and an introduction to the shepherd-and-sheep imagery that runs throughout Scripture.

Key Themes

• The personal, redemptive love of the Good Shepherd for each of His sheep
• Rest, provision, and protection as gifts of the shepherd’s faithful care
• Grace as an unearnable gift that defines the sheep’s belonging
• Overcoming fear and helplessness through trust in the shepherd’s presence
• The call to extend goodness and mercy within the community of God’s flock

Featured Quotes

“The more you trust him, the more his grace and mercy will overflow from you to others.”

“My shepherd named me soon after he bought me. He names all of his sheep.”