Bless the Lord: The 103rd Psalm

Based on the King James Version of beloved Psalm 103, Bluedorn's beautifully illustrated book features highly detailed color drawings of old-fashioned charm, as well as lyrics. A self-taught artist who was homeschooled, Johannah reminds children of life's blessing and of the Lord's eternal love. Ages 4 to 8. 26 pages, 8.5" x 11.25" hardcover.

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Reviewed by Jennifer (Canada), June 04, 2009

Johannah Bluedorn Stanford’s illustrations also serve as visual inspiration for artists-in-training. In the course of making day-trips with our copy, I’ve had self-trained artists who work in other illustrative styles seize the book and pour over it, “Wow, she’s good – who did the illustrations?” Homeschooled by her parents Harvey and Laurie Bluedorn, Johnnah Bluedorn Stanford is a self-taught artist who has attained a sense of proportion and form that is increasingly absent in the field of children’s literature. Harvey Bluedorn’s passion for psalmody is made event by the inclusion of sheet music he composed to set Psalm 103 in simple song. This span of four pages is far from bereft of Stanford’s touch; her background washes and decorative accents mark the sheet music as the loveliest I’ve seen. Clearly a multi-purpose title, Bless the Lord proves a useful aid for memorization and deeper delving into scripture while inviting readers to dive into the illustrations and relish the simple delights to be found there. Each of Bluedorn Stanford’s titles are handsomely bound as hardcovers, charmingly illustrated and focused upon carefully chosen content. After reading my first introduction to her work – My Mommy My Teacher – I have been slowly gathering a full collection of her titles. No Christian family seeking to engender a sense of grace, tender beauty, and deep respect for God and His works in their children should pass her work by.

Reviewed by Kris (Forest Lake, Minnesota), February 22, 2006

Throughout the pages of “Bless the Lord” you will be pleased to find a rich variety of color in the pictures and detail that goes unmatched. As a parent, the beauty and sentiment of each page makes me want to express the gloriousness of the Lord to my children as I read this beautiful Psalm to them. After years of reading children’s books to my kids with the same bold letters and primary colors, this beautiful book is one we will cherish forever. Every time you turn the page you can loose yourself in the detail of what Johannah wants to share with you in her art. From tiny books with their titles to a portrait above the fireplace with the 10 commandments scripted, this book can be a lesson or two on its own. A bonus to readers is the sheet music for Psalm 103 as written by Harvey Bluedorn, for use in family worship, or for beginner musicians. The inclusion of this music continues to gives evidence of how the Bluedorn family has taken the beautiful Word of God to heart as a source of training and instruction.

Reviewed by Dawne Shelton (USA), February 05, 2006

What a fabulous snuggle time read! Bless the Lord, written and illustrated by Johannah Bluedorn is a super sweet children's book which illustrates the 103rd Psalm. Every page is adorned with Johannah's beautiful artwork on nice thick paper that will last for years to come. I am simply amazed by the details found in Johannah's paintings and enjoyed lingering over the pictures in this book. I look forward to collecting more of Johannah's books!

Reviewed by K. Davis (Rochester, NY), October 17, 2005

Johanna Bluedorn, a homeschool graduate and self-taught artist, has illustrated this sweet children’s picture book of the 103rd Psalm. The words “Bless the Lord, Oh my soul”, beckons us to worship our Great God, and Ms. Bluedorn has uniquely combined each verse of this beloved Psalm to her original artwork. A girl walking in flowering meadows, a young boy in the arms of his father, a mare nuzzling her colt-each picture echoes the psalmist’s invocation, leaving the reader with an overwhelming sense of adoration towards God. The book is intended for children, but all members of your family will want to read this lovely book, lingering on each page, enjoying the beauty of the words and pictures. As you read, it’s as if you can almost hear music, and feel the soft rustling of a warm summer breeze. This charming hardcover picture book is a precious and endearing work, and you will plainly see Ms. Bluedorn’s love for God and family represented in her renderings. In just a few readings you and your children will have likely committed this psalm to memory, and will find yourselves giving heartfelt praises to God. Bless the Lord, oh my soul indeed!

Reviewed by Kathy (Oviedo, FL), September 06, 2005

Be prepared to see another beautiful work of art from Johannah Bluedorn. I found myself drawn into each illustration. They fit so perfectly with the scripture.

Reviewed by Rebekah Wilson (California), August 23, 2005

Snuggle up with someone you love as you slowly turn through these pages filled with not quite victorian and not quite country - but a mixture of the two that creates a very down home sweetness that is simply irristible. This is the perfect bedtime book if there ever was one! Young children, grandparents and all ages in between will be captivated by the sheer joy, love and intricate detail Johannah Bluedorn has placed in each illustration. Just when you are ready to turn the page, another intriguing image will catch your attention for yet another long, enjoyable study of a delightful scene. Each page is graced with earthly beauty which is based on the scriptures found throughout the 103rd Psalm. Only Johannah has given it deeper meaning. She has taken to heart each and every word King David wrote and placed those words into our homes, our families, our very lives. She has done this in such a humble, simple way by creating vivid illustrations of home and daily life that reflects the wisdom in the verse she uses. The beauty and exquisite detail found in each illustration captures the readers attention and continues to hold it indefinitely page after page. It is simply impossible to take in the entire illustration at one glace, or even within several minutes. While you meditate on the verses found in the 103rd Psalm, you gaze over exquisite detail, grace and beauty on each and every page. What a very unique and simple way to memorize this special Psalm. Whether it is a full page illustration, the details of which are unsurpassed in a child?s picture book ? or a beautiful array of foliage with a glancing vignette to highlight the meaning of a verse ? the book is captivating and cries to be read again, and again, and again. Truly a memory maker for children and parents as they slowly work through each page and happily share little details they have found carefully tucked away. And let's not forget the simple song score at the back of the book, simple

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