Psalms of Wonder (Carey Wallace & Khoa Le) - A Review

PSALMS OF WONDER: Poems from the Book of Songs. By Carey Wallace and Khoa Le (illustrator). Louisville, KY: Flyaway Books, 2023. 64 pages.

                The biblical Book of Psalms has been called the songbook or hymnbook of the Bible, for good reason. Whether sung or recited, these poems have the feel of a song. One assumes that they were sung or chanted when originally produced. There are at points, even signs of guidance for that very purpose. One thing about the Psalms is that they seem to cover every conceivable kind of prayer one can imagine. There are songs that give praise to God and there are laments. Some prayers express anger or ask God to bring vengeance upon enemies. In other words, for the person of faith, these poems/songs/prayers cover most of the bases of human experience and spiritual need.  

                Psalms of Wonder: Poems from the Book of Songs offered here for review is based on the biblical Psalms but are the product of the creativity of author Carey Wallace and illustrator Khoa Le. Wallace has written fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. She is the author of Stories of the Saints: Bold and Inspiriting Tales of Adventure, Grace, and Courage, as well as the novel The Ghost in the Glass House. The illustrator for this book is Khoa Le, who lives in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Together they bring to our attention a new way of appreciating the Psalms (or at least a portion of them).

                This particular book, Psalms of Wonder, draws from the psalter, bringing new words (at points) to these biblical hymns. This isn’t the entire psalter, nor are they laid out in numerical order. Rather the author/organizer Carey Wallace, has created six categories, under which she shares four to six Psalms that fit these categories. Thus, we have twenty-nine Psalms organized under six categories. Thus we have “Songs of Wonder,” “Songs of Courage,” “Songs of Comfort,” “Songs of Joy,” “Songs of Protection,” and “Songs of Love.” While the wording of the Psalms will at times look familiar or feel familiar Carey Wallace, the author/editor, has given each a new casting. She writes that these versions of the Psalms are meant to remind us that these are songs. She points out that the poems as presented “are faithful to the language of the Psalms themselves, drawing from the Hebrew and respected English translations and taking inspiration from poets who have brought the Psalms into English through the ages” (p. 6). She seeks to be faithful to the originals but gives them a new feel.

                The poems/psalms are accompanied by illustrations provided by illustrator Khoa Le. They are beautifully done. They’re colorful, bright when appropriate, and dark when appropriate. They bring to life the renderings of the Psalms. The illustrations more than the language of the Psalms suggest that the author and illustrator intend this book to be used with children. While that is true, the renderings will appeal to adults as well. The fact that the book is published by the children’s arm of Westminster John Knox Press suggests that children might be the intended audience, but it would be appropriate to share it more broadly.  

                It’s difficult to express what these songs look like and feel like. So, the best I can do is offer an example. Here is Wallace’s version of Psalm 42, which is located in the section on “Songs of Love.”

Deer long for streams of water

The way I long for you.

All of me is thirsty for God.

My tears have become my food.

Where is your God? They ask me.

When will I see the Lord?

I remember when I praised God

With a joyful crowd,

But now I am bent low

While deep calls to deep

In the roar of your waterfalls.

All your waves have washed over me.

 

By day, God sends God’s love,

At night, God’s song is near:

A prayer to the Lord of my life

No matter who tries to make me fear.

Hope in the Lord! I know one day

I will praise God once more,

My God who rescues me,

My ever-present Lord.

                (verses 1-5a, 7-8, 11b).

                As I noted, Psalms of Wonder is designed to appeal to children so they might enjoy at least some of the Psalms. It also speaks to the spiritual longings, concerns, needs, prayers, and praises of the people of God. For that reason, this should get wide usage in Christian homes and churches. It is really quite beautifully done, both in terms of the wording and the illustrations.