He is my shepherd
Helen Haidle
He is my shepherd
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Helen Haidle
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What if you had a shepherd who watched over you every day, guiding you through sunny fields and quiet valleys? Imagine feeling safe and cared for no matter what happens. Could you trust this shepherd with all your worries and dreams?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This beautifully illustrated book introduces young readers to Psalm 23 through gentle prayers that connect to children's everyday concerns. Suitable for ages 5-8, it encourages early readers to find comfort and strength in the idea of a caring shepherd. The content is peaceful and supportive, with no intense themes or language.
Why we rated He is my shepherd 7C
He is my shepherd is written at a Level 2 reading level across 27 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, He is my shepherd works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate He is my shepherd as 7C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, He is my shepherd explores bible, prayer, faith, and family — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about bible, prayer, faith.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Jesus, the Good Shepherd
Robert E. Mitchell
Jesus, the Good Shepherd
Robert E. Mitchell
The Lord Is My Shepherd
Hans Wilhelm
The Lord Is My Shepherd
Hans Wilhelm
Little Shepherd
Dandi Daley Mackall
Little Shepherd
Dandi Daley Mackall
Little Shepherd
Dandi Daley Mackall
Little Shepherd
Dandi Daley Mackall
Psalm 23
W. Phillip Keller, W. P. Keller
Psalm 23
W. Phillip Keller, W. P. Keller
Shepherd King
David A. MacLean
Shepherd King
David A. MacLean
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0880702788
- Pages
- 27
- Publisher
- Multnomah Books
- Published
- 1989
- Type
- Fiction