A Critical Analysis of David and Goliath in Picturebooks

Authors

Ruth Sylvester Dr., Cedarville UniversityFollow
Megan R. Brown, Cedarville UniversityFollow
Sharon Kerestes, Cedarville UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-22-2022

Journal Title

Christian Education Journal

ISSN

2378-525X

Volume

19

Issue

2

First Page

213

Last Page

231

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1177/07398913221120438

Abstract

The story of David and Goliath is a popular and often referenced narrative. This study examined how contemporary authors and illustrators depict this ancient narrative in children's picturebooks. Using selection criteria determined by the researchers, 26 picturebooks were compared with the English Standard Version (ESV) of the ancient text. Content analysis and a constant comparative coding process were employed which revealed many consistencies between the biblical passage and modern picturebooks. The analysis also revealed major modifications, omissions, and additions to the retelling of the ancient text. Suggestions for selecting picturebooks with faithful representation of the narrative are included.

Keywords

Bible stories, literacy, critical analysis

Recommended Citation

Sylvester, Ruth Dr.; Brown, Megan R.; and Kerestes, Sharon, "A Critical Analysis of David and Goliath in Picturebooks" (2022). Education Faculty Publications. 125.
https://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/education_publications/125