A Critical Analysis of David and Goliath in Picturebooks

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.