A Review of “I’m Samson,” Said Sydney by Gregory Zschomler, illustrated by April Bullard

My two-year-old daughter, Luthien, and I enjoyed sharing the adventures of Sydney, a little boy with a big imagination. With his admiring father as his audience, he transforms his six-year-old self into Samson, the biblical strongman, and his toys become the fierce beasts and armies Samson defeats. All the while beaming approval of Sydney’s exploits, his father ushers him to the car for…well, I won’t spoil the ending of this charming book, the first in a projected series for young readers. April Bullard’s colorful, magical illustrations are the perfect complement to a text that bursts with the sweet boastfulness of young children. A note from the author at the end invites parents to discuss the scriptural Samson’s epic strengths and equally gargantuan flaws, providing a gentle lesson in character even as readers of all ages take pleasure in the fruits of Sydney’s huge imagination.