Abiding Under the Shadow: Kids' Edition
Abiding Under the Shadow
Kids' Edition
Stay close to God
From the book by David Lebo
1Abiding Under the Shadow, Kids' Edition
Adapted for young readers from Abiding Under the Shadow by David Lebo.
Copyright 2026 David Lebo. All rights reserved.
Published by ZI² Books. zi2books.com
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
2
Under the Wing
A baby bird is very small, and the sky above it is very big.
When the rain begins to fall, the baby bird runs to its mother. She lifts her wing, and the little bird hides in her shadow. There it is safe and warm.
God is like that with you. You can stay close to Him every day, and this book will show you how.
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.Psalm 91:1, NKJV
Abide means stay. God wants you to stay close to Him.
Chapter One
It All Begins With Love
4
A Wave of Love
One night, some people came together to pray. The man who wrote this book was in the room with them.
All at once, God's love filled the room. It felt like a big, warm wave rolling over them, and nobody wanted to go home.
God's love is real. You can not see it with your eyes, but you can know that it is there.
5
Love Like Rain
God's love comes down like rain. Rain falls on the hills and on the town, and it falls on you too.
Some people put up an umbrella when the rain comes. They are too busy to stop and be with God.
Do not hide from this rain. Put your umbrella down and let God's love soak you all the way through.
6
God Came to Us
God made the whole world in six days. He made the sun and the sea, the birds and the trees, and He made you. He made it all with love.
Then people did wrong and ran away from God. Did God stop loving them? No, He did not!
He came to us as a little baby, and His mother held Him close. His name is Jesus.
7
The King's Card
A king once made a great feast and sent a card to each of his friends. The card said, "Come and eat with me!"
But one by one his friends said, "I am too busy today."
God sends you a card too, and it says, "Come and be with Me." You open His card when you pray and when you read the Bible. Will you open it?
8
The Mountain and the Sea
Some things get in the way of love. Fear can do it. So can being angry, or not saying sorry. They can look as big as a mountain.
But the sea is so deep that it could cover the tallest mountain on earth. God's love is deeper than the sea.
Tell God about your mountain, because He is strong enough to move it.
9
Give It Away
When you swim in the sea, you come out salty. When you soak in God's love, you come out loving.
So give that love away. Hug your mom, share your snack, and play with the child who sits alone.
Love the one who was mean to you too, because that is how God loves us.
10Hide this verse in your heart
God is love.1 John 4:8, NKJV
Love is who God is, all the time.
Read this one with a grown-up
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.John 3:16, NKJV
Say it back
- What did God's love feel like in the room?
- What should you do with your umbrella?
- Who can move your mountain?
Do it
Do one kind thing today for a person who does not expect it. Tell no one. God sees.
11Chapter Two
Grace Is a Gift
12
The Box With a Bow
It is your birthday, and Dad hands you a box with a big red bow.
Did you pay for it? No. Did you work for it? No. It is a gift, and all you do is take it.
Grace is God's gift to you. You can not buy it and you can not earn it. You just say, "Thank You, God," and open your hands.
13
A Seat at the King's Table
Long ago there lived a man with a very hard name: Mephibosheth. You say it like this: meh-FIB-o-sheth.
His feet were hurt, so he could not walk well, and he was afraid of King David.
But the king told him, "Do not be afraid. Come and eat at my table." From that day on he ate with the king, just like a son. That is what grace looks like.
14
Joseph Hugs His Brothers
Joseph had big brothers who were mean to him. They sold him, and he was taken to a land far away.
Many years went by, and God made Joseph a great leader. Then one day his brothers came to him, hungry and scared.
Joseph did not pay them back for what they did. He hugged them and gave them food. Joseph gave grace to them, just as God gives grace to us.
15
Open Your Hands
A boy sat in his room with all of his toys around him. He would not share them, and he would not help anyone.
That is not what gifts are for!
God gives you good things so that you can give good things too. Open your hands and share.
16
One Plus One
One plus one is two. When two friends pray together, they are not alone, because Jesus said He is right there with them.
So pray with your mom or your dad, and pray with a friend.
Then tell God, "Yes, Lord. I will do what You say."
17Hide this verse in your heart
My grace is sufficient for you.2 Corinthians 12:9, NKJV
Sufficient means enough. God's gift is all you need.
Read this one with a grown-up
For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.Matthew 18:20, NKJV
Say it back
- Can you pay for grace?
- Where did the king let the man eat?
- What did Joseph do when his brothers came?
Do it
Pick one toy or treat you like. Give it away with a smile.
18Chapter Three
Mercy Every Morning
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Three Strings
Take one string and pull it hard. Snap! It breaks.
Now twist three strings into one and pull again. This time it holds! The Bible says that a cord of three is strong.
This book begins with three strong things that come from God: love, grace, and mercy.
20
What Mercy Is
You broke the rule, and you know what comes next.
But Mom kneels down and hugs you. She says, "I forgive you." That is mercy.
Grace is when you get a good gift that you did not earn. Mercy is when you do not get the hard thing that you did earn.
21
Jesus Took Our Place
All of us have done wrong, and wrong must be paid for.
Jesus never did even one wrong thing. But He took our place on the cross and paid for us.
Then, on the third day, He rose again, and He is alive! When you see a cross, you can say, "Jesus did that for me."
22
The Mirror Bowl
Long ago, God's people made a big bowl for washing. They made it out of shiny mirrors.
First a person could look in and see the dirt, and then wash it off. The Bible is like that bowl. It shows you what is wrong, and then it helps to make you clean.
But just looking at water never made anybody clean! Read God's Word, and then do what it says.
23
Now Give Mercy
A man sits alone on the street. A new girl sits alone at lunch.
Do not think, "They are not like me." God made them, and God loves them as much as He loves you.
So sit with them, share with them, and pray for them. You were given mercy. Now you can give mercy.
24
God Makes Things New
Joseph once sat at the bottom of a dark pit, but later he sat in a palace.
Job lost all that he had, but later God gave him twice as much as before.
Sad days do not last forever. God's mercy is new every morning, just like the sun.
25Hide this verse in your heart
They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.Lamentations 3:23, NKJV
"They" are God's mercies. Each new day, God has more.
Read this one with a grown-up
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.James 1:22, NKJV
Say it back
- Why is a cord of three strong?
- What is mercy?
- What do you do after you look in the Bible?
Do it
Is there someone you need to forgive? Tell God. Then tell them, "I forgive you."
26Chapter Four
Set Free
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Freedom Is Not Free
A bird in a cage can not fly far. Then someone opens the door, and up it goes into the big blue sky!
Being free is not free. Somebody has to pay for it. Brave people give a lot so that others can be free.
Jesus is our greatest hero. He paid for us, and He opened the door.
28
A Path in the Sea
God's people stood at the edge of the Red Sea with no way to get across. So God made a way. He pushed the water back, and a dry path ran right through the sea.
But the people still had to walk. God opened the path, and they took the steps.
That is how you walk with God too: step by step, day by day.
29
The Big Shout
A city named Jericho had a great big wall. God gave His people a plan that sounded odd. They were to march around the wall and not say a word.
They did it for six days. On day seven the horns blew, and the people gave one big shout. Down came the wall!
They gave the shout, and God gave the power. So do what God says, even when it seems strange.
30
Truth and Lies
The enemy has one trick left, and that trick is to lie. He may tell you, "You are no good. God does not love you."
A half truth is still a whole lie. Do not keep it.
Hold on to what God says. His truth sets you free.
31
Knock, Knock
Jesus stands at the door of your heart, and He knocks. He does not push the door in. He is kind, and so He waits.
You are the one who can open it.
You can say, "Come in, Lord Jesus. I want You here." And He will come in.
32Hide this verse in your heart
Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.John 8:36, NKJV
The Son is Jesus. When He sets you free, you are really free.
Read this one with a grown-up
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.Revelation 3:20, NKJV
Say it back
- Who paid for you to be free?
- What did the people do after God opened the sea?
- Who opens the door when Jesus knocks?
Do it
March around your room seven times. Then shout, "Thank You, God! You set me free!"
33Chapter Five
God Looks at the Heart
34
The Smallest Brother
Samuel came to pick a new king. Seven big, strong brothers stood in a row. But God said no to each one.
"Is there one more?" asked Samuel. Yes, there was. The smallest brother, David, was out in the field with the sheep.
God picked David. People look at the outside, but God looks at the heart.
35
Too Big!
A giant named Goliath made fun of God. David said, "I will go and fight him."
The king put his own armor on David. Clank! It was much too big and much too heavy. David could hardly walk.
So David took it off. God did not need David to be like the king. God made David to be David.
36
Five Smooth Stones
David went down to the stream. He picked up five smooth stones and put them in his bag.
He needed just one. The giant fell down, and God's people were safe.
David was small, but his God was big. The battle belonged to the Lord.
37
A Cloud Like a Hand
No rain had come for three long years. Elijah went up a mountain to pray. He told his helper, "Go and look at the sea."
The helper saw nothing. Elijah kept on praying. Six more times the helper went to look. Then he saw it: a cloud as small as a man's hand!
Soon the sky was black, and the rain poured down. Keep praying. God's answer is on the way.
38
Get Up and Walk
A man lay beside a pool. He had not walked for thirty-eight years, and he had no one to help him.
Then Jesus came to him and said, "Rise, take up your bed and walk."
And the man did! When you can not get to the help, Jesus comes to you.
39Hide this verse in your heart
The battle is the LORD's.1 Samuel 17:47, NKJV
You do not win by being big. You win because God is with you.
Read this one with a grown-up
For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.1 Samuel 16:7, NKJV
Say it back
- Which brother did God pick?
- Why did David take off the king's armor?
- How big was the cloud that Elijah's helper saw?
Do it
Find five small stones. Line them up and name one big thing you will trust God with.
40Chapter Six
Made on Day Six
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Very Good
On day six, God made people. He looked at all He had made, and it was very good.
God put Adam and Eve in a garden, and He walked with them there in the cool of the day.
That is what you were made for. You were made to walk with God.
42
Did God Say?
Then a liar came into the garden. He asked, "Did God really say that?" He bent God's words just a little.
Adam and Eve did not obey God. After that they were afraid, and they hid from Him.
Doing wrong still makes us want to hide. But God came looking for them, because He loved them.
43
Jesus Gives It Back
God had a plan from the very start. He would send Jesus.
Adam did not obey, but Jesus always obeyed. What Adam lost, Jesus gives back.
Now you can walk with God again, every day. You do not have to hide.
44
Four in the Fire
A king made a tall gold statue. "Bow down to it!" he said. Three friends would not bow. They bowed to God alone.
So the king had them thrown into a hot fire. Then he looked in and saw four men walking around, and not one was hurt!
God was with them in the fire. He is with you in hard times too.
45
Get Your Shovel
When we do wrong, we want to cover it up, like a dog that buries a bone.
But a wrong that is buried does not go away. So get your shovel and dig it up. Tell God what you did, and tell Him you are sorry.
He will forgive you and make you clean. Time does not heal a hidden wrong, but God does.
46Hide this verse in your heart
Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.Genesis 1:31, NKJV
God made you on purpose, and He calls what He made very good.
Read this one with a grown-up
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.1 John 1:9, NKJV
Say it back
- What did God say about all that He made?
- Why did Adam and Eve hide?
- What do you do with a wrong you covered up?
Do it
Is there something you hid? Tell God about it. Then tell your mom or dad.
47Chapter Seven
God Finishes What He Starts
48
Seven Colors, Seven Days
Count the colors in a rainbow, and you will find seven. Count the days in a week, and you will find seven.
God made the world in six days. On day seven He rested, and He blessed that day.
In the Bible, seven means full and finished. God never leaves a thing half done.
49
Seven Dips
Naaman was the captain of an army, but he had a bad sickness on his skin. God's helper said, "Go and dip in the river seven times."
The river was muddy, and Naaman was mad. At last he went down into the water. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven!
His skin came up as clean as a little child's. Just do what God says.
50
Keep Your Light On
Long ago a lamp did not burn by itself. It needed oil each day, or the flame went out.
God lit a light in you. You keep it bright when you pray, when you read His Word, and when you obey.
Do not hide your light. Let it shine, so others can see the way to God.
51
Peace, Be Still
A storm hit the lake. The wind howled, and waves filled the little boat. The friends of Jesus cried out in fear.
Jesus stood up and said, "Peace, be still!" The wind stopped, and the lake went flat and calm.
Jesus is all you need. He is your bread, your light, and your good shepherd.
52
Not Done Yet
A good builder does not stop with half a house. He keeps on working until the roof is on.
God began a good work in you, and He is not done yet. So do not give up when you mess up.
God will finish what He started.
53Hide this verse in your heart
I am the light of the world.John 8:12, NKJV
Jesus said this. When you follow Him, you do not walk in the dark.
Read this one with a grown-up
He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.Philippians 1:6, NKJV
Say it back
- What does seven mean in the Bible?
- How many times did Naaman dip?
- Who will finish the good work in you?
Do it
Draw a rainbow with seven colors. Under it write, "God is not done with me yet."
54Chapter Eight
More Than Enough
55
My Cup Runs Over
Hold out your cup. God fills it up, and He keeps on pouring! It runs over the top and spills out.
That is what God is like. He does not give just a little.
He gives so much that you can say, "I have too much. I have to give some away!"
56
Rain on Dry Ground
Look at the dry ground. It is hard and full of cracks, and nothing can grow in it.
Then the rain comes. First there is a puddle. Next there is a brook, then a stream, then a river that runs all the way to the sea.
A dry heart is like that ground. Stay with God, and let Him rain on you.
57
Deep Enough to Swim
A man named Ezekiel saw a river that flowed out from God's house. At first the water came up to his ankles.
He walked on, and it came up to his knees. Then it came up to his waist. At last it was deep enough to swim in!
Trees with good fruit grew beside that river. Where God's river goes, things live. Do not stay in the shallow end.
58
One Small Lunch
Five thousand people were hungry. One boy had a lunch of five small loaves and two little fish.
It was not much, but he gave what he had to Jesus. Jesus thanked God for it and passed it out.
Everybody ate until they were full, and twelve baskets were left over! Give what you have, and God will make it more.
59
Race You to It!
The man who wrote this book once saw a funny shirt. It said that most of the world is covered with water. Then it said, "Race you to it!"
God's love is like that sea. It is big, and it is everywhere.
So do not just walk to God. Run!
60Hide this verse in your heart
My cup runs over.Psalm 23:5, NKJV
God gives more than enough, so there is plenty to share.
Read this one with a grown-up
I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.John 10:10, NKJV
Say it back
- What happens when God fills your cup?
- How deep did the river get?
- How many baskets were left over?
Do it
At your next meal, share some of your food with someone at the table.
61Chapter Nine
Fruit That Grows
62
God's Garden
God has a garden, and you are in it. He builds a wall to keep it safe. He sends the rain and the sun.
He pulls the weeds, and He cuts off the dead twigs. That may not feel good at the time.
But a good gardener knows how to make a plant grow.
63
Nine Good Fruits
What grows on you when you stay close to God? Good fruit does! There are nine kinds.
They are love, joy, peace, being patient, being kind, being good, being true, being gentle, and saying no to yourself when you should.
Fruit is not just for the tree. Other people pick it, and it helps them.
64
Count the Stars
God took Abraham out under the night sky. "Count the stars if you can," God said. "Your family will be like that."
But Abraham had no son at all. He waited, and he waited. He waited twenty-five years!
Then baby Isaac was born. God keeps His promise, and He keeps it at the right time.
65
One Came Back
Ten sick men called out to Jesus, and He made all ten of them well.
Nine of them ran off. Just one came back. He fell down at the feet of Jesus and said, "Thank You!"
Jesus asked, "Where are the other nine?" Be the one who comes back.
66
What I Have, I Give
A man who could not walk sat by the gate and asked for coins. Peter and John had no silver and no gold.
Peter said, "What I do have I give you." In the name of Jesus, the man stood up!
He went walking, leaping, and praising God. You may not have money, but you can give what God gave you.
67Hide this verse in your heart
Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.Psalm 107:1, NKJV
Saying thank you to God is always the right thing to do.
Read this one with a grown-up
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.Galatians 5:22-23, NKJV
Say it back
- Who takes care of God's garden?
- How long did Abraham wait?
- How many men came back to say thank you?
Do it
Say thank you to God for nine things. Count them on your fingers.
68Chapter Ten
With All Your Heart
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Ten Rules on Stone
God came down on a mountain. It shook, and thunder rolled.
There God gave Moses ten good rules, cut into two flat stones.
The rules showed God's people how to live, and they showed how much God cared.
70
Ten Into Two
Jesus put all ten rules into two. Love God with all your heart. Love other people as you love yourself.
And God did something new. He writes these two rules on your heart, not on a stone.
Now you obey because you love Him. And where you go, God goes with you.
71
Ten Days of Veggies
Daniel and his three friends lived in a king's house far from home. The king's food was not right for them.
"Test us for ten days," said Daniel. "Give us only vegetables and water."
After ten days they looked better than all the other boys! God takes care of those who trust Him.
72
Eyes on Jesus
Peter saw Jesus walking on the water. "Come," said Jesus. So Peter stepped out of the boat, and he walked on the water too!
Then he looked at the big waves, and he began to sink. "Lord, save me!" he cried.
Jesus caught his hand right away. Keep your eyes on Jesus, and call to Him when you sink.
73
Ride the Wave
A surfer does not make the wave. The wave is much too big for that. The surfer just gets on and rides.
God's Spirit is like a great wave. You can not push it, and you can not stop it.
But you can say, "Yes, Lord," and go where He takes you.
74Hide this verse in your heart
You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.Matthew 22:37, NKJV
God wants all of your heart. He does not want just a part.
Read this one with a grown-up
The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, than the mighty waves of the sea.Psalm 93:4, NKJV
Say it back
- How many rules did God give Moses?
- What two rules did Jesus give?
- What did Peter cry out when he began to sink?
Do it
Draw a big heart. Inside it write, "Yes, Lord."
75Chapter Eleven
Gone On Ahead
76
One Is Missing
Open a box of eggs and count them. There are eleven. One is missing!
Life without God is like that. Something is always missing.
God is the One who fills the empty spot. He makes you whole.
77
The Coat and the Pit
Jacob gave his son Joseph a coat of many colors. Joseph's brothers were mad about it.
They took his coat, and they put him down in a pit. Then they sold him.
They could take the coat off Joseph. But they could not take away his father's love, and they could not stop God's plan.
78
Food for the Hungry
In Egypt, the king had a dream of seven fat cows and seven thin cows. God showed Joseph what it meant: seven good years would come, and then seven hungry years.
So Joseph saved up grain. When the hungry years came, he opened the storehouses and fed the people.
Joseph told his brothers, "God sent me on ahead of you." Jesus has gone on ahead for you too.
79
The King Who Serves
Most kings want people to serve them. Jesus is a different kind of King.
One night He got down on His knees with a bowl and a towel. He washed the dirty feet of His friends.
Then He told them to do the same for each other. In God's kingdom, the great one is the one who serves.
80
Under God's Cover
God's people made a tent for Him. On the outside it looked plain and brown.
But inside it was full of gold, with blue, purple, and red cloth. Angel wings were sewn into the cloth up above.
God covers you like that tent, and like a great big umbrella. You are safe under His wings.
81Hide this verse in your heart
He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge.Psalm 91:4, NKJV
A refuge is a safe place. God is your safe place.
Read this one with a grown-up
If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.John 13:14, NKJV
Say it back
- What fills the empty spot?
- What could Joseph's brothers not take away?
- What did Jesus do with a bowl and a towel?
Do it
Serve someone today and do not wait to be asked. Set the table, or carry a bag.
82Chapter Twelve
The Kingdom Is Yours
83
A Baby King
Kings are born in big houses. This King was born in a barn, and His bed was a box of hay.
His kingdom began very small. It is not like any other kingdom. You can not find it on a map.
God's kingdom is in the hearts of those who love Him, and it will never end.
84
The Tiny Seed
A mustard seed is so small that you can hardly see it. But plant it, and it grows into a tree. Birds come and make nests in it.
Faith is like that seed. It starts small.
It grows each time you hear God's Word and do what it says.
85
The Ladder
Jacob lay down to sleep with a stone for a pillow. He had a dream. A ladder went from the earth all the way up to heaven, and angels went up and down on it.
Jesus is like that ladder. He joins heaven and earth.
And you can help a friend find the way up.
86
The Shining City
John saw a shining city that comes from God. It has twelve gates, and each gate is one great pearl. The street is made of gold.
Its gates are never shut.
The city walls are full of bright stones. You are like one of those stones, set in place by God. You belong there.
87
Arise and Shine
Moses saw a bush that was on fire, but it did not burn up. God's light was in it.
God wants to shine in you like that. So get up and shine!
And stay close to Him, under the shadow of His wing. That is where you are safe. That is home.
88Hide this verse in your heart
Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you.Isaiah 60:1, NKJV
God's light is on you, so get up and let it show.
Read this one with a grown-up
Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.Luke 12:32, NKJV
Say it back
- Where was the baby King born?
- What does a tiny seed grow into?
- Are the gates of the city ever shut?
Do it
Tell one friend about Jesus this week. Then pray for that friend each night.
89Stay Close
You have read about love, grace, and mercy. You have read about freedom, fruit, and a kingdom that never ends.
Now go back to where the book began. Stay close to God today, and tomorrow, and the day after that.
He is your safe place.
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.Psalm 91:1, NKJV
For the grown-up who reads along
This is the kids' edition of Abiding Under the Shadow by David Lebo. It follows the adult book chapter by chapter, twelve in all, and keeps each chapter's main picture and promise.
The story pages are written for a second grader to read alone. Sentences average eight or nine words, and almost every word has one or two syllables. The Bible verses are harder. They are quoted from the New King James Version, the same one the adult book uses, so read those aloud together and talk about the one line of meaning under each.
Each chapter takes about ten minutes. Read the pages, say the short verse three times, ask the three questions, and pick a time today for the "Do it" step. Come back to the verse tomorrow, in three days and in a week. A verse reviewed four times stays.
What each chapter keeps
91What is left for older readers
93Four kinds of material in the adult book are not in this edition. The long passages written as God speaking in the first person are left out. So is the teaching on the last days, on spiritual gifts and church offices, and on the meaning of numbers. The hard details of the crucifixion, of judgment and of battle are left out as well. Where the adult book reads a Bible story in an unusual way, this edition tells the story as the Bible tells it.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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