A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 194

Picture Book: The Scarves

Author & Illustrator: Daniela Bunge

Summary: A granddaughter who regularly visits her grandparents is told upon her arrival that they will no longer be living together. When she asks if they don’t like the other, they separately explain that they have different opinions and interests now, but she is confused. As she begins to visit their separate homes, she suspects that they begin missing each other and their love still exists so she devises a plan to bring them back together involving 2 knitted scarves, anonymous notes, and a plan to meet to ice skate which is how they first met.

Hanna’s Comments: This is a picture book about old, forgotten love, newer love for a cherished grandchild, and remembered love. It’s a clever story which demonstrates that love doesn’t have to be about liking the same things. This plot also reveals how change can be thrilling but eventually sad and tiresome. This perceptive grandchild listens and watches with the eyes of one who loves her grandparents desperately. The power of shared memory is another important subject here that has bound together many a faith community. 

Publisher & Date of Publication: Minedition, 2006

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, bonds/connections, commitment, differences, discord, disputes/fighting/opposition, forgiveness/mercy/redemption, grandparents, hiding/isolation, loneliness, love, pacifism/peace/peacemakers, perspective, regret/repentance, relationships, tolerance, transformation

Scripture Connections: Let all you do be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:14); stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught (2Thessalonians 2:15); above all, keep loving one another earnestly (1 Peter 4:8)

Idea(s) for Application: Consider reading this book to adults and children at a community-wide retreat for your family of faith. Then discuss loving bonds you share that encompass the diversity of interests across your population and all that you hold in common and treasure together.