PBT Blog Series: Theological Statements for Young Children # 1

Illustration from cover of Me I Am by Jack Prelutsky & Christine Davenier

Over the course of several blog posts, I’ll be presenting my approach for connecting theological ideas to young children’s secular literature. My premise is that there are several specific theological statements that can be easily adapted and incorporated into a discussion of many secular books for toddlers and preschoolers.

For each blog post, I’ll offer the theological statement, ways you can adapt it for your particular use, a list of PBT books that connect to the statement, the date I posted about each of those books, and at least one new book. To find my detailed post about each book, simply click on the date.

The first theological statement is: 
You are a one-of-a-kind, precious child of God.

There are many books for young children that celebrate the fact that they are unique, valuable, and wonderfully made. I'm simply proposing that you offer your view that God made them that way. When doing so, point out positive aspects of each child and affirm those character traits while giving God the credit. Try not to focus on outward appearances, especially for your girls who might be too often told they are pretty but less often told they are brave or smart.

Today’s feature book is hilarious! What Baby Wants offers a story that children will love in which the title is a mystery to every one of Baby’s huge extended farm family except for his brother. While Baby’s mama gets some much-needed sleep, Baby screams and screams and no wonder! The strategies used to calm him are ridiculous. No baby wants flowers tickling his nose or sheep nibbling his hair. Finally, Baby’s brother feels empowered. He cuddles and kisses him, wraps him in a quilt, and sings him a lullaby. That’s what Baby wants!

Use this book as an invitation for your young audience members to tell you what they can do really well. Be sure to affirm them for their great problem solving like the brother demonstrates in this story. Your children will be delighted and you’ll have the opportunity to give credit to God who created each one-of-a-kind, precious child of God who is getting to hear this silly story.

Picture Book: What Baby Wants

Author: Phyllis Root

Illustrator: Jill Bartow

Original Publisher & Date: Candlewick, 1998

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT books that connect with links to posts:

The Big Orange Splot - 7/16/14

Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon - 7/25/14

Chrysanthemum - 8/24/14

Me I Am - 9/24/14              

Spoon - 10/22/14

I Like Myself! - 12/31/14             

I’d Know You Anywhere - 1/31/15

Only One You - 4/11/15