PBT Blog Series: Theological Statements for Young Children #11

From He's Got the Whole World in His Hands by Kadir Nelson 

We are approaching the end of this PBT series designed specifically for parents, grandparents, and nursery & daycare workers who want to bring some of their faith into reading experiences to very young children. Statement #11 is God/Jesus/The Holy Spirit is always with you.

From He's Got the Whole World in His Hands by Kadir Nelson 

This idea is an important lesson for even the youngest of us. Believing that we have the presence of the Holy within us is crucial. Believing that we have immediate access to God when we are afraid, thankful, or needing guidance is foundational to the faith of many. We are never too young to hear this idea.

From He's Got the Whole World in His Hands by Kadir Nelson 

Finding a book that connects with this idea and appropriate for this age group has been a challenge, but I’ve succeeded. I’ve spoken before about the joy of Sandra Boyton’s books. 

They typically lead to lots of giggles. Your Personal Penguin is no different, but it also offers a chance to talk a little bit about how delightful it is to know that God or Jesus or the Holy Spirit (you decide which words to use) is always with you.

Not only do you have the opportunity to talk about this comforting belief, you can sing about it too! With this book you get a free download of the “Your Person Penguin” song. The song lyrics are the text of the book. You can take a listen at www.workman.com/boynton.

The book illustrations are about a delightfully unusual penguin who really wants to be the constant companion of a large hippo who’s not so sure about this idea. 

The penguin’s suggestions are hilarious, serenading the hippo during a spaghetti supper, enjoying adventures tucked into an air balloon or canoe, and sharing a picture book read (my favorite illustration of course!).   

Picture Book: Your Personal Penguin

Author & Illustrator: Sandra Boynton

Original Publisher & Date: Workman Publishing, 2006

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 1 and up, infant and up

Formats other than Book: None at present

Other PBT books that connect and links to posts:

He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands - 5/22/14
The Runaway Bunny - 5/11/14

Nana in the City - 3/26/15