Friday, August 5, 2016

PBT Redux Series #3 – Lion's Lunch

Today I’m featuring the third book in the PBT Redux Series in which I re-post (with a little editing) an earlier post about a picture book published in the last few years that you need to know. The books in this series are treasures with so much potential for ministry!
Picture Book: Lion’s Lunch
Author: Fiona Tierney
Illustrator: Margaret Chamberlain
Summary: Quick-witted Sarah wanders into the jungle happily singing until a lion threatens her. From Lion’s perspective, she is useless and nobody should sing in the jungle. Sarah asks what she can do to be a part of the jungle community. Lion sees her only as lunch, but Sarah quickly demonstrates her value by drawing a picture of Lion. No one else in the jungle can do that. Lion is astonished that Sarah portrays him as “mad and mean.” The other animals agree with Sarah’s assessment so she draws them in more positive ways, friendly, perky, cuddly, etc. The animals declare that Sarah “only draws it like it is.” Sarah’s drawings convince Lion to change his attitude. Then he invites her back to the jungle to see his transformation. When Sarah returns, she finds a very different Lion who invites her to become a permanent member of their jungle community. 
Hanna’s Comments: Children will love this silly book! It has a great deal to say about how we are sometimes oblivious to our own behavior and how others view us. Sarah is such a great role model for being creative, smart, frank, and empathetic. Her problem-solving is brilliant and seems to be God-inspired because it is grounded in valuing the uniqueness of each member of a loving community.
Publisher & Date of Publication: Chicken House, 2010
Age and Grade Appropriateness: 3 and up, Pre and up
Available in Spanish? Yes
Formats other than Book: None at present 
Scripture Connections: Tax collectors, like Matthew (Matthew 9:9-13) and Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10), are viewed as outsiders but change their ways after meeting Jesus; Saul changes after the Road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-22)
Idea(s) for Application: Lion's Lunch would be a great component to a lesson on the importance of self-awareness and how it may lead to transformation. Additionally, consider reading it in a lesson on peaceful resistance.

No comments:

Post a Comment