Today's post begins a new PBT series in which I offer posts from the past that featured PBT God books. These are picture books that explore the nature of God. Typically I offer secular books here; God books are the exception. Because I have not yet featured these books a 2nd time and they are so rich with ministry possibilities, I'm going to post about these for the next week or so. My elbow is healing well. Doing more re-posting has helped with that process. Thanks for your prayers and patience for new posts. Below I highlight 2 great books for young children that explore what God is like.
Picture Book: God
is Like a Mother Hen and Much, Much More
Author: Carolyn Stahl Bohler
Illustrator: Dean
Nicklas with help from daughter Amy
Summary: In simple metaphors and
illustrations, God’s nature is explored in ways that are meaningful to young
children. God is like a mother hen, daddy, teacher, friend, mommy, the air, a
child, you, and love. The last illustrated page offers a blank frame with an
invitation, “Can you think of what else God is like?”
Hanna’s Comments: At the back of the book you’ll find a
note to parents and teachers explaining how metaphors are important for use
when exploring God’s nature. Interestingly, they also suggest you explore with
the children ways that God is not like the metaphor. This would offer
more distinctive meaning and confirm that God is unique, mysterious, and much
more. Lastly, all the symbols used in the book are listed with 1 or 2 scripture
references.
Original Publisher & Date of
Publication: Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, 1996
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and
up, Pre and up
Formats other than Book: None at present
Scripture Connections: See the list in the back of the book
for many scripture connections.
Idea(s) for Application: Use this book with young children at
bedtime or in a group lesson for imaginatively exploring the nature of God.
Picture Book: God is Like…: Three Parables for Children
Author: Julie Walters
Illustrator: Thea Kliros
Summary: In the first of three parables, a rock at the edge of the sea is shown and
described. Repeatedly it is emphasized that “the rock stayed the same”
despite the waves, weather, and a boy’s attempts to move it. As the boy ages,
he notices that the rock does not change. He wonders, “Could God be like a
rock?” The appropriateness of this simile is revealed and a scripture reference
is given. The second simile begins as a
spark of light that grows
into a campfire and illuminates a young girl’s play and imagination. She guides
other children to the light, and when the sun comes up the next morning, she
wonders if God could be like the light. Jesus is offered as the light of the
world with a scripture reference. Similarly, the third simile, a breath of wind, is illustrated
in the playful activities of another young boy.
Hanna’s Comments: Note the length of this book. I suggest presenting
it over 3 sessions. Each parable offers much in terms of conversation and
supplemental activities. Don’t be afraid that your children are not able to
think abstractly. One of the beauties of metaphorical thinking is that it
allows humans to translate abstract thought into concrete, meaningful terms.
Focus on the concrete and consider additional metaphors for God that might
inspire other stories, questions, and lessons. The other picture book I’ve
offered in this post will give you some possibilities, and I encourage you to
think of some on your own that would be particularly meaningful for your
children.
Original Publisher & Date: Water Brook Press, 1973
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and
up, Pre and up
Formats other than Book: None at present
Scripture Connections: Each of the similes (parables) is tied to a
scripture reference.
Idea(s) for Application: This book could easily be translated
into 3 simple skits for 3 different children to silently dramatize while
the text is read in a lesson or even in a worship experience for your
entire family of faith.
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