Monday, March 13, 2017

PBT Grab & Go #7 - Our Tree Named Steve

Thanks for your patience as my broken elbow heals. Here's another PBT repost of one of the many excellent picture books here at PBT that you can just grab, go, and trust that rich, meaningful conversation will follow.

Picture Book: Our Tree Named Steve
Author: Alan Zweibel 
Illustrator: David Catrow
Summary: A father writes his children a letter in which he celebrates all the gifts that have been given to their family by Steve, the large, unusual tree near their home. Steve (how the youngest child said "tree") has become an important part of their family history: playmate, shelter, place of dreaming and important milestones.... The dad explains that the tree was knocked down by a storm while the children have been absent, but Steve's wood has been moved to a nearby tree and transformed into a tree house. Despite the storm, Steve will continue to nurture & protect them all for a very long time.  
Hanna’s Comments: This delightful tale has such symbolic undercurrents and is full of potential for ties with scripture and conversations about important elements of family life and spiritual journey such as presence, play, ritual, protection, & sacrifice. Allusions to Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection are here as well as Steve being a symbol of God who is ever-present, ever-nurturing, ever-loving. Your audience (of any age) will love Steve and perhaps think differently about the trees in their life.
Publisher & Date of Publication: Puffin, 2005
Age and Grade Appropriateness: 5 and up, K and up
Formats other than Book: None at present
Scripture Connections: God’s presence with us, giving us rest (Exodus 33:14), God’s plans for our welfare & future (Jeremiah 29:11), Jesus’ sacrifice (John 3:16), I am with you always (Matthew 28:20)
Idea(s) for Application: Consider reading this book at an Arbor Day Celebration, an outdoor faith family festival or retreat, a family reunion, or in a church Sunday school class during Lent.

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