Link: LATEST PBT WEBINAR

Click on the link above to see me presenting the benefits of PBT with seminary students and others at Knox College, a Canadian institution of higher education. This 1-hour webinar was hosted by picture book author Laura Alary. Additionally, because it was recorded in October, I briefly offer some book  recommendations for the fall & winter holidays as well as many other book recommendations. Here you'll find the best of what I have learned these 10 years of PBT!

To see more at PBT about Alary's books, simply type "Alary" into the PBT search box in the upper right IF you are in the "web version. Go to her website to see the full array of her excellent books, both secular & sacred, picture book & resource book. 

If on a phone, convert to "web version" (see bottom of phone screen) to get the full benefit of PBT. 

Mr. Panda for the Holidays!

 

If you like quirky books, this PBT post is for you! From the Mr. Panda series by author/illustrator Steve Antony, I found a book for Thanksgiving, a book for Advent, and a book for celebrating love. That last book could be for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or anytime you are anticipating a loving ritual. Because these humorous books have little text but complicated social situations, they would be great for any age! For older children, move quickly to more complicated life applications before they are turned off by the simple characters. Don't let Mr. Panda's gruff face fool you! He is all about generous servanthood! Be sure to help children read his facial expressions. They are important and not obvious. Older kids might even talk about the complex skill of reading another's emotions as an aspect of empathy (tie this to The Great Commandment). Here's Mr. Panda really happy!

Many versions of these books have parallel Spanish text. There are other books in this series. I don’t recommend those here, but they would be fun additions to any family’s reading time. 

Please Mr. Panda is about the power of the word “please.” 

Good Night, Mr. Panda is about bedtime rituals. 

All these Mr. Panda books are structured similarly. Their illustrations are clever and funny, and they may need to be explained. They are quick reads with simple but subtle messages. Mr. Panda is a generous (though seemingly unenthusiastic) giver who receives inappropriate responses from an early cast of characters. Once Mr. Panda gets the response he expects (in these books from Lemur or Penguin), he responds generously. He is quite a behavior-oriented teacher! These fun books are truly quirky. Your kids will love them! And you might too.

 For Thanksgiving:

Picture Book: Thank You, Mr. Panda

Summary: This book begins with Lemur asking Mr. Panda about the large stack of wrapped presents he is carrying. Mr. Panda explains that the gifts are for his friends. Lemur follows. Throughout the pages, Mr. Panda gives a gift to a character who responds with a complaint or other lack of appreciation. Lemur reminds all, "It's the thought that counts." The last gift is for Lemur who enthusiastically says thank you. Mr. Panda says, "You're welcome. Remember, it's the thought that counts." Lemur opens the gift and is surprised!

Hanna’s Comments: This book gives you the opportunity to talk about all God's gifts - those we enjoy and understand as well as those we suffer through or are puzzled by. Talk about how we would have nothing if it were not for God. OR Discuss how less than perfect gifts (bad weather, getting sick, etc.) help us be thankful for God's perfect gifts (good weather, feeling healthy, etc.). For more pragmatic application, talk about gifts from humans that we may not appreciate but should still be grateful for. Ask why that is and build some empathy among your audience!

Original Publisher: Scholastic, 2017

Age Appropriateness: 3 and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Connect this book to scriptures involving saying thank you to God or being thankful for all the good that God gives us.

PBT Applications: Read this book to a group of young children who are first learning about the important spiritual practice of saying thank you to God. Talk about why God wants us to say thank you and practice being thankful together. Other life applications would be anticipating Thanksgiving prep and work afterwards. Have them promise to notice and say thanks to the cooks and those who clean before and after.

 

For Advent:

Picture Book: I’ll Wait, Mr. Panda

Summary: This story begins with Llama asking Mr. Panda what he is making in the mixing bowl he is holding. In his usual gruff but intriguing manner, Mr. Panda says, "Wait and see. It's a surprise." But Llama will not wait! Penguin declares a willingness to wait on every page.  The rest of the cast of characters ask about the treat to come but are not patient. Some exit, saying waiting is too hard. 

Some just simply refuse to wait. Finally Penguin yells, "I'll wait, Mr. Panda!" Penguin's waiting and Mr. Panda's good work leads to a HUGE DOUGHNUT with sprinkles! Penguin ends by saying thank you to Mr. Panda and adds, "It was worth the wait!" 

Hanna’s Comments: The primary themes & scriptures of Advent involve hopeful waiting. There are many examples of waiting in the scriptures, but this time of year we focus on waiting for the promised Messiah. If I was using this book in a lesson, I would have the children repeat Penguin's last words throughout your lessons. Remind your audience of some of the extraordinary events of Decembers in their past. Talk about how those events were like Mr. Panda's doughnut gift. (Extraordinary! Miraculous! Big love! WonderFUL! etc.) Consider having donuts with sprinkles!

Original Publisher: Scholastic, 2016

Age Appropriateness: 3 and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Connect this book to scriptures involving waiting or preparing for God’s goodness, such as Advent scriptures or scriptures of longing found in the Wilderness stories in Exodus.

PBT Applications: Read this book to a group of young children who are anticipating (with patience or not) all that their Decembers will bring. Help them anticipate the distractions of the busy season and the benefits of waiting for the beauty and joy of the birth of the Christ Child. 

 

For Any Holiday Involving Love:

Picture Book: We Love You, Mr. Panda

Summary: Skunk says he needs a hug. Mr. Panda, wearing a Free Hugs tee and holding a heart balloon, responds, "OK, Skunk. Let's have a hug." BUT Skunk was talking to another animal. They hug, and Mr. Panda is left out. Thus begins a short series of animals asking for hugs from other animals, not Mr. Panda, even when he offers a hug. 

Mr. Panda decides, "Nobody wants my hugs," forgetting that his 2 companions (Lemur and Penguin - heroes of the 2 books above) are available for hugs. Eventually, those 3 characters hug and an avalanche of other animals join in. Mr. Panda responds while squeezed, "I love you, too."

Hanna’s Comments: This book gives you the opportunity to talk about how we treat those closest to us versus how we treat acquaintances and even strangers. Consider how love shows up differently in families, at church, in the classroom, in public spaces like shopping centers & parks. Ask this not so simple question: Does love = kindness? Always? Talk about how some families are affectionate and some are not. Have children focus on 1 John 4:8b: "God is love." Wow! There is so much in those 3 words! Be thankful to God that love abounds in many ways. 

Ask your children for some quick reminders of Bible stories showing different ways of loving. If they don't remember specifics, describe a Bible story scenario and let them finish it. Wrap-up by having them tell you favorite ways to show love and to be loved. Point out the variety among your audience. If your kids are old enough, teach them the 5 Languages of Love made popular by Gary Chapman: Words of Affirmation, Physical Touch, Quality Time, Gift Giving, and Acts of Service. You'll find a PBT picture book about that HERE

Original Publisher: Scholastic, 2019

Age Appropriateness: 3 and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Connect this book to any scripture about love.

PBT Applications: Read this book to a group of young children who are about to visit a home for elders. Talk about how love might be best shown in this context.

Still My Favorite Advent Post

Sorry I have not been able to post more often! ‘Tis the season to be crazy-busy!

Here is a link to my favorite PBT post featuring Advent books: Waiting and Waiting and Waiting and Waiting

If the term “Advent” has little or no meaning for you, you might be surprised to know at this time we are not in the Christmas season according to the liturgical year of most churches. Click the link above for a bit of explanation and info. on 3 secular books for Advent. BUT these books, and others about waiting, can be used year-round!

The theme of Waiting throughout the Bible: Even if you have made your picture book selections for this Advent season, the theme of waiting is important in many biblical stories and key biblical verses. More importantly in children's ministries, waiting is a huge issue for children so there is rich theological soil here. 

Here are 2 of my favorite biblical phrases...

For you alone, O God, my soul waits in silence... (Psalm 62:1)  

Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. (Isaiah 40:31.)

Here are some Bible stories that come to mind:

• Waiting to become mothers (Sara, Hannah, and Elizabeth),
• Waiting for love (Jacob waiting for Rachel, Zacchaeus waiting from the tree for Jesus)
• Waiting to return home (Israelites wandering in the wilderness and later in Babylonian exile)
• Waiting for health (Jesus’ miraculous healing stories)
• Waiting for God’s justice and hope to be realized (many Old Testament prophets, Simeon & Anna, New Testament Christians longing for Jesus’ return)

I hope your Advent waiting is realized with a particularly meaningful Christmas season! 

December Holiday Books #7 & #8

Below I'm featuring 2 very different picture books that celebrate the birth of Christ. The first looks like a secular book on the cover, but it's focus is quite sacred. The 2nd is a visual feast for those wanting to expose their faith family to classical art and new ways of viewing the nativity. Have a blessed and safe Christmas as we celebrate God with us.

Picture Book: My Merry Christmas

Author: Sally Lloyd-Jones

Illustrator: Sara Gianassi

Summary: "What is Christmas?" is the question that begins this book. Sure there are stars and gifts and much more, but "...what is Christmas really for?" Readers are asked to consider what are their favorite Christmas symbols and whether their meanings directly relate to Jesus. The lights of Christmas remind us of a desire for the Lord to light our paths. Angels remind us of joyous celebrations of Jesus' entrance into the world. Evergreens remind us of eternal life. Stars remind us of the wise men who knew to humbly search, worship, and give. And the gifts under our tree are reminders that love is God's greatest gift. The book ends with a thank you for Christmas and John 3:16.

Hanna’s Comments: The illustrations and cover of this book may seem juvenile, but it has great potential for conversations about whether or not we take the time to look beyond the trappings of the Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany seasons to their meanings and messages. This author also has written a wonderful Bible for Christian children called The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name. That subtitle tells you how it’s different from a typical Bible. I especially love this Bible's illustrations. Check it out as a potential gift to children in your family or faith family.

Original Publisher & Date: B & H Kids, 2017

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 2 and up, Toddler and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Scriptures about the birth of Jesus, (Matthew 1:18-2:1-12 & Luke 1:26-38, 2: 1-15)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group in your faith family during Advent to help them explore what the symbols of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany really mean to Christians. 

Picture Book: The Nativity

Author: Geraldine Elschner

Illustrator: Giotto

Summary: In this gorgeous picture book, simple text is paired with glowing masterpieces from a Renaissance painter. It highlights Giotto's interpretation of the major events in the Christmas story from the angel Gabriel telling Mary she has been chosen to bear the son of God to the threesome's flight to Egypt.

Hanna’s Comments: Many children have little exposure to classical art. Those living in poverty sometimes have a deficit of beauty in their lives. One of the benefits of PBT is exposure to good art in the illustrations that are experienced with the stories. This art can open us to new possibilities of meaning, delight, and wonder - all important aspects of spirituality and faith. In this book, you have vibrant gold foil artwork on the halos of key players who, in varying degrees, seem human and otherworldly. I think the faces in these images are particularly powerful too. Be sure to ask your audience how they personally react to such images and if these figures of the nativity give new meaning to their own interpretation of Jesus' birth and life. 

Original Publisher & Date: Minedition, 2015

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 5 and up, K and up

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Scriptures about the birth of Jesus, (Matthew 1:18-2:1-12 & Luke 1:26-38, 2: 1-15) 

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of elementary children and expand their imaginings about the Nativity and the events of Jesus' birth and life.

December Holiday Books #1 and #2

Advent is almost here so I’m going back to my simple format from my first year at PBT. That will allow me to feature more December holiday books. These two are a lesson in contrasts. One is brand new – my favorite discovery this season so far! One has been around for a while and was a recommendation from a webinar listener. Thanks for that! I’m sorry I didn’t catch your name. 

Here they are…

Picture Book: A Savior is Born:                                                                              Rocks Tell the Story of Christmas

Author & Photographer: Patti Rokus

Summary: This book will delight and amaze your audience! Rokus has managed to artistically explore the story of Jesus’ birth in rock collage, pairing each creation with a familiar scripture. In the video mentioned below, she says she found all the rocks on one hiking excursion! There is something about these faceless images direct from our Earth that gloriously speaks the Truth of these stories within the one great Story of Christmas. You may never look at rocks the same way again. Look for me to feature her Easter book come spring.

Hanna’s Comments: As is true for most PBT books, this jewel could be enjoyed by any age group because the art is stunning and so unusual. For very young children, you may want to focus on only a few double page spreads.

Original Publisher & Date: Zondervan, 2018

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Check out the 2 informative videos on the Amazon page. Fabulous!

Scripture Connections: Scriptures make up the text of this book.

Idea(s) for Application: Share this book with a group of children and offer a variety of rocks so that they too may create images that correspond to Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany stories.

Note: You may find this book with a different cover. 

Picture Book: Room for Little One: A Christmas Tale

Author: Martin Waddell

Illustrator: Jason Cockcroft

Summary: There are many picture books that cleverly have Jesus' birth told from animals' points of view. This one is special in that a series of animals offer invitations, share the warmth and comfort of the stable, accommodate differences, and even cuddle beside a species that might be thought of as an enemy. After each invitation, you find the sentence: There's always room for a little one here. Old Dog is welcomed by Kind Ox who later invites Stray Cat. Small Mouse is encouraged to come in by Stray Cat. Despite her fears, she enters. When Tired Donkey needs a place for Mary and Joseph, Kind Ox again offers hospitality so that Jesus, a little one so vulnerable, is born among selfless animals and loving parents. Beautiful!

Hanna’s Comments: This book may be written for young children, but the heart of the message is for us all. Will we make room for the message of Christmas amidst the chaos of the holiday? Will allow inside those we disagree with? Those who are very different from us? Those who make us uncomfortable? Even our enemies? These are burning questions for many in the world today and they relate to the themes of Luke's gospel message. For some fun, ask your audience to think about which character they most identify with and what kind of animal (or who in their lives) would they have the most difficulty inviting and accommodating. Invite those who will to share. You might be surprised at how profound their personal reflections are. I suspect we all imagine ourselves peering into that manger. Complicate those imaginings this year with this challenging story of hospitality and accommodation.

Original Publisher & Date: McElderry, 2004

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 2 and up, Toddler and up

Formats other than Book: Audio Cassette

Scripture Connections: Luke 2:1-7

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of adults and then encourage them to go into their neighborhood and invite all they meet to your Christmas Eve service. 

A Favorite PBT Post for Christmas Day

Storytelling: An Option for Excellence

Typically at PBT, I suggest that you read to your audience. However, there are times when that method isn’t practical such as when a book is wordless and detailed illustrations are key to understanding. If you find such a book that has an excellent story, take the time to learn it well enough to tell. Your audience benefits, and your storytelling skills are improved. Everyone loves to be told an excellent story!

Since I’m breaking with my usual practice and offering sacred stories this December holiday season, I’ll tell you of my favorite Christmas picture book! It is a sacred story involving a small figures in a crèche who come alive to aid a poor and elderly woman. Tell the story since the book is wordless and some illustrations are in small frames, but you must share those clever and funny illustrations afterwards (not before – the surprise will be ruined). As always, having multiple copies of the book is beneficial but not necessary.

Picture Book: A Small Miracle

Author & Illustrator: Peter Collington

Summary: An old woman journeys in the snow to a nearby town to play her organ for coins since she woke to no coins or food in her small trailer. Earning no coins, at day’s end, she reluctantly sells her beloved organ to an antiques dealer. She comes out of the shop and is robbed. While walking home, she discovers the robber as he exits the church, charity bucket in hand. 

She grabs the bucket and hurries inside where she finds the scattered crèche. She lovingly replaces the figures and bucket (funds too). 

Hungry and frail, she collapses in the snow on her way home. 

The crèche figures come alive and rescue her. Amazingly, they carry her unconscious body home. 

Mary and the babe stay beside her while the others venture out to solve the woman’s problems. 

The Magi use the charity funds to purchase her organ and some groceries. 

They return and prepare a feast. Joseph gets a Christmas tree and repairs her wooden trailer. He is a carpenter after all! A shepherd retrieves her funds from the robber (not sure how this happens!) and decorates the tree.

The figures leave and the lady awakes. 

The story ends with puzzled but resounding rejoicing. 

Hanna’s Comments: As you can see, my summary above fails to convey the hilarity of the illustrations. Because the crèche figures don’t change size, the irony of their abilities is comical. Once before on PBT, I offered a wordless book, Flood by Villa. I posted about it because it is a beautiful story of a family’s survival during a flood (an all too common occurrence) which has obvious connections to the biblical flood. Find that post [here].

Original Publisher & Date: Knopf, 1997

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 6 and up, 1^st and up

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Stories involving characters of The Nativity are early in the gospels of Matthew and Luke; Mary’s declarations against poverty in her Magnificat (Luke 1:44-55)
Idea(s) for Application: Tell the story of this book to a group of children in your faith family who are exploring themes of poverty during the Advent or Christmas seasons. 

December Holiday Books 10, 11, and 12

If you are in ministry, then today I’m giving you a holiday gift. I hope it blesses you in the years to come. In this post, I’ll offer one of the simplest approaches to a successful PBT lesson.

The three books that conclude this December holiday series are all simple enough for very young children, but each has the potential to be the center of a meaningful lesson for older children, teens, or adults. 

Before reading one of these books to your audience, give this simple instruction: As I am reading, imagine you are the main character.

Suddenly, what might have been viewed as a shallow book for toddlers or preschoolers, is an opportunity to step into a personal story of faith. Here’s another little trick. Before reading, tell your audience that no verbal sharing is required. This dissolves the anxiety that true vulnerability brings while freeing them to dig deeply and personally into their thoughts during the story. 

After reading, offer some silence for reflection, just a minute or two. Then some folks will likely share their thoughts in response to questions you've prepared, but expect many to just listen. A quiet response to a picture book can be a very good sign that its story was particularly meaningful. My comments below will explore what might be the responses to these three picture books. 

 Picture Book: The Christmas Fox

Author & Illustrator: Anik McGrory

Summary: Throughout this delightful story, Fox is encouraged to come see a baby who will arrive soon. First Woodpecker says to come for there's work to be done and news to tell.

But fox would rather dance with the snowflakes. 

Cow has hay to help make the baby warm.

Fox is distracted by splashing in the stream. 

Lamb has cozy wool and encourages Fox to come.

Rolling in the snow is much more fun! 

Bluebird wants help singing the baby to sleep. 

Fox isn't interested in gifts or work, not when pouncing can be done! 

Suddenly a star announces brightly that there is light to shine. Just as suddenly Fox realizes, he has no gift to bring, no song to sing, no light to shine. 

Nevertheless, Fox is lured toward the stable where Donkey greets with assurance. "Just come. It is enough." 

Fox tentatively steps inside and finds the babe who responds with joy, 

a smile of delight once Fox is present. 

The story ends with contentment that Fox's presence mattered. 

Hanna’s Comments: Encourage your audience to consider their personal distractions during Advent. Perhaps someone will realize that frantic shopping is never a good substitute for the truest gifts of the season: love, peace, and our presence before The Holy so that Jesus can delight in us.

Original Publisher & Date: Knopf, 2016

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 3 and up, Pre and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: The nativity stories are found in the gospels of Matthew and Luke.
Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of adults to encourage them to "show up" during Advent. There is work to be done to prepare the way of The Lord.

 Picture Book: Penguin’s Christmas Wish

Author & Illustrator: Salina Yoon

Summary: Pumpkin, who lives on the ice with Penguin, wishes for a Christmas tree. 

Penguin knows just what to do... visit his friend, Pinecone, who he took to the forest far from the ice. Grandpa and Bootsy come along and help carry the makings of a fun Christmas. 

When they arrive, Penguin is surprised by Pinecone's transformation. Pinecone is huge!

The travelers decorate Pinecone perfectly for Christmas. 

That night, Christmas wishes are shared: Something useful, something to play with, and something crafty. Penguin's wish is to share Christmas with the whole forest but alas, this small group seems to be alone. 

A blizzard comes while they are sleeping, and they wake to a surprise on Christmas morning.

 The decorations and presents are gone! 

Pumpkin is particularly upset so Grandpa offers wisdom: The true joy of Christmas is being with those we love. 

Remembering the wishes his friends hoped for, Penguin searches for possibilities

and finds simple branches that are the perfect gift for everyone. 

Two sticks are great for fishing and time together. How useful!

Bootsy is a knitter so she now has sticks to knit each tree a trunk cozy, a crafty surprise! And Pumpkin's sticks lead to some fun drumming. 

Penguin fulfills everyone’s wish but his own. 

Soon the sun begins melting the snow. 

The dripping snow slowly reveals a beautiful surprise. 

Ornaments were not blown away. they were scattered onto the surrounding trees.  

Evening reveals the magic of Christmas lighting the forest. As Pumpkin puts a finishing touch onto Pinecone, new creatures gather. 

Penguin realizes his Christmas wish has come true after all. Penguin did share Christmas with new friends, family, and the whole forest. 

Hanna’s Comments: Salina Yoon’s Penguin series is a delight, a little weird and a lot loving. In her first book, Penguin finds a friend in Pinecone, wraps him with a scarf, and then realizes Pinecone must be taken to a warmer climate to thrive, hence the journey in this story. This is a board book, but it comes in standard size too. Encourage your audience to consider what they really want for Christmas and how they respond when their true Christmas wishes are not received or when those they love are sad at Christmas.

Original Publisher & Date: 2 and up, Toddler and up

Age & Grade Appropriateness: Bloombury, 2017

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Grandpa’s wisdom is the scripture connection here. Connect this story to any scripture that emphasizes time with those we love. 
Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of older elementary children and talk about the things that matter most for them at Christmas and how they react to disappointment or sadness in December.

 Picture Book: A Christmas Tree for Pyn

Author & Illustrator: Olivier Dunrea

Summary: Tiny Pyn is devoted to the care and keeping of her hard, bear of a father. 

Every morning she makes the mountain man breakfast and sees that their cabin and a bowl of soup is warm for him when he returns home. 

When she calls him Papa, he always responds gruffly, "My name is Oother." 

Oother loves little Pyn. She is so like her mother who is absent from the story and presumed dead. Despite his love, Oother refuses when Pyn pleads for her first Christmas tree. Pyn has seen a beautiful Christmas tree in the village and knows it will be exactly what their little cottage needs. 

Despite her father’s refusal, Pyn sets out on her own to get a tree. She puts on her outdoor clothes that she can barely see and move in, but that doesn't stop her. The going is rough in the deep snow for a tiny girl. Before long, she is buried. 

Soon Oother scoops up Pyn and asks what she is doing in the cold with a storm coming, Pyn explains that she was going to surprise him with a Christmas tree. 

After trudging through the snow, they come upon a grove of fir trees. Pyn is delighted and spies the perfect tree for them. 

Once they get it back to the cottage, Oother has the tree standing tall. He declares that Pyn has her Christmas tree and thinks the deed is done. 

Pyn rushes to collect the tree decorations; she's been collecting and protecting these treasures all year. 

She spreads them before her father: nests of all kinds, acorns, and a beautiful variety feathers. She begins stringing berries while Oother watches her delight. 

Then Oother holds his tiny daughter so that she can hang her treasures high and all around. Oother is moved by his daughter's artistry and the tree's beauty. He remembers something. He disappears and then returns after wrapping a gift for Pyn. 

When Pyn beholds the bright feathered bird, she is puzzled by the surprise. Oother explains that he made it for Pyn's mother. Pyn is thrilled by it's beauty and has her father help her place it at the top of the tree.  

Pyn is thrilled by the exotic bird's beauty and has her father help her place it at the top of the tree. Together they gaze at the tree and for the first time, Oother insists that grateful Pyn call him Papa. 

The book ends with this loving image.

Hanna’s Comments: This little book has lingered with me throughout Advent. Perhaps because I love a few people who tend to be gruff this time of year. The season does not sit well with them. Perhaps you know some Oothers too. Pyn's desire and determination to have this meaningful ritual speaks to everyone's longing for meaning and beauty. She just might soften the hearts of some Oothers who hear this story. Note: The book version is rare and expensive according to Amazon. Let’s hope it gets published again. The tablet version is reasonably priced. Fortunately, my local library had a copy. Maybe yours will too.

Original Publisher & Date: Philomel, 2011

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 3

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Any scripture about God’s unconditional love, any scripture about serving others or generosity, and any scripture about wisdom
Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of adults and talk about how difficult Advent and Christmas are for some people and how we can best respond to them with empathy while holding on to the rituals we find meaningful.