PBT Redux #15 Shooting at the Stars

Picture Book: Shooting at the Stars:                                                                   The Christmas Truce of 1914

Author & Illustrator: John Hendrix

Summary: A letter to his mother from Charlie, a fictional British WWI soldier, serves as the framework for this tale about one of many WWI Christmas Eve truces in 1914. 

In this case, the temporary cease fire begins with Christmas carols heard from the German trenches. 

Then small Christmas trees appear. Next a can of jam is thrown from the British trench. A British and a German officer meet in the middle of the battleground, shake hands, and signal their soldiers to come forward. 

Soldiers from both sides introduce themselves in “no man’s land.” Together they bury their dead. 

Then trading tokens to substitute for Christmas gifts begins. Photographs are taken. 

One is in the back of the book. 

After several hours, a furious British major arrives and orders them to separate and begin shooting. 

Charlie suspects they will aim high, shooting at the stars, at least for a while. 

Hanna's Comments: This is such an important story! It will intrigue your audience and inspire loads of comments. Insist that they connect this story to the Advent of today or your lesson won't be transformative. A glossary, bibliography, and index are in the back too. They explain that such truces didn't happen the other years of WWI. Thematically, this story and its supplemental material emphasize the contrast between the suffering soldiers stuck in the trenches who long for peace 

and the outside political and military forces that keep them there for 4 long years. It is a hard story to hear but an important one. Non-Christians should be comfortable using this book since Christian doctrine is not mentioned. 

Publisher & Date of Publication: Harry N. Abrams, 2014

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 8 and up, 3^rd and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: When the ways of people please the Lord, he causes even their enemies to be at peace with them (Proverbs 16:7); blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God (Matthew 5:9); if possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all (Romans 12:18); let him seek peace and pursue it (1 Peter 3:11)

Idea(s) for Application: This would be a great book to read to an audience of elementary age and up during the week before Christmas. Emphasize the theme of peace and how it requires risk and trust. Consider today's battles, military and otherwise, to make this book particularly meaningful. Peace isn't easy still, but it's worth meaningful conversation, because hope for peace is what Advent is all about. 

Beauty in Response to Violence

The following post was written last week so I do not mention yesterday's massacre in a Texas church. Violence at a place of worship is particularly hard to bear. Prayer is our most crucial tool so I pray for those affected by the madness of yesterday. Picture books and art, such as the music in the story below, are other tools that can benefit faith families reeling from violence, but allow time for the settling of those emotions and deal with most urgent needs first. Stories more easily bring healing when we can sit and listen with open hearts, not hearts burdened with fear and grief. 

Next Monday in the USA, we will be honoring our veterans so I've been saving this book, a true story, that reminds us violence, via war or otherwise, affects not just our veterans but entire communities. Additionally, art such as music as in this book or other artistic expressions, can be a balm of healing. If you are a veteran, thank you for your service and many sacrifices. If not a veteran but violence has touched you recently, my prayer is that healing can come through ritual, beauty, and community.

Picture Book: Flowers for Sarajevo

Author: John McCutcheon

Illustrator: Kristy Caldwell

Summary: Drasko, a young Yugoslavian boy, enjoys helping his father, Milo, sell flowers on the street. 

There Drasko enjoys Sarajevo's diversity of Serbs, Croats, Muslims, and Christians. Despite their differences, most go home with Milo's flowers. Milo loves their differences, even Goran, the cranky merchant next to them, is enjoyed by Milo. 

But war begins quickly, and Drasko's father leaves for the battlefied. 

Drasko works hard to keep his family fed by remaining on the streets, selling flowers. Tensions increase across those who remain, 

and Drasko gets pushed to the worst corner. At least he's near where the orchestra practices. Lonely and missing his father (the music reminds him of their dancing), 

Drasko doesn't know war is about to enter Sarajevo's streets. 

An explosion shatters a wall in the bakery nearby. Chaos ensues. Those who can scatter.

Twenty people have been killed while in line for the bakery. Still Drasko returns to the emptier street the next day. 

When the church bell rings at 10, a man exits the orchestra 

and carries his cello and a chair amidst the rubble.  

At the site of the bomb, the musician sits and plays. Silently, a diverse group gathers, is moved by the music, 

and then watches as the musician leaves also in silence. 

Drasko is so heartbroken, he gives his roses away. 

The musician solemnly repeats daily for a total of 22 times, his ritual gift for the city, a performance for each lost life. 

Drasko begins a ritual too. Each night he prays 23 prayers, one for each who died and one for his father. 

Routine forms again and sellers, even the bakers, are open for business. Mean Gorin brings a customer to Drasko and compliments his flowers. Drasko returns the favor with a rose as his father often did. 

At each day's end, Drasko leaves roses at the bakery and at the orchestra's door. 

He places a rose at Milo's place at the table. Like his father, Drasko is determined to help Sarajevo remember and return to its beauty.

Hanna’s Comments: Sarajevo, Yugoslavia was a diverse city whose glory days you might remember from the 1984 winter Olympics. During The Bosnian War, a bomb did damage the last bakery, killing 22 people. For 22 days, cellist Vedran Smailovic honored the inhabitants with Albinoni's Adagio in G Minor, a piece known to have miraculously survived a bombing in Dresden, Germany during WWII. Later, Sarajevo was under siege for 1,425 days, the longest for any capitol city in modern warfare. Thousands of inhabitants lost their lives. The beautiful city that had been celebrated only a decade before, was a war zone. Smailovic became known as The Cellist of Sarajevo. In the back of the book, you'll find the score, lyrics, an Author's Note, and a section called A Region Shaped by War which gives a summary of the Yugoslav wars of the 1990s. An audio CD was included in my book that contains lots of supplemental material such as conversations and the author reading the book with page turn prompts. 

Original Publisher & Date: Peachtree, 2017
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 6 and up, 1^st and up

Formats other than Book: Audio CD

Scripture Connections: And my God, my soul is cast down within me. (Psalm 42:6); When I remember God, I moan. (Psalm 77:3); These days should be remembered and kept through every generation. (Esther 9:28)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of adults when studying the spirituality of art or resilience. Use this book as an example of the power of rituals of remembering or lamentations and mourning. Consider giving this book as a gift of gratitude to musicians in your faith family.

December Holiday Books 10 & 11

Picture Book: Oskar and the Eight Blessings

Author: Tanya and Richard Simon

Illustrator: Mark Siegel

Summary: This is a beautiful story of a child who immigrates alone into New York City on December 24, 1938. His parents have sent him to an aunt after the devastating Kristallnacht. On November 9 & 10 of that year, Nazis destroyed thousands of synagogues and Jewish businesses and over 30,ooo Jews were placed in concentration camps. The date is also significant because it is the last day of Hanukkah and Christmas Eve. As Oskar walks the 100 plus blocks of Broadway to the address of an aunt he doesn’t know, he encounters historical figures (First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and jazz musician Count Basie) and other anonymous strangers. All welcome and bless him in 8 various ways as he eventually makes his way to a loving aunt.  

Hanna’s Comments: This is a perfect book for talking in your family or faith family about hospitality, refugees, and generosity across religious traditions. It won the 2015 National Jewish Book Award for Children’s Literature. A map of Manhattan Island showing Oskar’s route, an Author’s Note, and short glossary are all in the back.

Original Publisher & Date: Roaring Brook Press, 2015

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native (Leviticus 19:34); whoever receives you receives me (Matthew 10:40); see to show hospitality (Romans 12:13); do not neglect to show hospitality to stranger (Hebrews 13:2); show hospitality to on another (1 Peter 4:9); The story of Hanukkah is based on stories in 1^st and 2^nd Maccabees in the Hebrew Bible and in some Christian Bibles.

Idea(s) for Application: During December, read this book to a group in your faith family who are interested in hospitality to refugees or relationships across religious traditions. 

Picture Book: The Message of the Birds

Author: Kate Westerlund

Illustrator: Feridun Oral

Summary: An old owl tells fellow birds the story of Christmas. The coos of the Christ child are viewed as a blessing of joy and good will for all. When a robin asks why the birds no longer sing the story, the owl explains that the humans stopped listening to the song. Then together the birds create a new strategy: sing the story to the children of the world. Perhaps they will listen. The birds fly far and wide singing their message of hope. Birds they meet continue their mission. The children do listen and what unfolds is a coming together of the world’s children in a circle to celebrate the Christ child and honor the possibility of peace.

Hanna’s Comments: For me, this book seems like a mash up of Old Turtle by Wood and Chee (see the post [here]) and Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas. This story has beautiful illustrations of various birds. You’ll want to spend some time identifying them with your audience. Then explore how Jesus life and teachings connect with the idea of peace and why in December, peace is particularly desired.

Original Publisher & Date: Minedition, 2011

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: For unto us a child is born…his name shall be called…Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6); The angel sang, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace (Luke 2:14)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children in your faith family to explore how the Christ child was a promise of peace for all.  

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 342

Picture Book: The Whispering Town

Author: Jennifer Elvgren 

Illustrator: Fabio Santomauro

Summary: In their basement, Anett and her parents are hiding two Jews from the Nazis in 1943 Denmark. When Anett brings their breakfast down, she relies on their whispers in the dark to guide and comfort her. As she desires items for them from the town’s merchants, she whispers, “We have new friends. Then the merchants give a few items. Each time Anett ventures outside, she sees Nazi soldiers looking for hidden Jews. The Nazis threaten to arrest anyone who is hiding Jews. Because the Nazi presence is increasing, the Jews must leave at night with no local escort to the harbor where a boat will be waiting for their escape. How will they find their way? Anett remembers how the whispers guide her to the basement and suggests that the townspeople, along the desired route, stand at their doorways and use whispered voices to guide the Jews to the harbor. This plan works. “This way,” is repeatedly whispered and guides the Jews as they walk to the harbor.

Hanna’s Comments: The Author’s Note in the back of the book gives the historical context of this story and explains that it is based on true events in the small fishing village of Gilleleje, Denmark. I have considered featuring a book on Anne Frank this month because it is the 70^th anniversary of her death. However, I couldn’t find a picture book that balanced her heartbreaking story with her own statements of hope and faith in people. I encourage you to continue to look for that kind of book in your local library or simply tell Anne Frank’s story as a supplement and contrast to the book featured here. Anne Frank hid in an upper set of rooms in Amsterdam, Holland. Tweens and teens easily identify with Anne Frank’s story. There are reference books about her that will help you tell her story and show pictures. Also, there are many videos including the only known video of Anne Frank. She is looking out a window. Find it on Youtube.com. It is quite moving. Miep Gies, one of the protectors of Anne Frank and her family, has been interviewed many times. You'll find her story on Youtube as well. It is one of courage, humility, and sacrifice.   

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Kar-Ben Publishing, 2014

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Audio CD 

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press, Non-fiction

PBT Topics this Book connects with: abuse/abuse of power, action, adaptation/assimilation, aliens/immigrants/refugees/strangers, anxiety/worry, body/body of Christ, bravery/courage, bullying/martyrs/persecution/oppression, caring/tending, challenges, commitment, communication, community, cooperation, cruelty, danger, darkness/evening/night, dependence, difficulties, encouragement, enemies, ethics, Europe, evil, exile/separation/walls, fear, goodness, helping, hiding/isolation, homelessness, hospitality, listening, neighbors, partners/teamwork, presence, prisons/prisoners, problems/problem solving, protecting/protection, rebellion, resisting evil, risking, safe place/sanctuary, secrets, sharing, unity   

Scripture Connections: I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more (Psalm 71:14); abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good (Romans 12:9); welcome one another… for the glory of God (Romans 15:7); if one member suffers, all suffer together (1 Corinthians 12:26a); now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book and consider telling the story of Anne Frank to older elementary or youth who are learning about concepts of faith, hope, and reliance on others in difficult times. This book also easily connects with spiritual concepts such as discernment, particularly discernment through the guidance of others, and the power of community.   

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 327

Picture Book: I Have an Olive Tree

Author: Eve Bunting

Illustrator: Karen Barbour

Summary: Sophia, age 7, is puzzled that her grandfather has given her an olive tree for her birthday. Even more puzzling, the tree is on an island in Greece, where the family lived before coming to California. Her grandfather explains that those who purchased their house let them keep the tree as a symbol of their family’s rootedness to Greece. When Sophia’s grandfather dies, he gives Sophia her grandmother’s string of pearls and asks her to go to Greece and hang the pearls on the olive tree. Upon arrival, they are dazzled by the strangeness of Greece as they wait for the ferry to take them to the island. As they approach the family home and tree, Sophia begins to have strange feelings. The tree was not as Sophia imagined, but it moves her emotionally. She pulls the pearls out of her backpack and her mother lifts her up so that she can hang the beads on a high branch. Sophia realizes that the trip is not just about the beads. It is also about her mother’s memories and Sophia gaining an understanding of her roots. As Sophia considers coming back someday, she says, ”I have an olive tree.”

Hanna’s Comments: This is a rich story of family heritage and origin. Because our Holy Scriptures are often about these same themes, you should have no problem connecting this story to a variety of religious topics such as memory, the power of place, altars, reverence, family bonds, or inheritance. Besides connections to scripture, tie this story and a scripture to an aspect or person in your local family of faith as well. Creating strong connections to the people and place where you worship is invaluable and important for the future of your spiritual community. Another direction you could take is to consider the spiritual symbolism of trees in general. 

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Harper Collins Publishers, 1999

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

# of Pages: 32 

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Audio Cassette

PBT Category:  Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book connects with: acceptance, action, adventure, ancestors/patriarchs & matriarchs, babies/children, belonging, birth/birthday, bonds/connections, change, death/loss/grief, Europe, exile/separation/walls, family, fruit/fruit of the spirit, grandparents, heritage, home, identity/names, journeys/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, land/mountains/soil, love, memories/remembering/ritual/tradition, reverence, self-discovery, travel, worship

Scripture Connections: I am like a green olive tree in the house of God, I trust in the steadfast love of God (Psalm 52:8); your children will be like olive shoots around you (Psalm 128:3b); a good person leaves an inheritance (Proverbs 13:22); the word of God’s grace is able to give you your inheritance (Acts 20:32); so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith – that you may be rooted and grounded in love (Ephesians 3:17); rooted and built up in him and established in the faith (Colossians 2:7); work heartily as for the Lord, knowing that you will receive the inheritance as your reward (Colossians 3:23)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children or teens who are learning about their religious or spiritual heritage or origins. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 325

Picture Book: The Cats in Krasinski Square

Author: Karen Hesse

Illustrator: Wendy Watson

Summary: The cats of the title are the abandoned cats left after the Jews are placed in Warsaw, Poland’s ghetto during Nazi occupation. The young female narrator, who enjoys petting the cats, struggles to survive on the free side of the wall. She and her sister have managed to escape the ghetto. With other rebels, they get food to their starving friends behind the walls. Because she watches the cats, the narrator knows the openings in the wall where food can be passed. News comes that Resistance Fighters are arriving on trains with smuggled food stashed in their bags for those behind the wall. But The Gestapo knows of the plan and will be waiting with dogs to sniff out the food. The narrator has a clever counter move. They lure into baskets as many cats as possible, take the closed baskets to the train station, and spread out. Once the train arrives, The Gestapo releases their dogs. Before the dogs can find the hidden food, they are distracted by the many cats that have been let loose. Chaos ensues and those with hidden food are able to flee and quickly pass their food through or over the ghetto walls.

Hanna’s Comments: I like the way this story is written so that a very dark and scary situation is told in a light manner that even young children can handle and enjoy. The suffering Jews behind the wall are only seen from afar. The illustrations are beautiful and help the subject seem less intense than reality. The political and religious issues are not in the narrative so you can avoid those difficult topics if you prefer or expand on them if that suits your purposes and is age appropriate. In the end papers, you’ll find an Author’s Note and a Historical Note.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Scholastic, 2004 

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 7 and up, 2^nd and up

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Non-fiction, Post 2k

PBT Topics this Book connects with: abuse/abuse of power, action, adaptation/assimilation, animals, bonds/connections, bravery/courage, caring/tending, challenges, chaos/disorder, commitment, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, cruelty, danger, dependence/interdependence, enemies, Europe, evil, exile/separation/walls, feasting/food/hunger/nutrition, helping, heroes, injustice, leadership/servant leadership, mission, obstacles, outreach, partners/teamwork, poverty, power, prisons/prisoners, rebellion, risking, secrets, social justice, surprise

Scripture Connections: The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. (Psalm 103:6); a righteous person knows the rights of the poor (Proverbs 29:7); let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream (Amos 5:24); …do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8); as you did it to one of the least of these, you did it to me. (Matthew 25:40)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of elementary students who are about to engage in an outreach project involving feeding the poor or to supplement a lesson on the social justice issue of access to healthy food.   

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 309

Picture Book: Doctor White

Author: Jane Goodall

Illustrator: Julie Litty

Summary: At the beginning of this story, it seems Dr. White is a typical doctor, arriving late for work at a hospital. Quickly you realize that he is instead a small white dog who has an uncanny bedside manner, particularly for the sickest children. He lies beside them; then they usually get better. When the health inspector comes and bans Doctor White from the hospital, Doctor White stays outside near the door, hoping for entrance. Then the health inspector’s own daughter becomes very ill and is admitted to the hospital. In desperation, he allows Doctor White to come in and be present with his daughter. Sure enough, she recovers, and Doctor White is allowed to continue his valuable practice.   

Hanna’s Comments: This story is based on an actual London hospital that adopted a dog who had an unusual manner with the sickest children. Pet therapy is a documented reality. The kind of unconditional love and hope that is inspired by dogs and cats can be a healing influence. It’s important to note that world-renowned scientist, Jane Goodall, is the author of this story which gives it more credibility. Healing should not be a taboo topic for children's ministry. Yes, it's mysterious. You won't be able to explain it, but children deal with the unknown all the time. They are more comfortable with mystery than most adults. When we proclaim God and God's work as mysterious and beyond our understanding, then we are in a sense humbly praising God. Declaring ourselves to be less than God which is a good thing.

2021 Update: I recently read a beautiful novel about pet therapy. It's about an very ordinary female chaplain and the "presence" (when alive and after death) of a dog who companions her during her rounds. If you want to be enriched by a mysterious short novel, I recommend One Night Two Souls Go Walking by Ellen Cooney. 

Publisher & Date of Publication: Minedition, 2014

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Non-fiction, Fresh off the Press

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: affection, animals, belonging, bonds/connections, brokenness, call/calling/vocation, caring/tending, companionship, dependence/interdependence, dying, encouragement, Europe, exclusion/inclusion, exile/separation/walls, healing/healthcare, helping, miracles, mystery, pets, poverty, power, presence, renewal/restoration

Scripture Connections: The healing stories of Jesus, especially the story of the healing of Jairus' daughter (Matthew 9:18-26)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book when talking with children about healing, particularly the mysteries of healing and the effects loving presence can have on someone’s recuperation. If you are connecting this to Jesus’ stories of healing, be sure to delineate the power you attribute to Jesus or God versus the power this little dog seems to have in the story. The dog has been gifted by his loving creator to be an instrument of healing for these children. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 307

Picture Book: Wall

Author & Illustrator: Tom Clohosy Cole

Summary: This is a dark but beautiful story about the Berlin Wall. When the wall goes up, the narrator’s father is in West Berlin and therefore separated from his family. The mother consoles her son by telling him that his father’s life is likely better than theirs. The boy witnesses others’ attempts to cross over. Some are clever, lucky, and successful. Others who try to cross are caught and shot. The boy is determined to risk it so he begins digging a tunnel near the wall in a field. On the night when they try to cross over, they are confronted by a guard who becomes sympathetic after seeing the father’s photo. He allows them to continue. They arrive in West Berlin and find the father just as he is about to enter a tunnel he has been digging to reach them.

Hanna’s Comments: This book was written in response to the 25^th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall and is based on true stories of successful crossings. You may want to gather some historical information on the wall to give this book more context before reading it. There are not many words here so make sure your audience can easily see the compelling illustrations. You may have to explain them, and more than one copy of the book may be required. When discussing the book, focus on the love between the father and his family. Emphasize that no circumstances, would have been able to diminish the love that this family had for one another. Talk about how they were willing and compelled to work hard and risk everything to be together again.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Templar Books, 2014

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press, Non-fiction

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abuse/abuse of power, action, belonging, bonds/connections, bravery/courage, brokenness, bullying/martyrs/persecution/oppression, choices/decisions, commitment, danger, difficulties, Europe, evil, exclusion/inclusion, exile/separation/walls, family, fathers, fear, freedom, journeys/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, labor/work, land/mountains/soil, love, obstacles, perseverance, risking

Scripture Connections: Nothing can separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus (Romans 8:39)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children, youth, or adults when talking about love, the kind of love that we have in our families which is inspired by God’s love for us. Despite difficult circumstances and long separations, love often strengthens and makes us even more determined to be together.  

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 293

Picture Book: The Yellow Star:                                                The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark

Author: Carmen Agra Deedy

Illustrator: Henri Sorensen
Summary: Before and during World War II, Nazis used the Star of David to segregate and alienate the Jews. As Germany conquered other countries, these terrible policies crossed borders too. Legend has it that Denmark's beloved King Christian the 10th, who was committed to keeping all Danes safe, defied the Nazis. First he ordered that the Nazi flag, which had replaced the Danish flag above the palace, be brought down. When he was told that a repeat of this act would result in the execution of the one who took down the flag, he proclaimed that he would be the one to do so. The Nazi flag did not fly over the palace again. Likewise, when the decree came from Germany that all Jews in Denmark must wear a yellow star, King Christian defied this requirement by wearing a star himself as he paraded through Danish streets each morning. This act of benevolence encouraged all Danish citizens to wear a yellow star. Many did. For a while, the Jews of Denmark were not easily singled out.
Hanna’s Comments: Carmen Deedy beautifully tells this complicated story of a king’s determination to protect all of his people. The response of the non-Jewish Danes is inspiring. There is much in this story that can resonate for those in faith communities who are looking for historical inspiration to encourage biblical values of non-violent acts of social justice and protection of those who are most vulnerable.     
Original Publisher & Date: Peachtree Publishers, 2000
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 6 and up, 1^st and up
# of Pages: 32
Available in Spanish? Not at present
Formats other than Book: There is a short trailer for this book on Youtube.com that shows photographs of King Christian. Note: There are other short videos about a book titled Yellow Star but it is about a young girl in Poland.

PBT Category: Non-fiction
PBT Topics this Book connects with: abuse/abuse of power, belonging, bonds/connections, bravery/courage, bullying/martyrs/persecution/oppression, call/calling/vocation, challenges, citizenship, commitment, communication, community, conflict, conformity, danger, discord, disobedience/obedience, Europe, evil, exclusion/inclusion, God’s nature, heroes, identity/names, intercession, leadership/servant leadership, legends/myths, non-violence/peaceful resistance, power, protecting/protection, rebellion, religious differences, resisting evil, risking, unity, wisdom
Scripture Connections: Greater love has no one than this, that you lay down your life for friends (John 15:13); I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love (Ephesians 4:1-2); whatever is true, honorable, just… if there is any excellence and anything worthy of praise, think on these. (Philippians 4:8)
Idea(s) for Application: Consider reading this book to a group of children learning about modern heroes who face evil because of injustices to those who are oppressed.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 270

Picture Book: The Story of Ferdinand

Author: Munro Leaf

Illustrator: Robert Lawson

Summary: Unlike a typical bull in Spain, Ferdinand is content to sit quietly in a field and smell the lovely flowers, whereas his peers prefer butting other bulls and hope to be picked for the bull fights in Madrid. When men come to choose the biggest, toughest bull for the bull fights, Ferdinand wanders away to his favorite tree to sit and smell flowers. When he sits down on a bumble bee and is stung, the men are delighted by Ferdinand’s behavior. He butts and snorts fiercely. The men take Ferdinand to Madrid. Because of his size and rumors, Ferdinand is feared by the bullfighters, but he goes to the middle of the ring, sits down, and smells the lovely flowers in the ladies’ hair. The violence-hungry bullfighters are all very angry, but not Ferdinand so they take him back home to his field of flowers where he is content.

Hanna’s Comments: Banned in many countries, this book has an interesting political history which you may want to check out on the internet and mention when you offer it to your audience. It was published just prior to the Spanish American War while WWII was raging.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Viking, 1936

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: Video, Audio CD

PBT Category: Classic

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: authenticity, beauty, differences, the environment/nature, Europe, evil, gladness/happiness, goodness, individuality/uniqueness, joy, non-violence/peaceful resistance, pacifism/peace/peacemakers, passion, resisting evil, reverence, steadfastness, worship

Scripture Connections: Blessed are the peacemakers (Matthew 5:9); seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33); do not be conformed to this world (Romans 12:2)

Idea(s) for Application: When studying peacemaking or non-violence, consider reading this book to the children in your family of faith. It also has clear connections to the Romans 12 verse above. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 251

Picture Book: Shooting at the Stars: The Christmas Truce of 1914

Author & Illustrator: John Hendrix

Summary: A letter to his mother from Charlie, a fictional British WWI soldier, serves as the framework for this tale of one of the many Christmas truces between the trenches in 1914. This was just a few months after war had been declared. In this case, the temporary cease fire begins with Christmas carols heard from the German trenches. Then small Christmas trees appear. Next a can of jam is thrown from the British trench. A British and a German officer meet in the middle of the battleground, shake hands, and signal their soldiers to come forward. Soldiers from both sides come together in “no man’s land.” First together they bury their dead. Then trading tokens to substitute for Christmas gifts begins. Photographs are taken. One is in the back of the book. A furious British Major arrives and orders them to begin shooting. Charlie suspects they will aim high, shooting at the stars at least for a while. Apart from the story, you’ll find a detailed Introduction and Author’s Note which explain the complications of WWI and why there were no more Christmas truces in the remaining years of the war. A glossary, bibliography, and index are in the back too.

Hanna’s Comments: Thematically, this story and its supplemental material emphasize the contrast between the suffering soldiers stuck in the trenches who long for peace and the outside political and military forces that keep them there for 4 long years. It is a hard story to hear but an important one. Non-Christians should be comfortable using this book since Christian doctrine is not mentioned.  

Publisher & Date of Publication: Harry N. Abrams, 2014

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 8 and up, 3^rd and up

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish?  Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press, Non-fiction

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, action, adaptation/assimilation, bonds/connections, bravery/courage, brokenness, choir/music/singing/songs, conflict, danger, enemies, Europe, memories/remembering/ritual/tradition, pacifism/peace/peacemakers, surprise, trust/trustworthiness, violence, war/war veterans, wisdom

Scripture Connections: When the ways of people please the Lord, he causes even their enemies to be at peace with them (Proverbs 16:7); blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God (Matthew 5:9); if possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all (Romans 12:18); let him seek peace and pursue it (1 Peter 3:11)

Idea(s) for Application: This would be a great book to read to an audience of elementary age and up during the week before Christmas. Emphasize the theme of peace and how it requires risk and trust. Consider today's battles, military and otherwise to make this book particularly meaningful. It seems lately, peace isn't easy in the mildest of circumstances.