I’m Back! New PBT Posts Ahead!

Sometimes life gets in the way of doing the work you love! Thank you for your patience, feedback, and encouragement of me while I’ve taken a long break here at PBT. I assure you, my PBT work has not stopped! More about that later. 

I have made so many fabulous discoveries of picture books and their potential for use in churches, classrooms, and homes! You will love what’s coming! 

Today’s feature book comes from a great pair, a well-known children’s author and a popular children’s illustrator. Because this book is broad in scope, it has much potential for meaningful theological conversations for children, teens, and adults! 

Picture Book: Life

Author: Cynthia Rylant

Illustrator: Brendan Wenzel

Summary: All about love and change throughout life, this book is a celebration of God’s plan for us to grow, adapt, and learn. Rylant & Wenzel emphasize that “life begins small, even for the elephants. Then it grows.” They explore how life gets bigger and more complex. Throughout, animal companions in beautiful spaces teach. We are encouraged to “ask any animal on Earth, what do you love about life?” Animals respond with an answer that reflects their life journeys. For all, struggles are inevitable, but they lead to new paths. Every place is for loving, gratitude, protection, and connection. If you ever doubt the beauty and meaning of life, look to nature to steer you back home.

Hanna’s Comments: The pandemic has required us to change and adapt. Change is inevitable in all of life, even in viruses! This is God’s loving design, far beyond our comprehension, but we are learning! Such learning and growing deserves theological attention and conversation. Conversations about growth can be broad as in the subject of spiritual transformation or more specific as with learning to say no to people or temptations. As I have struggled through the pandemic, I have thought of Jacob wrestling with an angel in Genesis 32. The angel renames him Israel because he has struggled with God and with humans. This year I discovered in a Judaism course that Israel is a name for us all, for we all struggle! Life is a struggle, but it is full of blessings. We inhabitants of Earth are in these struggles and blessings together! Thank God!

Original Publisher & Date: Beach Lane Books, 2017

Age Appropriateness: Preschool & up

Formats other than Book: Tablet & Audio

Scripture Connections: Any scripture in which a character experiences great change such as conversion experiences or coming home, also scriptures about lessons brought forth by nature, Jacob wrestles with an angel (Genesis 32); ...do not be discouraged for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9); See I am doing a new thing... (Isaiah 43:19); For I know the plans I have for you... (Jeremiah 29:11); …all things work together for good (Romans 8:28); consider it pure joy when you face trials... (James1:2)

PBT Applications: Read this book to a group of any age and guide them to consider how life changes, we struggle, we grown, and we lean into natural experiences or God’s promises, God’s presence, God’s ways, or the hope we have in God.

GLAD I'M POSTING AGAIN? TELL ME.

Psalms for All Ages #4

This morning I read the following quote in Phileena Heuertz beautiful book Pilgrimage of the Soul, which is about her sabbatical that included a hike on the ancient pilgrim path The Camino de Santiago: 

Like a good shepherd with her not-so-intelligent sheep, God knew my need before I did. The essence of the spiritual journey is so evident in [Psalm 23]. 

So, I’m reposting one of my favorite posts of these 5 years at PBT. You’ll see why...

Four books are featured today! All of them have as their text the 23^rd Psalm. The language is traditional except for the book for preschoolers (listed first below). First I show you a sample of illustrations from all 4 books. Then I give you some details for each book. Applications in ministry are obvious. Consider presenting 2 books and having your audience (adults or children) talk about which illustrations most appeal to them and why. Then connect their ideas to personal spiritual growth.

The Lord is my shepherd.

I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

He restores my soul.

He leads in paths of righteousness for His name sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me.

Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil.

My cup runs over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me 

all the days of my life.

And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord 

forever. 

Here are the 4 books!

Picture Book: Found: Psalm 23

Adaptation: Sally Lloyd-Jones

Illustrator: Jago

Hanna’s Comments: This book for preschoolers is pulled from The Jesus Storybook Bible. If yours is not the Christian tradition, do consider this book about Psalm 23. The Jesus Storybook Bible does refer to Jesus, but this beautiful book does not. Its text is a simple paraphrase of the 23^rd Psalm.

Original Publisher & Date: Zonderkidz, 2017

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Picture Book: Psalm Twenty-Three

Illustrator: Tim Ladwig

Hanna’s Comments: The preface of this book explains that the illustrations are of urban America and highlight a "black family living among urban dangers." A stained glass window of Jesus is a crucial part of the visual story.   

Original Publisher & Date: Eerdmans, 1993

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Picture Book: Psalm 23

Illustrator: Richard Jesse Watson

Hanna’s Comments: These illustrations are more magical and dramatic than the others which will appeal to some in your audience. The images are all of children or a lamb. It uses “thy” and “thou” and has "th" endings on some of the verbs (He maketh me to lie down…).

Original Publisher & Date: Zonderkidz, 2013

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet 

Picture Book: Psalm 23

Illustrator: Barry Moser

Hanna’s Comments: Zonderkidz, 2008

Original Publisher & Date: This is my favorite version for older children for it shows the meaning of these words in a context closest to the original psalm. The illustrator explains that his images are inspired by travels in the Caribbean. Here you have a shepherd boy as an image of God as well as other traditional images of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit such as doves, butterflies and a pelican. Have your audience find them.

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

All Things Bright & Beautiful

Recently I wanted to base a preschool lesson on this scripture: “Before God, no creature is hidden.” (Hebrews 4:13). During the first year of PBT in which I featured a new book every day, I had offered a picture book based on the popular hymn All Thing Bright and Beautiful. I was stunned to discover that now there are many picture book versions of this hymn. Two of them are board books, appropriate for toddlers & preschoolers. I’ve featured those below and shown you a few of others. [Here’s] my earlier PBT post which features my favorite version for school-aged children and older. 

Picture Book: All Things Bright and Beautiful

Author: Cecil Frances Alexander

Illustrator: Dawn Machell 

Hanna’s Comments: Your youngest children will love these bright colors, busy pages, and the handle on the side for easy carrying.

Original Publisher & Date: Thomas Nelson, 2016

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

  

Picture Book: All Creatures Great and Small

Author: Cecil Frances Alexander

Illustrator: Naoko Stoop

Hanna’s Comments: Notice the change in title. These illustrations are more subdued and seem to have an anime influence. Kids will think they're cool! 

This author has 2 other books inspired by the Bible: Love is Patient, Love is Kind and Jonah and the Big Fish. These are also board books. 

Original Publisher & Date: Sterling, 2012

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Picture Book: All Things Bright and Beautiful

Author: Cecil Frances Alexander

Illustrator: Katy Hudson

Hanna’s Comments: This is a big book full of illustrations children will enjoy. Some are quite beautiful. 

Unfortunately, the 3 characters are all white despite this book being published recently.

Original Publisher & Date: Worthy Kids, 2016

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Picture Book: All Things Bright and Beautiful

Author: Cecil Frances Alexander

Illustrator: Preston McDaniels

Hanna’s Comments: The illustrations here are more fantastical and complicated, but you and your children will have fun with them. This book may be harder to find.

Original Publisher & Date: Morehouse, 2000

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Picture Book: All Things Bright and Beautiful

Author: Cecil Frances Alexander

Illustrator: Bruce Whatley

Hanna’s Comments: In this book, the illustrations are more naturalistic and feature an older girl who lives on a farm. Beautiful! 

You'll also find the score to the hymn in the back.

Original Publisher & Date: Harper, 2001

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Picture Book: All Things Bright and Beautiful:                                                                    A Collection of Prayer & Verse

Author: Cecil Frances Alexander

Illustrator: Helen Lanzrein

Hanna’s Comments: This book is quite different. It is a collection of poems. prayers, and pastoral illustrations that just happens to have the title of the hymn as it's own title. The version photographed above is a big, padded board book with card-stock pages. It's also available in paperback. One of the poems is Alexander's hymn. Here's that page:

It has some beautiful poetry and prayers and might be a nice baptism gift for a child. 

Original Publisher & Date: Magi, 2007 

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Picture Book: The Berenstain Bears:                                                                    God's Wonderful World

Authors & Illustrators: Jan & Mike Berenstain 

Hanna’s Comments: Last and most confusingly is this Berenstain Bears book in which verses from Alexander's hymn... 

are found in the story of a teacher and her classroom going on a nature walk. The teacher shares the song. Some students know it.

 At book's end, all the cubs are singing along.

Original Publisher & Date: Zonderkidz, 2012

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Series: For Our Youngest Children #1

At present, I’m writing a lectionary-based Sunday School curriculum for toddlers and preschoolers. I’ve been discovering some fabulous age-appropriate God Books for very young children. Today's book is in a series of books. Other titles are listed below. You may find newer ones not listed. Thankfully publishers of faith-based books are better considering diversity, developmental differences, important language & social-emotional skills, and what delights very young children!

If you are interested in learning more about Trinity Treasures, my scripture-based preschool Sunday school curriculum that features picture books & children’s Bibles, contact me at hannaschock@bellsouth.net. Right now, free lessons are emailed if you agree to fill out the monthly feedback form.

Picture Book: God Finds Us
Author: Jennifer Hilton & Kristen McCurry

Illustrator: Natasha Rimmington 

Summary: This is a seek-and-find board book about how God is everywhere, God will always love you, and God will always find you.  It begins with the profound question: Where is God? 

It follows some animal characters as they play, like a lamb named Ava. She is hiding behind a bush. God is with Ava even there. 

When Ava pops out, a positional phrase is used (next to). These are important for early language development. God is still with Ava next to the bush. 

 Jo is behind the tree. God is with him too! 

And Rufus might be behind a rock, but God is with him there and when Rufus is in front. 

Descriptive sensory words are here. Prickly, brown Hal is in the water, but God is with him, even when he is out of the water.  

Uri is above the buildings with her smooth, orange beek. God is with her!

A summary sentence says that "God is next to, behind, in front of, in, and above us all." 

Hanna’s Comments: These books end with a helpful section for parents and teachers called Helping Your Child Take First Steps in Faith. For this book, Psalm 139:3 is featured in that section. You'll find details about developmental characteristics of very young children, how to make faith connections, and further ideas, such as playing a particular kind of Peek-a-Boo game while emphasizing God's presence. There are many books in this series such as...

God Made Us All

God’s Wonderful World

Pray to God!

Thank You, God

Good Morning, World

We’re Better Together!

I Can Help

God Made Feelings

Clap, Sing, Dance

Everyone Gets Upset

I also really like the many Spark House Bibles for children. At least 2 versions are for very young children. Look for the Frolic First Faith name.

Original Publisher & Date: Spark House Family, 2016

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 1 and up, Toddler and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. (Psalm 139:3); I am with you always (Matthew 28:20); God’s Spirit dwells in you (1 Corinthians 3:16)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a very young child at your family home or religious home and emphasize God’s constant presence.