PBT God Book #14

Here’s another favorite God Book from PBT’s archives. Most books here are secular, but I include God books because they might be difficult to know about or find. These books are about the general nature of God or our relationship with God. I could have put this book in the PBT Grab & Go series because there is so much intriguing text. Little prep would be necessary for a great lesson; a discussion will naturally follow.

Picture Book: I Wanted to Know All about God

Author: Virginia L. Kroll

Illustrator: Debra Reid Jenkins

Summary: This picture book is designed to encourage children to be attentive to how God’s creation might inform them about God's nature. Various questions and environmental contexts are offered. The sentences have a somewhat repeated pattern: I wanted to know if God… then I …. Here are two examples: 

I wanted to know if God likes music, then I heard a pond on a summer night.

I wanted to know what colors God likes. Then I met several children of other races.

Hanna’s Comments: Two strengths of this book are the diversity of the children and the variety of experiences depicted in the illustrations. A book like this could be interrupted at each double page spread with conversation about whether your audience members have had similar questions or experiences. Help them see how their experiences might give hints to God’s nature. You could end your time together by writing some new pages to the book with the same pattern of words. Talk about what the illustrations might show or have the children create some illustrations if you have time. If you want to share this book with adults but aren't sure how they will respond to having a picture book read to them, simply transfer the text to your notes and read it. BUT do give the author credit at some point during your lesson by showing or explaining that the text came from a book. 

Publisher & Date of Publication: Eerdmans, 1994

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Elijah in the cave encountering God (1 Kings 19); The Lord is my shepherd (Psalm 23); Jesus’ "I am..." statements (John 6-15)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book before going on a nature walk with children. On the walk, invite them to reflect on how God's creation informs them of God’s nature.

PBT Redux #25 – Our Tree Named Steve

Here's one of my favorite books from that first year of PBT when I featured a book a day. If for adults, just read it and hear them make easy connections to scripture and their personal spirituality. If for children or teens, you might need to coax a little. Like many of the other 364 PBT books that year, this book is full of inspiring illustrations. These are especially funny!

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 them 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 important milestones. Dad explains that the tree was knocked down by a storm but has been transformed into a tree house in another tree in their yard and will continue to nurture & protect them. 
Hanna’s Comments: This comical tale has such rich symbolic undercurrents and is full of potential for ties to scripture and spiritual transformation. You'll easily elicit conversations about important elements of family life such as play, ritual, protection, & sacrifice. Tie these to all that is holy at church and in nature. Allusions to Jesus' sacrifice are here as well as Steve as a symbol of God who is ever-present, ever-nurturing, and ever-loving.
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); Zacchaeus in the tree (Luke 19:1-10); Like the father here, Paul wrote letters to convey the meaning of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. 
Idea(s) for Application: Consider reading this book at an Arbor Day Celebration, a faith family festival, a family reunion, or in a church Sunday school class during Lent. 

PBT Series: God Book #9

Most of the books I feature at PBT are secular, but there are many books here that I call “God Books.” These are sacred picture books that aren’t so easy to find in libraries or bookstores. These may be the most valuable treasures I offer for ministry. This PBT series is a collection of re-posts of those God books. Want to see them all? Simply find the Search Word list at the bottom of the web version and click on "God Book." This treasure is both beautiful and full of potential for conversation about intercessory prayer. Consider it a God Book as well as a Grab & Go book (another PBT series) for there are lots of easy possibilities here!

Picture Book: Beautiful Moon: A Child’s Prayer
Author: Tonya Bolden

Illustrator: Eric Valasquez
Summary: One evening in a noisy city, a young boy hurries out of bed because he’s forgotten to say his prayers. As he kneels and prays, he notices a beautiful moon shining in his window. Others in the city are experiencing the rays of the moon, but those people are in distress. Then the author weaves and directs an aspect of the boy’s prayer to each of the other parties. A woman tries to sleep on a park bench; the boy prays for those who are homeless. A businessman reads a news headline about war and is worried for his soldier daughter; the boy prays for war to end. Two adults stare at an empty cupboard; the boy prays for people to have food. This continues as the beautiful moon shines on them all.

Hanna’s Comments: I don’t usually offer what I call “nighttime” books since my primary purpose at PBT is to provide ideas for ministry which usually occurs in daylight hours. I had to make an exception for this book! Help even your youngest listeners understand that the moon is a symbol for God in this story. Then expand on that idea. Be sure to talk about the feelings each scenario evokes. Ask... How might God feel about these situations? What might God be doing in this city to alleviate some of this suffering? Also, talk about this boy’s prayer practices and how they are a comfort to him and hopefully a lifelong practice. Mention that he was not "in trouble" for forgetting to pray early in the story. Invite your children (or adults) to share their experiences with prayer practices. If you get silence, there's your opportunity to instruct on the power of silent prayer. Offer a simple prayer ritual and then build on this instruction in future experiences. Throughout share the importance of intercessory prayer (prayer for others) in your own spiritual journey.

Thought not a PBT God Book, there is another extraordinary book that shares much with the book above. Max and the Tag-Along Moon by Floyd Cooper is a secular book about a grandfather who lovingly reassures his grandson "that ol' moon will always shine for you... on and on." Again, the moon is a beautiful metaphor for God, who is always present. The grandson tests this idea and finds it to be true.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Abrams, 2014
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up
Formats other than Book: Tablet
Scripture Connections: Love the Lord, your God with all your heart… (Deuteronomy 6:5 and Mark 12:30); when the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears (Psalm 34:17); in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let you requests be known to God (Philippians 4:6)
Idea(s) for Application: Read this book as a nighttime devotional at a church  family retreat or a camp program for children. OR Use this book as a tool to instruct children in the importance and comforting spiritual practice of intercessory prayer. 

PBT Redux #18 A Perfect Book for Epiphany

January 6 begins the Epiphany Season when the church considers The Magi’s journey. These were gentiles, thought by Jews to be outsiders, and yet Matthew, a Jew, tells this story. The Magi followed the bright star and worshiped the babe despite their alienation. They were drawn to do so by hope grounded in their life’s work and their personal imagination.

Today's repost is a beautiful, classic picture book that offers a similar journey by a child. She is human, an outsider to the forest. Like The Magi, she has a companion and together they embark on a dark journey for that which (and who) is beautiful and mysterious. 

The spiritual aspects of Owl Moon are likely obvious, but there are also many applications to today’s political and social contexts. We know of many aliens in many situations. And we are aliens ourselves sometimes. 

Read the story of The Magi to a group of children or adults. Then read this story and ask them simply to find connections between the 2 stories. You will be amazed by the conversation! One reason why this picture book works so well is its first person point of view. Listeners will step inside the story and be the child. In the discussion, be sure to ask about personal hopes going forward and what (who?) they hope to find in 2018.  

 

Picture Book: Owl Moon

Author: Jane Yolen

Illustrator: John Schoenherr

Summary: The narrator, a girl it seems, embarks on a family rite of passage. She and her Pa go owling. She tells us she knows just what to do and has been waiting for this time with her Pa for a long time. Owling involves a silent walk into the woods the night of an “owl moon.” The sounds, sights, and mystery of the forest are explored and felt by the reader as Pa imitates the great horned owl’s call and they anticipate a sighting. An owl does call back. Pa shines his light upon the creature before it flies away. Pa and narrator walk home in silence when silence is no longer necessary but seems the right response to something so beautiful and rare.     

Hanna’s Comments: This beautiful picture book celebrates the quiet love of a father and child as well as the possibilities of darkness and God’s nature. It also offers an example of what patience and a little bravery in a new environment might offer those willing to explore, even while holding the hand of one who is more mature. The narrator explains:

When you go owling, you don’t need words or warm or anything but hope.

This quiet adventure can be a metaphor for many spiritual and theological explorations. I can’t help but recommend to you of one of my favorite spiritual writers, Barbara Brown Taylor, and her recent book, Learning to Walk in the Dark.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Philomel, 1987

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

Formats other than Book: Audio

Scripture Connections: Be still & know (Psalm 46:10), Treasures of Darkness (Isaiah 45:3), The journey of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12); The many times Jesus prays apart from the disciples

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book and ask about connections to the journey of The Magi. This book would also be a great start to an adult small group’s study of Barbara Brown Taylor’s Learning to Walk in the Dark.

Good People!

Waking up to headlines of 50 plus dead and hundreds injured, I need a reminder that there are good people doing good things in this world. I need to read some of the many scriptures that profess God's good influence in the world. As we pray for Las Vegas (and those still suffering from storms and earthquakes), let us notice the goodness that lies in most people most of the time and be thankful while brokenhearted.

Picture Book: Good People Everywhere

Author: Linea Gillen 

Illustrator: Kristina Swarner

Summary: This is a simple book filled with simple ideas, but such ideas ground us and give us hope for a better day. 

The context is a community of normal people doing normal things, good things, the kind of things that make a huge difference but may not be noticed. 

Carpenters are building or repairing the structures we need for safety and contentment. 

Family members provide sustenance with loving dedication 

and others provide meals for those who have no home. 

Doctors and midwives deliver babies - good people of the future - 

while teachers prepare us for that future. 

Artists, such as musicians and dancers, 

risk their hearts and invest their time and bodies to create beauty. 

Farmers, forgotten heroes, plant seeds 

and glean harvests. 

Then people transport that good food to us. 

Children are affirmed here... for studying, 

caring for others, 

 and being friends. 

The wrap-up declares that millions of people will do millions of good things today and encourage readers to consider what good things they will do. 

 Hanna’s Comments: The last 2 pages encourage application. The suggested activities  could easily be transformed into a faith-based devotional and sending forth. The simple practices of acknowledging and expressing gratitude for simple gifts, ordinary graces, and humble work leads to hope, perseverance, and resilience which are especially needed when the news or  events are discouraging. As you read this book, at each double page spread, encourage your audience to think of related acts of goodness and verbally give God thanks for each of these people and their good work. For instance, at the pages of the baby being born, talk about nurses and grandparents. In the section about food production, explore more thoroughly the seed to feed process and express gratitude for all whose humble work makes so many choices available to us in grocery stores, farmers' markets, and restaurants. If you want to take this further, acknowledge God's presence and influence in the situations on each page. Making the ordinary sacred is a founding principle here at PBT. Don't forget to talk about the humility that is present in many of the illustrations and point out how humility and meekness are encouraged in the scriptures. Lastly, be clear that God's love is the source of all goodness. 

Original Publisher & Date: Three Pebble Press, 2012

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life (Psalm 23:6); I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living (Psalm 27:13); Oh, how abundant is your goodness (Psalm 31:19); Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5); All things work together for good (Romans 8:28); Let love be genuine (Romans 12:9); The fruit of the Spirit is …goodness… (Galatians 5:22-23); Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above. (James 1:17); Who is wise…? By good conduct, let them show works in meekness of wisdom. (James 3:13) 

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children in your faith family when discouraging news abounds. 

PBT Series: God Book #5

Here's another entry in the PBT series in which I feature again one of the excellent picture books here that explore the nature of God. I call these God books. Typically I offer secular books, but God books are the exception because they have such great potential for ministry and family conversations. This book is a treasure! I especially love the inter-generational aspect of it.  

Picture Book: Where Does God Live? 

Author: Holly Bea
Illustrator: Kim Howard
Summary: Hope loves to ask questions! When she asks her busy mom about where God lives, her mom gives a simple answer about heaven. Then Hope explores the possibilities on her own as she encounters nature. Later Hope’s wise grandmother, who has lived a long life of faith, clarifies for her God’s presence throughout the world and about how prayer works. Hope goes home and tries out prayer. She finds that prayer is surprisingly satisfying and God is very accessible.
Hanna’s Comments: This book seems quite simple, but it is rich with theology about God’s nature, presence, and accessibility in the world and God’s presence in each of us. Don't assume it is just for children. Hope's questioning nature and the faith presented by her grandmother are fertile ground for rich conversation by people of all ages.
Original Publisher & Date: H. J. Kramer, 1997
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 3 and up, Preschool and up
Formats other than book: Tablet
Scripture connections: My presence will go with you (Exodus 33:14), You will find me if you seek me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:13), I am with you always (Matthew 28:20)
Idea(s) for Application: Read this book for a children’s Sunday School lesson on the importance of asking questions of God or an adult lesson about how a life of faith can involve questions and assurance.

A Tribute to Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Two bad things happened on Sunday. I learned via [this] amazing article that my favorite picture book author, Amy Krouse Rosenthal, is dying, hence a PBT tribute. Later, I fell and broke my elbow. The two don’t compare at all, but I did want to tell you to expect a lot of repeated posts on PBT while I’m healing. I wish AKR was healing too.

Please pray for Amy, her family, and friends. Her life and her writing are full of joy and hope. We need her and her work so much right now. And consider purchasing some of her books, including her two unusual and very funny memoirs for adults. [Here’s] her Amazon page. It’s no wonder I chose the following book to lament our losing her. At the end, I list AKR’s PBT books so far (there will be many more) and dates (links) to those posts. 

Picture Book: It’s Not Fair

Author: Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Illustrator: Tom Lichtenheld

Summary: In clever rhyming verse, children, 

animals, 

even planets 

and aliens 

complain about life’s injustices. The familiar refrain involves everything from turns 

to teams, 

objects 

to illness,   

to work. 

These injustices start early 

and are even inside books

and about books. 

Ridiculous? Yes, and very true.

Hanna’s Comments: One of the benefits of PBT is making "God talk" more meaningful by connecting it to the real-life situations found in picture books. Everyone knows that children complain, “It’s not fair!” Adults may not say those words so often, but we think them. Offer this book as a conversation starter; then explore how faith informs times of unfairness. Laugh at this book’s silly situations, but also talk about hard parts of life when it seems that bad things happen to good people and good things happen to those who don’t deserve them. 

Make sure your audience, young or old, doesn’t expect to always get answers. Your job is to help them realize that such answers don’t come easily and sometimes never come, but the questions are still valuable. Instead explore how faith offers mystery and comfort. I believe God is present with us in our protest, disappointment, and hurt. Being thankful for that relationship is fortifying. Talk about the importance of prayer, humility, and finding that which is good in all situations. You might even want to mention that one of the Ten Commandments is about not coveting. 

Original Publisher & Date: Harper Collins, 2008

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Do not covet (Exodus 20:17); All thing work together for good (Romans 8:28); rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer (Romans 12:12); God is love (1 John 4:8)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children when there have been many complaints about fairness or when your church family is suffering due to loss or struggle. Connect to one of the scriptures above.

AKR PBT Books & Post Dates (links):

Yes Day!                       7/5/16

Spoon                            10/22/14

Christmas Cookies     12/5/16

PBT Blog Series: Theological Statements for Young Children #11

From He's Got the Whole World in His Hands by Kadir Nelson 

We are approaching the end of this PBT series designed specifically for parents, grandparents, and nursery & daycare workers who want to bring some of their faith into reading experiences to very young children. Statement #11 is God/Jesus/The Holy Spirit is always with you.

From He's Got the Whole World in His Hands by Kadir Nelson 

This idea is an important lesson for even the youngest of us. Believing that we have the presence of the Holy within us is crucial. Believing that we have immediate access to God when we are afraid, thankful, or needing guidance is foundational to the faith of many. We are never too young to hear this idea.

From He's Got the Whole World in His Hands by Kadir Nelson 

Finding a book that connects with this idea and appropriate for this age group has been a challenge, but I’ve succeeded. I’ve spoken before about the joy of Sandra Boyton’s books. 

They typically lead to lots of giggles. Your Personal Penguin is no different, but it also offers a chance to talk a little bit about how delightful it is to know that God or Jesus or the Holy Spirit (you decide which words to use) is always with you.

Not only do you have the opportunity to talk about this comforting belief, you can sing about it too! With this book you get a free download of the “Your Person Penguin” song. The song lyrics are the text of the book. You can take a listen at www.workman.com/boynton.

The book illustrations are about a delightfully unusual penguin who really wants to be the constant companion of a large hippo who’s not so sure about this idea. 

The penguin’s suggestions are hilarious, serenading the hippo during a spaghetti supper, enjoying adventures tucked into an air balloon or canoe, and sharing a picture book read (my favorite illustration of course!).   

Picture Book: Your Personal Penguin

Author & Illustrator: Sandra Boynton

Original Publisher & Date: Workman Publishing, 2006

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Other PBT books that connect and links to posts:

He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands - 5/22/14
The Runaway Bunny - 5/11/14

Nana in the City - 3/26/15

Prevenient: An Uncommon Word for a Common Kind of Grace

On June 19, 2015 I featured several books that I found in a Kohl’s department store. In that post I explained that Kohl’s has in their stores and on-line a small line of excellent hardback picture books which they offer cheaply ($5 at present) as charitable donations to local health and education initiatives, truly worthy causes. Here’s a link if you want to know more: www.kohls.com/Kids. 

The two book sets that I have seen at Kohl’s are near the front and highlight a particular author. At their most recent display, I picked up 3 books from author/illustrator Nancy Tillman and a wall calendar of her beautiful book illustrations. Below I tell you a little about those books, one of which I’ve already featured here at PBT. Furthermore, one of these books is the perfect tool to explain “prevenient grace” which I mentioned in my January 4, 2016 post. 

I promised you a list of great picture books on PBT that highlight each of the 3 types of grace that my church delineates. I offered a list for justifying grace on January 4, 2016. The list of books which offer potential for conversations about prevenient grace ends this post. Later this month, I'll offer a list about sanctifying grace.

This beautiful book, featured in a detailed post here on January 31, 2015, is one of three books by this author featuring humans interacting with exotic animals in unusual and playful ways. The text in all three emphasizes a loving, knowing relationship that will likely have you initially thinking of a parent/child relationship. I suggest that for each of these books, a God/child of God relationship can be considered as well. Either view offers connections to portions of Psalm 139, my favorite psalm. From vs. 1, you have “You have searched me and known me.” And in vs. 7, there is “Where can I go from Your spirit?”

Picture Book: I’d Know You Anywhere, My Love

Author & Illustrator: Nancy Tillman

Original Publisher & Date: Feiwel & Friends, 2013

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Audio

This Nancy Tillman book celebrates our unique gifts and the ways in which even our small acts “blossom and multiply” making our world more complete. Such affirmations for children, teens, and adults are surely welcome in a world that too often offers us messages of hopelessness or even worse, worthlessness. Tap into how this book connects with concepts of God’s call and our vocation and giftedness.

Picture Book: You’re Here for a Reason

Author & Illustrator: Nancy Tillman

Original Publisher & Date: Feiwel & Friends, 2015

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Here Tillman offers a beautiful exploration of a pure sort of parental love, a love that has unfathomable dimensions of time, distance, presence and desire for deeper relationship, a love that is holy and godly and wonderfully prevenient (anticipatory and constant) and is not defined by behavioral terms. This is prevenient grace. In simple terms, it is a wooing, courting, providing sort of love that creates a generous world (& therefore favorable circumstances), hopes for deeper relationship, but does not expect, limit, or confine. It is ever-present grace. Here’s a portion of this book’s text:

I wanted you more

than you will ever know

so I sent love to follow

wherever you go.          (And later)

So climb any mountain…

climb up to the sky!

My love will find you.

My love can fly!

Picture Book: Wherever You Are My Love Will Find You

Author & Illustrator: Nancy Tillman

Original Publisher & Date: Feiwel & Friends, 2010

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

“Prevenient” is a complicated, uncommon term but it is a simple and common feeling to those of us who have experienced parental love and grace (it is both) from either side of a parent/child relationship. Children understand the purity of this love even though they can’t explain it. When they are missing such love and grace, it is what they most desire. Parents feel it at the miracle of birth and the ordinary tasks of devotion to their children.

I propose that adults and children are well-served when they can be reminded that this kind of pure, longing sort of love and grace come straight from God and is ever-present and eternal. That’s worth a conversation and a list of books about prevenient grace and their PBT post dates!

Owl Moon - June 15, 2014

The Stray Dog – Oct. 14, 2014

I Love You Stinky Face - Sept. 3, 2014

A Little Bit of Love - May 12, 2014

Who Put the Cookies in the Cookie Jar? - May 12, 2014

The Curious Garden – Aug. 13, 2014

Yo! Yes? – Sept. 11, 2014

Fortunately - Sept. 1, 2014

The Doorbell Rang - April 29, 2014

The Green Truck Garden Giveaway - July 9, 2014