PBT Grab & Go #16 - Extra Yarn

Here’s another gem in the PBT series I call Grab & Go in which I feature again secular books that are extremely easy to use in sacred settings. I don’t recommend this, but you could literally grab one of these books and go to your audience. The rich sacred connections will easily rise to the surface. Your job is simply to encourage your listeners as they find a godly character, spiritual practice, holy idea, or scripture connection. The book below is a favorite! In fact, I sell a lesson for elementary-aged kiddos connecting this book to the story in Acts of Dorcas/Tabitha’s resurrection. Contact me (see left column) if you’re interested in purchasing for just $4!

Picture Book: Extra Yarn

Author: Mac Barnett

Illustrator: Jon Klassen

Summary: In a colorless world, Annabelle finds a box filled with multi-colored yarn and begins knitting for herself and others. Miraculously, the yarn never runs out. As Annabelle faces criticism for her knitted pieces, she knits for the one who is criticizing and all are converted to the beauty and transformational nature of her work. When a rich archduke wants to purchase the extraordinary yarn and Annabelle refuses, he steals the box. Once in his castle, he opens the box to find it empty. Angrily he throws the box out into the ocean where it floats back to Annabelle so that she can continue her knitting.

Hanna’s Comments: This metaphor of how a young girl’s loving creativity can transform a community is beautifully intriguing. I especially like the way the illustrator shows yarn attaching a character to another character, demonstrating the loving bonds Annabelle is creating with her generosity.

Original Publisher & Date: Balzer + Bray, 2012

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

Available in Spanish? Yes

Scripture Connections: Jesus’ healing power, Tabitha’s good works (Acts 9:36-42), Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12); Gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8-10)

Idea(s) for Application: This book offers a beautiful metaphor for spreading love with your giftedness. Use it with a lesson on the transformational & healing power of generosity and good works. Tie it to the work of knitting or sewing ministries.

PBT Redux #24 - Is This Panama?

Picture Book: Is This Panama? A Migration Story

Author: Jan Thornhill

Illustrator: Soyeon Kim

Summary: Sammy, a young warbler, has heard wonderful descriptions of Panama from other warblers. He is excited about his first migration from near the Arctic Circle all the way to Panama, but then he discovers the other warblers have migrated without him. Being so young, Sammy doesn’t know the route, but he is determined so he sets off with a willingness to ask for directions from other creatures along the way. Although Sammy enjoys these interactions, the other creatures steer him wrongly. After taking a much longer route and feeling discouraged, Sammy finally makes it to Panama.

Hanna’s Comments: I love it when authors put maps in their books! This book has a great map in the back that shows you Sammy’s route, the route warblers regularly take, and the location of the creatures he meets along the way. You may want to refer to the map as you read. You’ll also find a list of facts about each creature and a section on how animals migrate. Adults joke about women being more willing to ask for directions than men, but truthfully asking for help is not a bad thing, especially if you do so of someone who is invested in you. If you view this book as a metaphor for personal journeys, spiritual or otherwise, this book offers opportunities to talk about being steadfast, interdependent, and vulnerable, while also gleaning wisdom from mentors in your faith community. Consider connecting this book to stories in the Bible with characters who are lost or misguided; thankfully, there are plenty of those very human characters. 

Publisher & Date of Publication:  Owl Kids Books, 2013

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Fear not, for I am with you (Isaiah 41:10); look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others (Philippians 2:4); do not neglect to do good and to share what you have (Hebrews 13:16)

Idea(s) for Application: Our church sends a mission team to Panama each summer. This book was recently used in a children’s program about the mission team’s expected journey and purposes. Whenever a team from your faith community goes to another part of the world, consider using picture books about the location to teach your children about what your faith community is doing elsewhere and why.

PBT Grab & Go #8 - Nova's Ark

Here's the latest book in my Grab & Go series. These are repeated posts about books that lend themselves to a super easy lesson because their content directly relates to biblical traditions or spiritual ideas.

Picture Book: Nova’s Ark 

Author & Illustrator: David Kirk

Summary: While playing with his family’s ancient treasure, a wooden ark and a set of wooden animals, Nova, a robot boy, misses his father who is on a space mission. Later, he accidentally rockets himself to a new planet (Nova is an engineering genius!) and uses his amazing talents to invent new mechanical animals to keep him company. After being reunited with his father who is injured, Nova & each animal sacrifice a component of their mechanics to save his father. Eventually father & son discover on this new planet the energy source that their planet desperately needs.

Hanna’s Comments: There is a great deal to talk about in this story. Encourage discussion among older listeners about connections between this tale and the biblical ark story. Ask about why this old story has various versions in cultures and media. What message does the old story (and this new one derived from images of that old story) have for us today? Younger listeners will simply enjoy the story and help you find connections to Genesis.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Scholastic, 1999

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

Formats other than Book: None at present 

Scripture Connections: Noah’s Ark (Genesis 6-9)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to children, youth, or adults to explore the power and themes from the biblical story of Noah’s ark.

Bicycle Generosity & Hospitality

I’m going to step away from the PBT blog series of theological statements for young children and highlight a book for children who are a little older. I’ll get back to the series with my next post. 

I look forward to Alma Fullerton’s new books for she always offers a glimpse into a world far away from me and the children that I work with and yet, she makes obvious connections that all children can enjoy.

In this beautiful book, her main character, Anna, is a young girl in Tanzania who is having difficulty in school because her walk to and from school is so lengthy she has no daylight at home to do homework. 

At school while Anna is studying during lunch break, the bicycle library comes. This is simply a pick-up truck with bikes in it for the children to borrow for a time. 

There are not enough bikes for Anna to have one. Despite her disappointment, her generous heart has her helping her friends learn to ride and encouraging those friends who are having trouble.

Anna’s journey home takes much less time because she runs beside one bike and then rides with other bikers. When the last boy reaches his home, he suggests that she ride on to her home. They make plans for Anna to pick him up in the morning for school.

There are so many important values and concepts that you could emphasize here in a lesson for children in your family of faith: perseverance in difficult circumstances, generosity despite disappointment, hospitality in sharing our gifts, and coming together with friends to make a situation better. In Christianity we like to call that last one The Body of Christ.

The Author’s Note in the back explains about the need for bikes in much of Africa and lists several organizations that distribute bikes to Africa and other countries. If you’re near one of these organizations, you may want to have your children organize a bike drive in your faith community.

Picture Book: In a Cloud of Dust

Author: Alma Fullerton

Illustrator: Brian Deines

Original Publisher & Date: Pajama Press, 2015

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Another one of my favorite Alma Fullerton books is A Good Trade, featured on PBT on 5/7/14. I’ve created a lesson about missions based on it for elementary aged children. I sell that lesson here on PBT for only $5. Just contact me via email to receive it.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 363

Dynamic Duo: Book 1

Picture Book: Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah 

Author: Laurie Anne Thomson

Illustrator: Sean Qualls

Summary: Emmanuel, born in Ghana with only one fully developed leg, was not cast out as tradition would have it. Instead his mother, Comfort, named him “God is with Us” and told him he must do common tasks on his own. He learned to do what typical African boys do, like climb trees and fetch water. He earned money for the family by shining shoes. Comfort carried Emmanuel the two miles to school until she could carry him no longer; then he hopped to and from school. At school, he wanted to play soccer (“football” in Africa), but the boys wouldn’t let him so he saved his money, purchased a real ball, took it to school, and required them to let him play. When his mother became ill, Emmanuel went to the city to work to support his family. He worked at a food stand, but he continually dealt with prejudice. Before his mother died, she encouraged him to “never beg and never give up”. He decided to honor her by demonstrating to his country that “being disabled does not mean being unable.” The Challenged Athletes Foundation in California sent him a bicycle, helmet, shorts, socks, and gloves. After training, going door to door for support, and receiving a royal blessing from the king, he tied his handicapped leg to the bike frame and pedaled with the other leg nearly 400 miles in 10 days! When he stopped to rest, he spoke about the unfair plight of disabled people. As he pedaled, he wore the colors of his country and the words, “The Pozo” which means “The Disabled Person.” He gained attention from his fellow citizens, both disabled and able-bodied, and people from around the world, becoming a national and international hero who had changed the world.

Hanna’s Comments: This is the first in a PBT Dynamic Duo about heroes who have changed the world. In this book you’ll find a Note from the Author and information about Emmanuel’s charitable organization. Appropriately, religious lessons for children often focus on characters from scripture. It is my position that children will benefit greatly from lessons about contemporary heroes as well, especially if those heroes have faith-based reasons for their significant work. In today’s and tomorrow’s book, children can hear how the seeds of these changes began in childhood. Let these and other stories of contemporary heroes inspire the children in your family of faith to make positive changes in the world.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Random House, 2015

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

# of Pages: 40 

Available in Spanish? Not at present 

Formats other than Book: Tablet, There are several videos about Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah on Youtube.com including a trailer for the feature length film that shares the title of this picture book. 

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press, Biography, Non-fiction  

PBT Topics this Book connects with:  abilities, acceptance, action, adaptation/assimilation, Africa, aspiration/dreams, bravery/courage, challenges, commitment, confidence, difficulties, disabilities/handicaps/limitations, heroes, journeys/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, labor/work, leadership/servant leadership, mission, mothers, parents/parental love, participation, perseverance, power, steadfastness, strength/strength in God, underdogs, wisdom

Scripture Connections: We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character… (Romans 5:3-4); count it all joy when you meet trials of various kinds (James 1:2); blessed is the one who remains steadfast under trial (James 1:12)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children in your faith family to inspire them to make positive changes in the world. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 354

Picture Book: Animal Teachers

Author: Janet Halfmann

Illustrator: Katy Hudson

Summary: This fun book celebrates and informs human children about the lessons several species of other animals must teach their young. It begins:

Who taught you how to do things? 

Your parents and others who care about you were your first teachers.

Who teaches animals? 

Let’s peek into some animal lessons and find out!  

Boxing lessons for Joey Kangaroo, building lessons for beaver kits, and shouting lessons for prairie dog pups follow as well as others. After each lesson is described, intriguing questions are asked to encourage the readers and listeners to talk about their own lessons, skills, and early teachers.

Hanna’s Comments: There is so much in this fun science book that I suggest you read only a few entries at a time and allow for personal conversation after each animal lesson explanation. Then offer comments that are built on your spiritual beliefs. You might talk about God’s loving intention for animals to be fed and comfortable. Try sharing stories about how you were taught early lessons, especially faith lessons. Additionally, explain in simple terms the concept of spiritual gifts of parents and teachers. You’ll find a couple of pages in the back with more facts about each of the animals featured in this picture book. These facts could be shared during those conversations as well.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Blue Apple, 2014

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

# of Pages: 36 

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present 

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press, Non-fiction, Award Winner 

PBT Topics this Book connects with: abilities, adaptation/assimilation, animals, babies/children, belonging, bonds/connections, communication, community, creation, danger, dependence/interdependence, differences, diversity, education/learning/school, the environment/nature, growing up/growth, heritage, mentors/teachers, nurturing, parents/parental love, preparation, problem solving/problems, survival, wisdom

Scripture Connections: God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds…” (Genesis 1:24); who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth? (Job 35:11); the Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made (Psalm 145:9)

Idea(s) for Application:  Read this book to a group of young children who are learning about teachers, spiritual gifts, or about God’s glorious animals and their skills and attributes.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 346

Picture Book: You Call That Brave?

Author: Lorenz Pauli

Illustrator: Kathrin Scharer

Summary: With nothing to do, a mouse, a frog, a snail, and a sparrow decide to have a courage competition. The title question is what is heard when each animal announces their daring feat. First they are judgmental, but then they begin to understand. Because of their differences, what is easily done by one is brave for another. As each animal is brave and successful, the others are affirming. The sparrow’s choice is more subtle. Her bravery is in facing peer pressure, the expectation that she too should engage in a courageous task. She simply refuses to do anything. It takes a moment, but the other animals catch on and affirm her even in her non-compliance.

Hanna’s Comments: My summary doesn’t do this book justice. It is clever, the illustrations are marvelous (You will definitely laugh!), and kids will love it, adults too! There are many things to talk about here: refraining from impulsive judgement, trying loving empathy instead, being creative in your thinking, not succumbing to peer pressure, and especially being affirming when others are brave.

Original American Publisher & Date of Publication: North-south Books, 2014

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present, Originally in German titled Mutig, Mutig

Formats other than Book: None at present 

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press

PBT Topics this Book connects with: abilities, affirmation, authenticity, bravery/courage, challenges, competition, conformity, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, differences, difficulties, diversity, encouragement, fear, friends/friendship, judgement/judges/judging, participation, peer pressure, risking, variety 

Scripture Connections: Be strong and courageous; do not be terrified (Joshua 1:9); judge not, and you will not be judged (Luke 6:37); do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment (John 7:24)  

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children or youth when talking about refraining from judging others and instead being empathic while affirming others’ efforts.  

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 339

Picture Book: The Knight and the Dragon 

Author & Illustrator: Tomie de Paola

Summary: What the title two characters lack in ferocity they make up for in determination. They are inexperienced in fighting so they each do some reading. The knight builds his armor and weapons while the dragon practices his tail swishing and mean faces. The knight rehearses his jousting while the dragon improves his fire breathing. Invitations are sent, and a time is set to fight. Their first confrontation ends with them missing each other completely. Their second meeting lands one in a tree and the other in a pond. Meanwhile, the castle librarian, who has been watching their failures, suggests an alternative endeavor for both. She gives the dragon a book for cooking outdoors and the knight an instruction manual on how to build a barbeque. Together they open a new eating venue, K & D Bar-B-Q. The story ends with them serving happy customers.

Hanna’s Comments: This twist on a medieval tale can encourage the children in your family of faith to talk about why human beings do what they do even when it feels unnatural or wrong. These two characters seem to be going against their natures. Fortunately, the librarian is intuitive and nurturing enough to see where their passions and skills might lead to productive results rather than destruction. Not only does this book offer commentary on violence, but it also speaks to humans questioning what is expected and assessing how they can best use their inclinations and gifts for the greater good.  

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1980

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

# of Pages: 32 

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present 

PBT Category: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book connects with: abilities, acceptance, action, adaptation/assimilation, aspirations/dreams, authenticity, beginnings/morning, call/calling/vocation, challenges, competition, conflict, conformity, danger, difficulties, disabilities/handicaps/limitations, disputes/fighting/opposition, encouragement, enemies, gifts/talents, kingdom of God/reign of God, labor/work, nurturing, pacifism/peace/peacemakers, power, prejudice, self-discovery, violence, war/war veterans, wisdom, witness

Scripture Connections:  Ask what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. (Micah 6:8); seek ye first the kingdom of God… (Matthew 6:33); do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind… so that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children or youth as a part of a lesson on discerning your talents and desires despite what the world seems to expect.   

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 332

Picture Book: The Hare and the Tortoise

Author: Based on a fable by La Fontaine

Illustrator: Brian Wildsmith

Summary: This is a classic version of a well-known fable. In this version, the tortoise challenges the hare to a race. Other animals gather round to see the race. They expect it to be over quickly with the hare winning easily. Only the wise owl suspects they might be surprised. Once the rooster starts the race, the hare takes off and the tortoise moves slowly and steadily. The hare becomes too confident and is easily side-tracked by stuffing himself with food and then taking a nap. The tortoise is steadfast and committed, despite being worn out, and passes the sleeping hare. The hare wakes just as the tortoise is about to cross the finish line. Once he wins, the tortoise explains how his slow and steady pace had won the race despite the hare’s superior speed.  

Hanna’s Comments: There are multiple versions of this fable in picture book form. I like this book because it is big and illustrations are vibrant. If you need to choose another version, note that sometimes the tortoise is listed first in the title. How does this relate to spirituality or our Holy Scriptures? Think of verses about patience or perseverance. Another angle is to use this book to help your children explore how we each have individual strengths that are blessed by God and intended for good work. You could also use this book in a lesson on Paul, focusing on the race he writes about it 2^nd Timothy 4:7.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Oxford University Press, 1966 

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? There are Spanish versions of this fable, but I couldn’t find any of this particular picture book.

Formats other than Book: There are videos of this fable, but I couldn’t find any of this particular picture book.

PBT Category: Traditional Tale and Classic

PBT Topics this Book connects with: abilities, challenges, commitment, competition, confidence, differences, difficulties, hope, individuality/uniqueness, labor/work, patience, perseverance, steadfastness, surprise, underdogs

Scripture Connections: Suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character… (Romans 5: 3-5); rejoice in hope; be patient in tribulation… (Romans 12:12); let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9); I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7); blessed is the one who remains steadfast under trial (James 1:12)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children who are learning about patience, perseverance, being steadfast, or human individuality.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 324

Picture Book: Feel Confident

Author: Cheri J. Meiners

Illustrator: Elizabeth Allen

Summary: From the point of view of a young girl in preschool or early elementary, this book has her asserting her value, skills, and confidence. She begins by looking at her baby photos and declaring, “I like being me - a very important person.” Then she quickly adds, “At every age, each person is important and has something to say.” Her comments range from embracing her strong body and mind to promising to try many new things. Specific skills are addressed such as looking people in the eye, saying “thank you” when given a compliment, and asking for help when a problem is overwhelming. She ends by explaining that she can feel confident about becoming the person she wants to be because in many ways she is already that person.

Hanna’s Comments: Psychologists are finding overwhelming evidence that building social-emotional skills, such as those addressed in this book, can simultaneously build their academic functioning. Likewise, connecting those skills to spiritual or faith-based values increases a child’s resilience and encourages positive outcomes like high school graduation and successful job entry. My hunch is those faith-based values are reinforced as well. So many concepts and skills are addressed in this book that there are many possibilities for connections to our Holy Scriptures.  In the end papers of this book, you’ll find a section called Ways to Reinforce the Ideas in Feel Confident! The material offered here includes a list of 10 confidence skills, vocabulary, discussion questions, and activities. This book is part of the Being the Best Me series of books. Twelve books are planned. Two of the other titles available now in that series are Bounce Back! A Book about Resilience and Have Courage! A Book about Being Brave. This author and publisher also have a Learning to Get Along series. Two titles in that series are Reach Out and Give and Respect and Take Care of Things.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Free Spirit Publishing, 2013  

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press 

PBT Topics this Book connects with: abilities, acceptance, authenticity, babies/children, body/body of Christ, challenges, choices/decisions, communication, community, confidence, emotions/feelings, family, growing up/growth, identity/names, image of God, individuality/uniqueness, participation, pleasing God/the Shema, self-acceptance/self-image/self-esteem, self-reflection, strength/strength in God

Scripture Connections:  Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5 & Mark 12:29-30); be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9); I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14); your body is a temple (1 Corinthians 6:19)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book in a program for preschoolers on being a beloved and unique child of God or on the Shema (the Deuteronomy scripture above) aka the Great Commandment. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 313

Picture Book: What a Family! A Fresh Look at Family Trees

Author & Illustrator: Rachel Isadora

Summary: Ollie navigates his family tree with Grandpa Max’s help. This book offers a unique way to help children understand a family tree and how various attributes are inherited. It represents one particular family and demonstrates how features such as freckles, hair texture, and skin color are passed on through generations and shown across generations. It also explains the difference between a first cousin and a first cousin once removed. To help with understanding Ollie’s family composition, the end papers offer the diagram of his family tree.

Hanna’s Comments: This book can serve as a fun entrance into conversations on the concept of genetic inheritance and blessing. The concept of “inheritance” doesn’t have to be limited to genetics. Consider talking about these words in ways that are connected to our Holy Scriptures. We have parables and stories that mention these concepts, and we have a rich inheritance from our biblical patriarchs and matriarchs. Even those who are unnamed in the scriptures have passed on a tradition of precepts, stories, and wisdom that benefit and orient us thousands of years later. Don’t forget to talk about the most valuable aspects of our inheritance: faith, hope, and the greatest of these… love. These are all a part of our inheritance/blessing. Then consider what the younger members of your family of faith are now gaining from your older generations. Perhaps there are observable attributes or passions that are shared. Certainly there will be beliefs and religious practices. All of these are a part of your community’s rich inheritance.

Publisher & Date of Publication: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2006

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre 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: abilities, ancestors/patriarchs/matriarchs, babies/children, belonging, blessings, bonds/connections, dependence/interdependence, differences, family, grandparents, heritage, identity/names, individuality/uniqueness, legacies, relationships, variety

Scripture Connections: Parables and stories that mention "blessing" or “inheritance” such as Jacob’s stealing Esau’s blessing (Genesis 26:34 - 27:38) and the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this story to your children in a homeschool or private school lesson when studying the science of inheritance/genetics. Expand this lesson to consider your children’s religious inheritance and blessings as described in my comments above.  

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 312

Picture Book: Mandy

Author: Barbara D. Booth

Illustrator: Jim Lamarche

Summary: This story is from the point of view of Mandy who is visiting her grandmother. Mandy’s deafness becomes apparent as she reflects on what the world must be like for those who can hear. After enjoying a dance, the cookies, and a family photo album, Mandy and her grandmother go for a walk through a nearby woods and into a grassy field. Suddenly, Mandy’s grandmother realizes that her treasured pin, a piece of jewelry from Mandy’s late grandfather, has fallen off. They search desperately, but the pin isn’t found. At dark, they return home. Mandy, aware of her grandmother’s crying, wants to help so she considers how the silver of the pin might reflect the light of a flashlight in the dark. Mandy hates darkness; it limits her senses even more, but for her Grandmother to be reunited to this family treasure, Mandy is willing to search in the darkness. She grabs a flashlight and leaves. As a storm brews, Mandy carefully retraces their route. Lightning flashes, but Mandy continues her search. Eventually, she trips and falls. Lying on the grass, she sees the pin, picks it up, gets up, and runs to her grandmother who is coming out to look for her. Mandy presents the pin to her grandmother, and they hug affectionately. All is well.

Hanna’s Comments: Recently I lost a precious piece of jewelry that was miraculously found. Perhaps that’s why I was so moved by this story. As I read, I thought of connections to scriptures like the parable of the lost coin. I also thought of scriptural allusions to darkness and having the courage to bring in the light. Children will respond to Mandy’s heroic story. Emphasize her connections to the lost pin and the pain she feels in seeing her grandmother suffer. Talk about empathy versus sympathy and how sometimes we are lucky enough to alleviate someone’s suffering through our own courage and skill. It is a myth that those who can’t hear have improved vision. What they actually have is better visual focus and less distraction from sound. Use this book to talk about listening with your eyes as Mandy does when she imagines her grandmother’s favored music, love for her grandfather, and then her grandmother’s heartbreak.  

Publisher & Date of Publication: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books, 1991

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, action, affection, artifacts, attentiveness/observation/seeing, bonds/connections, bravery/courage, brokenness, communication, darkness/evening/night, disabilities/handicaps/limitations, family, fear, found, grandparents, helping, heritage, heroes, intercession, journeys/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, light/morning, noise/sounds/voice, possessions, power, quiet/silence, risking, searching, storms

Scripture Connections: Fear not, for I am with you… I will help you (Isaiah 41:10); the lost parables (Luke 15); the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:5)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children when learning about the parable of the lost coin or sheep. Be sure to relate this to its metaphorical meanings of God’s desire to be in relationship with us and for us to bring light into the darkness of the world, particularly to help the lost be lovingly found.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 305

Picture Book: I Love You Nose! I Love You Toes!

Author & Illustrator: Linda Davick

Summary: This fun rhyming book celebrates the body parts that most interest young children, from the tops of heads to the tips of toes and such things as freckles, dimples, and ribs in between. Even parts that are often not mentioned are here. “I love the parts my friends don’t see; the parts that poop, the parts that pee.” This book ends with a warning to look before leaping and a good night to body parts.

Hanna’s Comments: This would be a delightful book for exploring what amazing creatures God has made us to be! Be sure to encourage identification and movement of the body parts as you read. If it’s not bedtime and you want to skip those 2 sections, I suggest using Post-it Notes or paper clips to mark the pages. The rhyme won’t be affected, and the children will never know.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Beach Lane Books, 2013

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, action, affirmation, awe, beauty, body of Christ, dance/dancing, gratitude/thanksgiving, humanity, joy, life, play, power, safety, self-control, variety

Scripture Connections: Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit? (1 Corinthians 6:19); Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it (1 Corinthians 12:27); the whole body, joined and held together… when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love (Ephesians 4:16)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this picture book when celebrating with a group of young children the wonderful gift God has given us in the perfect design of our bodies.  

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 304

Picture Book: Mr. George Baker

Author: Amy Hest

Illustrator: Jon J. Muth

Summary: From the point of view of a young child who is learning to read, this beautiful story draws connections between the young narrator and his 100 year old neighbor. Both characters greet the day with rituals on George’s porch as they wait for the school bus to take them to school, where both of them are learning to read and agree, “reading is hard”. The narrator is especially proud that Mr. George Baker always sits with him on the bus. Mr. George Baker is a famous drummer whose fingers still go tappidy on this knees, but he never learned to read before now. “That must be corrected,” says George. This intergenerational relationship is both compelling and heartwarming.

Hanna’s Comments: It is always beneficial for children to hear that learning is a life-long pursuit. This books offers the added benefit of having a character who has regrets about his lack of education and is motivated to overcome his learning deficits, despite his age. Perseverance despite many years and a difficult task, seems to be a theme here. No doubt George is an inspiration to the young narrator. The morning rituals encourage and even stronger relationship. As I read this book, I thought of Abraham and Sarah in the Hebrew Scriptures who were open to new learning and God’s desires for them. Despite their age, God had plans for Abraham and Sarah, as I suspect God would have for any one like Mr. George Baker who never gives up on their inclination to learn and grow intellectually and spiritually, even when it’s hard.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Candlewick Press, 2004

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: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, affection, aging, ancestors/patriarchs/matriarchs, aspirations/dreams, bonds/connections, change, commitment, community, differences, difficulties, education/learning/school, encouragement, friends/friendship, gentleness/meekness, gifts/talents, goodness, grace, hope, kindness, neighbors, perseverance, race relations/racism, relationships, transformation, unity

Scripture Connections: The story of Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 12-23)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this picture book to a group of children who are learning about the perseverance, even at their old ages, of Abraham and Sarah. OR 

Read this story when talking to children about the importance of building relationships and finding connections across generations in their families and their community of faith.