Looking for a Family

Picture Book: Can I Be Your Dog?

Author & Illustrator: Troy Cummings

Summary: This clever picture book is about Arfy who is desperate for a better home on Butternut Street. He writes a variety of unsealed letters to home owners touting his positive traits and willingness to adapt. 

They are all delivered by Mitzi, a curious letter carrier. First to receive is the yellow house. 

 For this family, Arfy addresses the issue of the cat! 

But in a reply, the family explains that the cat is "allergic" to dogs. 

The Butcher Lady has had some unpleasant dog experience so she's not interested in having Arfy, even though he explains he would keep the floor clean.  

 She does give him some treats though. 

The fire station already has filled their important position of  fire dog. 

Arfy is disappointed. 

The letters and rejections continue.  Arfy is even so desperate he sends a letter to the man at the junkyard, whose reply is quite rude. 

 Arfy's last resort is to the occupants of this house.

With each rejection, Arfy gets more and more despondent 

and returns alone to his unpleasant home. 

A surprise comes his way in the form of a letter of invitation! It asks if Arfy might be willing to be a friend and partner. 

If Arfy is willing, it is suggested that they meet at the big blue mailbox. Arfy's response? 

 When they meet, its love all around! 

 Arfy delivers a last letter.

Hanna’s Comments: This is so much more than an adoption story. Here you have a story full of sincere longing, faith, hope, vulnerability, hospitality, perseverance, and resilience. And it ends with a big burst of love and belonging. Also, the word play is so smart! Your audience will love it! Don't assume this book is just for kiddos. See my application below for an important possibility for adult conversation. At the end of the book, there is a "letter" to the reader listing the benefits of pet adoption or volunteering at an animal facility.

Original Publisher & Date: Random House, 2018

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet 

Scripture Connections: Any scripture or Bible story on longing and hope such as the Israelites' wanderings in the wilderness or any scripture about God's love such as "Behold what love God has given us that we should be called the children of God." (1 John 3:1); Whoever receives one child in my name, receives me. (Matthew 18:5); Paul writes about receiving adoption from God (Galatians 4:5 & Ephesians 1:5)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of adults in your church and talk about the desperation that might be present in those visiting your church looking for a faith home and family. 

PBT Question #2 to Ask about Any Secular Picture Book

Is there a sacred theme to the book? (such as Fruits of the Spirit, Light, Bread, Ritual, Creation, Courage, Righteousness, Ancestors, the Least…)

This is the easiest of the PBT questions to consider when approaching a picture book. 

Often the major and minor themes of picture books are concepts of social-emotional learning that we want children to know so books on these concepts are common. Fortunately for those who want to use picture books in ministry, those same concepts are also considered aspects of an abundant spiritual or religious life. 

If you’re using the "web version" format (you may have to select this on your phone), you will see a large list of purple search labels below. On this website, I consider topics that directly connect with scriptures found in the Old Testament (Hebrew) Scriptures and New Testament Scriptures.

 You'll find fiction and non-fiction books.

I've included classics from your childhood. 

And I especially enjoy telling you about the best new books and award-winning books.

Just click on a purple word below and be taken to all the picture books I’ve connected to that concept.

To demonstrate the abundance of themes that can be found in the PBT search list, here are 10 biblical themes and links to 10 featured PBT books that connect (1 each for the first 10 letters of the alphabet):

Adoption -  MissMaple’s Seeds

Brokenness - Koko’s Kitten 

Change - Fortunately     

Discovery - TheListening Walk

Enemies - EnemyPie   

Friendship - Bear and Bird   

Generosity -  If You Plant a Seed

Healing -  How to Heal a Broken Wing

Image of God - The Colors of Us

Justice - The Day the Crayons Quit

Darkness/Fear - The Dark

Community - Little Elliot, Big City

Goodness - Most People

Resurrection - 2 books about turtles

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I Love Chocolate!

Picture Book: Chocolate’s Dream

Author: Elisabet Blasco

Illustrator: Cha Coco

Summary: Chocolate is a dog whose owners abandoned him when he was no longer a cute puppy. After searching for food each day, he hides behind a fence and watches Sarah through a window. She is a young girl that he knows will one day be his friend. “All he needs is for Sarah to love him.” 

This dream is hopeful and gives him joy, but he is afraid to be seen. After hearing Chocolate’s sad story and his longing for companionship with Sarah, a bird intervenes. 

The bird begins singing so loudly that Sarah comes out to investigate and sees Chocolate. When Sarah and Chocolate lock eyes, their love seems meant to be. 

Chocolate’s hopes and dreams come true. He sleeps at the foot of Sarah’s bed each night, warm, comfortable and loved.    

Hanna’s Comments: There is so much pure emotion in this little book! That’s why it is so suited to Picture Book Theology. As I thought of Chocolate, I thought of how many people come to our places of worship hurt by their past, hopeful for connection, but unable to risk. 

That longing for relationship comes straight from God. This is why hospitality is such an important spiritual practice. I love the bird in this story too. He’s like my husband who has a gift for helping people make connections and find each other. Don’t fail to point out the bird’s good listening. It says “he had been listening carefully without saying a thing.” That’s really hard for many of us to do! All faith families need these kinds of people who listen, pay attention, see the longing in others, and then do a little non-romantic match making. What might come out of these pairings (joy, hope realized, long-term relationships, intimacy…) can be as sweet as chocolate!

Original Publisher & Date: Cuento de Luz, 2015 

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord… (Jeremiah 29:11); Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation (Romans 12:12); May the God of all hope fill you with joy and peace in believing… (Romans 15:13); Bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2); Let us consider how to stir up on another to love… encouraging one another (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of adults who are being trained for an evangelism team, especially if your church is in a neighborhood where homeless people live. This book would also be a great book for a foster parent training event or to celebrate the adoption of an older child into a new family or faith family.

PBT Redux - Miss Maple's Seeds

Recently I was looking back at my list of books I’ve featured here at PBT (approaching 500!). I especially want you to be aware of some of the books published in the last decade or so. Therefore, I’m going to re-post them with some new content. I'll be posting my favorites first.

Picture books are getting better and better! Let this PBT Redux series be proof of just that. The many newly published books featured here at PBT are one of the reasons checking out my blog regularly is worth your valuable time.

Picture Book: Miss Maple’s Seeds 

Author & Illustrator: Eliza Wheeler 

Summary: Miss Maple, a finder of orphan seeds that did not find a place to grow, sees potential for a miracle in every guest. She tenderly nurtures each seed through the up-coming seasons, taking them on field trips to consider places to grow in next year’s planting. When she decides it’s time for them to make roots of their own, she sends them off, telling them to take care, for even the smallest seed can become a great tree. Then she’s off to gather orphan seeds again. 

Hanna’s Comments: This is a beautiful book with so much application for our spiritual lives. Whether we see the seeds in this story as children, ideas, projects, or ministries, there are parallels with our meaningful work and God-given talents. I especially loved the page in which the illustrator shows the reader 20 different types of seeds. The illustrations are so clever & fanciful that you may want to have multiple copies of this book as you read it to your audience, child or adult, all will enjoy it. Be sure to encourage your audience to think hard on all the varieties of “seeds” there are. A child audience may be looking to the future; an adult audience may reflect on the past and look to future tending. Either way, this book offers possibilities for much fruit (and other plants!) that might grow in the garden that is your faith community. Don’t forget to turn it around and consider those who have nurtured and encouraged your faith such as God-parents, mentors, ministers, teachers, writers, and scriptural heroes.

Original Publisher & Date: Nancy Paulsen, 2013 

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet 

Scripture Connections: Whoever welcomes a child… (Matthew 18:5); Parable of the Mustard Seed (Mark 4:30-32); Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:18-23) 

Idea(s) for Application: This book would be a great gift for a family who adopts a child or begins foster care, a teacher, or someone doing children’s ministry.

PBT Question # 2 to ask about any secular picture book:

Is there a sacred theme to the book? (Fruits of the Spirit, Light, Bread, Ritual, Creation, Righteousness, Ancestors, Justice, the Least…)

This is the easiest of the PBT questions to consider when approaching a picture book. Often the major and minor themes of picture books are concepts of social-emotional learning that are also considered aspects of an abundant spiritual or religious life. On this blog, I consider topics that directly connect with themes found in the Old Testament (Hebrew) Scriptures and New Testament Scriptures.

On each post of the Picture Book a Day for a Year list, you’ll see a section in the middle that lists many more PBT Topics than the blog site would allow me to offer for search labels. The blogsite’s search labels are the green words at the bottom of this screen. Click on a word there, and you’ll be taken to all the books I’ve connected to that word.

To demonstrate the abundance of themes that can be found in those lists, here are 6 biblical themes and 6 featured PBT books that connect to those themes (1 each for the first 6 letters of the alphabet):

Biblical Theme     PBT Book Title              Day             Date Featured

Adoption             Miss Maple’s Seeds         38                  5/27/14

Brokenness         Koko’s Kitten                   60                  6/18/14

Change                Fortunately                     135                 9/1/14   

Discovery           The Listening Walk        227                12/2/14

Enemies              Enemy Pie                       118                 8/15/14

Friendship         Bear and Bird                 199                11/4/14

Here’s a favorite illustration from Miss Maple’s Seeds (Day 38 on May 27, 2014) and Bear and Bird (Day 199 on November 4, 2014):

Have fun exploring with this large list of PBT search labels and enjoy the abundance of PBT books that are offered here for your good work and rich conversations. In a few days, I’ll discuss PBT Question # 3.

May your exploring yield many godly possibilities, Hanna

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 318

Picture Book: Horton Hatches the Egg and Horton Hears a Who

Author & Illustrator: Dr. Seuss

Summary: Lazy Bird Mayzie takes advantage of dependable Horton. Despite his size, she begs the elephant to sit on her egg while she takes a beach vacation. Horton gently sits on the egg and waits. The weather turns horrid for Horton while Mayzie enjoys herself on a beach and decides to never go back. Through autumn and winter, Horton faithfully sits, reminding himself, “I meant what I said and I said what I meant. An elephant’s faithful, one hundred per cent!” In spring, animals tease Horton. When 3 hunters come and aim their rifles at Horton, he holds his head high and refuses to run away. The hunters are so amazed by this sight that they take the tree, Horton, and the egg all the way to New York. They sell the collection to the circus where it goes on tour all the way down to Florida. There they meet Lazy Bird Mayzie who claims the egg just as it starts hatching. The cracked egg reveals a little Horton with wings, an elephant bird. A happy ending follows. Horton is allowed to go home with his baby.

Horton’s next story has him hearing a very faint call for help from a small speck of dust. Horton gently captures the speck and places it on a clover. A mother kangaroo and baby pass by so Horton tells them about the voice, but they respond with unbelief and disdain. Horton declares, “A person’s a person no matter how small.” Horton realizes the speck is in danger so he plucks the clover and carries it into the jungle. Meanwhile, Horton begins a conversation with the voice on the speck. It is a Who, the Mayor of Who-ville, who is thankful for Horton’s protection. Monkeys overhear Horton talking so they steal the clover and take it to an eagle who flies with it far away and drops it into a field of clover. Horton diligently follows and is able to find the clover after picking millions of them. The Whos report their damage and beg for Horton’s continued protection. Meanwhile, the Kangaroos have convinced others to cage Horton and boil the clover. Horton responds with a plea to the Whos to all shout together so that they can be heard by the other animals. The Whos cry together, “We are here! We are here!” But the other animals can’t hear them. Horton compels them to make more noise, suggesting that someone might be “shirking.” The mayor finds a young, quiet Who so he takes him to the top of a tower and compels him, saying “every voice counts.” Finally, the Whos are loud enough to be heard by the other animals. The kangaroo promptly promises to protect the Whos as well and they are safe.

Hanna’s Comments: I think children will respond easily to these books if they don’t already know them. They likely know the Whos from Who-ville because of How the Grinch Stole Christmas so they already have a connection to these stories. They will be glad to hear that the Whos were saved by the “Smallest of All.” In the book on the left Horton says, “I’ll stay and be faithful.” This statement and others, including Horton’s quotations above, directly relate to messages in our Holy Scriptures. Note that these are quite lengthy picture books. Consider the attention spans of your audience and don’t try to do them both in one sitting.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Random House, 1940 (book on left) 1954 (book on right)

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

# of Pages: 64 (book on left) 72 (book on right)

Available in Spanish? For Horton Hears a Who only

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Audio, Videos are available on Youtube.com and there is a feature length movie of Horton Hears a Who. Random House has created a website full of Dr. Seuss activities and information. Here’s the link: www.seussville.com.

PBT Category: Both are Classics

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, action, adoption, awe, babies/children, belonging, betrayal, bonds/connections, caring/tending, challenges, commitment, communication, covenant/promises/vows, dependence/interdependence, differences, difficulties, eggs/seeds, evangelism, faith/faithfulness, fathers, flowers/leaves/trees, helping, heroes, kindness, life, listening, mission, noise/sounds/voice, nurturing, parents/parental love, patience, poaching/stealing/theft, protecting/protection, reverence, righteousness, sacrifice, servant/service/serving, steadfastness, storms, waiting, weather

Scripture Connections: Do not break a vow (Numbers 30:2); wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage (Psalm 27:14)

Idea(s) for Application:  These books connect to scriptures about compassion, faithfulness, commitment, perseverance, protection, and many others. Also, for adult or youth programming, consider checking out The Gospel According to Dr. Seuss by James W. Kemp. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 301

Picture Book: Tulip Loves Rex

Author: Alyssa Satin Capucilli

Illustrator: Sarah Massini

Summary: Little Tulip was born to be a dancer. She was spinning when other babies were learning to crawl. Every night before bed, she sends a particular wish off to the stars with a bend and a sway. One spring morning, Tulip meets a dog in the park with a tag that reads, “My name is Rex. I am not quite like other dogs.” Tulip and Rex hit it off, but Rex isn’t much for tricks. Tulip responds with encouragement realizing she just has to discover what Rex loves to do. Then she shows Rex how she loves to dance. Suddenly, Rex spins with her. Rex loves to dance too! When it is time to go home, Tulip hugs Rex goodbye, does a handstand, and notices the other side of Rex’s tag which says, “Will you take me home?” Tulip’s parents realize that Rex is the perfect dog for Tulip, and all happily go home. Grateful that her wish has come true, Tulip says thank you to the stars with a special bend and a sway.

Hanna’s Comments: This book ends with Tulip declaring to Rex, “There’s nothing quite like sharing love.” Let this question begin your conversation with children about the various ways we share love with all sorts of people (and non-people) in our lives and how being passionate about the same things encourages that love. You might consider hiding the cover of this book from your young audience. Then have them look for clues as to what Tulip’s wish might be. There are hints that Tulip very much wants a dog, but it is not explicitly stated.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Katherine Tegen Books, 2014

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: Fresh off the Press

PBT Topics this Book connects with: adoption, affection, affirmation, animals, authenticity, babies/children, belonging, bonds/connections, call/calling/vocation, communication, companionship, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, dance/dancing, family, found, gladness/happiness, gratitude/thanksgiving, home, individuality/uniqueness, joy, love, manna, passion, pets, play, prayer, wishes

Scripture Connections: Scripture stories about loving bonds that are strengthened over time (Ruth & Naomi, Jesus’ disciples, Paul & Timothy); above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony (Colossians 3:14); encourage one another and build one another up (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book to explain to children how important bonds or connections are for building loving relationships. Finding common passions bring people together. This happens in biological families and in families of faith. Talk about how loving bonds strengthen relationships over time. Use examples in our Holy Scriptures such as in the stories of Ruth and Naomi, Jesus’ disciples, or Paul and Timothy. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 299

Dynamic Duo: Book 1

Picture Book: A Blessing from Above

Author: Patti Henderson

Illustrator: Liz Edge 

Summary: This is a story of an adult female kangaroo who has an empty pouch. She prays every night for a baby to love. Everywhere she sees mothers and children enjoying one another. While resting under a willow tree, she spies a nest filled with bluebird eggs. She watches the eggs hatch, getting more crowded by each hatching. When the last and smallest bird hatches, it is accidentally knocked out of the nest and falls straight into the kangaroo’s pouch! The little bird calls the kangaroo “Mommy.” The mother bird realizes her nest is too small and is happy to see her baby bird in a warm, cuddly pouch. Momma-Roo is elated! Kangaroo and baby bird begin sharing the kinds of experiences the kangaroo was earlier seeing from a distance. Each night they thank God for all their blessings, especially each other. On the title page, you’ll find this scripture: Children are a gift from God; they are His reward. Psalm 127:3. There is another scripture reference at the end: In love He destined us for adoption to himself. Ephesians 1:5.

Hanna’s Comments: This is the first book in a PBT Dynamic Duo of Little Golden Books. In the children’s section of an independent book store, I recently found a carousel of Little Golden Books. I had read the newly published Everything I Needed to Know I Learned from a Little Golden Book by Diane Muldrow so I was determined to find a book suitable for my PBT blog. That was easy! The first book I picked up is featured here. I had hoped that I could somehow find a listing of all of the secular Little Golden Books that had a scripture reference inside as this one does, but alas that did not happen. I also found a beautiful book that has a contemplative prayer orientation, Wonders of Nature. I was struck by the number of sacred Little Golden Books there are. I knew two sacred books in the carousel Prayers for Children and My Little Golden Book about God. There were several others in this carousel alone such as Bible Heroes and Miracles of Jesus. I did find two internet sources that may help you search through the hundreds of titles of Little Golden Books for ones you might use in ministry. In general, Little Golden Books are appropriate for attentive toddlers (Yes, they do exist!), preschoolers, and early elementary students.

Here’s a link to the publisher: http://www.randomhousekids.com/brand/little-golden-books/

Here’s another place to purchase them with a good search engine: http://goldenbookguy.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=19_22&products_id=98

Also, here’s a link to a fun history of Little Golden Books:

http://mentalfloss.com/article/28840/childrens-books-children-history-little-golden-books

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Random House, 1999

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

# of Pages: 24

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book connects with: adoption, affection, aspirations/dreams, babies/children, belonging, blessings, caring/tending, comfort, companionship, coveting/envy/jealousy, dependence/interdependence, family, found, God’s care/providence, gratitude/thanksgiving, joy, loneliness, love, manna, mothers, nurturing, parents/parental love, safe place/sanctuary, surprise, treasure, wishes

Scripture Connections: The stories of Sarah (in Genesis 17 & 21) and/or Hannah (in 1 Samuel 1 & 2); Children are a gift from God; they are God’s reward. (Psalm 127:3); In love God destined us for adoption to Himself (Ephesians 1:5)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children in your faith community when learning about the stories of Sarah or Hannah in the Hebrew Scriptures. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 264

Picture Book: Raising Dragons

Author: Jerdine Nolen

Illustrator: Elise Primavera

Summary: From the point of view of a delightful farm girl, this book is about discovering who you are meant to be. The narrator finds a large, unusual egg. Although her father’s discourages her, she cannot stay away from the egg. When a dragon hatches, she names him Hank and quickly begins to tend him and teach him. She respects that her parents are wary of Hank, but she is determined to raise him. When Hank finds unusual ways to contribute to the family farm, they are all amazed. However, when it is time for Hank to be with his own kind, the narrator takes him to a dragon island she’s read about in a book. As she reluctantly says goodbye, she is given a wonderfully affirming gift by Hank: a wheelbarrow full of dragon eggs to hatch and raise on her farm. She knows that raising dragons is in her blood. It’s what she’s meant to do so she does just that, at her parents’ farm with their blessing.

Hanna’s Comments: This book has been one of my favorite picture books for years. I’ve read it to many elementary classes. Why do I love it? I love the voice and authenticity of the narrator. It’s fun to read aloud for these reasons. I love the family dynamics, especially the parents’ caution and then acceptance of Hank. Also, I love the narrator’s willingness to accept saying goodbye to Hank and then embrace her identity and vocation. I think it’s good for children to begin thinking early about their God-given gifts, passions, and what they might be meant to do vocationally, especially if it involves giving back to the world. Note that the newest version of this book includes some story-related activities.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Scholastic, 1998

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: An amateur video is available at Youtube.com.

PBT Category: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, adoption, aspirations/dreams, call/calling/vocation, caring/tending, commitment, companionship, fear, gardening/planting/pruning/sewing, gifts/talents, individuality/uniqueness, mentors/teachers, mission, orphans, parents/parental love, passion, purpose, wisdom

Scripture Connections: Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30); Barnabus helping Jesus’ disciples accept Paul (the book of Acts); having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them (Romans 12:6)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to children who are learning about important teachers in the Holy Scriptures especially those who help dispel fears such as Barnabus. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 226

Picture Book: A Perfect Pet for Peyton:                                                                    A Five Love Languages Discovery Book        

Author: Rick Osborne & Gary Chapman

Illustrator: Wilson Williams. Jr.

Summary: This informative picture book is based on Gary Chapman’s adult books The 5 Languages of Love and The 5 Love Languages of Children. The context is the birthday of young twins who are hoping to get a pet. Peyton and Penny are delighted when taken to Mr. Chapman’s Perfect Pet Emporium. They meet 3 friends there. All 5 children will be receiving a pet that will be just right for each of them. After some fun interactions with animals, “Mr. Chapman” describes The 5 Languages of Love. He explains that everyone prefers to be loved in 1 or 2 ways. Because animals relate to humans in particular ways, specific pets are best for certain people depending on their preferred language of love. As the story wraps up, the children are each matched with a pet as Mr. Chapman offers an explanation as to how each child’s ways of showing love since their arrival at the emporium have informed Mr. Chapman about which pet would be perfect for each of them.

Hanna’s Comments: The 5 Languages of Love are (in no particular order): Physical Touch, Quality Time, Words of Affirmation, Gifts, and Acts of Service. I have seen awareness of these languages transform marriages and help parents better understand their children. Additionally, you’ll find in this book animal seek & find lists and a quiz that will help children determine their preferred languages of love. Note the length of the book (64 pgs.). You may want to read only a portion at a time and spread your PBT lesson across several sessions. The book, Hugs and Kisses by Christophe Loupy, could be used for preschoolers to introduce the idea of different kinds of loving. It is about how a puppy discovers that kisses from various animals are very different. It is not about the 5 love languages but could serve as a good introduction.                                               Original Publisher & Date: Northfield Publishing, 2012

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

Formats other than Book: A free app to enhance the reading of the book can be downloaded onto an iPhone. This is explained and Chapman is interviewed about the book on Youtube.com. There are other videos there that explain The 5 Languages of Love for Children.

Scripture Connections: For the body (of Christ) does not consist of one member but of many (1 Corinthians 12:14); let all you do be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:14); above all these, put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony (Colossians 3:14)