PBT Redux #26 - Flossie and the Fox

Picture Book: Flossie & the Fox
Author: Patricia McKissack
Illustrator: Rachel Isadora
Summary: In rich dialect, McKissack offers a folktale from her story-telling grandfather. Big Mama asks young Flossie to deliver some eggs to the neighboring farm. Flossie begins her journey wondering what a fox looks like. When Fox introduces himself hoping for the eggs, he is puzzled that the little girl isn't afraid. Flossie insists she'll not be afraid until Fox offers proof that he is indeed a fox. Fox's pride is hurt so he lists all the reasons he is a fox. For each argument, Flossie insists that Fox is instead another animal. Eventually, Flossie lures Fox to the road where a neighbor's hound is waiting. As Fox runs from the hound, Flossie confesses that she recognized Fox all along. She heads toward the neighbor's farm with the eggs, having outfoxed the fox.

Hanna’s Comments: I love a tale with a smart female at the center! Her youth is an additional benefit. Even young children will identify with her. Consider steering your audience’s conversation towards issues of bravery and intelligence in the face of evil. Then take Fox's point of view and talk about how temptation and pride lure us into trouble. Flossie handles her fears cunningly, but the fox’s greed and pride tempt him to wander into a dangerous situation. 
Publisher & Date of Publication: Dial Books, 1986
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up
Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Eve’s conversation with the snake (Genesis 3); Be strong and courageous… for the Lord is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9)
Idea(s) for Application: Consider using this picture book when teaching the story of Eve’s temptation by the snake in Genesis. Draw connections between the fox’s pride and Eve’s pride. Praise Flossie’s self-determination and cleverness.

PBT Redux #17 A New Year's Hope & Prayer

Picture Book: Let There Be Peace on Earth                                                                  and Let It Begin with Me

Authors: Jill Jackson & Sy Miller

Illustrator: David Diaz

Summary: This picture book’s text is a song familiar to many. Written in 1955, the song has been recorded by many singers throughout the world. It is a clarion call for world peace and interpersonal peace. Besides the song lyrics, you’ll find an audio CD which includes 11 other songs by these writers. The illustrations feature international symbols of peace which are explained in the back of the book. Other features include historical aspects of the song and its writers as well as the musical score.

Hanna’s Comments: If you are bothered by the masculine terminology, particularly “With God as our Father, brothers all are we.” adapt to “With God, our creator, children all are we.” Change “Let me walk with my brother,” to “Let us walk with each other.” Use sticky notes to replace the words on the pages. Simply explain to your audience that the meaning and use of language changes sometimes. Then give your personal reasons for making the changes.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Tricycle Press, 2009

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

Formats other than Book: None at Present, On the internet, there are many videos of this song being performed.

Scripture Connections: Those who plan peace have joy (Proverbs 12:20); live peaceably with all (Romans 12:18); blessed are the peacemakers (Matthew 5:9); strive for peace with everyone (Hebrews 12:14)

Idea(s) for Application: Consider reading this book or singing along with it as a part of a lesson on the beatitudes in the Gospel of Matthew or as part of a lesson on issues of peace, conflict, and reconciliation. 

PBT Series: God Books #6

One of my newest series is to repost about my PBT God books. God books are picture books that explore the nature of God. Some are secular, with allusions to God that are not obvious. Most, like the book below, have God as their subject. When mentioning God books, I use Old Turtle as an example. It’s a very popular book from the 1990s, but many people don’t know about the two other books in the series. I'll post about them next week! Check out all three books. There are many ministry applications for they are rich with provoking ideas about humans, God, and God's intentions for Earth. 

Picture Book: Old Turtle

Author: Douglas Wood

Illustrator: Cheng-Khee Chee

Summary: Long ago the animals & other inhabitants of Earth argue about God. Each attributes to God characteristics like themselves. The wind argues that God is never still. Then the rock insists that God never moves. The lion describes God as a hunter. The robin claims that God is gentle. Eventually, Old Turtle stops the arguing, offering a description of God that incorporates all the previous ideas and ends simply with “God is.” Old Turtle forewarns of a new animal coming who would be even more like God. Humans do come, but they forget to be like God. When the humans argue about God, they use their power to hurt others and the Earth. A new response comes from the other Earth inhabitants who declare God’s presence in a variety of sources. After a lonely and scary time, the people listen and even begin to see God in one another and the beauty that surrounds them. Old Turtle and God smile.

Hanna’s Comments: This is a fabulous fable exploring ecological responsibility, peace, and our human legacy as being made in God’s image. Interconnections with other inhabitants of Earth are emphasized. Look for posts about the other  two books featuring Old Turtle's wisdom to follow on PBT next week! For you music lovers, a choral symphony has been written based on this picture book.  Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso has written a similar book titled In God’s Name. I highly recommend it as well. It is published by Jewish Lights, a publisher of books for “Peoples of all Faiths, All Backgrounds.”

Publisher & Date of Publication: Scholastic, 1991

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Youtube video

Scripture Connections: Humans are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27), I am that I am (Exodus 3:14)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book before taking a group of children from your faith community to a zoo or in a lesson exploring ecology or being made in God's image.

God and Edwina

Dinosaur books are everywhere. Like most, Edwina: The Dinosaur Who Didn’t Know She was Extinct by Mo Willems is fun and plays with the ridiculous idea of having a dinosaur as a friend. However, this book offers an additional and intriguing possibility for consideration.  

Edwina is kind and helpful so she’s popular and well-loved by all but one. Reginald Von Hoobie-Doobie is determined to tell everyone that dinosaurs are extinct. 

His peers argue, “What about Edwina?” Then they list her acts of love and service. 

Reginald hopes that once they are convinced that dinosaurs are extinct, then Edwina will disappear. Reginald tries fliers and protests but no one listens, except for Edwina, who attentively listens to Reginald’s persuasive arguments. How does she respond? She’s shocked! 

But also she just doesn’t care, and neither does Reginald once he is won over by Edwina’s goodness and generosity.

Tweens and teens will enjoy picture books more than you might suspect though you don’t want to offer these too often. There is a quiet, nostalgia in older children to remember the delights of their younger selves and the comforts and discoveries of picture books. I’m suggesting that you tap into those feelings and consider the important questions and situations that picture books can offer.

Just under the surface, this Mo Willems book presents questions of God’s existence and how to relate to those who are passionate atheists. Furthermore, the evidence of Edwina’s existence can easily be applied to evidence of God’s nature.

Should the question of God’s existence be up for consideration in theological conversations or lessons with children? Absolutely! They hear these arguments in school and in social media and sometimes feel quite alone in their faith.

In fact, exposure to thoughtful responses may lead to a more solid foundation in their faith as they grapple with arguments like Reginald’s. Helping older children and youth frame their own personal responses is a way faith families can help prepare them for their inevitable confusions and doubts in adulthood.  

For this book, be sure to focus on the kindness and goodness of Edwina and connect these with God’s nature and the positive influence God has on humans – complicated stuff but today’s youth are surprisingly good at considering various arguments and different points of view.

Focus especially on how Edwina listens attentively to Reginald. Sometimes listening is all that is needed to diffuse a passionate and uncomfortable argument. Also, consider Reginald’s motives. Is he most interested in being right or being heard and included? Are their children in your faith community who have similar inclinations?

I especially love how Edwina ends with a sense that she doesn’t have to understand. I think that this kind of humility, particularly when it comes to existential questions, is crucial, what God hopes for, and often the least hurtful response. Too often arguments over beliefs cause damage in faith communities. We don’t have to understand all the mysteries in order to enjoy the delights and goodness of our faith in God.

Picture Book: Edwina: The Dinosaur Who Didn’t Exist

Author & Illustrator: Mo Willems

Original Publisher & Date: Hyperion, 2006

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

Formats other than Book: Audible

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 306

Picture Book: Flossie and the Fox

Author: Patricia McKissack

Illustrator: Rachel Isadora

Summary: In rich dialect, McKissack offers a folktale from her story-telling grandfather. When Big Mama asks young Flossie to deliver some eggs to the neighboring farm, Flossie sets off toward the neighbor’s house with a basket of eggs. Flossie wonders what a fox looks like. When Fox approaches interested in the eggs, Flossie insists she'll not be afraid until Fox offers proof that he is indeed a fox. Fox's pride is hurt so he lists all the reasons he is a fox. For each argument, Flossie insists that Fox is instead another animal. Eventually, Flossie lures the fox to the road where a neighbor's hound is waiting. As Fox runs from the hound, Flossie confesses that she recognized Fox all along. Flossie heads toward the neighbors farm with the eggs, having outfoxed the fox.

Hanna’s Comments: I love a tale with a smart female at the center! Her youth is an additional benefit. Even young children will identify with her. Consider steering your audience’s conversation towards issues of bravery and intelligence in the face of evil. Take Fox's point of view and talk about how temptation and pride lure us into trouble. Flossie handles her fears cunningly, but the fox’s greed and pride tempt him to wander into a dangerous situation. 

Publisher & Date of Publication: Dial Books, 1986

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Audio download, An amateur video is on Youtube.com.

PBT Category: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: arguing, bravery/courage, challenges, communication, confidence, danger, enemies, evil, fear, identity/names, journeys/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, pride, survival, suspicion, wisdom

Scripture Connections: Eve’s conversation with the snake (Genesis 3); be strong and courageous… for the Lord is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9)

Idea(s) for Application: Consider using this picture book when teaching the story of Eve’s temptation by the snake in Genesis. Draw connections between the fox’s pride and Eve’s pride. Praise Flossie’s self-determination and cleverness. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 303

Picture Book: Words Are Not for Hurting

Author: Elizabeth Verdick

Illustrator: Marieka Heinlen

Summary: These picture books gently and simply explain how words can be both helpful and harmful. They also explore the importance of apologizing when words have been used in a unkind manner. In each situation described here, the children are encouraged to be less impulsive, less selfish, and more responsible for their words and actions. Thinking before speaking is emphasized and feelings of all parties are explored.

Hanna’s Comments: Pictured above are 2 versions of this book. The one on the left is a simpler board book with Spanish alongside English. The book on the right has no Spanish translation and is for older children. Also, you may find it has a different cover than the one shown. There are other books from this publisher with similar messages and formats: Hands are Not for Hitting, Feet are Not for Kicking, Teeth are Not for Biting.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Free Spirit Publishing, 2004

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 2 and up (book on left), 4 and up (book on right)

# of Pages: 24 (board book), 40 (other book)

Available in Spanish? The board book has a parallel Spanish translation.

Formats other than Book: Tablet (both books), videos are on Youtube.com.

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: action, affirmation, anger, arguing, choices/decision, communication, confession, conflict, discord, disputes/fighting/opposition, emotions/feelings, encouragement, golden rule, goodness, kindness, language/literacy/reading, mistakes, regret/repentance, self-control, sin

Scripture Connections: Let the words of my mouth… be acceptable to You, God (Psalm 19:14); gracious words are like honeycomb (Proverbs 16:24); let no corrupting talk come from your mouth, but only talk that is good for building up (Ephesians 4:29).

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to children in your home, classroom, or faith community when hurtful words are becoming a problem. Tie the concepts here to the commandment to treat others as we want to be treated, building empathy and kindness in even young children. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 120

Picture Book: Let There Be Peace on Earth and Let It Begin with Me

Authors: Jill Jackson & Sy Miller

Illustrator: David Diaz

Summary: This picture book’s text is a song familiar to many. Written in 1955, this song has been recorded by many famous singers throughout the world. It is a clarion call for world peace as well as interpersonal peace. Besides the song lyrics, you’ll find an audio CD which includes 11 other songs by these writers. The illustrations feature international symbols of peace which are explained in the back of the book. Other features there include historical aspects of the song and its writers as well as the musical score.

Hanna’s Comments: If you are bothered by the masculine terminology, particularly “With God as our Father, brothers all are we.” Adapt to “With God, our creator, children all are we.” For “Let me walk with my brother,” change to “Let us walk with each other.” Use Post-it notes to replace the words on the pages. Simply explain to your audience that the meaning and use of language changes sometimes and give your reasons for making the changes.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Tricycle Press, 2009

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

# of Pages: 30

Available in Spanish? Not at Present

Formats other than Book: None at Present, On the internet, there are many videos of this song being performed.

PBT Category: Song Book, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: arguing, art, bonds/connections, choices/decisions, choir/music/singing/songs, cooperation, discord, disputes/fighting/opposition, Earth/world, enemies, ethics, God’s will, golden rule/great commandment, hatred, holiness, hope, humanity, intolerance, pacifism/peace/peacemakers, participation, partners/teamwork, power, relationships, religious differences, resisting evil, righteousness, social justice, tolerance, violence

Scripture Connections: Those who plan peace have joy (Proverbs 12:20); live peaceably with all (Romans 12:18); blessed are the peacemakers (Matthew 5:9); strive for peace with everyone (Hebrews 12:14)

Idea(s) for Application: Consider reading this book or singing along with it as a part of a lesson on the Beatitudes in the Gospel of Matthew or as part of a lesson on issues of peace, conflict, and reconciliation. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 45

Picture Book: When Sophie Gets Angry - Really, Really Angry…

Author & Illustrator: Molly Bang

Summary: Sophie’s sister takes a toy away from her. Mom takes the sister’s side, and Sophie gets very angry, stomping-roaring angry. When “Sophie is like a volcano about to explode,” she goes outside to run & run until she can’t run anymore. Then the beauty of nature begins to calm her so that she can return home.

Hanna’s Comments: I especially like 2 aspects of this book. The story doesn’t get caught up in the question of what’s fair. In fact, Sophie’s sister clearly grabs the toy from her. Instead it normalizes Sophie’s anger. This is especially welcome in a church setting where anger at God is too often taboo. Then the story encourages the audience to be appropriately physical (no destructive violence) & look to nature as a coping mechanism for anger. “The wide world comforts” Sophie in a beautiful way. What concerns me about this book is the age appropriateness of the strategy Sophie uses. Sophie seems such a young child. Uncontrolled running outside alone may be an unsafe & inappropriate strategy for similarly aged children. However, it is a wonderful message for those children with access to a safe outside environment who are old enough to venture outside alone. Consider the age & environment of your children before reading this book. After the reading, discuss with them safe responses when they are angry while you normalize their anger, even their anger to God. 

In 2015 Molly Bang published a another Sophie book: When Sophie's Feelings are Really Really Hurt.
 
Publisher & Date of Publication: Scholastic, 2004

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: Audio CD, Audible, amateur videos are on Youtube

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, action, anger, arguing, babies/children, brokenness, challenges, conflict, difficulties, disappointment, discord, disputes/fighting/opposition, emotions/feelings, the environment/nature, flowers/leaves/trees, forgiveness/justifying grace/mercy/redemption, God’s nature, guilt, hiding/isolation/separation/walls, home, honesty, lamentations, pacifism/peace/peaceful/peacemakers/peaceable kingdom, parents/parental love, prayer, quiet/silence, self-reflection, renewal/restoration, self-control, siblings/sibling rivalry, sin, transformation

Scripture Connections: Create in me a clean heart, O God (Psalm 51:10)

Idea(s) for Application: a lesson on honesty when approaching God in prayer, a lesson on how nature can be comforting & help us work through our feelings

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 27

Dynamic Duo: Book 1

Picture Book: Old Turtle

Author: Douglas Wood

Illustrator: Cheng-Khee Chee

Summary: Long ago the animals & other inhabitants of Earth (the oceans, the rocks, etc.) argue about God. Each animal gives God characteristics like themselves. The wind argues that God is never still. Then the rock insists that God never moves. The lion describes God as a hunter; the robin claims that God is gentle. Eventually wise Old Turtle stops the arguing, offering a description of God that incorporates all the previous ideas and ending simply with “God is.” Old Turtle forewarns of a new animal coming who would be even more like God. Humans do come, but they forget to be like God. When the humans argue about God, they use their power to hurt others and the Earth. A new response comes from the other animals. They declare God’s presence in a variety of ways. After a lonely and scary time, the people listen and even begin to see God in one another and the beauty that surrounds them. Old Turtle and God smile.

Hanna’s Comments: Part 1 of a dynamic duo, this is a wonderful fable of ecology, peace, and human legacy as being made in God’s image. Interconnections with other inhabitants of Earth are emphasized. A choral symphony has been written based on this picture book. A sequel is tomorrow’s PBT Dynamic Duo picture book offering. Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso has written a similar book titled In God’s Name. I highly recommend it as well. It is published by Jewish Lights, a publisher of books for “Peoples of all Faiths, All Backgrounds.”

Publisher & Date of Publication: Scholastic, 1991

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

# of Pages: 56

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Youtube video

PBT Category: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: arguing, differences, the environment/nature, God’s nature, humanity, image of God, mentors/teachers, pacifism/peace/peaceful/peacemakers/peaceable kingdom, pride, unity, wonder

Scripture Connections: Humans are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27), I am that I am (Exodus 3:14)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book before taking a group of children from your faith community to a zoo or in a lesson exploring ecology or being made in God's image.