A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 341

Picture Book: Nana in the City

Author & Illustrator: Lauren Castillo

Summary: A young grandson goes to stay with his Nana in the city. He loves his Nana, but not her city. It is too loud, busy, and therefore scary. He is worried that Nana should not be living in such a place, but Nana loves the city. She says it is the perfect place for her to live because it is so extraordinary. During the night when he can’t sleep because of the city noises, Nana promises to show him the wonders of her city. Nana doesn’t go to bed. She knits instead. When her grandson wakes, she has made a red cape for him to wear as they explore the city. Once she places the cape on him, he feels brave. As they tour the city, it is still loud and busy, but it is not filled with scary things after all. It is filled with extraordinary things! A few days later as he prepares to leave, he drapes the cape onto his Nana and says, “This will keep you brave,” knowing that even though the city is loud and busy, it is the perfect place for Nana.

Hanna’s Comments: Besides the sweet story this book offers your audience, it also offers you the opportunity to talk about what children must be equipped with to face the world and what your faith community offers your children to insulate them from the damage stresses and fears can do. This book could be read to children and followed with a discussion about what the cape symbolizes in the story. Then have them share what they do to dispel their fears. Be sure to mention memorizing and reciting scripture, prayer, being in community, and religious beliefs that bring comfort in fearful times such as a belief in God’s constant presence. You could also use this book in a parenting class and have a similar discussion. What should parents do to equip their children for fearful or stressful times? How does being a person of faith influence these strategies? A key aspect of this for parents will be modeling faithful courage. Discuss how parents might do this? Talk about how resilience can be grounded in community, faith, and hope.  

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Clarion Books, 2014

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Audio

PBT Category: Award Winner, Fresh off the Press 

PBT Topics this Book connects with: abundance/bounty, adaptation/assimilation, anxiety/worry, armor, babies/children, Bible/scripture, bravery/courage, comfort, community, companionship, confidence, danger, differences, encouragement, exploration, family, faith, fear, God’s presence, grandparents, hope, insecurity, noise/sounds/voice, nurturing, prayer, reassurance, risking, safety, security, strength in God

Scripture Connections: Even though I walk through dark valleys, I fear no evil for You are with me (Psalm 23:4); God comforts us in our affliction so that we may comfort those in any affliction (2^nd Corinthians 1:4); put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18); I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this to a group of children or parents. Then follow with a discussion as described above in my comments. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 340

Picture Book: Eight Days: A Story of Haiti

Author: Edwidge Danticat

Illustrator: Alix Delinois

Summary: On the first page of this extraordinary book, Junior is being interviewed on camera. He has just been pulled out of the rubble that was his home prior to the 2010 Haitian earthquake. Junior explains that while he was trapped and afraid, he missed his family but he was brave too. In his mind, he played. Each double page spread that follows chronologically takes the reader through the memories of play that Junior clings to from the first day to the eighth day when he is rescued. These imaginings help Junior survive. In many of his pretend memories, Junior plays beside his friend Oscar, who is with him in the rubble. On the fifth day, during a memory of playing soccer with Oscar, “Oscar felt very tired and went to sleep. He never woke up. That was the day I cried.” Two more days of beautiful memories follow, memories of a pre-earthquake Haiti that no longer exists.

Hanna’s Comments: Before reading this book, explain to your audience that the days of activities that Junior engages in are pretend memories that help him cope as he waits in the rubble to be rescued. Also, tenderly warn them of the death of Alex, likely beside Junior as they wait. Be sure to point out to your audience that Junior is not an actual person, but he symbolically represents not only the many who were trapped and rescued because of the earthquake, but the entire nation of Haiti. A Note from the Author in the back gives context to the earthquake. Why do I offer such a heartbreaking story for you to read to children or youth? Because I believe such stories build compassion, empathy, and resilience. Talk about how Junior’s good memories of the Haiti he knew before the quake, may have kept him from giving up and likely kept him strong as he waited.

I would also highly recommend these books about Haiti: Hope for Haiti by Jesse Joshua Watson, also about children after the 2010 earthquake, and Selavi: A Haitian Story of Hope by Youme, a book written before the earthquake about orphaned children who together create a children’s radio station, Radyo Timoun, which is still in operation today. There are also several non-fiction books about Haiti and the 2010 Haitian earthquake.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Orchard Books, 2010

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

# of Pages: 32 

Available in Spanish? Not at present 

Formats other than Book: Tablet 

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book connects with: adaptation/assimilation, anxiety/worry, armor, aspirations/dreams, bravery/courage, brokenness, challenges, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, danger, death/loss/grief, difficulties, disaster, emotions/feelings, fear, found, friends/friendship, hope, loneliness, memories/remembering/ritual/tradition, miracles, North America, patience, perseverance, play, prisons/prisoners, resurrection, strength/strength in God, survival, tragedy, victims, waiting    

Scripture Connections: Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God is with you (Joshua 1:9); oh Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you. (Psalm 39:7); they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength… (Isaiah 40:31); fear not for I am with you… I will strengthen you… (Isaiah 41:10); God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of elementary or middle school children who are learning about how to faithfully respond to fear in challenging circumstances. Or Read this to a group of people going on a mission trip to Haiti.  

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 276

Picture Book: Goin’ Someplace Special

Author: Patricia McKissack

Illustrator: Jerry Pinkney

Summary: In a southern American town in the 1950’s, Tricia Ann is being allowed to go to “Someplace Special” alone for the first time. She called it this because it was her favorite place in the world. “Be particular and remember everything I told you,” her grandmother says. Then she adds, “And no matter what, hold yo’ head up and act like you b’long to somebody.” On the bus she sits in the back in the “colored section.” She goes to Peace Fountain and dances around. She tumbles onto a nearby bench, but then she notices it is marked, “For Whites Only.” Outside a fancy hotel, she gets swept inside by a crowd greeting a star. As she gets her first glimpse of the grand lobby, she is shooed away by someone saying, “No colored people are allowed!” This is all so upsetting that she runs to the ruins at the Mission Church to cry, missing her grandmother and thinking of turning back. Instead she meets Blooming Mary, who takes care of the gardens and encourages Tricia Ann to think of what her grandmother would want her to do. She knows her grandmother would want her to go on to “Someplace Special.” She has one last difficult encounter with a white girl her age before arriving at “Someplace Special,” a place her grandmother calls “a doorway to freedom.” As she enters, she sees chiseled in stone at the top of the building, “PUBLIC LIBRARY: ALL ARE WELCOME.”  

Hanna’s Comments: The Author’s Note in the back explains that this is a fictionalized version of events in her childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. Here she personalizes the racism that she faced, and explains that her parents had fortified her with enough love, respect, and pride that she was able to face these situations. She explains that the treacherous journey to the library was worth the effort for there she felt welcome and able to read and check out many books, learning that “reading is the doorway to freedom.”

Publisher & Date of Publication: Atheneum Books, 2001

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: Non-fiction, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, action, adaptation/assimilation, 

America, anger, armor, belonging, bravery/courage, bullying/martyrs/persecution/oppression, challenges, civil rights, confidence, conformity, difficulties, disabilities/handicaps/limitations, emotions/feelings, encouragement, equality/inequality, evil, exclusion/inclusion, fear, freedom, golden rule, grandparents, gratitude/thanksgiving, injustice, insecurity, integration, intolerance, journeys/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, justice, language/literacy/reading, the law/rules/10 commandments, North America, obstacles, perseverance, prejudice, pride, race relations/racism, risking, satisfaction, segregation, self-control, self-discovery, sin, victims

Scripture Connections: You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32); For you were called to freedom (Galatians 5:13)

Idea(s) for Application:  Use this book when teaching children in your faith community a lesson on the importance of freedom and its relationship to knowledge. Also, this is a journey story with obstacles, suffering, and doubts. In spite of these, Tricia Ann perseveres. There are many journey stories in the Holy Scriptures that could be connected to this story.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 208

Picture Book:  Bully B.E.A.N.S.

Author: Julia Cook

Illustrator: Anita DuFalla

Summary: Bobbette is the big bad bully in this book, an expert at intimidating her elementary peers, especially Winston, the smartest kid in school. The unnamed female protagonist is invited to Bobbette’s house. There she meets Bobbette’s brother who bullies Bobbette in the same way Bobbette bullies everyone at her school. At home that night, the protagonist explains the bullying to her mom. Her mom gets out a bag of jelly beans and labels them “Bully BEANS” to remind those who eat them that they already have the power to stop bullies. Then she explains that to stop a bully you have to take away their power which requires working and standing together as a group. She suggests that the next time Bobbette bullies Winston, they should all stand beside him and look Bobbette in the eyes. Eat a Bully Bean beforehand. Another tactic is to ignore Bobbette or don’t look her in the eyes. When forced to look in her eyes, together they should loudly say, “Back off!” Telling a teacher or writing a note to a teacher is another suggestion. Lastly, she says that it is important to remember that Bobbette is just kid on the inside who deserves another chance if she starts to act like a friend, not a bully. The next day when the instructions are given and the Bully Beans are passed out, the strategies are tried successfully though with many Bully Beans and much courage. Eventually Bobbette becomes a friend who they armor with Bully Beans for her home situation.

Hanna’s Comments: This book about bullying is written with humor and at a lower level than others I have offered so that it is appropriate for older preschoolers. Also available is Bully B.E.A.N.S.: Activity and Idea Book. Using candy to solve social problems might be a problem for you. It might depend on the degree to which your bullying problem is disrupting your environment. Healthier options might be considered, but Bully Beans does have a nice ring to it. There is an acronym to support the idea: Bullies Everywhere Are Now Stopped.

Publisher & Date of Publication: National Center for Youth Issues, 2009

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: Post 2k

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, abuse/abuse of power, action, anger, anxiety/worry, armor, bravery/courage, brokenness, bullying/martyrs/persecution/oppression, challenges, communication, community, conflict, danger, dependence/interdependence, difficulties, discord, education/learning/school, emotions/feelings, encouragement, fear, forgiveness/mercy/redemption, friends/friendship, injustice, intercession, mentors/teachers, partners/teamwork, parents/parental love, power, presence, problems/problem solving, underdogs, victims

Scripture Connections: Be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9); for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Idea(s) for Application:  Read this book to children if you have a bullying situation within your faith community. Attribute the courage found to be a gift from God and emphasize loving kindness and mercy to all bullies.  

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 206

Picture Book: Just Kidding                           

Author: Trudy Ludwig                                  

Illustrator: Adam Gustavson                        

Summary: D.J. is an older elementary student or perhaps a young middle school student who is hurt and confused by the teasing of his friends, especially one friend who always says he is “just kidding”. D.J.’s father teaches him a game to play to help handle being teased. His older brother joins in the game which helps develop their verbal responses to jibes. The next day at school, D.J. has a clever response when another boy is being teased. D.J. and his dad also meet with D.J.’s teacher to talk about the problem. Her advice is for D.J. to hang out with friends that help D.J. feel good about being himself and to let her know when he is being teased. When D.J. says he doesn’t want to be a tattletale. The teacher explains the difference between tattling and reporting a problem. 

Hanna’s Comments: This author has several great books about complex friendship issues in childhood and adolescence. Additionally, she offers specific details on building skills for dealing with these difficult social situations. Tomorrow I’ll highlight  another one of Ludwig’s books on bullying that focuses on girls. I’m offering a series of books on bullying this week because it is a serious problem that can arise in schools and in faith communities, and next week here in the US it is Anti-bullying week. In the front of this book you’ll find a Foreword by the founder of www.stopbullyingnow.com. In the back you’ll find Notes and Questions about Teasing and Teasing Dos and Don’ts.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Tricycle Press, 2006

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: Not at present

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abuse/abuse of power, action, adaptation/assimilation, anxiety/worry, armor, belonging, betrayal, bravery/courage, brokenness, bullying/martyrs/persecution/oppression, challenges, choices/decisions, communication, confidence, conflict, difficulties, discord, education/learning/school, emotions/feelings, encouragement, family, fathers, friends/friendship, insecurity, language/literacy/reading, mentors/teachers, non-violence/peaceful resistance, power, preparation, problems/problem solving, protecting/protection, relationships, self-acceptance/self-image/self-esteem, trust/trustworthiness, victims

Scripture Connections: Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up (Ephesians 4:29); put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth (Colossians 3:8)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book when talking with your children about the power of words for good or for evil. Emphasize how words can hurt and heal, but they may never be forgotten. Talk about the damage they can do to communities, even loving communities.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 193

Picture Book: Singing Away the Dark

Author: Caroline Woodward

Illustrator: Julie Morstad

Summary: This exquisite picture book in verse is about a 6 year old girl who has to walk a mile in the snow before the sun comes up in order to meet her school bus. Along the way, she deals with shadows, scary sounds, the movement of various animals, and wire fencing. To combat her fears, she takes a deep breath and sings until the darkness disappears. She sings softly to “calm myself and plan the safest way.” She refers to a line of trees as her “Silent Soldiers” as she compels them to protect her and “stand beside her tall and strong.” This book is based on the author’s own experiences as a child walking to school.

Hanna’s Comments: As a nationally certified school psychologist, one of my goals is for children to become resilient under difficult circumstances. This book beautifully demonstrates how a young child handles her own fears with smart coping skills. The most obvious is her singing, but she also directs her attention in positive ways and imagines supports to help her on her journey. When you share this book with children, talk about how you cope with fearful tasks now and when you were young. Mention in particular how your faith gives you courage and strength to endure in difficult circumstances with God as your companion.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Simply Read Books, 2010

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: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, acceptance, action, adaptation/assimilation, anxiety/worry, armor, beginnings/morning, bravery/courage, challenges, choir/music/singing/songs, comfort, commitment, confidence, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, danger, darkness/evening/night, difficulties, emotions/feelings, fear, God’s presence, journeys/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, perseverance, safety, security, wisdom, worship

Scripture Connections: Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified. Do not be discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9); for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7)

Idea(s) for Application: This would be a wonderful book in a children or adult’s lesson about dealing with fears or how praising God with song can be a comfort and a coping tool. Also mention our confidence in knowing of God’s presence with us wherever we go.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 160

Picture Book: Squeak’s Good Idea

Author: Max Eilenberg

Illustrator: Patrick Benson

Summary: Squeak’s good idea is to go outside. No one else in his family is interested, but he’s willing to go it alone. Because he is a cautious fellow and in case the weather turns bad, he puts on his mittens, jacket, scarf, hat, raincoat, warm pants, extra socks, and carries an umbrella. He thinks he might get hungry so he packs a picnic lunch. It takes him a while, but finally he is ready. In his bundled state, he steps outside and slowly discovers the beauty of nature and the fine weather so he peels off his extra clothes. About that time, his family joins him for the picnic. He’s prepared enough food for all of them. “It’s lucky to be on the safe side,” Squeak declares. They all agree.

Hanna’s Comments: This is a silly story of over preparation and the daring of a young character to risk going into the unknown alone even if that unknown is just outside his house. You can’t help but love Squeak’s caution and determination. I’m glad he gets affirmed by his family in the end. He obviously wanted them to come with him all along, but he still ventured outside on his own.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Candlewick Press, 2001

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

# of Pages: 48

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: action, adaptation/assimilation, adventure, affirmation, anxiety/worry, armor, bravery/courage, clothes/shoes, comfort, commitment, the environment/nature, family, feasting/food/hunger/nutrition, God’s presence, journeys/pilgrimages/migrations/quests, joy, mission, perseverance, preparation/preparing, presence, protecting/protection, rain, risking, security, weather   

Scripture Connections: God’s presence with the Israelites (Exodus 33:14); the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18); I am with you always (Matthew 28:20)

Idea(s) for Application: This would be a perfect book to read when teaching the “whole armor of God” verses in Ephesians or the broader concept of the Holy One being present with us at all times, no matter where we venture. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 91

Picture Book: A House for Hermit Crab

Author & Illustrator: Eric Carle

Summary: Hermit Crab must abandon his shell for he’s grown too big for it. Feeling vulnerable, he quickly finds a nice big shell, but it looks plain. As he meets animals with the potential to improve his home, he invites them to move in. Just when his shell seems to have all the animal amenities it needs, he has grown out of it. He is particularly regretful because his guests have become like family. As a smaller crab looking for a new shell passes by, Hermit Crab invites the smaller crab to have his home, “but you must promise to be good to my friends.” Not so afraid this time, Hermit Crab finds an even bigger shell and is excited about the decorative friends he might invite to live with him.  

Hanna’s Comments: This is a story about the anxiety and vulnerability of change and how making community eases that process. I’ve done some reading on resilience in children. Hermit Crab demonstrates many resilient qualities including positive, creative, and hospitable inclinations. In addition to a wonderful story, Carle offers the months of the year as a plot device. The last page has a listing of facts about the sea creatures in the story.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Simon and Schuster, 1987

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: Audio Cassette, Amateur videos are on Youtube; one is Claymation.

PBT Category: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abundance/bounty, acceptance, adaptation/assimilation, animals, armor, art, attentiveness/observation/seeing, awe, beauty,  belonging, body of Christ, bonds/connections, chosen, collections, comfort, companionship, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, dependence/interdependence, the environment/nature, evangelism, exploration, family, found, friends/friendship, gifts/giftedness/talents, goodness, gospel/good news, growing up/growth, helping, home, hospitality, immigration, individuality/uniqueness, insecurity, integration, journeys/pilgrimages/migration/quests, kindness, kingdom of God/reign of God, openness, partners/teamwork, perseverance, possessions, presence, problems/problem solving, risking, safety, safe place/sanctuary, searching, security, sharing, survival, time/timing/over time, transformation, unity, variety, wilderness

Scripture Connections: Old Testament scriptures about God being like a rock; build your house on rock (Matthew 7:24-27); put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18); scriptures about hospitality

Idea(s) for Application: This would be a great book to read to a group of children in your religious community when they have just moved to a new classroom or building. Be sure to focus on how faith and trust in God and others in your community inform your perspective of change.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 90

Picture Book: She Taught Me to Eat Artichokes: The Discovery of the Heart of Friendship

Author: Mary Kay Shanley

Illustrator: Paul Micich

Summary: The peculiar and prickly artichoke serves as a metaphor for emerging friendship in this beautiful picture book written for adult women. This is a memoir regarding a time in the author’s life when a burgeoning female friendship began with a bit of awkwardness but genuine tenderness. The author’s son is in a car accident. The neighbor she barely knows comes to sit with her at the hospital. After a few other interactions, the author is invited to the neighbor’s for a party where artichokes are served. First the host explains that the steaming has softened the prickly artichoke petals. Then she says the “best is yet to come” as the pulling of the petals eventually reveals the heart of the artichoke. Thus, this acquaintance through time and effort has become a tender, treasured friendship.

Hanna’s Comments: Picture books designed for adult readers are rare. Often they are treasures. Years ago I had an experience at a friend’s house that was similar to this author's. I had never eaten an artichoke so she taught me how. Soon after, I discovered the book and bought it for my friend. Instructions for preparing artichokes are in the back of the book.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Sta-Kris, 1993

Age & Grade Appropriateness: adults only (This book would not interest children.)

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Non-fiction

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, adaptation/assimilation, armor, beginnings/morning, challenges, communication, communion/Eucharist, companionship, discovery/invention, feasting/food/hunger/nutrition, friends/friendship, hospitality, humanity, mentors/teachers, neighbors, presence, relationships, Sabbath, sharing, at table, time/timing/over time, treasure

Scripture Connections: treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native (Leviticus 19:34); whoever receives you receives me (Matthew 10:40)

Idea(s) for Application: This book would be welcomed by a women’s group discussing spiritual hospitality and friendship.