PBT Redux #19 - Snowflake Bentley

We’ve had more snow than usual here in AL. After our last snow, I regretted not reminding you about this gorgeous book featured in PBT’s first year. I don’t dare wait for more snow here. It’s unlikely to come. Perhaps where you are it’s snowing, and you, like the man featured in this book, will marvel at God’s glory in the wondrous snowflake!

Picture Book: Snowflake Bentley

Author: Jacqueline Briggs Martin

Illustrator: Mary Azarian

Summary: In 19^th century Vermont, Wilson Bentley had a passion for snow. When he was given a microscope, Willie began looking at snowflakes and studying the ice crystals. He became fascinated and wished he could save them somehow to show others. He tried drawing their designs, but they always melted too quickly. Despite the high cost, at 17 Willie’s parents gave him a microscope with a camera. Painstakingly, Willie was able to successfully photograph the best examples of snowflakes and show them to others, sell them, or give them as gifts. 

Willie believed his knowledge was a gift to the world, but some neighbors and peers thought his work was a waste of time. Soon he began to understand the influences on and structure of snowflakes; then he realized that no two snowflakes are alike. Artists, designers, and professors began to be interested in his work. For 50 years, Willie shared his knowledge by giving presentations, and eventually, with financial support from scientists, created a book of his best photographs and acquired knowledge. Sadly, “Snowflake Bentley” died soon after the publication of this book, a book that is still read today. A monument and museum were eventually built in his memory.

Hanna’s Comments: I love the passion and perseverance of this individual! Wilson Bentley is a quiet hero of science who has truly given the world a beautiful gift. As faith communities nurture their children and youth, it behooves these communities to encourage the discovery of individual passions and explore ways in which each young person can benefit their world with ideas, skills, and enthusiasm. Willie’s faith in his vocation and the beauty and importance of his work, even though it was with a small and fleeting object, is inspiring. [Here] you'll find an 8-minute video about Wilson Bentley. You can easily find Bentley’s book on-line. It was reissued in 2000 and may be available in your local library. It would be a nice supplement to a lesson. You'll also find a few details and photos in the back of the book:

   

Original Publisher & Date: Houghton Mifflin, 1998

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

Formats other than Book: Audio

Scripture Connections: the charismatic passions of Elijah, John the Baptist, or Paul 

Idea(s) for Application: In addition to the other ideas that I’ve shared above, this book could be used as an exploration of our sacred individuality or the practice of contemplation.

Do You Have a Shimmery Trail?

Picture Book: Escargot

Author: Dashka Slater

Illustrator: Sydney Hanson 

Summary: Escargot, the snail who narrates and stars in this hilarious book, doesn’t mind you staring at him. 

He knows he is beautiful and he so wants to be your favorite animal.

A race with the reader to the salad (“with a few croutons and a light vinaigrette”) at the end of the book is the tres magnifique plot device,

along with some cleverly placed French phrases. 

The race is slow as Escargot confesses that he doesn’t like to hurry, but if he wants to, he can run like a cheetah, like the wind. 

Escargot knows that when he wins the race to the salad, he is sure to be the reader’s favorite animal, explaining that sadly “no one ever says their favorite animal is a snail.”

Along the way, Escargot encourages compliments, 

offers opportunities for kisses, 

and confesses his disdain for carrots. 

Escargot argues that snails are not slimy. Au contraire! The trails he makes are “shimmery trails of…shimmery stuff.” 

Then he asks, “Do you make a shimmery trail?” 

Escargot explains that he is “quite fierce!” This is the face he makes when confronted with wild lions, boars, or carrots that should not be in his salad. 

Then he asks for a fierce face from the reader.

When reader and snail arrive at the salad, Escargot declares that both are champions and suggests celebrating by eating the salad until...

 the carrots are discovered!

When the carrot doesn't respond to his fierce face, Escargot bargains with the reader to have some carrot too. Then he will try it. He takes a small bite.  

It is delicious! So delicious Escargot eats them all.

Escargot worries that he won't be the reader's favorite animal since he didn't share the carrots. 

C'est la vie, Escargot does not give up. Affirmations and kisses end the story as we finally see the human reader. 

Escargot announces the reader is HIS favorite animal and gives a kiss. Mwah!

Hanna’s Comments: By the end of this book, Escargot very well may be your favorite animal (character). A French accent was so prominent in my head as I silently read this delightful book. If you can, find someone who can pull that off when reading it to your audience for full effect and laughter. My theatrical son has a decent French accent so I loved his reading.

You might say, "Such a silly book could never offer anything for ministry." Au contraire! Besides the desire for loving relationship, which is at the heart of all faith families, you have here a flurry (make that a trickle-this is a snail after all) of affirmations. Affirming someone is a magnifique spiritual practice to teach any faith family. In the middle of this tale, you'll find this marvelous question: “Do you have a shimmery trail?”

Explore that idea with children or adults. Do you affect the world in a positive way? Even bigger, will your life help to bring forth the kind of world God desires? Have fun with those ideas. Want some more? check this out. 

Original Publisher & Date: Farrar Straus Giroux, 2017

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Abraham and his legacies are blessed to be a blessing (Genesis 12); Learn to do good; see justice; correct oppression; bring justice to the orphan; plead the widow’s cause (Isaiah 1:17); What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8)

Idea(s) for Application: Read Escargot’s story and then explore the spiritual practice of affirming others or the idea of leaving “a shimmery trail of shimmery stuff.” 

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 317

Picture Book: The Sneetches and Other Stories

Author & Illustrator: Dr. Seuss

Summary: The Star-Belly Sneetches brag about their stars and look down upon the Plain–Belly Sneetches, excluding them from games, parties, and feasts. Then Sylvester McMonkey McBean shows up with a contraption to put stars on the bellies of the Plain-Belly Sneetches for a low price of course. All pay the price and enter the machine. The Star-Bellied Sneetches react with concern that they may not know who has the natural star-bellies. Just in time McBean convinces them that “Belly stars are no longer in style,” and offers, for a price of course, to remove their stars. This pattern repeats until none of the Sneetches are quite sure how they started and all their money is spent. McBean departs with a laugh, “They never will learn.” However, the Sneetches do learn. They decide that “Sneetches are Sneetches. And no kind of Sneetch is the best.”

Hanna’s Comments: I didn’t dare try to summarize a Seuss book with clever rhyme although I was tempted. Many folks the world over would agree that Seuss was a genius of whimsical verse and manufactured words. Today is the birthday of the late Dr. Seuss, born Theodor Geisel, one of my heroes, so I’ll be offering his books all week. This story has much to offer children and adults in faith communities because it humorously offers some of our most frustrating human qualities: our tendency toward acquiring status, creating cliques, and jealousy. McBean, like so many humans, is ready to take advantage of our faults. He gets rich off the Sneetches, but the Sneetches do learn in the end. If only it was that easy for us humans.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Random House, 1961

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

# of Pages: 25

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet, There is a video of this story on Youtube.com and in the video collection Green Eggs and Ham and Other Stories (also includes The Zax and Too Many Daves). Random House has created a website full of Dr. Seuss activities and information. Here’s the link: www.seussville.com.

PBT Category: Classic

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: aspirations/dreams, beauty, belonging, change, competition, conformity, consumerism/consumption/riches, coveting/envy/jealousy, differences, exclusion/inclusion, humanity, identity/names, judgment/judges/judging, prejudice, pride, race relations/racism, religious differences, segregation, social justice, suspicion

Scripture Connections: You shall not covet anything that is your neighbor’s (Exodus 20:17); judge not, and you will not be judged (Luke 6:37); do not judge by appearances (John 7:24); so where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder (James 3:16)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this picture book or its video format in a program for adults or children that tackles issues such as status, exclusivity, division, or marginalization in response to our Holy Scriptures which direct us to refrain from judging 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 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.

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 296

Picture Book: Star Stuff: Carl Sagan and the Mysteries of the Cosmos

Author & Illustrator: Stephanie Roth Sisson

Summary: This story of astronomer Carl Sagan’s vocation and inspiration begins with his pivotal visit to the 1939 World’s Fair where he saw in an exhibit the possibilities of the “World of Tomorrow.” He became fascinated by the mysteries of space, and the stars in particular, which became the subject of his life’s work. Highlighted here is his work on these series of space explorer probes: the Mariner, the Voyager, and the Viking. His passion for teaching was made evident in his television show where he became famous and influenced future generations of astronomers. This story culminates in Dr. Sagan’s leadership in recording various versions of “hello” across Earth’s human languages, including some non-human animal sounds, for time capsules that were placed in the Voyager space crafts. These probes are still traveling through space with those messages.  

Hanna’s Comments: This story of a curious boy who never stopped wondering about space and the universe can be an inspiration for children who need more information from their faith than the inspiring poetry of the Holy Scriptures which is beautiful but not scientific. I believe God wants us to question the reasons for the ways of our universe and encourages our search for knowledge and creative approaches to science. I don’t see the poetry of the Psalms, for instance, as a contradiction to science. Instead I see those words as places to ground us in the beauty and mystery and then set us forth on journeys toward knowledge. Too often the tension between science and scripture is ignored in faith communities because it is difficult and uncomfortable subject matter. However, children do notice the contradictions and need to be guided as to how to reconcile the words they hear from the scriptures and the scientific lessons they learn in school. If their faith community doesn't guide them through these questions, they may later reject their faith.   

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Roaring Brook Press, 2014

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: Biography, Fresh off the Press

PBT Topics this Book connects with: abundance/bounty, America, aspirations/dreams, awe, beauty, call/calling/vocation, communication, contemplation, creation, creativity/imagination, ingenuity,  darkness/evening/night, discovery/invention, diversity, Earth/world, education/learning/school, the environment/nature, exploration, geography, heaven/sky, heroes, humanity, light/morning, mentors/teachers, mission, moon/space/stars/sun, mystery, passion, questioning/questions, searching, truth, wisdom, wonder

Scripture Connections: When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place (Psalm 8:3-4); and those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above (Daniel 12:3)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children in a faith community, private school, or homeschool situation when considering the issue of faith/scripture versus scientific inquiry. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 268

Picture Book: Snowflake Bentley

Author: Jacqueline Briggs Martin

Illustrator: Mary Azarian

Summary: In 19^th century Vermont, Wilson Bentley had a passion for snow. When he was given a microscope, Willie began looking at snowflakes and studying the ice crystals. He became fascinated and wished he could save them somehow to show others. He tried drawing their designs, but they always melted too quickly. Despite the high cost, at 17 Willie’s parents gave him a new invention, a microscope with a camera. Painstakingly, Willie was able to successfully photograph the best examples of snowflakes and show them to others, sell them, or give them as gifts. Willie believed his knowledge was a gift to the world, but some neighbors and peers thought his work was a waste of time. Soon he began to understand the influences on and structure of snowflakes; then he realized that no two snowflakes are alike. Artists, designers, and professors began to be interested in his work. For 50 years, Willie shared his knowledge by giving presentations, and eventually, with financial support from scientists, created a book of his best photographs and acquired knowledge. Sadly, “Snowflake Bentley” died soon after the publication of this book, a book that is still read today. A monument and museum were eventually built in his memory.

Hanna’s Comments: I love the passion and perseverance in this story! Wilson Bentley is a quiet hero of science who has truly given the world a beautiful gift. As faith communities nurture their children and youth, it behooves these communities to encourage the discovery of individual passions and explore ways in which each young person can benefit their world with ideas, skills, and enthusiasm. Willie’s faith in his vocation and the beauty and importance of his work, even though it was with a small and fleeting object, is inspiring.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Houghton Mifflin, 1998

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Audio book, There is an amateur video of this book being read on Youtube.com as well as an 8 minute video about Wilson Bentley.

PBT Category: Award Winner (Caldecott Medal), Biography, Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abundance/bounty, action, aspirations/dreams, attentiveness/observation/seeing, awe, beauty, call/calling/vocation, care of creation, challenges, commitment, creation, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, discovery/invention, diversity, the environment/nature, evangelism, gentleness/meekness, gifts/talents, God’s nature, gospel/good news, heroes, individuality/uniqueness, labor/work, mission, obstacles, parents/parental love, passion, patience, perseverance, perspective, pleasing God/the Shema, purpose, questioning/questions, sacrifice, satisfaction, secrets, sharing, snow, steadfastness, treasure, truth, variety, vision, water, weather, wonder

Scripture Connections: the charismatic passions of Elijah, John the Baptist, or Paul 

Idea(s) for Application: In addition to the other ideas that I’ve shared above, this book could be used as an exploration of the concept of contemplation.

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 215

Terrific Trio: Book 2

Picture Book: The Art of Miss Chew

Author & Illustrator: Patricia Polacco

Summary: After spending the summer with her artist grandmother, Patricia wants to be an artist. Back at school she enjoys her new teacher, Mr. Donovan, an immigrant from Ireland who loves to tell family stories. However, Patricia faces two struggles: there is very little opportunity for art at school and she is having trouble taking tests because she reads very slowly. Mr. Donovan gives her more time on tests which helps a great deal. After discovering her art, he refers her to the high school art teacher, Miss Chew, who has classes for younger students. Patricia is thrilled with Miss Chew’s instruction and asks to draw Mr. Donovan’s father, whose photograph is on his desk. A few weeks later, Mr. Donovan learns that his father in Ireland has died. He leaves for the funeral, and the substitute teacher doesn’t continue to give Patricia extra time on tests and insists the art lessons be discontinued. When Patricia tells Miss Chew about her slow reading, Miss Chew refers Patricia to a reading specialist who says that Patricia sees patterns rather than letters. When Mr. Donovan returns from Ireland, all is set right again. Meanwhile, Patricia’s first painting is of Mr. Donovan’s father; it is chosen for the high school art show. Mr. Donovan is brought to tears when he sees it. A defining moment occurs for Patricia as both teachers praise her talent, and she is even more determined to become an artist.

Hanna’s Comments: Be sure to read the blurb in the back where Polacca explains more about the influence of Miss Chew and her sadness that art is underfunded in schools. This is the 2^nd book in a PBT Terrific Trio by Polacco where she again tells the story of teachers’ life-changing influences on her.  

Publisher & Date of Publication: G. P. Putnam’s, 2012

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, acceptance, aspirations/dreams, attentiveness/observation/seeing, beginnings/morning, bonds/connections, call/calling/vocation, caring/tending, challenges, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, differences, difficulties, disabilities/handicaps/limitations, education/learning/school, encouragement, gifts/talents, God’s care/providence, gratitude/thanksgiving, heroes, image of God, individuality/uniqueness, intolerance, manna, mentors/teachers, relationships, rescue, respect

Scripture Connections: (See scriptures listed for Day 214); God gives skills to artists who use their skills for God’s purposes (Exodus 28:3; 31:2; 35:25); honor everyone (1 Peter 2:17)

Idea(s) for Application: What strikes me about this book is the way in which Polacca’s two teachers honored her uniqueness, whereas the substitute teacher did not. Read this story to children or youth and engage them in conversation about diversity in skills and people. Help them consider whether they tend to honor and encourage these or whether they criticize when someone is unique.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 143

Picture Book: Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table

Author: Jacqueline Briggs Martin

Illustrator: Eric-Shabazz Larkin

Summary: Farmer Will Allen, a former basketball star, “can see what others can’t see.” He sees every kid as a potential farmer and empty urban spaces as farms waiting to happen. His family heritage was a table overflowing with good food, mostly from the garden. After his sports career, Will began a crusade for improving the diets of urban families, believing that everyone had a right to good food. He bought abandoned greenhouses in a city lot in Milwaukee, WI, studied the science of farming, and taught others how to compost and grow food. Will’s “table” began to grow. He expanded his gardens, designed natural farm methods, and named his farm “Growing Power.” Eventually Will began traveling all over the world to inspire and teach others to use their urban spaces and expand their own growing tables. Will’s farm has thousands of visitors each year. He hopes that someday, “city farms are as common as street lights, and every table is covered with good food.”

Hanna’s Comments: Will Allen’s passion is big, as is his desire to teach and change the world’s table. Consider offering some locally grown fruits and vegetables when you read this book to your audience. While preparing, be sure to read the Afterward by Will Allen and the Note from the Author. Good food and opportunities for feasting are delightful aspects of God’s blessings. Be sure to recognize and celebrate them in your faith community.

Original Publisher & Date: Readers to Eaters Books, 2013

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at Present

Formats other than Book: None at present, There are videos on YouTube of Will Allen talking about urban farming.

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abundance/bounty, action, aspirations/dreams, attentiveness/observation/seeing, blessings, body of Christ, call/calling/vocation, caring/tending, confidence, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, dependence/interdependence, Earth/world, the environment/nature, feasting/food/hunger/nutrition, gardening/planting/pruning/sowing, generosity/giving/offering/stewardship, gifts/giftedness/talents, God’s will, goodness, harvest, helping, heroes, image of God, jubilee, justice, leadership/servant leadership, land/mountains/soil, manna, mentors/teachers, mission, nurturing, outreach, participation, passion, pleasing God/the Shema, power, prophesy/prophets, purpose, renewal/restoration, satisfaction, servant hood/service/serving, sharing, sports/sports stars, at table, transformation, treasure, unity, variety, vision, wisdom

Scripture Connections: For I was hungry and you gave me food (Matthew 25:35); I came that they may have abundant life (John 10:10); Peter’s Dream (Acts 10)

Idea(s) for Application: In a religious setting, this book would be an excellent addition to a lesson on creative answers to justice inequities. In a home school/private school where you can share your faith, read this book in a science lesson.  Incorporate the botany that is offered in this book along with the concept of God's desire for us to have abundant life.