Not Just for Goodnights

I tend to disregard books about bedtime since I imagine most of the PBT applications happening at church, far away from homes and beds. But bedtime is about security and love, both very godly concepts! This fun picture book classic offers such an appealing story! It will connect to many important (perhaps surprising) biblical stories and ideas. 

At the end of this post, I give you links to other PBT classic picture books! There are many! 

Picture Book: Good Night, Gorilla

Author & Illustrator: Peggy Rathmann

Summary: A male zookeeper begins his loving nightly ritual by saying good night to a series of animals. At the first interaction, his cage keys are lifted from his pocket by a smiling gorilla. The gorilla opens its own and others' cages as the the sleepy zookeeper moves toward the exit and his nearby home. At his front door, you can see a long line of animal friends that he has not noticed! 

All pile into his bedroom where the zookeeper's wife is sleeping and the zookeeper is oblivious. Even the gorilla is ready for sleep so it snuggles in next to her. Dark double-page spreads follow with speech bubbles of goodnights and then only her wide eyes. 

She quietly leads them back to their home cages. Nearly home again, she says good night to the zoo, but alas, gorilla and mouse are just behind her. Gorilla looks at the reader, finger to mouth, and shushes. The sleepy humans bid each other good night again, while gorilla and mouse find their places under the covers between the humans. 

Hanna’s Comments:  There are few words here so point to and explain aspects of the story as it unfolds in the illustrations. Be sure to mention the little mouse who is an important character and on every page! It drags a banana which isn't eaten until the end. Focus on the behavior of all the characters. They are so happy, likely because they are loved so well! The evidence is the toys in their cages and the humans' loving interactions with the animals.

Original Publisher: Putnam’s, 1994

Age Appropriateness: Infant and up

Amazingly, this book is sometimes called a “baby book.” Not so! Sure, babies can enjoy it if you point to animals and tell the story, but there is much love and joy in this book so preschoolers and elementary ages will enjoy it also! It does come in board book form, BUT those are hard to read to a group!

Formats other than Book: Tablet & Audio

Scripture Connections: This story can be easily connected to scripture in these ways (more follow in the next section): God in early Genesis and beyond, who is a caretaker of each species, Noah’s ark animals who must trust Noah’s entire family for their caretaking, Disciples who followed Jesus because they felt a loving connection (not only “the 12”), The Great Commandment to love others/neighbors, rituals (With the zookeeper's excellent example, teach the importance of godly rituals at church and elsewhere.)

Connections to The Revised Common Lectionary: In my Trinity Treasures preschool curriculum, I list this book in 2 lessons: Year A, Pentecost 10 – All are Welcome (at church, which is like a loving home) AND Year C, Easter 3 – Paul and Ananias (God sends Paul to Ananias’ loving home where Ananias becomes a sort of caretaker for a time.)

PBT Applications: Read this book at a church sleep over, emphasizing that church is a sort of home where people may be lured and welcomed with love. With older audiences, talk about what it takes for us to feel comfortable and secure. Give thanks for those who offer such environments for us. Talk about what your church can do to encourage security and comfort for strangers, visitors, and others. Equate this orientation to God's Great Commandment. 

Here are links to some other PBT posts about classic picture books! Many are from my first year in which I posted a book everyday! The last 3 are the beginning of a PBT post series called Picture Book Classics: 

The Little Engine that Could

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

Strega Nona

Corduroy

The Missing Piece

The PBT Series so far:

The Big Orange Splot

The Carrot Seed

The Happy Owls

Let me know if you think of other books I should post about!

from the late Rachel Held Evans

 

Want more about this beloved writer? See the previous PBT post, including website link.

Picture Book: What is God Like?

Author: Rachel Held Evans & Matthew Paul Turner

Illustrator: Ying Hui Tan

Forward: Daniel Jonce Evans (Evan’s husband who gives context to her beginning this book & explains the couple’s relationship to Turner.)

Summary: This daring book begins with an acknowledgement that the title is a very big question. It explains that no one has seen “all of God,” but “we can know what God is like.” At the book’s end, it says all people have been asking the title question throughout time. The reader is encouraged to keep wondering and learning. It ends profoundly and assuredly: 

But whenever you aren’t sure what God is like, think about what makes you feel safe, what makes you feel brave, and what makes you feel loved. That’s what God is like.

Hanna’s Comments:  The bulk of these pages are similes (what God is like) and metaphors (“God is…” statements). The illustrations of young children shouldn't limit the age of your audience. For an older or mixed-age audience, such as a whole congregation, simply read the text without showing the book. Besides the compelling and rich text, I especially appreciate the beauty & diversity of Tan's images.

Original Publisher & Date: Convergent, 2021

Age Appropriateness: Preschool & up

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Scripture ties will be driven by the specific images for God you choose to explore. Many tie directly to familiar scriptures. Here are just a few of the 14 images I found: God is like… an eagle, a fort, a rainbow, the stars, a mother, a father, a candle flame, an artist, a shepherd...

PBT Applications: There is a lot of text here. Read it entirely if to a group older than preschool age. This will easily start a faith conversation. For preschoolers, a few select pages will do. If you want to dig into some specifics, pass out several books and have small groups choose which images and words they respond to most.

Psalms for All Ages #4

This morning I read the following quote in Phileena Heuertz beautiful book Pilgrimage of the Soul, which is about her sabbatical that included a hike on the ancient pilgrim path The Camino de Santiago: 

Like a good shepherd with her not-so-intelligent sheep, God knew my need before I did. The essence of the spiritual journey is so evident in [Psalm 23]. 

So, I’m reposting one of my favorite posts of these 5 years at PBT. You’ll see why...

Four books are featured today! All of them have as their text the 23^rd Psalm. The language is traditional except for the book for preschoolers (listed first below). First I show you a sample of illustrations from all 4 books. Then I give you some details for each book. Applications in ministry are obvious. Consider presenting 2 books and having your audience (adults or children) talk about which illustrations most appeal to them and why. Then connect their ideas to personal spiritual growth.

The Lord is my shepherd.

I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

He restores my soul.

He leads in paths of righteousness for His name sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me.

Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil.

My cup runs over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me 

all the days of my life.

And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord 

forever. 

Here are the 4 books!

Picture Book: Found: Psalm 23

Adaptation: Sally Lloyd-Jones

Illustrator: Jago

Hanna’s Comments: This book for preschoolers is pulled from The Jesus Storybook Bible. If yours is not the Christian tradition, do consider this book about Psalm 23. The Jesus Storybook Bible does refer to Jesus, but this beautiful book does not. Its text is a simple paraphrase of the 23^rd Psalm.

Original Publisher & Date: Zonderkidz, 2017

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Picture Book: Psalm Twenty-Three

Illustrator: Tim Ladwig

Hanna’s Comments: The preface of this book explains that the illustrations are of urban America and highlight a "black family living among urban dangers." A stained glass window of Jesus is a crucial part of the visual story.   

Original Publisher & Date: Eerdmans, 1993

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Picture Book: Psalm 23

Illustrator: Richard Jesse Watson

Hanna’s Comments: These illustrations are more magical and dramatic than the others which will appeal to some in your audience. The images are all of children or a lamb. It uses “thy” and “thou” and has "th" endings on some of the verbs (He maketh me to lie down…).

Original Publisher & Date: Zonderkidz, 2013

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet 

Picture Book: Psalm 23

Illustrator: Barry Moser

Hanna’s Comments: Zonderkidz, 2008

Original Publisher & Date: This is my favorite version for older children for it shows the meaning of these words in a context closest to the original psalm. The illustrator explains that his images are inspired by travels in the Caribbean. Here you have a shepherd boy as an image of God as well as other traditional images of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit such as doves, butterflies and a pelican. Have your audience find them.

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

December Holiday Books #1 and #2

Advent is almost here so I’m going back to my simple format from my first year at PBT. That will allow me to feature more December holiday books. These two are a lesson in contrasts. One is brand new – my favorite discovery this season so far! One has been around for a while and was a recommendation from a webinar listener. Thanks for that! I’m sorry I didn’t catch your name. 

Here they are…

Picture Book: A Savior is Born:                                                                              Rocks Tell the Story of Christmas

Author & Photographer: Patti Rokus

Summary: This book will delight and amaze your audience! Rokus has managed to artistically explore the story of Jesus’ birth in rock collage, pairing each creation with a familiar scripture. In the video mentioned below, she says she found all the rocks on one hiking excursion! There is something about these faceless images direct from our Earth that gloriously speaks the Truth of these stories within the one great Story of Christmas. You may never look at rocks the same way again. Look for me to feature her Easter book come spring.

Hanna’s Comments: As is true for most PBT books, this jewel could be enjoyed by any age group because the art is stunning and so unusual. For very young children, you may want to focus on only a few double page spreads.

Original Publisher & Date: Zondervan, 2018

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Check out the 2 informative videos on the Amazon page. Fabulous!

Scripture Connections: Scriptures make up the text of this book.

Idea(s) for Application: Share this book with a group of children and offer a variety of rocks so that they too may create images that correspond to Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany stories.

Note: You may find this book with a different cover. 

Picture Book: Room for Little One: A Christmas Tale

Author: Martin Waddell

Illustrator: Jason Cockcroft

Summary: There are many picture books that cleverly have Jesus' birth told from animals' points of view. This one is special in that a series of animals offer invitations, share the warmth and comfort of the stable, accommodate differences, and even cuddle beside a species that might be thought of as an enemy. After each invitation, you find the sentence: There's always room for a little one here. Old Dog is welcomed by Kind Ox who later invites Stray Cat. Small Mouse is encouraged to come in by Stray Cat. Despite her fears, she enters. When Tired Donkey needs a place for Mary and Joseph, Kind Ox again offers hospitality so that Jesus, a little one so vulnerable, is born among selfless animals and loving parents. Beautiful!

Hanna’s Comments: This book may be written for young children, but the heart of the message is for us all. Will we make room for the message of Christmas amidst the chaos of the holiday? Will allow inside those we disagree with? Those who are very different from us? Those who make us uncomfortable? Even our enemies? These are burning questions for many in the world today and they relate to the themes of Luke's gospel message. For some fun, ask your audience to think about which character they most identify with and what kind of animal (or who in their lives) would they have the most difficulty inviting and accommodating. Invite those who will to share. You might be surprised at how profound their personal reflections are. I suspect we all imagine ourselves peering into that manger. Complicate those imaginings this year with this challenging story of hospitality and accommodation.

Original Publisher & Date: McElderry, 2004

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

Formats other than Book: Audio Cassette

Scripture Connections: Luke 2:1-7

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of adults and then encourage them to go into their neighborhood and invite all they meet to your Christmas Eve service. 

Psalms for All Ages #3

So how do you use this board book with adults? I’ll tell you in my comments below.

Picture Book: You Are With Me:                                                                           Prayers for Every Part of the Day

Illustrator: Birgit Antoni 

Summary: In this little board book, milestones of a typical day are given spiritual significance as they are attached to verses from the Psalms. Here is a sampling: As we wake, we view God as a guide throughout the progress of our day, for God is our light and salvation.

A plea for safety for when we leave home comes from a verse about God being our refuge.

Lunch provides an opportunity for giving thanks for all of the Lord's good things.  

Singing, making music, and being creative in other ways, reminds us that we are grounded when we praise God our whole life long.

We hurt on the inside or outside, God heals the brokenhearted and wounded.   

As the day ends with bedtime rituals, a psalm of peace and gratitude helps us settle into the kind of safety in sleep that only God can give.

Hanna’s Comments: This little treasure of a book emphasizes that God is with us throughout our daily routines no matter the setting, circumstances, or our emotions. To use this book with an older audience, including teens and adults, simply access the text. The collection of Psalm verses are applicable to situations throughout the human condition. Encourage your audience to consider at what time in the day they are most in need of these verses. OR Have them share when these verses have been particularly meaningful to them. OR Offer a prayer practice (such as a breath prayer), to pair with each verse. If the masculine pronouns for God bother you, simply change the text for more inclusive language. If you’re reading the book aloud, use sticky notes to help you do this.

Original Publisher & Date: Sparkhouse, 2017

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Nine familiar Psalm verses are in the pages of this book.

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children of God (any age) and talk about how these verses from The Psalms can help us be more resilient, ground us in our faith, and grow spiritually.

PBT Redux #25 – Our Tree Named Steve

Here's one of my favorite books from that first year of PBT when I featured a book a day. If for adults, just read it and hear them make easy connections to scripture and their personal spirituality. If for children or teens, you might need to coax a little. Like many of the other 364 PBT books that year, this book is full of inspiring illustrations. These are especially funny!

Picture Book: Our Tree Named Steve
Author: Alan Zweibel 
Illustrator: David Catrow 
Summary: A father writes his children a letter in which he celebrates all the gifts that have been given to them by Steve, the large, unusual tree near their home. Steve (how the youngest child said "tree") has become an important part of their family history: playmate, shelter, place of important milestones. Dad explains that the tree was knocked down by a storm but has been transformed into a tree house in another tree in their yard and will continue to nurture & protect them. 
Hanna’s Comments: This comical tale has such rich symbolic undercurrents and is full of potential for ties to scripture and spiritual transformation. You'll easily elicit conversations about important elements of family life such as play, ritual, protection, & sacrifice. Tie these to all that is holy at church and in nature. Allusions to Jesus' sacrifice are here as well as Steve as a symbol of God who is ever-present, ever-nurturing, and ever-loving.
Publisher & Date of Publication: Puffin, 2005
Age and Grade Appropriateness: 5 and up, K and up
Formats other than Book: None at present
Scripture Connections: God’s presence with us, giving us rest (Exodus 33:14), God’s plans for our welfare & future (Jeremiah 29:11), Jesus’ sacrifice (John 3:16), I am with you always (Matthew 28:20); Zacchaeus in the tree (Luke 19:1-10); Like the father here, Paul wrote letters to convey the meaning of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. 
Idea(s) for Application: Consider reading this book at an Arbor Day Celebration, a faith family festival, a family reunion, or in a church Sunday school class during Lent. 

PBT Favorite Posts #5

Picture Book: Jabari Jumps

Author & Illustrator: Gaia Cornwall
Summary: It's summer and Jabari is a self-confessed "great jumper." After situating his suit and goggles, Jabari is determined to jump off the diving board this year. 

His dad is surprised. 

After swim lessons and a test, Jabari says he isn't afraid.

He watches the jumpers from the sidelines, noticing their techniques, and declares that it "looks easy," but Dad's hand feels awfully good. 

The ladder is a bit daunting,

and the crowd is more ready than he. Jabari urges them to go ahead of him so he can practice his special jump. When Jabari stalls half-way up the ladder, his dad asks if he's ok. Jabari says he just needs a rest. Dad urges him to come on down. Jabari does.

Then Jabari remembers his stretches - very important! 

When Jabari suggests that tomorrow might be a better day, his father confesses that he too is afraid sometimes, explaining that scared feelings sometimes turn into surprise feelings. Jabari loves surprises! That's when Jabari breathes deeply and does some self-talk: "I'm ready." So Jabari takes that deep breath... 

 

climbs the ladder...

walks to the edge... 

and feels ready for the surprise, not so afraid anymore.

Jabari takes another deep breath and jumps. 

 After flying, he hits the water, goes down, down, and down and then... 

and up again!

Everyone celebrates Jabari's courage! 

He's ready to go again, this time with that special jump - "a double backflip!"

Hanna’s Comments: This book offers great connections to our many scriptures about courage. Don’t let the age and cuteness factor of Jabari limit you. Sure this book is great for little ones, but Jabari can be an inspiration to us all. Adults struggle with courage and can relate to jumping off a literal or figurative diving board. The metaphors of faith and our belief in God’s (or Jesus’ presence) are evident in this story. Acts that are our next steps in faith are Jabari's slow journey to the end of the diving board. Jabari's father is an obvious image of God (or Jesus) and a role-model to those wanting to be encouraging parents. Breath is a particularly important aspect of the strategy Jabari’s father gives him to face his fears and be ready for the joys such courage can bring. Remind your audience that breath can signify God (or the Holy Spirit) and holy inspiration. I've been doing more centering prayer lately. Perhaps you do yoga. Breath is an integral aspect to such grounding practices so we can courageously jump with faith into the delights that will follow.

If it's not summertime, you might consider Chicken Chickens by Valeri Gorbachev. It is about twin chicks who enter a chaotic playground for the first time. They are welcomed well and eased into going down the slide. 

Original Publisher & Date: Candlewick Press, 2017

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Be strong and courageous. Don’t be terrified…for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go (Deuteronomy 31:6 & Joshua 1:9); Where shall I go from your Spirit? Where shall I flee you’re your presence? (Psalm 139:7); When you pass through the waters, I will be with you (Isaiah 43:2); You will seek me and fine me, when you seek me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:13); I am with you always (Matthew 28:20); 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 children who are going to church camp for the first time. Relate this story to their courage when swimming but also to other activities that will be new or require risk. Emphasize the comfort that God’s (or Jesus’) presence offers. For a class on parenting, emphasize the role Jabari’s dad plays in letting him be courageous while tooling him with strategies and confidence.