A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 364

Dynamic Duo: Book 2

Picture Book: The Boy Who Changed the World     

Author: Andy Andrews

Illustrator: Philip Hurst

Summary: Nobel laureate, Norman Borlaug, saved the lives of more than two billion people when he developed seeds that grew into super plants that were more hearty and potent. His fascination with agriculture began when he was a young boy in Iowa. In reverse chronology, three other individuals are highlighted here because their influences greatly affected Borlaug’s work. Henry Wallace was the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture who asked Borlaug to do his research with seeds. George Washington Carver, well known plant pioneer, was a student of Henry Wallace’s father. While in school, Carver, roamed the fields and forests of Iowa with young Henry, teaching him about plants. Moses Carver, the adoptive father to the famous scientist, saved young George from the raid in which George’s biological parents were killed. The book ends by explaining the Butterfly Effect.

Hanna’s Comments: My summary above is somewhat dry and confusing. In contrast, the author deftly connects these 4 men in a way that makes the point repeatedly that daily choices can make a positive difference in the world, even the choices that kids make. Note that this book has been published with 2 titles: The Boy Who… and The Kid Who….  This picture book is based on the author’s popular book for adults, The Butterfly Effect.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2010

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet, I could find no video of this book. On Youtube.com, there is a quick promo about the book done by the author. You will also find a short video about 7 children who changed the world. Here’s that link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpm5uNpideo  

PBT Category: Biography, Non-fiction, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book connects with: abilities, America, children, beginnings/morning, bonds/connections, call/calling/vocation, choices/decision, communication, consequences/punishment, creation, dependence/interdependence, discovery/invention, eggs/seeds, encouragement, the environment/nature, feasting/food/hunger/nutrition, gardening/planting/pruning/sowing, gifts/talents, harvest, heroes, labor/work, leadership/servant leadership, legacies, mentors/teachers, nurturing, power, relationships, wisdom

Scripture Connections: Be transformed by the renewal of your mind so that you may discern the will of God (Romans 12:2b); having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them (Romans 12:6); whatever is true, whatever is honorable… think on these things (Philippians 4:8-9); encourage one another and build one another up (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children in your faith family who are learning about how their choices can influence the world in positive ways. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 362

Picture Book: Me and Dog

Author: Gene Weingarten

Illustrator: Eric Shansby

Summary: Sid is just an ordinary kid with an ordinary dog, Murphy, who loves him, perhaps too much. Sid suspects that Murphy believes him to be the absolute ruler of the world. When things go badly, Murphy thinks it must be his fault. Happy times mean Murphy is being good. Sid declares,” It isn’t true! The world is large. And I’m a kid. I’m not in charge!” The fact that Murphy so often begs is also bothersome to Sid because he knows he gives Murphy everything he needs. Sid wonders if Murphy would be so good if he understood that Sid is not in charge of everything. Would he be more fearful? Less friendly or cheerful? Sid realizes things are pretty right the way they are so he pleads, “Let’s not tell him… ‘cause I love him and he loves me.”

Hanna’s Comments: Besides the thought-provoking questions that this picture book encourages, its clever rhymed verse and illustrations are extraordinary! Eventually guide your audience to think beyond these characters to human relationships with God and approaches to prayer. How do your listeners respond to God when bad things or good things happen? Notice the conclusion is about a loving relationship. Let love be the framework for the big questions and personal examples. Don’t feel as if you must have all the answers. Children are more comfortable with mystery than you may suspect. The points here are to enjoy this story, linger on the privilege of being loved by pets, and ask the big questions such as those about human relationships with God and the purposes of prayer.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Simon and Schuster, 2014

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

# of Pages: 48

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press  

PBT Topics this Book connects with: animals, awe, blessings, companionship, consequences/punishment, dependence/interdependence, God’s nature, goodness, grace, guilt, humanity, idolatry, love, manna, perspective, pets, pleasing God/the Shema, prayer, questions/questioning, relationships, righteousness, sin, truth

Scripture Connections: Love the Lord your God… (Deuteronomy 6:5 & Luke 10:27); love is patient and kind (1 Corinthians 13:4); let all you do be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:14);

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children when talking about issues of who or what we worship, how we view God in the context of good and bad happenings, or various approaches to prayer.  

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 361

Picture Book: A Day’s Work

Author: Eve Bunting

Illustrator: Ronald Himler

Summary: Francisco is a young boy whose grandfather has just arrived from Mexico and speaks no English. It’s Saturday, so grandson and grandfather go to be day laborers. When a man needs one laborer to do some gardening, Francisco convinces him to take them both and tells him that his grandfather is an experienced gardener which is not true. They are given brief instructions on-site to weed a large area, being sure to pull the roots. Then they are left alone. At the end of the day, the employer arrives and is furious that they have pulled the wrong plants. When the grandfather realizes that Francisco lied, he says they will return the next day for free to plant the correct plants. When offered partial payment, the grandfather refuses, saying they will take payment when the job is done. The employer is impressed by the grandfather’s work ethic and says he will hire him again and teach him gardening. Francisco is relieved that more money will be coming into their home.   

Hanna’s Comments: There are several aspects of this story that I think are particularly valuable. One is the context of day laboring which is a very real facet of many cultures that remains hidden to most children. Francisco’s love and pride in his grandfather and his desire to be a working man himself are poignant and realistic. Lastly, there is a struggle for basic needs that is an underlying theme here. Francisco is hoping that they will make enough to have meat for dinner and his grandfather’s presence will make a significant difference in his family’s income. You might want to also consider with your listeners the symbolic meaning of the concept of roots in this story and how it connects with religious values.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Clarion Books, 1994

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Audio

PBT Category: Pre 2K 

PBT Topics this Book connects with: affirmation, aliens/immigrants/refugees/strangers, ancestors/patriarchs & matriarchs, babies/children, commitment, communication, consequences/punishment, dependence/interdependence, deception/dishonesty/lies, ethics, family, gardening/planting/pruning/sowing, goodness, grace, grandparents, labor/work, language/literacy/reading, legacies, Mexico, North America, partners/teamwork, poverty, pride, sin, truth  

Scripture Connections: The story of Ruth and Naomi (the book of Ruth); commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established (Proverbs 16:3); train children in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6); blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord…like a tree that sends out roots by the stream… (Jeremiah 17-7-8); you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend (Ephesians 3:17); walk in Christ, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith as you were taught (Colossians 2:6-7); do not lie to one another (Colossians 3:9); work heartily, as for the Lord (Colossians 3:23)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children who are learning about integrity in poverty or hard labor, the commandment to not lie, and/or how values are passed on from generation to generation. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 322

Picture Book: Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories

Author & Illustrator: Dr. Seuss

Summary: This story begins with a group of turtles living near a pond. King Yertle the Turtle becomes quite unsatisfied as he sits on his stone perch. If he could sit higher, he would better see all that he ruled. So he commands that 9 of his turtles create a tower throne for him to sit on. After climbing atop them and seeing further, Yertle believes that he is king of all that he can see. When Mack, the turtle on the bottom, complains, Yertle shushes him and commands a tower of 100 turtles. Atop all those turtles, Yertle again claims to be the king of all he sees. He is King of the Air and King of the Trees among other things far and wide. Mack complains again, explaining that he and his fellow turtles are hurting and hungry. He warns that their shells might crack and asserts that turtles should have rights. Yertle shushes Mack again and then sees the moon rise. A thing that is higher than Yertle won’t do so he demands a tower of thousands of turtles. Mack gets angry and lets out a burp which knocks Yertle off his perch and into the mud. And there he stays, King only of the Mud. Seuss wraps up this fable in this way: “…the turtles are free. As turtles, and maybe all creatures, should be.”

Hanna’s Comments: The 3 stories in this collection are about greed, vanity, and pride, which are some of the 7 Deadly Sins listed in Proverbs 6:16-19. This story could be about greed or pride. Whenever you talk with children about vices, it is important to offer them details about how they should think and live instead. Don’t assume they know. For this book, you should spend some time on the concept of humility which is often confusing and crops up often in our Holy Scriptures. My concept of humility is not about being powerless, passive, or put upon. Instead it is about knowing my place where God is concerned. I’m not in charge, thankfully. And I’m no better than anyone else. Children will understand this. Then talk about what being humble looks like. Be specific. Describe circumstances that your children will likely experience and find examples in your faith community, perhaps those who are servant leaders. 

Publisher & Date of Publication: Random House, 1950

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

# of Pages: 96

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: Tablet, audio, There is a video on youtube.com. 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: abuse/abuse of power, bullying/martyrs/persecution/oppression, civil rights, consequences/punishment, cruelty, dependence/interdependence, freedom, greed/selfishness, humility, injustice, power, pride, victims

Scripture Connections: When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom (Proverbs 11:2); everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord (Proverbs 16:5); those who exalt themselves will be humbled… (Luke 14:11); God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book in a lesson for children on pride or greed. 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 320

Picture Book: The Lorax

Author & Illustrator: Dr. Seuss

Summary: This ecological story begins with a boy wandering onto The Street of the Lifted Lorax. The boy wonders, "What was the Lorax? Why was it lifted?" The old Once-ler who lives nearby knows. Back when the grass was green and the sky was clean, the beautiful Truffula Trees grew. When the Once-ler arrived, he was thrilled by the trees. They met all of his needs for making his Thneeds. When the first tree was chopped down, a creature crawled out of the Truffula’s trunk claiming he was the Lorax who spoke for the trees. The Lorax begged the Once-ler not to cut down any more trees, but the Once-ler ignored him. The trees came down swiftly, and the animals departed. The Once-ler responded to the Lorax, “Business is business! And Business must grow.” The Lorax returned to complain about the smog and polluted pond just as the last Truffula tree fell. The Lorax lifted himself into the sky and departed, but not before leaving behind a pile of stones on which he had written, “Unless.” "What does it mean?" the boy asks. The Once-ler responds, “Unless someone like you cares an awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” Then he gives the boy the last Truffula seed and urges him to plant it and protect it. Perhaps the Lorax and the animals will come back.

Hanna’s Comments: When unpacking this story with children, you’ll need to help them understand how this book does and does not reflect your present reality. Steer the conversation away from a simplified view. Yes, there are people who do terrible damage to the environment in order to sell a product, but there are some safeguards in place that often work.  People do need jobs and products. Consider alternate ways the Once-ler might have begun his business, ways that were more sustainable and respectful to the environment. Then talk about how God created humans to solve problems not create them, although too often it seems that problems are inevitable. Talk about your audience’s role in protecting and improving your environment now and in the future. You might even want to get into the difficult subject of humans having dominion over the other creatures as specified in Genesis. Please note the length of this book.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Random House, 1971

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

# of Pages: 72

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Audio, A video is available on Youtube.com and there is a feature length animated version that I would recommend. Also, 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: abundance/bounty, abuse/abuse of power, action, beauty, brokenness, care of creation, change, choices/decisions, consequences, consumerism/consumption/riches, creation, death, eggs/seeds, the environment/nature, flowers/leaves/trees, greed/selfishness, guilt, harvest, hope, humanity, mistakes, money, pollution, power, protecting/protection, reverence, sacrifice, sin

Scripture Connections: God created the earth and its creatures. Humans were made in God’s image and were given dominion over the other creatures (Genesis 1:24-26); ask the beasts, and they will teach you (Job 12:7)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children who are concerned about how humans are negatively affecting God’s creation. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 198

Picture Book: Fu Finds the Way

Author & Illustrator: John Rocco

Summary: Fu is an inattentive and apathetic Chinese boy. While planting rice, he imagines himself battling dragons. His father tells him to re-plant the crooked rows and exhorts him to care more because that is ”the way.” Fu’s anger and impulsivity causes him to insult a Chinese warrior who then challenges Fu to a duel the next morning. Frantic, Fu grabs his father’s sword and goes to the Master, but he is confused by the Master’s methods. Instead of teaching Fu how to battle, he teaches him how to serve tea. The instructive tea ceremony is slow-paced, repetitive, and leads Fu into imaginative dreams that teach him to have purpose, flow, and patience. When morning comes, Fu grabs the tea set rather than the sword, meets the warrior, and serves him tea. The warrior is so moved by the beauty of Fu’s tea ceremony that he does not want to fight. Instead he says, “You have the way.”

Hanna’s Comments: This book reminds me of the movie, Karate Kid except for its setting and pace. Fu has only an evening to prepare for his confrontation. His anxiety lessens as he allows the Master to help him become more contemplative and fully present in the moment. This is a good lesson for all of us, particularly when caught up in the fast-pace of modern life or the inner world of our imaginations. Neither allows for self-contemplation and being fully present with others in our community who need us. I was also struck with the use of the phrase, “the way.” Early on, Christianity was referred to as “The Way.” Early Christians were “People of the Way.” Consider finding the connections between the 3 goals of the Master’s teaching (to acquire purpose, flow, and patience) and the ways of early Christians. See the Author’s Note for the inspiration for this book.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Hyperion Books, 2009

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, anxiety/worry, Asia, bravery/courage, challenges, commitment, conflict, consequences/punishment, disputes/fighting/opposition, doubt, drink/thirst, education/learning/school, encouragement, fear, gentleness/meekness, humility, mentors/teachers, mistakes, non-violence/peaceful resistance, pacifism/peace/peacemakers, patience, power, preparation, presence, pride, purpose, quiet/silence, reverence, risking, safety, at table, transformation, underdogs, waiting, water, wisdom

Scripture Connections: David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17:1-58)

Idea(s) for Application: Consider reading this book to a group of older kids when you are presenting a lesson on David and Goliath. Then talk about how David might have acted differently. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 187

Picture Book: Strega Nona

Author & Illustrator: Tomie dePaola

Summary: Everyone goes to Strega Nona for cures and magic. She is getting old enough to need some help to keep her house and yard so she hires Big Anthony and warns him to never touch her magic pasta pot. He overhears her spell song that gets the pot producing pasta, but he doesn’t notice the 3 kisses necessary to stop the pot. When Strega Nona is away, Big Anthony can’t resist the temptation and sings the pasta pot spell. He invites the townspeople to come join him for pasta. They do, and when all have eaten, Big Anthony tries to stop the pot to no avail. Just as the town is about to drown in pasta, Strega Nona comes back. She blows the 3 kisses, the pot stops making pasta, and punishes Big Anthony by telling him to start eating.  

Hanna’s Comments: “Strega Nona” means Grandma Witch, but this witch isn’t a bit evil. In fact, she’s pretty merciful to Big Anthony and gives him a punishment that fits the crime. This is a funny tale all about temptation and gluttony which is a wonderful book to read to children in faith communities where good behavior is important.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Simon & Schuster, 1975

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Yes and there is a video of this version in the collection below

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Audio CD, Videos, both the English and Spanish versions, are in the collection: Strega Nona & More Stories about Magic.

PBT Category: Award Winner, Classic

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: consequences/punishment, disaster, deception/dishonesty/lies, disobedience/obedience, evil, feasting/food/hunger/nutrition, greed/selfishness, listening, mistakes, rescue, resisting evil, saving/savior, secrets, self-control, sin, temptations, trust

Scripture Connections: Be not among gluttonous eaters (Proverbs 23: 20-21); watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation (Matthew 26:41); their god is their belly and they glory in their shame (Philippians 3:19); the testing of your faith produces steadfastness (James 1:3)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to children when talking about the difficulties of temptation and/or gluttony.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 170

Picture Book: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Author: Judith Viorst

Illustrator: Ray Cruz

Summary: Waking up with gum in his hair is the first of a series of bad things that happens to Alexander. He quickly declares it a “terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.” As the unfortunate events pile on, he pronounces several times that he intends to move to Australia. When he complains to his family, no one even comments, but at the end of the day as his mom is saying good night, he says again what kind of day he is having. She tells him that “some days are just like that. Even in Australia (sic).”

Hanna’s Comments: I thought it would be fun to highlight this book just as the feature film comes out this week. At this time I’ve seen only the previews, but it looks like they have recruited some great actors for this very funny, much-loved children’s story. The writers of the screenplay would have added a great deal of material. Hopefully they have stayed true to the humor and delight of the original. Why do we love this tale so? I believe this is because we’ve all had this kind of day. Reading this story again through my PBT lenses, I thought of the many laments in the Holy Scriptures. It is very human to suffer, and it is very healthy to complain about that suffering and want sympathy and an escape, especially to a place as wonderful as Australia.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Simon & Schuster, 1972

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Audible, CD, video on Youtube.com, A live-action feature length film is released in the USA this week.

PBT Category: Classic

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: anger, authenticity, brokenness, challenges, communication, confession, consequences/punishment, coveting/envy/jealousy, depression/despair/sadness/sorrow, difficulties, disappointment, emotions/feelings, grace, humanity, humility, injustice, judgment/judges/judging, lamentations, loneliness, mistakes, patience, perseverance, perspective, prayer, victims

Scripture Connections:  A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping.  Rachel is weeping for her children (Jeremiah 31:15); for these things I weep (Lamentations 1:16a)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book when talking with children about different types of prayers. Point out how Alexander’s complaints are similar in tone to the laments in our Holy Scriptures and perfectly appropriate to bring to God in prayer.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 121

Picture Book: The Lion and the Mouse

Author & Illustrator: Jerry Pinkney

Summary: In this traditional Aesop fable, Jerry Pinkney’s exquisite watercolors detail and complete this wordless picture book. A fierce lion spares the life of a mouse that has many babies at home to care for. Later the lion is netted by poachers. His roar is heard by the mother mouse who comes to his rescue by chewing the netting in several places. No words are necessary to see the gratitude in the lion and the delight in the baby mice when they get to chew on the netting knots that mom has brought home.  Mr. Pinkney’s long admiration for this tale is explained in the Author’s Note.

Hanna’s Comments: Because this is a wordless book, I would recommend having several copies or using the video version (see below). If this is not possible, then I recommend another version of this traditional tale that has words: The Lion and the Mouse by Bernadette Watts. In either case, gratitude and paying it forward are concepts easily tied to spiritual values and religious community.

Prefer a book with words? There is a series of picture book of Aesop's Fables that I like. The illustrations are very different. The authors vary, but the illustrator for both is Nahta Noj. The Lion and the Mouse by Jenny Bloom is shown above. You'll also find The Tortoise and the Hare, authored by Alison Ritchie. 

Publisher & Date of Publication: Little, Brown, & Company, 2009

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? This is a wordless book. There are Spanish editions of this traditional tale.

Formats other than Book: There is a video of this book in The Curious Garden and Other Stories which is a video collection and includes 3 other picture books some of which are PBT offerings in August and September. There are several different versions of this traditional tale on Youtube.com as well as a short video of Jerry Pinkney about the creation of this book. 

PBT Category: Traditional Tale, Award Winner (Caldecott Medal), Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, action, Africa, bonds/connections, brokenness, choices/decisions, consequences/punishment, dependence/interdependence, difference, enemies, golden rule/great commandment, goodness, grace, gratitude/thankfulness/thanksgiving, helping, heroes, kindness, parables/stories, poaching/stealing/theft, power, problems/problem solving, rescue, risking, savior/saving, survival, underdogs, victims, wilderness

Scripture Connections: Love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39); love does no wrong to a neighbor and is the fulfilling of the law (Romans 13:10)

Idea(s) for Application: Consider using this book or video when you want to explore the personal benefits of loving each other in your religious community or while celebrating your interdependence. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 65

Picture Book: Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse

Author & Illustrator: Kevin Henkes 

Summary: Lilly especially loves her teacher, but he’s not a big fan of her new purse and its contents which Lilly wants to show everyone, even during lessons.  When her beloved teacher takes Lilly’s purse away until after school, Lilly becomes quite upset, and eventually she gets very angry at him. She writes him a nasty note and puts it in his bag. Meanwhile, he too writes a note and puts it in Lilly’s purse along with some snacks. His note says, “Today was a difficult day. Tomorrow will be better.” Feeling terribly guilty, Lilly confesses to her parents, sits in the uncooperative chair for a while, and then writes & illustrates a new note in which she apologizes and compliments him profusely. At school Lilly delivers her note, some snacks, and a verbal apology. They agree to throw away the earlier note, and Lilly enjoys showing off her purse & its contents at Sharing Time.

Hanna’s Comments: Often children really struggle with some of the issues in this story (obsession, materialism, lack of impulse control, pride, and disrespecting authority). Adults too! What better place to explore these issues than in a religious context in which loving teachers can offer the Holy Scriptures as a guide and comfort to children.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Greenwillow Books, 2006                                          

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

# of Pages: 32                                                                                           

Available in Spanish? Yes                                                           

Formats other than Book: Audio cassette, Amateur videos on Youtube.com  

PBT Category:  Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, anger, challenges, change, confession, conformity, consequences/punishment, consumerism/consumption/riches, cooperation, disappointment, disobedience/obedience, education/school, emotions/feelings, forgiveness/justifying grace/mercy/redemption, grace, guilt, hope, idolatry, mentors/teachers, mistakes, possessions, pride, rebellion, regret/repentance, resisting evil, self-control, sin

Scripture Connections: Joseph’s coat (Genesis 37:1-36); the building of the golden calf (Exodus 32:1-35)

Idea(s) for Application: Include the reading of this book in a lesson for children on materialism/idolatry or prayers of confession.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 40

Picture Book: You Will Be My Friend

Author & Illustrator: Peter Brown

Summary: Young Lucy’s plans for making a new friend backfire repeatedly because of her over enthusiasm & lack of respect. Just before giving up & when not even trying, a new friend finds Lucy. Their differences don’t seem to matter.

Hanna’s Comments: Sometimes the best way to illustrate a concept is by reading a picture book that demonstrates the exact opposite. This book is a great example. Poor Lucy tries too hard to make a friend. She is too pushy and too enthusiastic. This would be a great book for lessons on gentleness, meekness, humility, respect, self-control, & the patience required while waiting for something to happen. Therefore, you’ll find these topics listed below even though poor Lucy is anything but. When you do this type of book reading, conversation will be crucial. You must explicitly contrast the picture book with the concept you are teaching.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2011

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Post 2 K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, chosen, communication, conflict, consequences/punishment, cooperation, disappointment, evangelism, friends/friendship, gentleness/meekness, humility, loneliness, mistakes, partners/teamwork, patience, perseverance, perspective, presence, relationships, respect, risking, searching, self-control, waiting 

Scripture Connections: The Golden Rule/The Great Commandment (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 7:12), A friend loves at all times (Proverbs 17:17), This is my commandment that you love one another (John 15:12)

Idea(s) for Application: This book would be a hilarious conversation starter on Evangelism Do’s and Don’ts.