Was Christ Catawampus?

Picture Book: The Catawampus Cat

Author: Jason Carter Eaton

Illustrator: Gus Gordon

Summary: A cat walks into a busy town; he walks with a lean.

The first to notice him is a married couple of many years. The husband tries to straighten the cat, but...

 When they turn their heads just so, 

she spies her wedding ring and suddenly... 

with that small shift in perspective, they remember love.

Next a barber spots the cat. Tilting his head while giving a client a new haircut may not seem smart...

but she loves it! 

Throughout the town, the cat meanders while the inhabitants notice his slanted ways and do likewise. 

An unfulfilled artist making his living as a house painter watches the cat. After it passes, the painter is shocked to find his work quite original. 

The homeowner, the mayor, proclaims it a work of art! 

Even the local daredevil is distracted during a stunt. Instead of jumping Deadman's Gorge, he takes a different route. 

His stunt even more unusual, he sets a record for height. The daredevil is delighted! 

After seeing the catawampus cat inside the library, Miss Reade pulls the wrong book off the shelf, 

 and her life is changed permanently. Adventure awaits!

Bushy Brows Billiam found that he could see the classroom board when he tilted his head. Suddenly math made perfect sense! 

Soon the whole town is transformed. Even architecture changes with the townspeople's perspectives. 

Slantiness leads to all sorts of sunniness. 

Eventually, the mayor stands before the off-kilter town on Catawampus Cat Day ready to give the cat an award for his positive influence. 

When asked what he thought now that the whole town was like him, the cat's response was surprising. 

Instead of answering directly, he did some calisthenics. 

Apparently wanting to keep his catawampus status, he walked out of town, straightened but still catawampus compared to the town and its people. 

Hanna’s Comments: When I read the gospels, Jesus contrasts with the culture of his day. Likewise, he contrasts with modern culture. People responded to his message in ways that transformed their view of life and others. Today we still are transformed by his message and way of viewing life. He was both a magnetic personality and a confusing one. Like the catawampus cat here, he tended to avoid answering direct questions and offered a new perspective on many topics such as outsiders, status, worry, and even the Law. I suggest you read this book while emphasizing the way the cat is transforming the townspeople. Then say, “Jesus was sort of like the catawampus cat.” Depending on your audience, provide those connections yourself or let your audience discover them. But that’s not enough! Go deeper. Ask your audience to reflect (or answer aloud) how knowing the gospel of Jesus has transformed their perspectives and their lives. Perhaps they have experienced love, been delighted by surprise, discovered their artistry, gained an adventurous spirit, soared to new heights, or found they can do things thought impossible. Even a catawampus cat can give us insight to our spiritual growth and desires to see more like Christ.

Original Publisher & Date: Crown Books, 2017

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: The Beatitudes (Matthew 5) and other statements from Jesus that were surprising such as “Whoever finds life will lose it, and whoever loses life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 10:39); Stories about life-changing encounters Jesus had with others, particularly when it resulted in a perspective change and transformation, such as The Woman at the Well (John 4:4-42); Mary in the Kitchen (Luke 10:38-42); and Zacchaeus, the tax collector (Luke 19:1-10). Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what are the ways of God (Romans 12:2)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children to help them explore how a biblical perspective can be transformative. Connect this idea to how Jesus came into a town and changed the perspective of so many he met. 

PBT Grab & Go #8 - Just a Dream

Below is a revised post featuring my favorite PBT book about environmental concerns. Tomorrow is Earth Day and here in The States there will be a nation-wide (perhaps world-wide) March for Science. Here are links if you want to know more about [Earth Day] or [The March for Science]. 

Picture Book: Just a Dream 

Author & Illustrator: Chris Van Allsburg 

Summary: Walter is a present-day litterbug with futuristic optimism grounded in his love for science fiction (SF). He doesn’t bother to recycle and sneers at Rose next door who has asked for a tree for her birthday. Then a dream has his bed traveling through a series of scenes in the future. Walter doesn’t find the SF-infused future he longs for but a polluted, ugly, and treeless future instead. Walter wakes converted and immediately begins sorting the trash. He even asks for a tree for his upcoming birthday. Later he has another dream with a revised future in which he and Rose’s 2 trees thrive under a clear sky, thanks to the behavioral changes humans have made to preserve the environment.
Hanna’s Comments: Though this message is heavy-handed, its simplicity will speak to children who, for developmental reasons, tend to view controversial issues such as environmental issues like climate change with black & white tones. As expected from Van Allsburg, the illustrations are striking and offer much potential for conversation about our God-ordained role in environmental concerns and God's hope for our planet and all its creatures. I recently heard an interview with biblical scholar and seminary professor Ellen Davis on On Being, my favorite podcast. Dr. Davis and host Krista Tippett discuss Genesis 1:26, where we read the command God gives humans at their creation. Dr. Davis explains that the verb in the Hebrew language that has traditionally been translated "to have dominion" actually means "to exercise skilled mastery." She describes this act as a sort of craft or art in which we are privileged to have responsibility for our earth. [Here's] the link to that interview entitled The Poetry of Creatures. Fascinating and inspiring because along with it you get to hear some of Wendell Berry's beautiful poetry!

Publisher & Date of Publication: HMH Books, 1990 

Age and Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up 
Formats other than Book: None at present
Scripture Connections: Humankind has been blessed with the role of exercising skilled mastery over creation (Genesis 1:26); God gives…and it was good (Genesis 1:29-31), Zacheaus converts (Luke 19:1-10) 

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children in a private school’s Arbor Day program or at a kickoff for a church’s recycling program.

Journeying with an Idea

 Picture Book: What Do You Do with an Idea?

Author: Kobi Yamada

Illustrator: Mae Besom

Summary: “One day I had an idea,” begins this intriguing book. 

The idea, represented by this character, is fun to watch. 

The child struggles with what to do with the idea. 

Avoid it? Deny its existence? 

Be confused by it? Worry about what others will think? 

Feel ashamed of it? Risk feeding it? Play with it? 

Give it lots of attention? Show it to others? Claim it?

Give up on it? Abandon it? 

With each possibility, an illustration gives you much to consider. 

As the child attends to the idea, it grows and transforms. 

It’s influence on the child becomes obvious. The child says, “I couldn’t imagine my life without it.” 

Eventually the idea transforms in a big way. 

Taking flight, its no longer just a part of the child but a part of everything. 

Hanna’s Comments: I see 2 different approaches when using this book in ministry. The 1st is inspired by Anne Lamott’s conversion experience described in Traveling Mercies. In her gritty writing, Lamott describes Jesus as a little kitten that follows her for days. Eventually with very colorful language, she tells the cat it can enter her home. In this context “the idea” is a new step in faith. 

Biblical connections abound; think Abraham, Hannah, or Paul.  My 2nd approach is inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert in Big Magic in which she personifies her creative ideas (& fears). How does this connect with scripture? There are numerous stories in which characters’ inspirations grow (Esther, The Magi),

some more other-worldly than others (The Men Walking to Emmaus, Philip & the Ethiopian, Peter’s Tablecloth Dream). This book is so rich with meaning; look for it in my PBT Grab & Go Series eventually. First have your audience think of an idea they once had. 

Read the book without showing the illustrations. Then discuss personal connections. Read it again, while showing and relating the illustrations to their own idea journeys. 

If they don’t give their comments a spiritual framing, you do that. Relate the book and/or their comments to one of the Bible stories listed below or ask for their own connections to scripture. There is now a sequel to this fun book, What Do You Do with a Problem? I’ll post about it after the holidays. Yay!

Original Publisher & Date: Compendium, 2013

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections:  Abraham’s conversion, Hannah’s prayer for a child, Esther’s choice to approach the king, The Magi's journey to Bethlehem, Men Walking to Emmaus, Paul’s conversion, Philip & the Ethiopian, Peter’s Tablecloth Dream, etc.

Idea(s) for Application: Read the story to a group of teenagers who are trying to discern post-high school decisions or a group of entrepreneurs who are exploring a vocation.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 43

Picture Book: Just a Dream 

Author & Illustrator: Chris Van Allsburg 

Summary: Walter is a present-day litterbug with futuristic optimism grounded in his love for science fiction (SF). He doesn’t bother to recycle and sneers at Rose next door who has asked for a tree for her birthday. Then a dream has his bed traveling through a series of scenes in the future. Walter doesn’t find the SF-infused future he longs for but a polluted, trashy, and treeless future instead. Walter wakes converted and immediately begins sorting the trash. He even asks for a tree for his upcoming birthday. Later he has another dream with a revised future in which he and Rose’s 2 trees thrive under a clear sky, thanks to the behavioral changes humans have made to preserve the environment.

Hanna’s Comments: Though this message is heavy-handed, its simplicity will speak to children who, for developmental reasons, tend to view controversial issues such as environmental issues like climate change with black & white tones. As expected from Van Allsburg, the illustrations are striking and offer much potential for conversation about our God-ordained role in environmental concerns and God's hope for our planet and all its creatures. I recently heard an interview with biblical scholar and seminary professor Ellen Davis on On Being, my favorite podcast. Dr. Davis and host Krista Tippett discuss Genesis 1:26, where we read the command God gives humans at their creation. Dr. Davis explains that the verb in the Hebrew language that has traditionally been translated "to have dominion" actually means "to exercise skilled mastery." She describes this act as a sort of craft or art in which we are privileged to have responsibility for our earth. [Here's] the link to that interview entitled The Poetry of Creatures. Fascinating and inspiring because along with it you get to hear some of Wendell Berry's beautiful poetry!

Publisher & Date of Publication: HMH Books, 1990 

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

# of Pages: 48

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present, amateur video on Youtube 

PBT Category: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: action, care of creation, change, consumerism/consumption/riches, conversion, dreams/aspiration, Earth/world, the environment/nature, heritage, humanity, laziness/sloth, prophesy/prophets, resisting evil, righteousness, sin, transformation, vision

Scripture Connections: Humankind has been blessed with the role of exercising skilled mastery over creation (Genesis 1:26); God gives…and it was good (Genesis 1:29-31), Zacheaus converts (Luke 19:1-10) 

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children in a private school’s Arbor Day program or at a kickoff for a church’s recycling program.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 14

Dynamic Duo: Book 2

Picture Book: The Quiltmaker’s Gift

Author: Jim Brumbeau

Illustrator: Gail de Marcken

Summary: A passionate old woman makes beautiful quilts which she gives away to those in need. She has a mysterious way with the animals of the wood where she sits and sews her creations. A selfish king demands one of her glorious creations. She refuses to give him a quilt unless he gives away all his possessions. Having never been denied, he does just that and travels throughout the land, giving away his many possessions while learning the joy of generosity.

Hanna’s Comments: This book is part of a Dynamic Duo feature. It's prequel, featured yesterday, is The Quiltmaker’s Journey which was published after the success of this book. There are lesson plans available on-line, and there are products about the quilt designs. As in the prequel, various block quilt patterns with names that relate to the story are featured in the illustrations.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Scholastic, 2001

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

# of Pages: 56

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet, video on YouTube 

PBT Category: Award Winner (Book Sense Book of the Year) 

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: bravery/courage, call/calling/vocation, change, comfort, commitment, community, consumerism/consumption/riches, conversion, fruit/fruit of the spirit, generosity/giving/offering/stewardship, gifts/giftedness/talents, greed/selfishness, growing up/growth, helping, image of God, individuality/uniqueness, journeys/pilgrimages/migration/quests, jubilee, justice, love, mission, outreach, passion, poverty, regret/repentance, resurrection, servanthood/service/serving, sharing, transformation

Scripture Connections: Do justice (Micah 6:8); to the least of these (Matthew 25), Dorcas/Tabitha’s good works (Acts 9:36)

Idea(s) for Application: An adult retreat on using gifts and talents in service to others would be the perfect context to share this book. Children will also enjoy this story of courageous defiance to a king and his conversation to a life of generosity.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 13

Dynamic Duo: Book 1

Picture Book: The Quiltmaker’s Journey

Author: Jim Brumbeau

Illustrator: Gail de Marcken

Summary: This is the origin story for the quiltmaker in the popular book The Quiltmaker’s Gift (featured tomorrow). The beauty of this book rivals the first and explains how an overly-protected child of royalty escapes her walled city and learns the truth about the many who have been forsaken by her family. She feels deceived and betrayed by the privileged ones who have raised her. After interacting with those who suffer beyond the wall, this young girl follows a generous calling. Her creative spirit puts to use the sewing skills and determination she learned behind the castle walls. She begins creating and offering the stunning quilts that begin her legacy. 

Hanna’s Comments: This book is part of a PBT Dynamic Duo. It's a prequel, published after the success of The Quiltmaker’s Gift. Like its predecessor, it is visually stunning and offers potential for rich lessons on yearning for and discovering truth, using your talents, and finding how your passion can serve others. The illustrations offer a variety of beautiful block quilt patterns with names and pictures that connect with the story. In the next book, the quiltmaker is much older and renowned throughout the land for her generosity and determination to give a quilt only to those who need one. 

Publisher & Date of Publication: Orchard Books, 2005

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

# of Pages: 56

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Post 2 K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: bravery/courage, call/calling/vocation, change, comfort, commitment, community, consumerism/consumption/riches, conversion, the environment/nature, fruit/fruit of the spirit, generosity/giving/offering/stewardship, gifts/giftedness/talents, greed/selfishness, growing up/growth, helping, hiding/isolation/separation/walls, exclusion/inclusion, individuality/uniqueness, journeys/pilgrimages/migration/quests, justice, labor/work, love, mission, outreach, outsiders, passion, poverty, resurrection, servanthood/service/serving, sharing, transformation, works vs. faith or grace

Scripture Connections: Do justice (Micah 6:8); to the least of these... (Matthew 25), Dorcas/Tabitha’s good works (Acts 9:36)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a quilting circle or a group that has any sort of handwork ministry. Children in your faith family will enjoy this book too for it relays to them a coming-of-age story that aligns with passion, artistry, and biblical principles.