Tomorrow I’ll Be...

Two picture books from a lettering artist today!

Tomorrow I’ll Be Kind and

Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave

Author/Illustrator: Jessica Hische 

Summary: These books are very similar so I'll summarize both here. Each involve a rabbit whose sidekick is a cat. (Maybe younger sibling, not sure) Both live in a family of rabbits in a human-like community of various animals. There is an obvious rhythm to the pages. First the rabbit declares, "Tomorrow I'll be..." with a little explanation on a double page.

Then the next double-page spread gives more detail in context, usually with the cat involved. Here the rabbit is helpful with the cat who has made a mess.

That pattern repeats 7 times in both books. Here’s the same kind of pages from the blue book: "Tomorrow I'll be...

The rabbit is adventurous in several ways by trying new things/behaviors.

Each book ends with a summary page listing the 7 attributes. 

Then at bedtime…

the rabbit goes to bed, anticipating the possibilities of all those goals. 

Hanna’s Comments: These books are beautiful! Some of attributes will be a little difficult for early readers to read because they are in cursive, but that's okay. They are learning. Hische often answers the question I ask to ask when following up with a great but abstract idea from children (and sometimes adults), in a group discussion: "What does that look like?" Getting to the nitty-gritty of behaviors and application is what I'm hoping for. Hische shows details of behaviors and situations that your audience can build on in their conversation and applications in the real world. Some of her illustrations are whimsical, so this will take some grounding in reality. It is easy to connect these ideas to scripture. So many Bible characters have these attributes. Bible verses often encourage them. You might consider having those who can write, list the goals in a particular personal order (i.e., easiest to hardest). Then choose 1 goal for the  week.

Original Publisher: Penguin Random House, 2018 & 2020

Age Appropriateness: 4 and up

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Any scripture story or verses about being brave, kind, or any of the other personal goals mentioned here. Many Bible characters, like Abraham and Sarah, are encouraged by God to have some or all of these attributes. 

Connections to The Revised Common Lectionary: In my Trinity Treasures preschool curriculum based on the RCL, I listed the orange book about kindness when teaching about Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) as a group and in lessons about specific fruits like goodness. I also listed it for a lesson on Micah 6:8, suggesting they find the justice, mercy, and humility. I listed the blue book about bravery in lessons about Esther, Ruth & Naomi, and having courage grounded in God, such as in the verses  declaring that God's perfect love works in us and through us to cast out fear (1 John 4:18) and Paul's instruction for putting on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20). 

PBT Applications: If you would like to read either of these books to adults or youth but know the illustrations would be to immature for them, simply write all the text on an index card. But DO give the author credit for those words. Simply explain before reading that you read these words in a picture book by Jessica Hische. Then ask intriguing questions, such as which of these feelings/actions/orientations is hardest for you? Who do you know that does these really well? Is there a pop culture character who you think of when you think of one of these characteristics? What would this look like (there's my question) in your home/school/church/neighborhood/sport?

Wonder Walking

 

Picture Book: Wonder Walkers

Author & Illustrator: Micha Archer

Summary: Two siblings decide to go on a wonder walk. They ask clever and imaginative questions about the beauty and mystery of the natural world. They look at the world in a new way, leaning into what they know. Here are a few examples: 

    Do caves have mouths?

    Are rivers the earth's veins?

    Is the wind the world breathing? 

Hanna’s Comments: Here is a great opportunity to tap into their natural tendency to wonder about God and God’s creation. Doing this encourages faith development, normalizes questions, and accepts exploration of godly possibilities. Wonder questions are an excellent tool for when your children are having a hard time settling down. Show the book cover or an early illustration and ask simple questions such as who, what, or how many they see. Once hooked, engage them in wondering what or who the story is about or where God might be in the book. Within the pages, ask what they see that is beautiful, surprising, or scary. Be sure to listen. Such time together is priceless.

Original Publisher & Date: Nancy Paulsen Books, 2021

Age Appropriateness: Age 3 and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Any scripture that celebrates the mystery and beauty of God’s creation such as Song of Solomon 2:8-15; the creation story (Genesis 1); Land and skies reveal God’s glory (Psalm 19:1); I love your house and the place where your glory abides. (Psalm 26:8)

Connections to The Revised Common Lectionary: In my Trinity Treasures curriculum, I recommend this book for 4 lessons using the scriptures listed above. (Trinity Sunday in Year A) theme: God Creates, (3 different Sundays after Pentecost in Year B) themes: God’s Place, Land & Skies, Nature’s Goodness.

PBT Applications: Have fun with language after reading this book. Talk about the Hebrew word for breath and spirit being the same word. Have them recall the words about human bodies (mouth, veins, etc.). See if they can come up with similar questions when you have them close their eyes and go on a imagined nature walk together if an actual experience is not plausible. Fill the lesson with gratitude for favorite aspects of creation. Have them yell, "Praise God for trees!" OR "Thank you, God, for beach waves!" This book taps into the new movement in theology called Creation Care, an exploration of what it means to have “dominion” over the animals of the earth (Genesis 1:26). I once heard “dominion” translated by a biblical scholar as “having mastery.” Mastery begins with love, vision, and wonder. In the light of climate change, environmental justice concerns, and our desires to be stewards rather than abusers of Earth, there are many applications to what your children know already. They are naturally curious and play outside more than adults. Encourage your kiddos to explore with their feet and their minds, asking wonder questions about the creation God has given us all. 

If you are interested in learning about Trinity Treasures, a scripture-based preschool Sunday school curriculum that features picture books & children’s Bibles, contact me at hannaschock@bellsouth.net. Right now, free lessons are emailed if you fill out the monthly feedback form.

The Mysteries of an Elephant

Today’s post is not typical of PBT. I’m featuring 2 books based on an ancient Indian tale traditionally called The Parable of the Blind Men and the Elephant.

I’ll explore why either of these books would be fun and beneficial for a faith family. The labels at the bottom of this post will give you some ideas as well. You might even find another picture book based on this tale. Separately, I’ll give you some details for both books. The first book featured would be more appropriate for preschoolers or young elementary children. The second book attributes the story to Rumi, a wonderful 13^th century Persian poet who wrote The Elephant in the Dark as a part of a lengthy book of poems. 

This elephant parable is about the human tendency to make judgments and argue based on our limited experiences and perspectives. Both experience and perspective are crucial, but they can be misleading and righteous judgments can cause division. 

Faith families struggle with these issues. Too often people of faith think they have God all figured out when they simply have projected their experiences and perspective onto a limited image of God. Divisions are often due to such stalwart and narrow thinking. This old story is applied to theology often. In his most recent book about The Holy Trinity, The Divine Dance, Father Richard Rohr says, "We are like blind people touching the side of an elephant, describing the tiny portion we feel with all the conviction we can muster."

Delving in to this human tendency would be beneficial for children and adults in your faith family, but let them decide what the story is telling them about human nature. Don't impose onto them your interpretation of the book or you'll be demonstrating this human tendency yourself! 

Picture Book: Seven Blind Mice

Author & Illustrator: Ed Young

Summary: One by one, seven blind mice explore a strange "something." After each excursion, the mouse gives a different explanation. It’s a pillar…

It’s a snake…

It's a fan...

and so on until the 7^th mouse manages to investigate the whole elephant and declares what it truly is.

This book ends with a “Mouse Moral”

Knowing in part may make a fine tale,

but wisdom comes from seeing the whole.

Original Publisher & Date: Puffin, 2002

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Audio

Scripture Connections: Trust God; don’t try to lean on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5); … but some doubted (Matthew 28: 17b); If I understand all mysteries but do not love, I am nothing (1 Corinthians 13:2) 

Picture Book: Elephant in the Dark:                                                                 Based on a Poem by Rumi

Retold: Mina Javaherbin

Illustrator: Eugene Yelchin 

Summary: Rumi’s poetic tale The Three Blind Men and the Elephant is beautifully illustrated here. 

Villagers hear of a magnificent creature that has been brought from India by a traveling merchant. 

When they confront the merchant and demand to see the creature, he tells them to let him sleep. 

The villagers decide to inspect the creature themselves.

One by one, several people sneak into the dark barn where the creature is being kept, but they inspect the creature only in part and with haste.

One man says it’s like a snake. 

After wrapping his arms around the elephant's leg,

one man says it's a tree. 

The elephant's ear 

convinces a woman it's a fan. 

This results in lots of arguing and name calling and even shouting and shoving. 

When the merchant arises and parades the awesome elephant through the village, the villagers are too busy fighting to notice the stunning creature or realize how wrong they are. 

But, the children notice and are fascinated! 

This book has in the back an Author's Note and an Illustrator's Note. Check them out before reading to your audience.

Original Publisher & Date: Scholastic, 2015

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Trust in the Lord; do not lean on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-8); … but some doubted (Matthew 28: 17b); If I reveal all God’s mysteries but don’t love, I am nothing (1 Corinthians 13:2) 

Contemplative Wonder

Picture Book: Take Your Time: A Tale of Harriet, the Galapagos Tortoise

Authors: Eva Furrow & Donna Jo Napoli

Illustrator: Laurel Molk

Summary: Slow is the way of Harriet, an actual tortoise brought to Australia in the 1800s from the Galapagos Islands.

This story is about her ways on the islands of her birth. 

It includes her slow eating experiences, 

her long sleeps, 

and the puzzlement of other animals who claim she is missing out! 

Harriet begins to wonder what she's missing so she slowly ventures out. She always wanted to see the penguin parade on one of the other islands. 

That event happens in summer so Harriet leaves with months to spare. "She is in no hurry. There is plenty to see along the way," Hammerhead sharks, humpback whales, 

and giant rays. 

Harriet arrives just in time to see the penguins march 

and many other animals: pink flamingos, blue-footed boobies, and red-throated frigate birds are among them. Harriet offers a ride to some young iguanas, a ride so slow that the iguanas grow as Harriet takes them across the dunes. 

When the rainy season comes, Harriet digs a pool for her new friends: centipedes, snakes, and crabs. 

Once the year ends she decides it's time to head for home, slowly as always. 

Months later as she approaches her home island, a group of dolphins comment on Harriet's slow ways. 

They encourage her to jump on and experience "life in the fast lane." Harriet gives it a try. 

She is amazed by their fast pace and graceful ways, but soon the ride gets rough and water and salt are in her face. The thrill is gone. 

Harriet let's go and leisurely swims the last 5 hours to her home while savoring the beauty of the sun and the cool rhythmic waves. The long journey was glorious! 

Once home, Harriet reflects on the variety of movements she witnessed among the animals. She thinks it is so nice that everyone has their own rhythm like herself.  

Harriet slowly settles into the grasses of her home, steeped in wonder and satisfied.

Hanna’s Comments: Harriet is a contemplative figure. She reminds me of a wise old woman, who has much to teach us about slowly discovering the beauty and wonders of God over a lifetime. Perhaps she reminds you of someone in your family of faith or faith history. When Harriet died in 2006, experts said she was about 175 years old, the oldest animal in captivity. Check out the Author's Note in the back of the book for more about the real Harriet. Here's a link to a 2 minute video of her. What a face! There are many videos of giant Galapagos tortoises slowly swimming and walking. These would be great supplements to a program on contemplation or a lesson for young children about God's creative diversity. Ironically, these animals were thought to be poor swimmers until they were seen traveling from island to island, taking their sweet time. Galapagos tortoises are near extinction because of hunting so they are now protected and prized for their slow ways and long lives.

Original Publisher & Date: Henry Holt & Co., 2017

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

Formats other than Book: Digital

Scripture Connections: I love the place where your glory abides. (Psalm 26:8); The earth is full of your goodness, O God! (Psalm 33:5); Oh taste and see that God is good. (Psalm 34:2); With you is the fountain of life. (Psalm 36:9); Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10); My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast when I meditate on you in the watches of the night (Psalm 63:5-6); You make the gateways of the morning and the evening shout for joy. (Psalm 65:8); Blessed be the Lord God who alone works wonders… may the whole earth be filled with the Lord’s glory. (Psalm 72-18-19); Yours is the day, yours also the night (Psalm 74:16); The whole earth is full of your glory. (Isaiah 6:3); I will show you hidden things that you have not known. (Isaiah 48:6); Awake, awake, put on your strength. (Isaiah 52:1); Happy are those who meditate on wisdom, who reflect in their heart on her ways and ponder her secrets. (Ecclesiasticus 14:20-21)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of adults in your faith family and explore the benefits of a slower pace, contemplation, and wonder at God’s beauty and glory. Another application is to read this book in a lesson for young children about God's creative diversity.