PBT Redux #26 - Flossie and the Fox

Picture Book: Flossie & the Fox
Author: Patricia McKissack
Illustrator: Rachel Isadora
Summary: In rich dialect, McKissack offers a folktale from her story-telling grandfather. Big Mama asks young Flossie to deliver some eggs to the neighboring farm. Flossie begins her journey wondering what a fox looks like. When Fox introduces himself hoping for the eggs, he is puzzled that the little girl isn't afraid. Flossie insists she'll not be afraid until Fox offers proof that he is indeed a fox. Fox's pride is hurt so he lists all the reasons he is a fox. For each argument, Flossie insists that Fox is instead another animal. Eventually, Flossie lures Fox to the road where a neighbor's hound is waiting. As Fox runs from the hound, Flossie confesses that she recognized Fox all along. She heads toward the neighbor's farm with the eggs, having outfoxed the fox.

Hanna’s Comments: I love a tale with a smart female at the center! Her youth is an additional benefit. Even young children will identify with her. Consider steering your audience’s conversation towards issues of bravery and intelligence in the face of evil. Then take Fox's point of view and talk about how temptation and pride lure us into trouble. Flossie handles her fears cunningly, but the fox’s greed and pride tempt him to wander into a dangerous situation. 
Publisher & Date of Publication: Dial Books, 1986
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up
Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Eve’s conversation with the snake (Genesis 3); Be strong and courageous… for the Lord is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9)
Idea(s) for Application: Consider using this picture book when teaching the story of Eve’s temptation by the snake in Genesis. Draw connections between the fox’s pride and Eve’s pride. Praise Flossie’s self-determination and cleverness.

PBT Redux #15 Shooting at the Stars

Picture Book: Shooting at the Stars:                                                                   The Christmas Truce of 1914

Author & Illustrator: John Hendrix

Summary: A letter to his mother from Charlie, a fictional British WWI soldier, serves as the framework for this tale about one of many WWI Christmas Eve truces in 1914. 

In this case, the temporary cease fire begins with Christmas carols heard from the German trenches. 

Then small Christmas trees appear. Next a can of jam is thrown from the British trench. A British and a German officer meet in the middle of the battleground, shake hands, and signal their soldiers to come forward. 

Soldiers from both sides introduce themselves in “no man’s land.” Together they bury their dead. 

Then trading tokens to substitute for Christmas gifts begins. Photographs are taken. 

One is in the back of the book. 

After several hours, a furious British major arrives and orders them to separate and begin shooting. 

Charlie suspects they will aim high, shooting at the stars, at least for a while. 

Hanna's Comments: This is such an important story! It will intrigue your audience and inspire loads of comments. Insist that they connect this story to the Advent of today or your lesson won't be transformative. A glossary, bibliography, and index are in the back too. They explain that such truces didn't happen the other years of WWI. Thematically, this story and its supplemental material emphasize the contrast between the suffering soldiers stuck in the trenches who long for peace 

and the outside political and military forces that keep them there for 4 long years. It is a hard story to hear but an important one. Non-Christians should be comfortable using this book since Christian doctrine is not mentioned. 

Publisher & Date of Publication: Harry N. Abrams, 2014

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 8 and up, 3^rd and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: When the ways of people please the Lord, he causes even their enemies to be at peace with them (Proverbs 16:7); blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God (Matthew 5:9); if possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all (Romans 12:18); let him seek peace and pursue it (1 Peter 3:11)

Idea(s) for Application: This would be a great book to read to an audience of elementary age and up during the week before Christmas. Emphasize the theme of peace and how it requires risk and trust. Consider today's battles, military and otherwise, to make this book particularly meaningful. Peace isn't easy still, but it's worth meaningful conversation, because hope for peace is what Advent is all about. 

PBT Redux #12 Flood

The effects of Hurricane Harvey have people in Texas and Louisiana once again ravaged and afraid, particularly those who are most vulnerable. Today I’ve chosen a book that visually represents the terror and heartbreak of flooding. Why would such a book be read in ministry? It is in our families of faith that we consider the hardest questions and heartbreaks and where we can be motivated to help those who are suffering. Picture books are tools to gently bring such hard matters to the surface so that relevant and meaningful faith conversations can happen. The book below is both beautiful and terrible, but it is not graphic. Consider reading it to elementary children, teens, or adults to explore the effects of flooding or other tragedies and bring about further healing or informed service.

Picture Book: Flood

Illustrator: Alvaro F. Villa

Summary: A family, who lives near a small river, receives flood warnings. With the help of neighbors, they place sandbags around their house, gather some things, escape to a hotel, and hope for the best. But the waters rush into their home anyway. All pitch in to clean and rebuild, and eventually their home is restored.

Hanna’s Comments: I wouldn’t ordinarily recommend a wordless book for use with a group, but this book is stunning and directly relates to scriptures shared by the 3 Abrahamic faiths. Because it is a wordless book, you may want to have several copies of the book. Don't be afraid to have your audience just look at the book in silence for a moment as you turn each page. Also, it is imperative that you do a good job describing the illustrations as you direct their eyes to particular aspects of the story. Encourage discussion that relates directly to their experiences or the experiences of those they love. You could also explore broader subjects such as natural disasters or family tragedies and connect those comments to your beliefs and faith values.

Original Publisher & Date: Picture Window Books, 2013

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Noah and the Flood (Genesis 7 & 8); the flood sweeps over me (Psalm 69:1-3)
Idea(s) for Application: Use this book in a lesson about the flood in Genesis. If your area suffers from a flood, read this to a serve team and consider how your ministry might respond.

Touching Conversations

Picture Book: God Made All of Me:                                                                A Book to Help Children Protect Their Bodies

Author: Justin S. & Lindsay A. Holcomb

Illustrator: Trish Mahoney

Summary: This book begins with praise from 10 psychologists, child advocates, and theologians. Next comes a detailed letter to parents explaining the importance of the message inside. Here’s a startling fact:

 Scripture is sprinkled throughout the pages.

A story begins within the context of a traditional family with 2 very inquisitive children whose questions will encourage questions from the listeners. 

It seems the older child is very comfortable with these messages and has likely heard them before. This conversation is for the younger sister. 

Here’s the heart of the message which you’ll find in the letter to parents:

God made all of you. Every part of your body is good, and some parts are private. He made the parts of your body that other people see every day, and he made your private parts. Every part is good because God made every part and called them all good. 

I especially like the less significant message that says if you don’t want to be touched (even via a hug from a relative), that’s your choice. It should be respected.  

If you are touched anyway, tell parents, teachers, or doctors. When the child responds that these people are sometimes too busy, the children are instructed to "keep asking for help." 

Subjects like bath time and doctor visits are discussed. Anatomically correct names for body parts are used.  

The children are warned about several ploys that abusers often use. They are told that rewards and games should never be a part of touching or showing private parts. Secrets are never a good situation. 

Because this family doesn’t keep secrets, the parents explain that they should be told immediately if anyone asks the children to keep a secret. Secrets are distinguished from surprises, two easily confused concepts.

The last section is a list of 9 Ways to Protect Your Children from Sexual Abuse. The book is dedicated to Grace, an organization of professionals that provides abuse prevention training and other services. 

Hanna’s Comments: This book is designed for parents to read to 2-8 year olds and is a tool for beginning and continuing conversations and questions about sexual abuse. Typically, I feature books to read in ministry. Today I’m offering a book for those who do children’s ministry (whether ordained or not) to have handy to pass on to parents to read with their children. 

This book isn't designed for those times when a question of sexual abuse arises. Instead it is for your children’s protection from and empowerment in sexually inappropriate situations. These conversations are best done in a loving, non-threatening home and at the doctor’s office. 

If a reading is going to happen at your place of worship, parental involvement in planning is crucial. Make sure parents have read the book beforehand. I recommend having them help design the program and make all parents welcome. If parents in your faith family are suspected of such behavior, then you must report your concerns to the appropriate government authorities. 

Whoever reads this book should feel welcome to substitute gender-neutral words for God. I typically use Post-it notes to make such changes before reading. It is crucial that these conversations reflect your theological beliefs and spiritual values and your children feel positive about God. 

Original Publisher & Date: New Growth Press, 2015

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

Formats other than Book: Digital

Scripture Connections: God created human beings in God’s own image and called us good (Genesis 1 & 2)

Idea(s) for Application: Loan or give this book to parents in your faith family when they want to have a conversation with young children that will protect and empower them should they encounter inappropriate sexual advances or contact. 

Connections Across Species

Picture Book: The Eye of the Whale: A Rescue Story

Author & Illustrator: Jennifer O’Connell

Summary: This award-winning and true story of a whale rescue is inspiring. A local fisherman discovers a humpback whale tangled in lines from a crab-trap near San Francisco. This is deadly because whales must breathe at the ocean’s surface. 

On shore a ship captain calls in a rescue team of 4 divers. One of them, James, has never been close to a whale and is unsure of what to expect. They hurry to get to the whale, fearing sharks might get to her first. 

When they arrive, they realize she is not able to move. Fortunately she is near the surface, but they must dive in to see the lines. 

Once below the surface, they realize that the lines are cutting her; she is so tangled they will have to get close and cut many times to free her. 

The ship’s captain warns James and the others to be careful of her tale; once it is freed, it is deadly. 

The divers go deep enough and close enough to cut the lines while the huge whale is very still. 

James notices the whale watching everything they do. Once freed, the whale dives deep. Then she comes up for a quick whirl around the divers. 

After disappearing again, she comes right at James 

then nudges him gently. 

Then she does the same to the other 3 divers, making eye contact all the while, before plunging into the ocean and swimming away.

Hanna’s Comments: I am fascinated by connections between animals, particularly mammals. These seem glorious evidence of God’s wondrous creativity and desire for humans to be stewards of the diversity of Earth’s creatures. Yes, the humpback really did circle and then nudge all four divers. The facts about this story and humpback whales are in the back of the book. Be sure to read these so that you can answer your audience’s questions. Then talk about the privilege of communicating with some of God’s many species.

Original Publisher & Date: Tilbury House, 2013

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: So God created the great sea creatures… (Genesis 1:21); Who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth? (Job 35:11); the Lord is good to all; the Lord’s mercy is over all that God has made. (Psalm 145:9)

Idea(s) for Application: Children are fascinated by whales. Use this book as the centerpiece to a lesson about God’s creative diversity and our stewardship of the Earth. 

Refugees: An Uncomfortable, Relevant Issue

Lately, the dire struggles of refugees have been ever present in media and in corporate prayers. Children and teens are interested in these migrations because they are compelling stories that directly relate to the status of children & youth in general. Moreover, immigrant children are in many classrooms and churches so avoiding this difficult, controversial subject doesn’t make sense. 

Picture books offer an opportunity to present uncomfortable issues to children and teens in a non-threatening story context. With sensitivity to your audience’s maturity and perspective, you can intelligently encourage faith development that is meaningful and current. Besides, the scriptures are clear that this issue is important.

I recently heard an interview on my favorite podcast, On Being. Krista Tippet’s guest Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, a retired leader of British Judaism said, “…the one command reiterated more than any other in the Mosaic box (36 times) is 'love the stranger, for you were once a stranger in the land of Egypt.'” Then he offered a contemporary version incorporating the Great Commandment. “Love the stranger because to him you’re a stranger.”

Here’s another scriptural argument for treating refugees with loving intention: Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for therefore some have entertained angels unawares. (Hebrews 13:2)

In Matthew 25, Jesus explains that when we welcome strangers, we welcome Jesus. It seems clear to me that we are being asked to welcome and help, though I realize, such gestures and positions can be very complicated and risky.

Here I offer 3 books about refugees and 3 very difficult migrations. There will likely be more picture books published about this issue so don’t consider this an exhaustive list but rather a small sampling.

I recommend prayerful discernment when choosing the appropriate book and the position you put forth. Note the appropriate age recommendations. Be sensitive when delivering the material and supplemental activities you design. I'm glad to help you with that for a small fee. Just contact me via a comment. Help your children and youth connect to these issues by exploring what they have in common with the characters. Be sure to end with a hopeful tone and a sense that your church, either globally or locally, is trying to be Christ for these people because they are Christ to you. 

The first PBT offering is a new book that involves a young daughter and her father traveling through Mexico into the US. There is danger and boredom here. The images are quite realistic and the child is quite young. The two rabbits are symbolic of freedom at the end, but no resolution to the family's need for freedom, work, and safety are given. This story is about the journey and the longing. There are some remarks about refugees in the back.

Picture Book: Two White Rabbits

Author: Jairo Buitrago

Illustrator: Rafael Yockteng

Original Publisher & Date: Groundwood Books, 2015

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Next I offer a Coretta Scott King Honor book. Here young boys are alone and fleeing their war-torn homes in Sudan. As they travel, their numbers grow, eventually reaching a refugee camp where they meet Tom, an American. Going to school in that camp is highlighted. Because of war in Ethiopia, they must leave the camp and cross a river. This is frightening, but they are all reunited with friends and Tom. After many years, they are told they will travel to America. There is an inspirational element to this book, including references to prayers, which makes it all the more appealing for a faith-based context. An Afterward offers background information and details for the Lost Boys Foundation.

Picture Book: Brothers in Hope: The Story of the Lost Boys of Sudan

Author: Mary Williams

Illustrator: R. Gregory Christie

Original Publisher & Date: Lee & Low Books, 2005

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 7 and up, 2^nd and up

Formats other than Book: None at present

This last book has been around for a while. Traditionally it is a book with the Thanksgiving holidays in mind, but it can be read any time of year. It is likely this family is from Cuba since they travel to America by boat. Their motor breaks though and they must sail for a long time. They are robbed by fellow seafarers and given food by a military contingent. Eventually they reach the shores of America and are welcomed in, another reason why these are likely Cuban refugees who, unlike those from other countries, are allowed to immigrate if they reach US soil. The Thanksgiving meal at the close is particularly meaningful to the refugees who have now found a new home. 

Picture Book: How Many Days to America?

Author: Eve Bunting

Illustrator: Beth Peck

Original Publisher & Date: Clarion Books, 1988

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 354

Picture Book: Animal Teachers

Author: Janet Halfmann

Illustrator: Katy Hudson

Summary: This fun book celebrates and informs human children about the lessons several species of other animals must teach their young. It begins:

Who taught you how to do things? 

Your parents and others who care about you were your first teachers.

Who teaches animals? 

Let’s peek into some animal lessons and find out!  

Boxing lessons for Joey Kangaroo, building lessons for beaver kits, and shouting lessons for prairie dog pups follow as well as others. After each lesson is described, intriguing questions are asked to encourage the readers and listeners to talk about their own lessons, skills, and early teachers.

Hanna’s Comments: There is so much in this fun science book that I suggest you read only a few entries at a time and allow for personal conversation after each animal lesson explanation. Then offer comments that are built on your spiritual beliefs. You might talk about God’s loving intention for animals to be fed and comfortable. Try sharing stories about how you were taught early lessons, especially faith lessons. Additionally, explain in simple terms the concept of spiritual gifts of parents and teachers. You’ll find a couple of pages in the back with more facts about each of the animals featured in this picture book. These facts could be shared during those conversations as well.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Blue Apple, 2014

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

# of Pages: 36 

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present 

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press, Non-fiction, Award Winner 

PBT Topics this Book connects with: abilities, adaptation/assimilation, animals, babies/children, belonging, bonds/connections, communication, community, creation, danger, dependence/interdependence, differences, diversity, education/learning/school, the environment/nature, growing up/growth, heritage, mentors/teachers, nurturing, parents/parental love, preparation, problem solving/problems, survival, wisdom

Scripture Connections: God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds…” (Genesis 1:24); who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth? (Job 35:11); the Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made (Psalm 145:9)

Idea(s) for Application:  Read this book to a group of young children who are learning about teachers, spiritual gifts, or about God’s glorious animals and their skills and attributes.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 341

Picture Book: Nana in the City

Author & Illustrator: Lauren Castillo

Summary: A young grandson goes to stay with his Nana in the city. He loves his Nana, but not her city. It is too loud, busy, and therefore scary. He is worried that Nana should not be living in such a place, but Nana loves the city. She says it is the perfect place for her to live because it is so extraordinary. During the night when he can’t sleep because of the city noises, Nana promises to show him the wonders of her city. Nana doesn’t go to bed. She knits instead. When her grandson wakes, she has made a red cape for him to wear as they explore the city. Once she places the cape on him, he feels brave. As they tour the city, it is still loud and busy, but it is not filled with scary things after all. It is filled with extraordinary things! A few days later as he prepares to leave, he drapes the cape onto his Nana and says, “This will keep you brave,” knowing that even though the city is loud and busy, it is the perfect place for Nana.

Hanna’s Comments: Besides the sweet story this book offers your audience, it also offers you the opportunity to talk about what children must be equipped with to face the world and what your faith community offers your children to insulate them from the damage stresses and fears can do. This book could be read to children and followed with a discussion about what the cape symbolizes in the story. Then have them share what they do to dispel their fears. Be sure to mention memorizing and reciting scripture, prayer, being in community, and religious beliefs that bring comfort in fearful times such as a belief in God’s constant presence. You could also use this book in a parenting class and have a similar discussion. What should parents do to equip their children for fearful or stressful times? How does being a person of faith influence these strategies? A key aspect of this for parents will be modeling faithful courage. Discuss how parents might do this? Talk about how resilience can be grounded in community, faith, and hope.  

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Clarion Books, 2014

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Audio

PBT Category: Award Winner, Fresh off the Press 

PBT Topics this Book connects with: abundance/bounty, adaptation/assimilation, anxiety/worry, armor, babies/children, Bible/scripture, bravery/courage, comfort, community, companionship, confidence, danger, differences, encouragement, exploration, family, faith, fear, God’s presence, grandparents, hope, insecurity, noise/sounds/voice, nurturing, prayer, reassurance, risking, safety, security, strength in God

Scripture Connections: Even though I walk through dark valleys, I fear no evil for You are with me (Psalm 23:4); God comforts us in our affliction so that we may comfort those in any affliction (2^nd Corinthians 1:4); put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18); I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this to a group of children or parents. Then follow with a discussion as described above in my comments. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 325

Picture Book: The Cats in Krasinski Square

Author: Karen Hesse

Illustrator: Wendy Watson

Summary: The cats of the title are the abandoned cats left after the Jews are placed in Warsaw, Poland’s ghetto during Nazi occupation. The young female narrator, who enjoys petting the cats, struggles to survive on the free side of the wall. She and her sister have managed to escape the ghetto. With other rebels, they get food to their starving friends behind the walls. Because she watches the cats, the narrator knows the openings in the wall where food can be passed. News comes that Resistance Fighters are arriving on trains with smuggled food stashed in their bags for those behind the wall. But The Gestapo knows of the plan and will be waiting with dogs to sniff out the food. The narrator has a clever counter move. They lure into baskets as many cats as possible, take the closed baskets to the train station, and spread out. Once the train arrives, The Gestapo releases their dogs. Before the dogs can find the hidden food, they are distracted by the many cats that have been let loose. Chaos ensues and those with hidden food are able to flee and quickly pass their food through or over the ghetto walls.

Hanna’s Comments: I like the way this story is written so that a very dark and scary situation is told in a light manner that even young children can handle and enjoy. The suffering Jews behind the wall are only seen from afar. The illustrations are beautiful and help the subject seem less intense than reality. The political and religious issues are not in the narrative so you can avoid those difficult topics if you prefer or expand on them if that suits your purposes and is age appropriate. In the end papers, you’ll find an Author’s Note and a Historical Note.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Scholastic, 2004 

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 7 and up, 2^nd and up

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Non-fiction, Post 2k

PBT Topics this Book connects with: abuse/abuse of power, action, adaptation/assimilation, animals, bonds/connections, bravery/courage, caring/tending, challenges, chaos/disorder, commitment, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, cruelty, danger, dependence/interdependence, enemies, Europe, evil, exile/separation/walls, feasting/food/hunger/nutrition, helping, heroes, injustice, leadership/servant leadership, mission, obstacles, outreach, partners/teamwork, poverty, power, prisons/prisoners, rebellion, risking, secrets, social justice, surprise

Scripture Connections: The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. (Psalm 103:6); a righteous person knows the rights of the poor (Proverbs 29:7); let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream (Amos 5:24); …do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8); as you did it to one of the least of these, you did it to me. (Matthew 25:40)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of elementary students who are about to engage in an outreach project involving feeding the poor or to supplement a lesson on the social justice issue of access to healthy food.   

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 307

Picture Book: Wall

Author & Illustrator: Tom Clohosy Cole

Summary: This is a dark but beautiful story about the Berlin Wall. When the wall goes up, the narrator’s father is in West Berlin and therefore separated from his family. The mother consoles her son by telling him that his father’s life is likely better than theirs. The boy witnesses others’ attempts to cross over. Some are clever, lucky, and successful. Others who try to cross are caught and shot. The boy is determined to risk it so he begins digging a tunnel near the wall in a field. On the night when they try to cross over, they are confronted by a guard who becomes sympathetic after seeing the father’s photo. He allows them to continue. They arrive in West Berlin and find the father just as he is about to enter a tunnel he has been digging to reach them.

Hanna’s Comments: This book was written in response to the 25^th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall and is based on true stories of successful crossings. You may want to gather some historical information on the wall to give this book more context before reading it. There are not many words here so make sure your audience can easily see the compelling illustrations. You may have to explain them, and more than one copy of the book may be required. When discussing the book, focus on the love between the father and his family. Emphasize that no circumstances, would have been able to diminish the love that this family had for one another. Talk about how they were willing and compelled to work hard and risk everything to be together again.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Templar Books, 2014

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: Fresh off the Press, Non-fiction

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abuse/abuse of power, action, belonging, bonds/connections, bravery/courage, brokenness, bullying/martyrs/persecution/oppression, choices/decisions, commitment, danger, difficulties, Europe, evil, exclusion/inclusion, exile/separation/walls, family, fathers, fear, freedom, journeys/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, labor/work, land/mountains/soil, love, obstacles, perseverance, risking

Scripture Connections: Nothing can separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus (Romans 8:39)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children, youth, or adults when talking about love, the kind of love that we have in our families which is inspired by God’s love for us. Despite difficult circumstances and long separations, love often strengthens and makes us even more determined to be together.