PBT Series: Picture Book Classics #2

Here’s another one of my early posts that is worth sharing again. This little book is a treasure! It’s been in print for over 70 years and is typically read to very young children. In the post below, I suggest you consider a broader audience and give your faith family a chance to see the connections between this little guy's faith in a carrot seed and their own faith.  

Picture Book: The Carrot Seed

Author: Ruth Krauss

Illustrator: Crockett Johnson

Summary: This classic has a simple story but a powerful message about a lone boy’s faith in a carrot seed, which he planted and nurtures despite family members saying repeatedly, “It won’t come up.” Eventually the greens pop above the soil’s surface. Then the boy pulls a huge carrot out of the ground and loads it onto a wheel barrow. I wonder if he shared the carrot with his family. Ask your audience!

Hanna’s Comments: This picture book classic has a simple message of faith and nurturing that is universal and timeless. I think it should be in every toddler and preschooler’s library. Certainly it should be in your faith community’s nursery, preschool rooms, and community-wide library. Don't limit it's audience to just little ones. With elementary children and adults, use it as an intro. to a talk about naysayers and critics of faith and hope. Emphasize patience! Discuss the concept of tending your own personal faith like the boy nurtured his carrot seed. Point out that the carrot seed might have died had the boy not been so faithful to it. Ask: “What are some ways we “water” and “weed” our faith gardens?” Offer more personal examples of your faith practices. You might even describe your faith garden. Where is the beauty? What are the pests? How do you harvest and what do you glean from your faith garden?

You'll find a similar book with a more complicated plot and more text in a book by Pat Brisson and Maryann Cocca-Leffler. Wanda's Roses highlights a girl's determination to nurture a thorn bush in a vacant lot. She is sure it is a rose bush. She, and eventually some neighbors, clean up the lot. Through her many days of faithful hard work, Wanda keeps saying to naysayers the lot will be filled with roses. Wanda is right!

Publisher & Date of Publication: Harper & Row, 1945

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

Formats other than Book: There are several videos to choose from including “Uncle Wally” Amos reading this book as a part of the Read it Loud library program on Youtube.com, Audio cassette

Scripture Connections: Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. (Matthew 13:8); If you have faith the size of a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20) 

Idea(s) for Application: Because the concept of faith is so abstract, children (and sometimes adults) have difficulty understanding it. This little book offers a delightfully simple, but profound explanation of faith that is easy to relate to. Read this book in a Sunday school or other small group context and explore the concept of faith and how to "tend" and "nurture" it. 

Big Questions

Picture Book: Life on Mars

Author & Illustrator: Jon Agee

Summary: Alone in his determination to prove life on Mars, 

an astronaut arrives on the planet with a gift of chocolate cupcakes. 

He walks upon the “gloomy” surface,

ready to spy any sign of life. Soon he is spotted 

 and followed, 

but he is oblivious or perhaps his companion is particularly sneaky and shy.

With such a desolate landscape, the astronaut reconsiders his position. “Could anything possibly live here?” 

Hopeless, he decides to go home and drops the gift. 

It is quickly inspected by the Martian. 

 After much wandering and losing his way, 

the astronaut spots a lone flower.  

He picks it to take back to Earth, proof that he was right. 

Soon after, he comes upon his gift, picks it up, and climbs a mountain to seek his spaceship.  

The mountain is unusual in its color, but he doesn't notice.

He finds the spaceship and leaves the planet certain of his success and initial position. 

After blasting toward home, he opens the package believing he is deserving of the cupcakes. 

 Surprise!

Hanna’s Comments: Your children in your faith family or at home will love this story. It’s simple, funny, and profound. The illustrations really tell the story so make sure your audience has a clear view. You’ll be surprised how quickly children can step into conversations about proof or lack of proof where God is concerned. Make sure they understand that you are not saying that God is the Martian although there may be ways the Martian is like God (present or  observant, for instance). There’s a lot to interpret here, particularly the thoughts and feelings of the Martian. Belief seems to be the main theme, but it offers an opportunity to explore several theological ideas such as faith, doubt, exploration, certainty, pride, and wisdom. The concept of plunder comes to mind too. For an adult audience, might this book be a parable for those who are oblivious to and disrespectful of the rich and valid theologies of other faiths? Might the flower be symbolic of natural resources as signs of God’s presence? Is this little gift representing the little bit we might offer in exchange for access to something much richer and perhaps not ours to be accessed? All possible directions this fun book can take you and your listeners.  

Original Publisher & Date: Dial Books, 2017

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1); for we walk by faith, not sight (2 Corinthians 5:7)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of elementary children, teens, or adults and do some age-appropriate exploring of some of the concepts  and big questions listed above or others you find.  

God and Edwina

Dinosaur books are everywhere. Like most, Edwina: The Dinosaur Who Didn’t Know She was Extinct by Mo Willems is fun and plays with the ridiculous idea of having a dinosaur as a friend. However, this book offers an additional and intriguing possibility for consideration.  

Edwina is kind and helpful so she’s popular and well-loved by all but one. Reginald Von Hoobie-Doobie is determined to tell everyone that dinosaurs are extinct. 

His peers argue, “What about Edwina?” Then they list her acts of love and service. 

Reginald hopes that once they are convinced that dinosaurs are extinct, then Edwina will disappear. Reginald tries fliers and protests but no one listens, except for Edwina, who attentively listens to Reginald’s persuasive arguments. How does she respond? She’s shocked! 

But also she just doesn’t care, and neither does Reginald once he is won over by Edwina’s goodness and generosity.

Tweens and teens will enjoy picture books more than you might suspect though you don’t want to offer these too often. There is a quiet, nostalgia in older children to remember the delights of their younger selves and the comforts and discoveries of picture books. I’m suggesting that you tap into those feelings and consider the important questions and situations that picture books can offer.

Just under the surface, this Mo Willems book presents questions of God’s existence and how to relate to those who are passionate atheists. Furthermore, the evidence of Edwina’s existence can easily be applied to evidence of God’s nature.

Should the question of God’s existence be up for consideration in theological conversations or lessons with children? Absolutely! They hear these arguments in school and in social media and sometimes feel quite alone in their faith.

In fact, exposure to thoughtful responses may lead to a more solid foundation in their faith as they grapple with arguments like Reginald’s. Helping older children and youth frame their own personal responses is a way faith families can help prepare them for their inevitable confusions and doubts in adulthood.  

For this book, be sure to focus on the kindness and goodness of Edwina and connect these with God’s nature and the positive influence God has on humans – complicated stuff but today’s youth are surprisingly good at considering various arguments and different points of view.

Focus especially on how Edwina listens attentively to Reginald. Sometimes listening is all that is needed to diffuse a passionate and uncomfortable argument. Also, consider Reginald’s motives. Is he most interested in being right or being heard and included? Are their children in your faith community who have similar inclinations?

I especially love how Edwina ends with a sense that she doesn’t have to understand. I think that this kind of humility, particularly when it comes to existential questions, is crucial, what God hopes for, and often the least hurtful response. Too often arguments over beliefs cause damage in faith communities. We don’t have to understand all the mysteries in order to enjoy the delights and goodness of our faith in God.

Picture Book: Edwina: The Dinosaur Who Didn’t Exist

Author & Illustrator: Mo Willems

Original Publisher & Date: Hyperion, 2006

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

Formats other than Book: Audible

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 353

Dynamic Duo: Book 2

Picture Book: The Trellis and the Seed: A Book of Encouragement for All Ages

Author: Jan Karon

Illustrator: Robert Gantt Steele

Summary: This story is from the point of view of a moonflower seed who has doubts about her potential. The seed has heard that she will become a vine and blossoms, but she doesn’t see how. Planted beside a white trellis by a “nice lady” who has faith the seed will transform, the seed waits and experiences changes described as a tickle and a kiss. Earth encourages the seed when she has doubts, saying that “God has planned something beautiful for you.” After struggling to the top of the trellis and sensing the blossoms of the many other plants, she becomes discouraged that she has no blossoms. Again Earth advises, “God’s timing for you is different.” When a full moon appears, the nice lady comes out to investigate the amazing new fragrance that comes from the seed’s many moonflower blossoms. The nice lady exclaims that she knew the seed would be “wonderfully different.”

Hanna’s Comments: Besides an informative lesson on the process of growing a climbing vine, this second offering of a PBT Dynamic Duo of books about seeds offers several metaphorical lessons on issues such as doubt, faith, vocation, patience, transformation, and personal potential. As the subtitle implies, both children and adults will enjoy this story. Scripture connections abound!

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Viking, 2003

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Audio cassette

PBT Category: God Book, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book connects with: babies/children, beauty, beginnings/morning, calling/call/vocation, care of creation, covenant/promises/vow, differences, doubt, eggs/seeds, encouragement, the environment/nature, faith/faithfulness, flowers/leaves/trees, gardening/planting/pruning/sowing, God’s presence, God’s nature, God’s will, growing up/growth, life, moon/space/stars/sun, nurturing, patience, prophesy/prophets, purpose, reflection, self-discovery, surprise, transformation, word of God

Scripture Connections:  Trust in the Lord with all your heart (Proverbs 3:5-6); the seed parables (Matthew 13); for nothing will be impossible with God (Luke 1:37); if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience (Romans 8:25); faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children or adults when talking about spiritual issues of personal potential, self-doubt, faith, vocation, transformation, or patience (aka God’s timing versus our timing).   

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 338

Picture Book: Owl Babies

Author: Martin Waddell

Illustrator: Patrick Benson

Summary: Three baby owls wake up one night and are surprised that Mama Owl is gone. As the night continues and their fears grow, they huddle together to wait, and a pattern emerges in their thoughts and words because, “Owls think a lot”. Sarah, the largest and always the first to speak tries to be reassuring. Percy, the older brother, agrees with his sister. But baby owl Bill simply says, “I want my mommy!” Finally, when Mommy comes back, she reminds the three that she always returns. Sarah and Percy say they knew she was coming back. Bill ends the book with, “I love my Mommy.”  

Hanna’s Comments: I like this simple tale because it comically offers a very real problem for young children and considers their fears of abandonment tenderly and deliberately. At first the two older owls engage in encouragement, hope, and positive self-talk which are smart emotional approaches when afraid. Each of these represent faith in their Mommy. Then they huddle together which helps too, especially when you are imagining terrible possibilities. When their fears are expressed, their fears grow. Lastly, they close their eyes and wish their mother present. This is a sort of prayer. When Mama Owl arrives, there is much flapping and dancing in relief, a celebration. She offers reassurance. Sarah and Percy become a little self-defensive about their doubts. However, little Bill offers authentic and loving affirmation. Be sure to allow your audience to talk about how they respond to fear and what strategies are most reassuring for them. Tie in concepts of faith and prayer when you can. 

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Candlewick Press, 1992

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Audio Cassette, Video

PBT Category: Pre 2K 

PBT Topics this Book connects with:  affirmation, anxiety/worry, authenticity, babies/children, belonging, bonds/connections, bravery/courage, commitment, companionship, darkness/evening/night, dependence/interdependence, doubt, emotions/feelings, encouragement, family, fear, hope, love, mothers, parents/parental love, perspective, prayer, presence, reassurance, security, unity, waiting  

Scripture Connections: Be strong and courageous; do not be terrified (Joshua 1:9); oh most high, when I am afraid, I put my trust in you… (Psalm 56:2b-4); the Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. (Hebrews 13:6)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this picture book to a group of young children in a lesson on fear and how to rely on God through faithful, positive self-talk and prayer.   

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 277

Picture Book: Sam and Dave Dig a Hole

Author: Mac Barnett

Illustrator: Jon Klassen

Summary: Sam and Dave begin their mission. They won’t stop digging until they find “something spectacular”. They dig straight down, but find nothing. They decide to dig in another direction, to the side. They dig in that direction for a while and then decide to split up and dig in two different directions. Each time, they find nothing so again they start digging together and straight down. Eventually they rest. Meanwhile, the dog, who all along has been giving hints as to what they are missing, begins digging straight down for a bone. All 3 characters fall through air to another home, an alternative reality of sorts. It looks very similar to the home they left. Upon landing, Sam and Dave declare, “That was pretty spectacular.”  Each illustration offers a cutaway view of Sam and Dave’s digging. Every time they change their direction, it is just before they are about to dig up a huge gem! Again and again in comical fashion, they miss a “spectacular something.” However, the characters are wise enough to realize that the journey in itself was spectacular.

Hanna’s Comments: The illustrations in this book are crucial to the enjoyment. I’m not just referring to where the huge gems are located, but also the dog’s behavior and the subtle differences between Sam and Dave’s location at the start and where they land. It will be important for your audience to be able to see these details so consider projecting the book on a screen or having multiple books with designated page turners who turn each page just as you do. Pacing is crucial in the delivery of this story. If you are reading to young children, you’ll need to explain beforehand that this is not a story based in our reality, although it seems to start that way. The ending is mysterious and up to interpretation. Encourage them all to interpret and discuss. There are many possibilities. You may want to read the book again after you have talked about it. If you plan to do this, don’t point out things the first time you read it, but do read slowly so that people have time to notice the details. Encourage them to be silent and attentive. Then the story becomes an individual journey, perhaps even “something spectacular” for each audience member.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Candlewick Press, 2014

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: action, adventure, blessings, choices/decisions, commitment, companionship, disappointment, doubt, exploration, friends/friendship, God’s will, grace, gratitude/thanksgiving, humanity, journeys/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, labor/work, land/mountains/soil, life, mission, mistakes, partners/teamwork, patience, perseverance, perspective, pets, purpose, satisfaction, searching, steadfastness, treasure, waiting, wisdom

Scripture Connections: Scripture stories of wandering (i.e. the Israelites in the wilderness), scripture stories of surprisingly good results (i.e. Joseph in Egypt), or scripture stories of realizing your priorities have changed (i.e. Paul on the road to Damascus)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of adults when you are talking about the idea of individual spiritual journeys, particularly the value of process over product.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 233

Picture Book: Giraffes Can’t Dance

Author: Giles Andreae

Illustrator: Guy Parker-Rees

Summary: Gerald, a giraffe, wants nothing more than to join in the dancing at the annual Jungle Dance, but his knees are crooked and his legs are thin, both of which make his dancing clumsy and awkward. He approaches the dance floor anyway, but he is quickly teased so he slinks off, ashamed. Along the way home, Gerald is encouraged by a cricket who says, “Sometimes when you’re different you just need a different song.” Then he tells him to imagine the moon is playing just for Gerald because everything makes music. Gerald begins to shuffle, sway, and swish. His dancing becomes glorious. Soon the animals from the party arrive and become entranced by Gerald’s moves. They declare Gerald the best dancer ever! When asked to explain his sudden grace, Gerald says that we all can dance when we find music that we love.

Hanna’s Comments: This is such great book about encouraging others and finding your bliss! Many of Gerald’s admirable attributes could be talked about with children in your faith community such as his ability to persevere, be authentic, and listen. The cricket would be a great character to explore in a children’s discussion too. Both of these characters can be connected to characters in the scriptures who acted in similar ways such as Barnabus, Paul’s encourager, and Paul himself, who was an outsider among Christians until he proved himself a valuable preacher of the Gospel.  

Publisher & Date of Publication: Orchard Books, 1999

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: Video, Audio download/CD

PBT Category: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, action, Africa, aspirations/dreams, authenticity, celebration/party, choir/music/singing/songs, dance/dancing, diversity, doubt, encouragement, exclusion/inclusion, gifts/talents, gladness/happiness, God’s presence, goodness, helping, individuality/uniqueness, joy, judgment/judges/judging, listening, loss of faith, mentors/teachers, moon/space/stars/sun, participation, prejudice, reassurance, response to God, self-discovery, underdogs

Scripture Connections: Then Miriam took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines and dancing. (Exodus 15:20); You have turned my mourning into dancing (Psalm 30:11); let them praise his name with dancing (Psalm 149:3)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book to talk with children about different styles of worship and the purposes of worship including to authentically praise God. Or Connect these main characters to Bible characters with similar attributes.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 214

Terrific Trio: Book 1

Picture Book: Mr. Wayne’s Masterpiece                           

Author & Illustrator: Patricia Polacco

Summary: This is the true story of the author’s entrance into a drama class in school because of her paralyzing fear of speaking in front of her classes. Patricia loved to read and write, but she couldn’t orally share her wonderful writing. Mr. Wayne, the drama teacher, cleverly gave Patricia a backstage role so that she could use her art skills to paint backdrops. As Patricia painted, she heard the rehearsals and learned all the lines so Mr. Wayne asked her to be the prompter. When a key actor dropped out, Patricia was convinced to take the role. More importantly, Mr. Wayne understood her fears and worked with her to overcome them and build skills and confidence. Patricia learned to "let the play take her". As she spoke her first few lines the night of the public performance, the audience disappeared in her mind and she became the role. Afterwards, Mr. Wayne told Patricia, “Tonight, you’re my masterpiece.”

Hanna’s Comments: This book begins a PBT Terrific Trio in which this author and illustrator offers 3 tributes to specific teachers who made a fundamental difference in her life and helped her discover her gifts and her vocation. Consider these 3 books encouragement for you to consider who has inspired and helped you in your journey of discovery and exploration of your gifts. Be grateful and tell them so if you are able.

Publisher & Date of Publication: G. P. Putnam’s, 2014

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press, Biography

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, action, adaptation/assimilation, affirmation, anxiety/worry, art, bravery/courage, challenges, chosen, communication, confidence, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, disabilities/handicaps/limitations, doubt, education/learning/school, emotions/feelings, encouragement, fear, gifts/talents, gratitude/thanksgiving, mentors/teachers, participation, partners/teamwork, risking, self-discovery, shyness, transformation, trust/trustworthiness

Scripture Connections: Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30); every good and perfect gift is from above (James 1:17); as each has received a gift, use it to serve one another (1 Peter 4:10)

Idea(s) for Application: Consider using this book with a confirmation class and talk to your children about discovering their gifts and using loving adults as resources and encouragers. Also, emphasize the importance of gratitude in these situations, gratitude to God for the gifts and gratitude to the loving adults for their support and encouragement.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 204

Picture Book: Does God Hear My Prayer?     

Author: August Gold

Photographer: Diane Hardy Waller

Summary: Through a series of questions, this inviting book explores the many ways children can communicate with and experience God. The assurance that God’s love and presence is always available and attentive is emphasized. Photographs highlight the ways we experience God, God’s world, and other creatures created by God.

Hanna’s Comments: In a sense I am featuring 5 books today! This book is representative of a series of 5 books offered by this publisher; all are in the same format and comparable in content. In ways that are neither preachy nor simple, these books offer thought-provoking questions about God’s nature and our relationship with God. Reading these books should lead to some valuable conversations with your children across settings: in their faith communities, in private schools where faith language is welcome, and in their homes. Photographs and other illustrations increase the child-friendliness of these books. This entire series as well as other books from this publisher are "endorsed by Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, and Buddhist religious leaders." If you are Christian, note that Jesus is not mentioned, but God is represented in a way that reflects Christian values. Here are the other titles in the series and their authors:

Where Does God Live? by August Gold There is another PBT book with this title that you can read about [here.]

How Does God Forgive Me? by August Gold

Does God Ever Sleep? by Joan Sauro

How Does God Listen? by Kay Lindahl

Publisher & Date of Publication: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2005

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: God Book, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: anxiety/worry, communication, disappointment, doubt, faith/faithfulness, God’s care/providence, God’s nature, God’s presence, God’s will, holiness, honesty, hope, humility, intercession, lamentations, openness, power, prayer, questioning/questions, quiet/silence, reassurance, strength/strength in God, trust/trustworthiness, waiting, wonder

Scripture Connections: You make known to be the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11); behold, I am with you always (Matthew 28:20)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book and the other books in this series anytime you want to explore the nature of God with children in a way that invites their questions and explorations. 

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.