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 Series: God Book #8

Here is the last of the Old Turtle series.  

Picture Book: Old Turtle: Questions of the Heart

Author: Douglas Wood
Illustrator: Greg Ruth 

Summary: Earth’s people have so many questions for Old Turtle. They ask an old woman if Old Turtle is real and how to find her for it was the old woman’s own grandmother who, as a little girl, found Old Turtle. The old woman says to “follow the whisperings of your heart” along the old, overgrown paths to find Old Turtle. Then she says she wants to come along. After a long journey, they find Old Turtle who encourages their questions:

What is our purpose in life?

How do we find happiness?

What about family?

Can you tell us about play?

What is evil?

And the old woman’s question: What of death?

Old Turtle wisely answers each and tells them of another, more important question:

Who are you and how will you live this day?

Once they understand this last question, the party leaves with this comfort from Old Turtle:

There is no question the heart can ask for which it cannot find the answer.

Hanna’s Comments: This book was published to commemorate the 25^th anniversary of Old Turtle. It is dense with philosophical and spiritual ideas as Old Turtle answers each question over several pages. If you are going to present this book to an audience of young children, paraphrase rather than read all the text. They will love the illustrations. For older children or adults, consider reading this book over a series of lessons.

Original Publisher & Date: Scholastic, 2017

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Each question offered to Old Turtle has connections with scripture, particularly in the wisdom literature: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and more in the Apocrypha. Asking questions of wise ones is a long-standing religious ritual that is evident in stories throughout the Bible. 

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to continue an Old Turtle series of lessons while exploring important spiritual questions and emphasizing the developmental importance of doubt and questioning.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 342

Picture Book: The Whispering Town

Author: Jennifer Elvgren 

Illustrator: Fabio Santomauro

Summary: In their basement, Anett and her parents are hiding two Jews from the Nazis in 1943 Denmark. When Anett brings their breakfast down, she relies on their whispers in the dark to guide and comfort her. As she desires items for them from the town’s merchants, she whispers, “We have new friends. Then the merchants give a few items. Each time Anett ventures outside, she sees Nazi soldiers looking for hidden Jews. The Nazis threaten to arrest anyone who is hiding Jews. Because the Nazi presence is increasing, the Jews must leave at night with no local escort to the harbor where a boat will be waiting for their escape. How will they find their way? Anett remembers how the whispers guide her to the basement and suggests that the townspeople, along the desired route, stand at their doorways and use whispered voices to guide the Jews to the harbor. This plan works. “This way,” is repeatedly whispered and guides the Jews as they walk to the harbor.

Hanna’s Comments: The Author’s Note in the back of the book gives the historical context of this story and explains that it is based on true events in the small fishing village of Gilleleje, Denmark. I have considered featuring a book on Anne Frank this month because it is the 70^th anniversary of her death. However, I couldn’t find a picture book that balanced her heartbreaking story with her own statements of hope and faith in people. I encourage you to continue to look for that kind of book in your local library or simply tell Anne Frank’s story as a supplement and contrast to the book featured here. Anne Frank hid in an upper set of rooms in Amsterdam, Holland. Tweens and teens easily identify with Anne Frank’s story. There are reference books about her that will help you tell her story and show pictures. Also, there are many videos including the only known video of Anne Frank. She is looking out a window. Find it on Youtube.com. It is quite moving. Miep Gies, one of the protectors of Anne Frank and her family, has been interviewed many times. You'll find her story on Youtube as well. It is one of courage, humility, and sacrifice.   

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Kar-Ben Publishing, 2014

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Audio CD 

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press, Non-fiction

PBT Topics this Book connects with: abuse/abuse of power, action, adaptation/assimilation, aliens/immigrants/refugees/strangers, anxiety/worry, body/body of Christ, bravery/courage, bullying/martyrs/persecution/oppression, caring/tending, challenges, commitment, communication, community, cooperation, cruelty, danger, darkness/evening/night, dependence, difficulties, encouragement, enemies, ethics, Europe, evil, exile/separation/walls, fear, goodness, helping, hiding/isolation, homelessness, hospitality, listening, neighbors, partners/teamwork, presence, prisons/prisoners, problems/problem solving, protecting/protection, rebellion, resisting evil, risking, safe place/sanctuary, secrets, sharing, unity   

Scripture Connections: I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more (Psalm 71:14); abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good (Romans 12:9); welcome one another… for the glory of God (Romans 15:7); if one member suffers, all suffer together (1 Corinthians 12:26a); now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book and consider telling the story of Anne Frank to older elementary or youth who are learning about concepts of faith, hope, and reliance on others in difficult times. This book also easily connects with spiritual concepts such as discernment, particularly discernment through the guidance of others, and the power of community.   

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.  

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 306

Picture Book: Flossie and the Fox

Author: Patricia McKissack

Illustrator: Rachel Isadora

Summary: In rich dialect, McKissack offers a folktale from her story-telling grandfather. When Big Mama asks young Flossie to deliver some eggs to the neighboring farm, Flossie sets off toward the neighbor’s house with a basket of eggs. Flossie wonders what a fox looks like. When Fox approaches interested in the eggs, 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 the 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. Flossie heads toward the neighbors 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. 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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Audio download, An amateur video is on Youtube.com.

PBT Category: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: arguing, bravery/courage, challenges, communication, confidence, danger, enemies, evil, fear, identity/names, journeys/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, pride, survival, suspicion, wisdom

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. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 293

Picture Book: The Yellow Star:                                                The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark

Author: Carmen Agra Deedy

Illustrator: Henri Sorensen
Summary: Before and during World War II, Nazis used the Star of David to segregate and alienate the Jews. As Germany conquered other countries, these terrible policies crossed borders too. Legend has it that Denmark's beloved King Christian the 10th, who was committed to keeping all Danes safe, defied the Nazis. First he ordered that the Nazi flag, which had replaced the Danish flag above the palace, be brought down. When he was told that a repeat of this act would result in the execution of the one who took down the flag, he proclaimed that he would be the one to do so. The Nazi flag did not fly over the palace again. Likewise, when the decree came from Germany that all Jews in Denmark must wear a yellow star, King Christian defied this requirement by wearing a star himself as he paraded through Danish streets each morning. This act of benevolence encouraged all Danish citizens to wear a yellow star. Many did. For a while, the Jews of Denmark were not easily singled out.
Hanna’s Comments: Carmen Deedy beautifully tells this complicated story of a king’s determination to protect all of his people. The response of the non-Jewish Danes is inspiring. There is much in this story that can resonate for those in faith communities who are looking for historical inspiration to encourage biblical values of non-violent acts of social justice and protection of those who are most vulnerable.     
Original Publisher & Date: Peachtree Publishers, 2000
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 6 and up, 1^st and up
# of Pages: 32
Available in Spanish? Not at present
Formats other than Book: There is a short trailer for this book on Youtube.com that shows photographs of King Christian. Note: There are other short videos about a book titled Yellow Star but it is about a young girl in Poland.

PBT Category: Non-fiction
PBT Topics this Book connects with: abuse/abuse of power, belonging, bonds/connections, bravery/courage, bullying/martyrs/persecution/oppression, call/calling/vocation, challenges, citizenship, commitment, communication, community, conflict, conformity, danger, discord, disobedience/obedience, Europe, evil, exclusion/inclusion, God’s nature, heroes, identity/names, intercession, leadership/servant leadership, legends/myths, non-violence/peaceful resistance, power, protecting/protection, rebellion, religious differences, resisting evil, risking, unity, wisdom
Scripture Connections: Greater love has no one than this, that you lay down your life for friends (John 15:13); I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love (Ephesians 4:1-2); whatever is true, honorable, just… if there is any excellence and anything worthy of praise, think on these. (Philippians 4:8)
Idea(s) for Application: Consider reading this book to a group of children learning about modern heroes who face evil because of injustices to those who are oppressed.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 282

Picture Book: Mrs. Biddlebox

Author: Linda Smith

Illustrator: Marla Frazee

Summary: Mrs. Biddlebox is having a bad day, but she is determined to deal with it in her own very bewitching way. First she gathers it in a big pot, requiring lots of energy. She even twirls it with her broomstick like spaghetti. She reaches up and hooks some sunrays to add to the pot and rolls up the cloudy gray sky like a vast carpet. Finally, she whips it, whisks it, beats and bakes it. Then Mrs. Biddlebox eats her bad day, every last bite of it. When the meal is finished, she opens her door to welcome in a shining night and goes to bed. It is inspiring to note that the author was a sort of Mrs. Biddlebox in her own right who battled cancer for two years before dying of that disease in June of 2000.

Hanna’s Comments: If you are having trouble visualizing the events in this book, then you will be fascinated by the imaginative illustrations. I was also struck with the emotional tone here and the determination of this unusual character. I can see this book creatively used in a variety of settings in which your audience is dealing with a difficult and dark situation that requires energy, stamina, and determination such as a terminal illness, chronic pain, or depression. This picture book could also be used to motivate a religious community who is suffering through a particularly difficult problem such as large debt or a great loss as in a natural disaster or fire. My last idea is to talk about this book as a metaphor for battling evil, whether you see evil personified as the Devil or you see evil in more general, ambiguous terms. Note that the cover of this book as shown above may be different from the one on the book you find.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Harper Collins, 2002

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: action, anger, challenges, change, depression/despair/sadness/sorrow, difficulties, dying, emotions/feelings, endings, enemies, evil, feasting/food/hunger/nutrition, hope, intolerance, labor/work, lamentations, light/morning, perseverance, power, problems/problem solving, rebellion, resisting evil  

Scripture Connections: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me (Psalm 23:4); for I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11); get thee behind me, Satan (Matthew 16:23)

Idea(s) for Application: Consider reading this picture book at a support group for people with situations of clinical depression, chronic pain, or terminal disease. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 270

Picture Book: The Story of Ferdinand

Author: Munro Leaf

Illustrator: Robert Lawson

Summary: Unlike a typical bull in Spain, Ferdinand is content to sit quietly in a field and smell the lovely flowers, whereas his peers prefer butting other bulls and hope to be picked for the bull fights in Madrid. When men come to choose the biggest, toughest bull for the bull fights, Ferdinand wanders away to his favorite tree to sit and smell flowers. When he sits down on a bumble bee and is stung, the men are delighted by Ferdinand’s behavior. He butts and snorts fiercely. The men take Ferdinand to Madrid. Because of his size and rumors, Ferdinand is feared by the bullfighters, but he goes to the middle of the ring, sits down, and smells the lovely flowers in the ladies’ hair. The violence-hungry bullfighters are all very angry, but not Ferdinand so they take him back home to his field of flowers where he is content.

Hanna’s Comments: Banned in many countries, this book has an interesting political history which you may want to check out on the internet and mention when you offer it to your audience. It was published just prior to the Spanish American War while WWII was raging.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Viking, 1936

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: Video, Audio CD

PBT Category: Classic

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: authenticity, beauty, differences, the environment/nature, Europe, evil, gladness/happiness, goodness, individuality/uniqueness, joy, non-violence/peaceful resistance, pacifism/peace/peacemakers, passion, resisting evil, reverence, steadfastness, worship

Scripture Connections: Blessed are the peacemakers (Matthew 5:9); seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33); do not be conformed to this world (Romans 12:2)

Idea(s) for Application: When studying peacemaking or non-violence, consider reading this book to the children in your family of faith. It also has clear connections to the Romans 12 verse above. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 187

Picture Book: Strega Nona

Author & Illustrator: Tomie dePaola

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

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

Publisher & Date of Publication: Simon & Schuster, 1975

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

# of Pages: 40

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

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

PBT Category: Award Winner, Classic

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

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

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

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 165

Picture Book: Gifts from the Enemy

Author: Trudy Ludwig

Illustrator: Craig Orback

Summary: Based on Alter Wiener’s memoir of his Holocaust experience, this is a beautiful but heartbreaking story of methodical cruelty and unexpected kindness. During one of Wiener’s stints in the 5 prison camps he was forced to endure, a complete stranger, a German worker, repeatedly and secretly left food for him. He believes it saved him, for it gave him the energy and hope to survive. It also caused him to question his own prejudices. If a German could be so kind, then how could he believe all Germans were his enemy? The story ends with him stating as his most important lesson: “There are the kind and the cruel in every group of people. How those you meet in life treat you is far more important than who they are.”

Hanna’s Comments: The subject here is harsh, but the story is powerful and important. It encourages listeners to question how they might act is similar circumstances as both victim and enemy. The Holocaust was a time in which too many Christians did nothing to save the many being killed and victimized. One way we can prevent a repetition of this kind of systematic negligence is to openly talk about this difficult history and our obligations as humans and as lovers of God. The back of the book includes an afterward from Alter Wiener, a bit about the Holocaust and WWII, a vocabulary list, questions for discussion, and a list of recommended activities for readers.

Publisher & Date of Publication: White Cloud Press, 2014

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press, Non-fiction

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abuse/abuse of power, action, blessings, bravery/courage, brokenness, bullying/martyrs/persecution/oppression, choices/decisions, commitment, cruelty, danger, death/loss/grief, dependence/interdependence, disobedience/obedience, encouragement, enemies, ethics, Europe, evil, exile/separation/walls, feasting/food/hunger/nutrition, found, generosity/giving/offering/stewardship, goodness, gratitude/thankfulness/thanksgiving, hatred, helping, heroes, kindness, mystery, prisons/prisoners, rebellion, reassurance, religious differences, risking, Sabbath, sacrifice, savior/saving, secrets, servant hood/service/serving, sharing, survival, treasure, victims

Scripture Connections: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me (Psalm 23:4); woe to those who call evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20); when you did it to one of the least of these, you did it to me (Matthew 25:40)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book in a program for older elementary, tweens, or teens that focuses on difficult choices, random acts of kindness, or opposing evil. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 19

Picture Book: Lion’s Lunch

Author: Fiona Tierney

Illustrator: Margaret Chamberlain

Summary: Quick-witted Sarah wanders into the jungle happily singing until a lion threatens her. From Lion’s perspective, she is useless. Sarah quickly demonstrates her value by drawing a picture of the lion who is astonished that she portrays him as grumpy. The other animals agree with Sarah’s assessment. Sarah’s drawing convinces Lion to change his attitude, and Sarah becomes a permanent member of the jungle community.

Hanna’s Comments: This somewhat silly book has a great deal to say about how we are sometimes oblivious to our own behavior and how it affects how others view us. Sarah is such a great role model for being creative, smart, frank, and empathetic.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Chicken House, 2010

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, aliens/immigrants/refugees/strangers, anger, art, attentiveness/observation/seeing, authenticity, change, choir/music/singing/songs, communication, conflict, conversion, disputes/fighting/opposition, diversity, gifts/giftedness/talents, emotions/feelings, evil, exclusion/inclusion, honesty, immigration, intolerance, non-violence/peaceful resistance, outsiders, pacifism/peace/peaceful/peacemakers/peaceable kingdom, perspective, power, prejudice, regret/repentance, resisting evil, risking, sin, transformation, truth, underdogs, variety, wisdom

Scripture Connections: tax collectors: Matthew (Matthew 9:9-13) or Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10) who changed their ways; Saul on the Road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-22)

Idea(s) for Application: Lion's Lunch would be a great component to a lesson on the importance of self-awareness and how it may lead to transformation or consider reading it in a lesson on peaceful resistance.