Favorite PBT Posts: The 2nd Crayon Book

Here's the post about the sequel to Friday's book. Enjoy! 

Picture Book: The Day the Crayons Came Home

Author: Drew Daywalt

Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers 

Summary: Poor Duncan! Now he must contend with a new group of crayons

A bunch of postcards arrive, each with a tale of separation and longing for home. 

Maroon Crayon has been stuck in the couch since Duncan’s father sat on him. 

Pea Green Crayon (who has changed his name to Esteban the Magnificent!) runs away because no one likes the color pea green.

Neon Red Crayon, who was dropped by the pool at a vacation spot, is giving up on Duncan’s rescue and walking home. 

She makes her way back despite being geographically challenged. Here she says she's just entered New Jersey via China, Canada, & France!

No longer sunny, Yellow and Orange, who argued about the color of the sun in the first book, have melted together since being left outside.

Tan crayon was eaten by the dog and vomited on the rug. He’s downstairs in a fuzzy mess. 

Since Halloween, Glow in the Dark Crayon has been trapped in the basement. (If you “charge” this page with light, it’ll glow.) 

Gold crayon is worn down and stuck in a sharpener 

after coloring every coin in Captain Green Beard’s treasure. 

Turquoise Crayon has a sock stuck to his head thanks to the dryer. He had been left in Duncan’s pocket. 

Big Chunky Toddler Crayon (who belongs to Duncan’s younger brother), can’t take the rough handling anymore and pleads for rescue. 

Lastly, Brown Crayon ran away out of embarrassment when Duncan colored a particular scribble. 

Duncan does rescue his crayon friends. After their ordeals, he decides they deserve a new home and creates a wonderful place for them.

Hanna’s Comments: Earlier I connected Daywalt’s bestseller, The Day the Crayons Quit, to the spiritual concept of speaking truth to power. Duncan’s crayons are also featured in a couple of board books for very young children: The Crayons Book of Colors & The Crayons Book of Numbers. For a ministry idea using the book featured here, consider a biblical literacy lesson by helping your audience empathize with those affected by the Jewish diaspora. You see evidence of the diaspora in Bible stories in which many travel to Jerusalem (i.e. the story of Pentecost) or many long for Jerusalem and the faith and culture of home (the books of Esther and Daniel). The diaspora is a key concept for understanding the culture and desires of Jews in both Testaments. Another ideas: There are several Bible stories about going home or longing to be at a spiritual home (some listed below). And of course, the hope for a savior or being saved is throughout our holy scriptures. 

Original Publisher & Date: Philomel Bks, 2015

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Jacob returns home (Genesis 33); Naomi returns home (Ruth 1); exiles return to Jerusalem (Ezra 1 & 2); the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)

Idea(s) for Application: Desires for home, to a place where one lives or where one worships, are powerful spiritual longings as are desires to explore new places. Use this hilarious book to help your audience consider why God places these desire in us.

PBT Grab & Go #8 - Nova's Ark

Here's the latest book in my Grab & Go series. These are repeated posts about books that lend themselves to a super easy lesson because their content directly relates to biblical traditions or spiritual ideas.

Picture Book: Nova’s Ark 

Author & Illustrator: David Kirk

Summary: While playing with his family’s ancient treasure, a wooden ark and a set of wooden animals, Nova, a robot boy, misses his father who is on a space mission. Later, he accidentally rockets himself to a new planet (Nova is an engineering genius!) and uses his amazing talents to invent new mechanical animals to keep him company. After being reunited with his father who is injured, Nova & each animal sacrifice a component of their mechanics to save his father. Eventually father & son discover on this new planet the energy source that their planet desperately needs.

Hanna’s Comments: There is a great deal to talk about in this story. Encourage discussion among older listeners about connections between this tale and the biblical ark story. Ask about why this old story has various versions in cultures and media. What message does the old story (and this new one derived from images of that old story) have for us today? Younger listeners will simply enjoy the story and help you find connections to Genesis.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Scholastic, 1999

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

Formats other than Book: None at present 

Scripture Connections: Noah’s Ark (Genesis 6-9)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to children, youth, or adults to explore the power and themes from the biblical story of Noah’s ark.

The Crayons are Back!

Picture Book: The Day the Crayons Came Home

Author: Drew Daywalt

Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers 

Summary: Poor Duncan! Now he must contend with a new group of crayons. 

A bunch of postcards arrive, each with a tale of separation and longing for home. 

Maroon Crayon has been stuck in the couch since Duncan’s father sat on him. 

Pea Green Crayon (who has changed his name to Esteban the Magnificent!) runs away because no one likes the color pea green.

Neon Red Crayon, who was dropped by the pool at a vacation spot, is giving up on Duncan’s rescue and walking home. 

She makes her way back despite being geographically challenged. Here she says she's just entered New Jersey via China, Canada, & France!

No longer sunny, Yellow and Orange, who argued about the color of the sun in the first book, have now melted together since being left outside.

Tan crayon was eaten by the dog and puked up on the rug. He’s downstairs in a fuzzy mess. 

Since Halloween, Glow in the Dark Crayon has been trapped in the basement. (If you “charge” these pages with light, they’ll glow.) 

Gold crayon is worn down and stuck in a sharpener 

after coloring every coin in Captain Green Beard’s treasure. 

Turquoise Crayon has a sock stuck to his head thanks to the dryer. He had been left in Duncan’s pocket. 

Big Chunky Toddler Crayon (who belongs to Duncan’s younger brother), can’t take the rough handling anymore and pleads for rescue. 

Lastly, Brown Crayon ran away out of embarrassment when Duncan colored a particular scribble. 

Duncan does go and rescue his crayon friends. After their ordeals, he decides they deserve a new home and creates a wonderful place for them.

Hanna’s Comments: Here at PBT, I connected Daywalt’s bestseller, The Day the Crayons Quit, to the spiritual concept of speaking truth to power. Check out that post [here]. Duncan’s crayons are also featured in a couple of board books for very young children: The Crayons Book of Colors & The Crayons Book of Numbers. For a ministry idea using the book featured here, consider a biblical literacy lesson by helping your audience empathize with the Jewish diaspora. You see evidence of the diaspora in Bible stories in which many travel to Jerusalem (i.e. the story of Pentecost). This is a key concept for understanding the culture and desires of Jews in both testaments. Another idea: There are several Bible stories about going home or longing to be at a spiritual home (some listed below). And of course, the concept of savior is throughout our holy scriptures. 

Original Publisher & Date: Philomel Bks, 2015

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Jacob returns home (Genesis 33); Naomi returns home (Ruth 1); exiles return to Jerusalem (Ezra 1 & 2); the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)

Idea(s) for Application: Desires for home, to a place where one lives or where one worships, are powerful spiritual longings as are desires to explore new places. Use this hilarious book to help your audience consider why God places these desire in us.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 315

Dynamic Duo: Book 2

Picture Book: Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla

Author: Katherine Applegate

Illustrator: G. Brian Karas

Summary: The first 7 pages of this picture book are about Ivan’s idyllic life with his gorilla family in Central Africa. Then a poacher takes Ivan and another baby gorilla and transports them inside a small crate to Tacoma, Washington where an owner of a shopping mall had placed an order for them “like a couple of pizzas.” They were named Burma and Ivan after a Name the Baby Gorillas Contest. Sadly, soon after their arrival Burma died, and Ivan was alone. For his first three years in America, Ivan lived in a human home and was cuddled and played with by humans.  Eventually he was placed in a cage in the mall where he grew into a silverback gorilla. He had a TV and a few toys, but mostly he watched the people through a window. Shoppers began to react negatively to Ivan’s lonely life, but it wasn’t until he had lived in his cage for 27 years that he was gently moved to Zoo Atlanta where scientists helped him adapt to a more jungle-like lifestyle. There are a few photographs of the gorillas in the back of the book along with some more facts and even a painting by Ivan.  

Hanna’s Comments: This second PBT Dynamic Duo offering about rescued animals is quite different than those offered yesterday. Because this story is beautifully animated and reads less like a documentary and more like a children’s story, the realities of Ivan’s life are not as harsh as my summary might suggest. Do consider the sensitivities of your young audiences though when choosing non-fiction stories or videos about animals that are mistreated. I could have featured many more picture books like these some of which involve cross-species relationships that fascinate scientists. Here are a few others:

Terra & Bella: The Elephant and Dog Who Became Best Friends

Suryia & Rosco: The True Story of an Unlikely Friendship

Kate & Pippin: An Unlikely Love Story

Knut: How One Little Polar Bear Captivated the World

Publisher & Date of Publication: Clarion Books, 2014

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet, The back of this book explains that you can access a slideshow about Ivan at www.ZooAtlanta.org.

PBT Category: Non-fiction

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abuse/abuse of power, adaptation/assimilation, Africa, America, animals, brokenness, cruelty, the environment/nature, exile/separation, fear, greed/selfishness, growing up/growth, loneliness, neglect, new home/relocation, pets, poaching/stealing/theft, rescue, respect, victims

Scripture Connections: Peaceable Kingdom (Isaiah 11:6); love is patient and kind (1 Corinthians 13:4); let all you do be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:14)

Idea(s) for Application: Use any of these picture books about animals when talking about God’s creative design of various species and how humans have been encouraged to be their caretakers. OR Use these books to speak about the various ways love can be demonstrated, even across species. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 309

Picture Book: Doctor White

Author: Jane Goodall

Illustrator: Julie Litty

Summary: At the beginning of this story, it seems Dr. White is a typical doctor, arriving late for work at a hospital. Quickly you realize that he is instead a small white dog who has an uncanny bedside manner, particularly for the sickest children. He lies beside them; then they usually get better. When the health inspector comes and bans Doctor White from the hospital, Doctor White stays outside near the door, hoping for entrance. Then the health inspector’s own daughter becomes very ill and is admitted to the hospital. In desperation, he allows Doctor White to come in and be present with his daughter. Sure enough, she recovers, and Doctor White is allowed to continue his valuable practice.   

Hanna’s Comments: This story is based on an actual London hospital that adopted a dog who had an unusual manner with the sickest children. Pet therapy is a documented reality. The kind of unconditional love and hope that is inspired by dogs and cats can be a healing influence. It’s important to note that world-renowned scientist, Jane Goodall, is the author of this story which gives it more credibility. Healing should not be a taboo topic for children's ministry. Yes, it's mysterious. You won't be able to explain it, but children deal with the unknown all the time. They are more comfortable with mystery than most adults. When we proclaim God and God's work as mysterious and beyond our understanding, then we are in a sense humbly praising God. Declaring ourselves to be less than God which is a good thing.

2021 Update: I recently read a beautiful novel about pet therapy. It's about an very ordinary female chaplain and the "presence" (when alive and after death) of a dog who companions her during her rounds. If you want to be enriched by a mysterious short novel, I recommend One Night Two Souls Go Walking by Ellen Cooney. 

Publisher & Date of Publication: Minedition, 2014

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Non-fiction, Fresh off the Press

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: affection, animals, belonging, bonds/connections, brokenness, call/calling/vocation, caring/tending, companionship, dependence/interdependence, dying, encouragement, Europe, exclusion/inclusion, exile/separation/walls, healing/healthcare, helping, miracles, mystery, pets, poverty, power, presence, renewal/restoration

Scripture Connections: The healing stories of Jesus, especially the story of the healing of Jairus' daughter (Matthew 9:18-26)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book when talking with children about healing, particularly the mysteries of healing and the effects loving presence can have on someone’s recuperation. If you are connecting this to Jesus’ stories of healing, be sure to delineate the power you attribute to Jesus or God versus the power this little dog seems to have in the story. The dog has been gifted by his loving creator to be an instrument of healing for these children. 

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 223

Picture Book: Nelson Mandela
Author & Illustrator: Kadir Nelson
Summary: From his beginnings as a young son of an African chief through his leadership in the anti-Apartheid movement and 27 years of imprisonment, to his inauguration as the first African president of South Africa, most of Nelson Mandela’s life is beautifully captured here. President Mandela died in December of 2013 so this book was published early in the year of his death.
Hanna’s Comments: There is another picture book biography of Mandela that I recommend except that its text is quite long. Mandela: From the Life of the South African Statesman by Floyd Cooper, published in 1996 by Philomel. If you are doing an in-depth study of Mandela over several days, I recommend using both of these books and perhaps comparing and contrasting them. Neither book covers Mandela’s last few years and the world’s response to his death, particularly his retirement years spent as a world leader and symbol of reconciliation. You may want to supplement your lesson with internet material to give appropriate closure to the life of this global icon and inspirational hero of faith-based social justice and reconciliation. 
Original Publisher & Date: Katherine Tegen Books, 2013
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up
# of Pages: 40
Available in Spanish? Yes
Formats other than Book: Tablet, video, audio download
PBT Category: Fresh off the Press, Biography
PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abuse/abuse of power, action, Africa, ancestors/patriarchs & matriarchs, anger, aspirations/dreams, bravery/courage, brokenness, bullying/martyrs/persecution/oppression, call/calling/vocation, challenges, change, chosen, civil rights, commitment, conflict, consequences/punishment, cruelty, discord, disputes/fighting/opposition, equality/inequality, ethics, evil, exile/separation/walls, forgiveness/mercy/redemption, freedom, golden rule, hatred, heroes, hope, injustice, intolerance, justice, leadership/servant leadership, mission, non-violence/peaceful resistance, passion, patience, perseverance, prejudice, prisons/prisoners, purpose, race relations/racism, rebellion, segregation, social justice, steadfastness, transformation, victims, vision, waiting, wisdom
Scripture Connections: Stories of Moses leading his people out of slavery in Exodus
Idea(s) for Application: If you are a homeschool/private school teacher, consider doing a study on the life of Nelson Mandela, while comparing and contrasting his life and work to Moses, and talking about how faith grounded each figure.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 125

Dynamic Duo: Book 1

Picture Book: The Blessing Cup                     

Author & Illustrator: Patricia Polacco

Summary: Anna, a child in this story, is the author’s great-grandmother. A beautiful china tea set is used as part of their Shabbat (Sabbath) ritual. Anna asks again for the story of the tea set, a wedding gift from a rich aunt. With the set came a note: “This tea set is magic. Anyone who drinks from it has a blessing from God. They will never know a day of hunger. Their lives will always have flavor. They will know love and joy… and they will never be poor.” When all Jews are forced to leave Russia, Anna’s family takes only a few items. Their treasured tea set is included. During their difficult journey on the way to America, Anna’s father becomes gravely ill. They are fortunate to be taken in by a widowed doctor who heals Anna’s father and supports and delights in the family. When the doctor is threatened for housing Jews, he arranges for and purchases their passage to America. Anna’s mother leaves the tea set with him as a gesture of gratitude and hope for his blessings, but she keeps 1 cup so that the blessings could also travel with them. They arrive in America where the author explains how this cup has continued to be part of her family’s rituals, being given to the oldest daughter upon her wedding day.  

Hanna’s Comments: Twenty-five years after the publication of The Blessing Quilt (see tomorrow's PBT offering), Polacco offers another lovely book about the bonds of love and ritual uniting generations of her family. Even a stranger, whose hospitality saves a life - perhaps a whole family, is bound to them because of this tea set. There is so much to explore here. Even though this book mentions the Shabbat ritual, I felt it was still appropriate to include as a secular picture book. The family’s theology is not a part of this story. If the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) are part of your tradition, use this book to explore how the Shabbat ritual links generation upon generation going all the way back to the time of Moses.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Simon & Schuster, 2013

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

# of Pages: 48

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: aliens/immigrants/immigration/refugees/strangers, ancestors/matriarchs & patriarchs, artifacts, belonging, blessings, bonds/connections, bullying/martyrs/persecution/oppression, communion/Eucharist, difficulties, Europe, exclusion/inclusion, exile/separation, family, generosity/giving/offering/stewardship, gifts/giftedness/talents, God’s care/providence, heritage, home, homelessness, hospitality, image of God, immigration, insecurity, journeys/pilgrimages/migrations/quests, kindness, legends/myths, possessions, prejudice, religious differences, rescue, reverence, safe place/sanctuary, security, sharing, social justice, at table, time/timing/over time, travel, treasure, unity, victims

Scripture Connections: You shall keep my Sabbaths… a sign throughout your generations (Exodus 31:13)

Idea(s) for Application: Joyce Rupp has written many wonderful books designed for adult small groups. One of my favorites is The Cup of Our Life: A Guide for Spiritual Growth. Reading this book would be a fabulous way to begin such a small group.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 36

Picture Book: The Goodbye Boat

Author: Mary Joslin

Illustrator: Claire St. Louis Little

Summary: This simple, thoughtful text involves 2 children anticipating and then saying goodbye to an elderly woman who gets into a boat and sails away. Very real emotions of pain, loneliness, and grief are shown while the evocative illustrations imply that she is leaving them because of her death, but it is not clear. The ending involves a hopeful sense that she is going somewhere new.

Hanna’s Comments: The 3 characters are described as friends. This ambiguity opens this book’s use for any community context, not just family, where a beloved person has died. Because the elderly woman’s leaving & destination are not defined, this book can be a tool for exploring other kinds of permanent goodbyes such as when someone is moving far away or into a permanent nursing home situation. The ambiguous but positive ending will encourage a discussion of beliefs about the afterlife.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Eerdmans, 1999

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

# of Pages: 28

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Pre 2 K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, affection, afterlife/heaven, ancestors/patriarchs & matriarchs, anxiety/worry, brokenness, change, death/loss/grief, depression/despair/sadness/sorrow, difficulties, dying, emotions/feelings, endings, exile/separation, lamentations, loneliness, time/timing/over time

Scripture Connections: Deaths of Joseph/Moses/Elijah, Jesus’ ascension (Acts 1)

Idea(s) for Application: use in a lesson after the death of a loved matriarch or patriarch

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 15

Picture Book: Nova’s Ark

Author & Illustrator: David Kirk

Summary: While playing with his family’s ancient treasure, a wooden ark and a set of wooden animals, Nova, a robot boy, misses his father who is on a space mission. Later, he accidentally rockets himself to a new planet (Nova is an engineering genius!) and uses his amazing talents to invent new mechanical animals to keep him company. After being reunited with his father who is injured, Nova & each animal sacrifice a component of their mechanics to save his father. Eventually father & son discover on this new planet the energy source that their planet desperately needs.

Hanna’s Comments: There is a great deal to talk about in this story. Encourage discussion among older listeners about connections between this tale and the biblical ark story. Ask about why this old story has various versions in cultures and media. What message does the old story (and this new one derived from images of that old story) have for us today.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Scholastic, 1999

Age and 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: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, adventure, ancestors/patriarchs & matriarchs, animals, call/calling/vocation, challenges, creation, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, dreams/aspirations, exile/separation, exploration, fathers, found, gifts/giftedness/talents, God’s care/providence, heritage, heroes, journeys/pilgrimages/migration/quests, lost, mistakes, parents/parental love, passion, pets, problems/problem solving, searching, survival, wisdom

Scripture Connections: Noah’s Ark (Genesis 6-9)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to children, youth, or adults to explore the power and themes from the biblical story of Noah’s ark. It would be particularly appropriate for a Father’s Day lesson.