PBT Favorite Posts #5

Picture Book: Jabari Jumps

Author & Illustrator: Gaia Cornwall
Summary: It's summer and Jabari is a self-confessed "great jumper." After situating his suit and goggles, Jabari is determined to jump off the diving board this year. 

His dad is surprised. 

After swim lessons and a test, Jabari says he isn't afraid.

He watches the jumpers from the sidelines, noticing their techniques, and declares that it "looks easy," but Dad's hand feels awfully good. 

The ladder is a bit daunting,

and the crowd is more ready than he. Jabari urges them to go ahead of him so he can practice his special jump. When Jabari stalls half-way up the ladder, his dad asks if he's ok. Jabari says he just needs a rest. Dad urges him to come on down. Jabari does.

Then Jabari remembers his stretches - very important! 

When Jabari suggests that tomorrow might be a better day, his father confesses that he too is afraid sometimes, explaining that scared feelings sometimes turn into surprise feelings. Jabari loves surprises! That's when Jabari breathes deeply and does some self-talk: "I'm ready." So Jabari takes that deep breath... 

 

climbs the ladder...

walks to the edge... 

and feels ready for the surprise, not so afraid anymore.

Jabari takes another deep breath and jumps. 

 After flying, he hits the water, goes down, down, and down and then... 

and up again!

Everyone celebrates Jabari's courage! 

He's ready to go again, this time with that special jump - "a double backflip!"

Hanna’s Comments: This book offers great connections to our many scriptures about courage. Don’t let the age and cuteness factor of Jabari limit you. Sure this book is great for little ones, but Jabari can be an inspiration to us all. Adults struggle with courage and can relate to jumping off a literal or figurative diving board. The metaphors of faith and our belief in God’s (or Jesus’ presence) are evident in this story. Acts that are our next steps in faith are Jabari's slow journey to the end of the diving board. Jabari's father is an obvious image of God (or Jesus) and a role-model to those wanting to be encouraging parents. Breath is a particularly important aspect of the strategy Jabari’s father gives him to face his fears and be ready for the joys such courage can bring. Remind your audience that breath can signify God (or the Holy Spirit) and holy inspiration. I've been doing more centering prayer lately. Perhaps you do yoga. Breath is an integral aspect to such grounding practices so we can courageously jump with faith into the delights that will follow.

If it's not summertime, you might consider Chicken Chickens by Valeri Gorbachev. It is about twin chicks who enter a chaotic playground for the first time. They are welcomed well and eased into going down the slide. 

Original Publisher & Date: Candlewick Press, 2017

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Be strong and courageous. Don’t be terrified…for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go (Deuteronomy 31:6 & Joshua 1:9); Where shall I go from your Spirit? Where shall I flee you’re your presence? (Psalm 139:7); When you pass through the waters, I will be with you (Isaiah 43:2); You will seek me and fine me, when you seek me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:13); I am with you always (Matthew 28:20); God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children who are going to church camp for the first time. Relate this story to their courage when swimming but also to other activities that will be new or require risk. Emphasize the comfort that God’s (or Jesus’) presence offers. For a class on parenting, emphasize the role Jabari’s dad plays in letting him be courageous while tooling him with strategies and confidence.

PBT Redux #18 A Perfect Book for Epiphany

January 6 begins the Epiphany Season when the church considers The Magi’s journey. These were gentiles, thought by Jews to be outsiders, and yet Matthew, a Jew, tells this story. The Magi followed the bright star and worshiped the babe despite their alienation. They were drawn to do so by hope grounded in their life’s work and their personal imagination.

Today's repost is a beautiful, classic picture book that offers a similar journey by a child. She is human, an outsider to the forest. Like The Magi, she has a companion and together they embark on a dark journey for that which (and who) is beautiful and mysterious. 

The spiritual aspects of Owl Moon are likely obvious, but there are also many applications to today’s political and social contexts. We know of many aliens in many situations. And we are aliens ourselves sometimes. 

Read the story of The Magi to a group of children or adults. Then read this story and ask them simply to find connections between the 2 stories. You will be amazed by the conversation! One reason why this picture book works so well is its first person point of view. Listeners will step inside the story and be the child. In the discussion, be sure to ask about personal hopes going forward and what (who?) they hope to find in 2018.  

 

Picture Book: Owl Moon

Author: Jane Yolen

Illustrator: John Schoenherr

Summary: The narrator, a girl it seems, embarks on a family rite of passage. She and her Pa go owling. She tells us she knows just what to do and has been waiting for this time with her Pa for a long time. Owling involves a silent walk into the woods the night of an “owl moon.” The sounds, sights, and mystery of the forest are explored and felt by the reader as Pa imitates the great horned owl’s call and they anticipate a sighting. An owl does call back. Pa shines his light upon the creature before it flies away. Pa and narrator walk home in silence when silence is no longer necessary but seems the right response to something so beautiful and rare.     

Hanna’s Comments: This beautiful picture book celebrates the quiet love of a father and child as well as the possibilities of darkness and God’s nature. It also offers an example of what patience and a little bravery in a new environment might offer those willing to explore, even while holding the hand of one who is more mature. The narrator explains:

When you go owling, you don’t need words or warm or anything but hope.

This quiet adventure can be a metaphor for many spiritual and theological explorations. I can’t help but recommend to you of one of my favorite spiritual writers, Barbara Brown Taylor, and her recent book, Learning to Walk in the Dark.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Philomel, 1987

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

Formats other than Book: Audio

Scripture Connections: Be still & know (Psalm 46:10), Treasures of Darkness (Isaiah 45:3), The journey of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12); The many times Jesus prays apart from the disciples

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book and ask about connections to the journey of The Magi. This book would also be a great start to an adult small group’s study of Barbara Brown Taylor’s Learning to Walk in the Dark.

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.

Breath for Jumping Courage!

Picture Book: Jabari Jumps

Author & Illustrator: Gaia Cornwall

Summary: It's summer and Jabari is a self-confessed "great jumper." After situating his suit and goggles, Jabari is determined to jump off the diving board this year. 

 His dad is surprised. 

After swim lessons and a test, Jabari says he isn't afraid. 

He watches the jumpers from the sidelines, noticing their techniques, and declares that it "looks easy," but Dad's hand feels awfully good. 

The ladder is a bit daunting,

and the crowd is more ready than he. Jabari urges them to go ahead of him so he can practice his special jump. 

When Jabari stalls half-way up the ladder, his dad asks if he's ok. Jabari says he just needs a rest. Dad urges him to come on down. Jabari does.

 Then Jabari remembers his stretches - very important! 

When Jabari suggests that tomorrow might be a better day, his father confesses that he too is afraid sometimes. 

That's when Jabari breathes deeply and does some self-talk: "I'm ready." That scared feeling sometimes turns into a surprise feeling. Jabari loves surprises!  

 So Jabari takes that deep breath... 

climbs the ladder...

walks to the edge... 

and feels ready for the surprise, not so afraid anymore.

Jabari takes another deep breath and jumps. 

 After flying, he hits the water, 

goes down, down, and down and then... 

up again! 

Everyone celebrates Jabari's courage! And he's ready to go again, 

this time with that special jump - "a double backflip!" 

Hanna’s Comments: This book offers great connections to our many scriptures about courage. Don’t let the age and cuteness factor of Jabari limit you. Sure this book is great for little ones, but Jabari can be an inspiration to us all. Adults struggle with courage and can relate to jumping off a literal or figurative diving board. The metaphors of faith and our belief in God’s (or Jesus’ presence) are evident in this story. Acts that are our next steps in faith are Jabari's slow journey to the end of the diving board. Jabari's father is an obvious image of God (or Jesus) and a role-model to anyone wanting to be an encouraging parent. In this story, breath is a particularly important aspect of the strategy Jabari’s father gives him to face his fears and be ready for the joys such courage can bring. Remind your audience that breath can signify God (or the Holy Spirit) and holy inspiration. I've been doing more centering prayer lately. Perhaps you do yoga. Breath is an integral aspect to such grounding practices so we can confidently and courageously jump with faith in the delights that will follow.

If it's not summertime, you might consider Chicken Chickens by Valeri Gorbachev. It is about twin chicks who enter a chaotic playground for the first time. They are welcomed well and eased into going down the slide. 

Original Publisher & Date: Candlewick Press, 2017

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Be strong and courageous. Don’t be terrified…for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go (Deuteronomy 31:6 & Joshua 1:9); Where shall I go from your Spirit? Where shall I flee you’re your presence? (Psalm 139:7); When you pass through the waters, I will be with you (Isaiah 43:2); You will seek me and fine me, when you seek me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:13); I am with you always (Matthew 28:20); God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children who are going to church camp for the first time. Relate this story to their courage when swimming but also to other activities that will be new or require risk. Emphasize the comfort that God’s (or Jesus’) presence offers. For a class on parenting, emphasize the role Jabari’s dad plays in letting him be courageous while tooling him with strategies and confidence. 

PBT Series: God Book #4

Today I offer one of the treasures posted formerly here at PBT. Most of my featured books are secular because those are rich resources hidden in plain sight. However, now and then I post about a book that explicitly explores the nature of God. The book below is one of those God books. I originally offered it toward the end of my initial year of posting about a different picture book each day. That's why there are over 600 books at PBT for you to explore and consider for your faith family or your family at home. Add this book to both of those libraries for a way to expand each family's understanding of God and who we perceive God to be.

Picture Book: When God was a Little Girl

Author: David Weiss

Illustrator: Joan Hernadez Lindeman

Summary: A father and young daughter are on a long car trip. She wants a story about, “When God was a little girl.” Thus, begins a father’s imaginative retelling of the creation stories from Genesis. This personified God does art projects, giggles a lot, loves to sing colors into being, and invites the humans she creates to be echoes of the divine while She creates and sings the names of Earth’s creatures.

Hanna’s Comments: I was delighted to find this title on the storypath blog, a resource I highly recommend. You’ll find a link to that blog on my blog list here. My library didn’t have this book so I ordered it immediately. I was not disappointed! I love the artsy emphasis with both the music and the craft angles that children will enjoy. I especially appreciate how the young female images of God change in race and age. Don’t limit this book’s influence by reading it just to young girls or women. This is a wonderful book for expanding the image of God in a way that is non-threatening and delightful. Then have your audience consider other possibilities for expanding God’s image and encourage them to consider what these images say about God and what attributes for God are out of bounds for your group. Resources to supplement this book are at www.WhenGodWasaLittleGirl.com. At the back, the author and illustrator offer some details about their inspirations for this picture book.

Original Publisher & Date: Beaver’s Pond Press, 2013

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

Formats other than Book: None at present 

Scripture Connections: Creation Stories (Genesis 1 & 2)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book to discuss and expand images of God in the Genesis creation stories and beyond. 

New PBT Series: God Book #1

Today's post begins a new PBT series in which I offer posts from the past that featured PBT God books. These are picture books that explore the nature of God. Typically I offer secular books here; God books are the exception. Because I have not yet featured these books a 2nd time and they are so rich with ministry possibilities, I'm going to post about these for the next week or so. My elbow is healing well. Doing more re-posting has helped with that process. Thanks for your prayers and patience for new posts. Below I highlight 2 great books for young children that explore what God is like. 

Picture Book: God is Like a Mother Hen and Much,                                     Much More

Author: Carolyn Stahl Bohler

Illustrator: Dean Nicklas with help from daughter Amy

Summary: In simple metaphors and illustrations, God’s nature is explored in ways that are meaningful to young children. God is like a mother hen, daddy, teacher, friend, mommy, the air, a child, you, and love. The last illustrated page offers a blank frame with an invitation, “Can you think of what else God is like?”

Hanna’s Comments: At the back of the book you’ll find a note to parents and teachers explaining how metaphors are important for use when exploring God’s nature. Interestingly, they also suggest you explore with the children ways that God is not like the metaphor. This would offer more distinctive meaning and confirm that God is unique, mysterious, and much more. Lastly, all the symbols used in the book are listed with 1 or 2 scripture references.  

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, 1996

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: See the list in the back of the book for many scripture connections.

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book with young children at bedtime or in a group lesson for imaginatively exploring the nature of God. 

Picture Book: God is Like…: Three Parables for Children

Author: Julie Walters

Illustrator: Thea Kliros 

Summary: In the first of three parables, a rock at the edge of the sea is shown and described. Repeatedly it is emphasized that “the rock stayed the same” despite the waves, weather, and a boy’s attempts to move it. As the boy ages, he notices that the rock does not change. He wonders, “Could God be like a rock?” The appropriateness of this simile is revealed and a scripture reference is given. The second simile begins as a spark of light that grows into a campfire and illuminates a young girl’s play and imagination. She guides other children to the light, and when the sun comes up the next morning, she wonders if God could be like the light. Jesus is offered as the light of the world with a scripture reference. Similarly, the third simile, a breath of wind, is illustrated in the playful activities of another young boy.

Hanna’s Comments: Note the length of this book. I suggest presenting it over 3 sessions. Each parable offers much in terms of conversation and supplemental activities. Don’t be afraid that your children are not able to think abstractly. One of the beauties of metaphorical thinking is that it allows humans to translate abstract thought into concrete, meaningful terms. Focus on the concrete and consider additional metaphors for God that might inspire other stories, questions, and lessons. The other picture book I’ve offered in this post will give you some possibilities, and I encourage you to think of some on your own that would be particularly meaningful for your children. Like mentioned above, talking about what God (or Jesus) is not like, is also helpful.

Original Publisher & Date: Water Brook Press, 1973

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Each of the similes (parables) is tied to a scripture reference.

Idea(s) for Application: This book could easily be translated into 3 simple skits for 3 different children to silently dramatize while the text is read in a lesson or even in a worship experience for your entire family of faith.

December Holiday Books 12 & 13

Picture Book: Christmas Day in the Morning

Author: Pearl S. Buck

Illustrator: Mark Buehner

Summary: A middle-aged man wakes at 4:00 one Christmas morning and remembers the Christmas gift he gave his father decades before. Rob remembers how they got up at 4 each morning, even Christmas morning, to milk the cows. His father was sympathetic to his teenaged son’s need to sleep, but the work was necessary. One Christmas Eve, Rob wishes he had a better gift for his dad. He thinks a gift in their barn would be like the Wise Men’s gifts to Jesus. Rob gets up at 2:45 and does the milking alone, joyfully anticipating how his father will respond. When the full milk cans are found, both are delighted. Because their work is done, they see the younger children discover their gifts, a first for Rob’s father. Later he tells Rob it is the best gift he’s ever received; he will think of it early every Christmas morning. 

Hanna’s Comments:  Buck’s skills as a Nobel prize winner are evident here in this 1955 story. This son’s creative response to a father he admires and loves immensely is captured beautifully in words and Buehner’s illustrations. Be sure to read the illustrator’s note at the front. After reading, encourage your audience to consider creative gifts of time and work they might offer others and God. This tale celebrates generosity of time and work, good gifts to encourage in December. Gary Chapman's theory of 5 Love Languages calls these types of loving responses the language of ‘quality time’ and the language of ‘works of service.’ Check out a PBT post featuring a book for children summarizing these ideas [here]. No matter the love languages your audience members demonstrate, all would benefit from a discussion about creative ways to say "I love you" during the December holidays. Be sure to emphasize how giving can be as thrilling as receiving.

Original Publisher & Date: Harper Collins, 2002

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: The story of the Wise Men and their gifts is in Matthew 2:1-12.

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to people of any age in your faith family who are exploring various types & qualities of generosity during the December holidays.

Picture Book: Simon and the Bear: A Hanukkah Tale

Author: Eric A. Kimmel

Illustrator: Matthew Trueman 

Summary: Young Simon, about to immigrate to America, assures his family he will get work and send for them. Knowing her son will need a miracle, Simon’s mom has him promise to celebrate Hanukkah and gives him a menorah, candles, matches, and potato latkes. When his ship hits an iceberg, Simon gives up his place in a lifeboat to a man with a family. Simon survives by jumping on the iceberg. It is the first night of Hanukkah, a night of hope. He lights the candles, says the blessings, and waits. The light attracts a polar bear who shares the latkes, enjoys the songs, catches and shares fish, and keeps Simon warm as they sleep. The miracles and Hanukkah nights add up to 7. On the 8^th night, Simon lights all the candles but they burn out. His new friend leaves abruptly just before Simon is rescued by a ship thanks to his candlelight. This 8^th miracle saves Simon and brings him to New York City where he is celebrated. The mayor, the man who took his place on the boat, arranges for Simon’s family to join him.

Hanna’s Comments: An unrealistic tale, for sure, but this story packs a lot of rich content that will entertain your children, Jewish or not. A summary of the ancient story of Hanukkah is at the back to help you explain the holiday if needed. Besides the Hanukkah components, many themes connect with scripture: light, hope, ritual, community, resilience, courage, etc. This book offers an experience that has the potential to be culturally enriching as well as inspiring. 

Original Publisher & Date: Hyperion, 2014

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: The story of Hanukkah is based on stories in 1^st and 2^nd Maccabees in the Hebrew Bible and in some Christian Bibles. Also, connect this book with scriptures about light such as “The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear?”  (Psalm 27:1) & Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path…” (Psalm 119:105) as well as other themes listed above.

Idea(s) for Application: Read this story to any group of children who will enjoy a story about faith-inspired hope and perseverance. 

Three Spiritual Practices

Picture Book: Lilla’s Sunflowers

Author & Illustrator: Colleen Rowan Kosinski

Summary: Lilla and her father especially enjoy the time they spend in her sunflower patch. 

When Papa leaves for a tour in the military, Lilla gives him a single sunflower seed to remember her. 

The coming days without her father are very hard for Lilla. She uses the sunflowers to remind her of her papa. 

As the sunflowers droop in their season, Lilla’s faith that her father will return also wanes. 

When birds attack the flowers, she is especially distraught. 

Then she receives a letter from Papa with a photo of the sunflower he grew and a message of coming home. 

He does come home, and together they plant more sunflowers. In spring, Lilla’s sunflowers bloom and many letters are received. 

Papa explains how the sunflower was such a “bright spot for everyone” that his friends are sending photos from their homes with their families and the sunflowers they had grown thanks to the seeds of Lilla’s sunflower.

The photo above finds Lilla satisfied to have her papa home and pleased that one seed that she offered then grew to bring so much joy. 

Hanna’s Comments: Today is Veteran’s Day in the USA so I offer this book as a personal thank you and reminder of the costs and difficult journeys we require of those in the military and their families. Read this book to a group of children, teens, or adults in your faith community who are choosing to remember the sacrifices of veterans. 

You can also use this book to illustrate important spiritual practices such as affirmation, gratitude, and remembering. Remembrance is not just for those who have died but for those whose stories we find valuable during their lifetimes. Strong connections across generations and congregations are built on such storytelling, affirmation, and gratitude for lives well-spent in service. 

A highlight of this book is its focus on Lilla’s feelings. Anytime you can talk about the feelings of a character, you offer the possibility of connecting to feelings in your audience. If these feelings are then connected to faith, they are even more meaningful.

Original Publisher & Date: Sky Pony Express, 2016

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections:  All things work together for good (Romans 8:28); I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers (Ephesians 1:16); be thankful as you are called in one body (Colossians 3:15); every good gift and every perfect gift is from above (James 1:17); The Passover and Last Supper rituals are rituals of remembering and thanksgiving.

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book during a time of remembrance for those in the military and their families who have sacrificed for you. Then teach the importance of spiritual practices such as affirmation, gratitude, and remembering.