PBT Guest Author: Rebecca Lile

A while back, a friend gave me a picture book. He is a United Methodist pastor who I greatly respect. Then came the bonus: The author was a mutual friend of ours from college, Rebecca Lile! What I found in those beautiful pages is what I believe to be the heart of Jesus’ message: All are welcome because all are loved unconditionally. On the 1st 2 pages: 

God's Diner is open; please come one and all.

All creatures are welcome, the great and the small.

Rebecca is a resident of Waynesville, NC. She was ordained as a diaconal minister in The United Methodist Church where she is a life-long member who witnessed her father serve as a pastor. I was interested in her creative process and the logistics of getting a book published when not a professional writer. She said it took about 2 years, 1 full year for the illustrator’s images to be completed. Rebecca was able to make some suggestions and requests, but mostly, Patrick Brooks worked independently from her.

Before writing, Rebecca was told editors would prefer prose, but that didn’t seem to work for this story, instead her writing came in verse: 

No longer is color or status or size

a way to divide us when seen through God's eyes.

What a welcome and welcoming message! Besides the theme of inclusion, another important theme for Rebecca is creation care. She has several books floating around in her head & journals, but God's Diner is the book she most wanted to write.

When I asked Rebecca about her purposes for writing this book, she explained that she wanted to leave a legacy to her 2 sons, the church, and our world. This book will make the church (and therefore the world) better!

Transforming our faith communities 1 person at a time, is what Rebecca has in mind in God’s Diner. Many people come into churches, questioning whether they will be truly welcome, perhaps even questioning if they truly deserve to be there. She hopes church people (all ages!) see themselves in both the hosts' & seekers' roles. Discovering compassion for self & others and how these roles are integrated will bring transformation to the church. I asked Rebecca...

What are a few of your favorite picture books?                        (2 embedded links for PBT books already here)

The hardest question for book lovers! I'll list just a very few:

The Quiltmaker's Gift by Jeff Brumbeau

    The prequel to this great book is also at PBT, posted the                 previous day! 

The Empty Pot by Demi

    A fabulous book about honesty & giftedness!

Purple, Green and Yellow by Robert Munsch

Cherries and Cherry Pits by Vera B Williams

Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox

Mr. Putter and Tabby Pick the Pears by Rylant & Howard

How have you used picture books in ministry?

I use children's books in ministry in both children & adult education (in Sunday School, children's sermons, preschool storytime, summer camps/community centers, & retirement homes). I simply read the book and create questions & activities to complement. 

For example, if I'm looking at our call to be good stewards of Mother Earth, I might use The Little Hummingbird by Yahgulanaas. I'll create questions around what each one of us might do to be a part of the solution.

What various ways do you envision God’s Diner being used in ministry?

I would absolutely love to see God's Diner in the hands of every one of God's children, because I truly believe no child should ever have to wonder if God loves them. But since that may be a bit of a stretch, I would love to see it read in every church/faith community to both children and adults alike. I believe that the message of God's Diner is one of hope and kindness, compassion and inclusion and is at the very heart of what it means to live out of our faith.  

I've read it in churches on World Communion Day which is a wonderful use of the book as well.

What is feeding your soul these days?

Being around other women who are also always learning and coming to the table to enjoy rich conversation and connection

Creation Care is a passion for Rebecca so she hopes to write a book about that, but her next book may be a sequel to God's Diner. Perhaps its setting will be a food truck! 

Keep up with Rebecca's work here: https://rebeccalile.com/books/

Picture Book: God’s Diner

Author: Rebecca Lile

Illustrator: Patrick Brooks

Summary: All sorts of animals come into God's Diner. Many are not so sure they will be welcomed, but all are, even the skeptical. Animal characters differ in dress, income, color, language, & temperament. Symbols among the animals offer more content for conversation. Encourage your audience to look for them and consider their meanings. 

Hanna’s Comments: Rebecca said that the important image of an open table (emphasized in some church’s communion rituals) was a strong inspiration for her writing in God’s Diner. Take special note of the character Pug, who comes into the diner growling and scowling. His very skeptical "Grouch Face" might be a face your audience recognizes in or outside of your churches! Have them consider some reasons why Pug might be so different from the other characters who are laughing and smiling. Why is he is certain he won't be served? Pug is greeted this way:

I see through your meanness and somewhere deep down

I know there is goodness, instead of a frown. 

In response, Pug's face changes, he is hugged by many and invited to pull up a chair. The last words in the story declare the heart of the gospel! 

If you are hungry, remember God's place.

The food is outstanding, there's always a space.

Original Publisher: Warren Publishing, 2018 

Age Appropriateness: 3 and up

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Matthew 25: 35 was her scripture inspiration. It’s found on the last page.

I was hungry and you gave me food.

I was thirsty and you gave me drink.

I was a stranger and you welcomed me. 

Additionally, any scripture about hospitality such as the stories of Jesus welcoming strangers (Zacchaeus), children, and challenging women (the Syrophoenician woman & the woman at the well). AND any scripture about being beloved children of God such as 1 John 3:1.

PBT Applications:  You’ll find many resources designed for further exploration of the ideas in God’s Diner here at the shop on her website, including complete downloadable lessons, games, and coloring pages. 

A Multi-Media Experience

Picture Book: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

Authors: William Kamkwamba

Illustrator: Elizabeth Zunon

Summary: This is a true story of 14 year old William, whose village in Malawi suffers a crippling drought. It begins with an explanation that William's village is a farming community with no electricity for lights or irrigation. 

But William loves the dark because he can dream of building things from scraps he collects. He does build many things.  

William works in the fields and attends school when his family can afford the fees. 

As the burning sun and lack of ran burns fields to dust,  

William's family has no fees for school.

One meal a day is all they can afford. Others in their village have even less.   

William is a determined learner so he goes to the village library and reads science books, but they are in English. Thanks to an English dictionary, William feeds his desire for learning. 

When he sees a book about how a windmill can produce electricity, creating light and pumping water, 

 

William imagines the good such a machine can bring his family and village. 

He is determined to build the "electric wheel" with the scraps he finds. Others think he's crazy, 

but his friends soon want to help. 

The windmill is built, 

and electricity is generated, but "Light could not fill empty bellies" so a water pump is built next. 

Later, other windmills are built, once the community sees the "magic" of William's inventions and their power to feed their community and their entire country. 

Hanna’s Comments: Picture books are great resources for all ages, but when you can supplement them with other media experience such as video, the learning will be even more meaningful. I was thrilled to learn that there is a new Netflix film based on this story. It stars Chiwetel Ejiofor from the movie 12 Years a Slave. I watched and was very pleased by how closely it corresponds to this book. It was beautifully done, but some death scenes and violence are present so be sure to preview with your audience in mind. Other versions of this story are available as well, one a chapter book for children, another is appropriate for teens and adults, and you'll find a book about William in a series for elementary-aged students called Remarkable Lives Revealed. This last book would likely have many photographs. For both the film and the picture book, you'll need to address the meaning behind the mystical costumed figures. These are ghost dancers, an aspect of William's culture that gives him inspiration and comfort. The power of this story is multi-faceted. Themes such as vocation (William has a scientific mind he seems called to use) and science vs magic vs faith are rich subjects for conversation with teens and young adults in your churches. You can also focus on the wind as a metaphor for God’s power, God’s inspiration, or The Holy Spirit which is inside William giving him agency to change his family’s (and community’s) quality of life. The movie ends with this line: God is as the wind which touches everything. I recently heard a news story about solar panels decreasing in cost and being used all over Africa. More modern versions of evolving tech or updates on William might be included in your program. Anytime you can challenge your audience, no matter their age, to connect their faith with current events, especially global issues, then you’ve added great meaning and potential for spiritual growth.

Original Publisher & Date: Scholastic, 2012

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

Formats other than Book: None at present but the other books are available in other formats.

Scripture Connections: Scriptures about wind such as the story of Pentecost in Acts 2, scriptures of prophets leading their communities such as those of Elijah, and Bible stories about young leaders such as in the story of David & Goliath

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of teens and explore the themes above. Beforehand, invite the teens to watch the Netflix movie or watch it together. 

Pancake Generosity & Hospitality

 Picture Book: Mama Panya’s Pancakes:                                                        A Village Tale from Kenya

Author: Mary & Rich Chamberlin

Illustrator: Julia Cairns

Summary: This delightful story of abundance amidst scarcity begins with Mama Panya declaring to Adika that today is market day.  

Adika is "one step ahead of her" ready to go and waiting for her beside the baobab tree. 

Adika asks if Mama is planning to make pancakes. She says she has 2 coins so yes, pancakes tonight! 

Along the way they meet a friend and Adika invites him to come eat pancakes with them. 

Adika also invites 2 of his young friends working in the fields. These 3 guests are the first of many to be invited by Adika, despite Mama's worries. 

Mama fears she does not have enough coin for purchasing enough ingredients for the pancakes, but Adika reassures her saying, "you'll have a little bit and a little bit more. That's enough." 

At market, Adika continues to invite more and more friends. Sometimes the invitation is met with generosity from the seller with a little bit more given.  

Adika understands transactional generosity and keeps reassuring Mama that they will have enough as he invites more friends. 

 As guests arrive, they bring generous contributions to the meal. 

Adika was correct. There is plenty to enjoy at their abundant feast of food, music, and joy!    

Hanna’s Comments: Besides scriptures about generosity and hospitality which are abundant in our scriptures, I see 3 direct connections to Bible stories in this fabulous book (see below). It also connects with Jesus' instruction to not worry. In the back of the book, you'll find several sections of facts about Kenya, including samples of the language with pronunciations, a map, and Mama Panya's pancake recipe. If there is too much text for your audience, simply tell the story while showing the illustrations. Your audience will learn so much about Kenya and perhaps be inspired to be more generous and hospitable.

Original Publisher & Date: Barefoot Books, 2006

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Any scripture about hospitality and table fellowship; Elijah and the Widow (1 Kings 17: 8-16); do not worry (Matthew 6:25-34); loaves and fishes increased (Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6: 1-14); the Widow's Mite (Mark 12:41-44, Luke 21:1-4)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of elementary children and connect with one of the scriptures listed above about the amazing abundance found in being generous and hospitable. 

Grab & Go #12 - Stone Soup

Here’s another great book if you need a lesson for adults or children in your faith community and don’t have much time to prepare. It practically teaches itself! It’s an old tale full of rich meaning that particularly contrasts with modern paradigms of fear and scarcity. The scripture connections are many.

Picture Book: Stone Soup 

Author & Illustrator: Jon J. Muth
Summary: This is an oft-told legend of scarcity, fear, & selfishness in which 3 strangers enter an unwelcoming village & begin to make stone soup, a dish for which sharing is required. Their mysterious soup prep happens in the center of town so the hungry villagers become curious. It takes a child's courage to make contact and urge her elders to come see, smell, contribute, and eventually taste. Little by little, the villagers give out of their scarcity and experience the marvels of generosity and community.
Hanna’s Comments: Various versions of this old tale have been published; this one has a beautiful Chinese setting. Tom Chapin has recorded a wonderful song with the same title and story. The video version of this book was shared during worship at my church when we were launching a year of focusing our local mission activities on food deserts in our city. This is truly a beautiful book with an incredible message that all will understand! 

Original Publisher & Date: Scholastic, 2003
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Preschool and upFormats other than book: tablet, video on-line and in several video collections

Scripture Connections: ...and a little child will lead them. (Isaiah 11:6); Boy with Loaves & Fishes (Matthew 14:13, Mark 6:31, Luke 9:10, John 6:5); any scripture about generosity, hospitality, or abundance

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to your faith family and explore the importance of hospitality, generosity, abundance rather than scarcity, or unity in community.

Refugees: An Uncomfortable, Relevant Issue

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Picture Book: Two White Rabbits

Author: Jairo Buitrago

Illustrator: Rafael Yockteng

Original Publisher & Date: Groundwood Books, 2015

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

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

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

Author: Mary Williams

Illustrator: R. Gregory Christie

Original Publisher & Date: Lee & Low Books, 2005

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

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

Picture Book: How Many Days to America?

Author: Eve Bunting

Illustrator: Beth Peck

Original Publisher & Date: Clarion Books, 1988

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

The Silliness of Humans and God’s Delicious Provisions

The following two books have several things in common:

a woman devoted to children

the love, fellowship, joy, and work of preparing meals

and God’s delicious abundance.

The first book might be called a comical modern parable. The second involves a true story of determination and revolution.

Picture Book: The Seven Silly Eaters

Author: Mary Ann Hoberman

Illustrator: Marla Frazee

Summary: In clever rhymed verse, this author presents the increasing toil of a mother whose 7 children each will eat only one food. That’s 7 different foods! Her trouble begins when lovingly Mrs. Peters wants to please her first child who will only drink milk at a certain temperature. Then each newly born children will consume only one different item. All of these foods require trips to the grocery store (That’s how Mr. Peters is involved.) and cooking. No pre-cooked foods here! On her birthday, the children decide to fix their mother the food that they love, but their kitchen skills are lacking and things don’t go well. Their combined efforts make a scrumptious mess that transforms the future meal prep of Mrs. Peters and the eating habits of her children.

  

Hanna’s Comments: This book was recently used in a lesson for elementary children about Peter’s dream in Acts 10 in which he sees a group of unclean animals upon a sheet coming down from the sky. God invites Peter to eat and Peter says, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is profane or unclean.” God responds, “What God has made clean, you must not call profane.” It is easy to see the connections between the picture book and the scripture. It is also easy to see God personified in Mrs. Peter’s loving devotion, provision, and patience. The later deserves a very different kind of conversation about human tendencies to make demands of God on our timeline and schedule.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Voyager Books, 1997

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Video, Audio Cassette

PBT Category: Pre 2K

Scripture Connections: The food laws in Leviticus 11; My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast, and my mouth praises you with joyful lips (Psalm 63:5); Open your mouth wide and I will fill it (Psalm 81:10); Peter’s Dream (Acts 10)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group children and make connections with Acts 10 or read it to a group of adults and consider the personification of God in Mrs. Peters and how we are like her picky children.  

Picture Book: Alice Waters and the Trip to Delicious

Author: Jacqueline Briggs Martin

Illustrator: Hayelin Choi

Afterward: Alice Waters

Summary: Alice Waters has been called the mother of the slow food movement here in the USA. This picture book offers her back story and her mission that every child in America (Dare I say the world?) would come with her on the “Trip to Delicious.” This involves teaching children the story of fresh food and encouraging them to taste good food, every day, even in their school lunches. As a child, Alice was often in search of Delicious. She journeyed to France to study food and returned to California where she opened her restaurant Chez: Panisse. Quickly she struggled to find fresh food for her restaurant. Through her efforts to secure fresh food, relationships with growers were begun, along with The Edible Schoolyard Project, where students can grow and cook their own food. Alice hopes that all children can pursue their dreams to positively change the world sustained by Trips to Delicious. In the back of the book you’ll find an Afterward where Alice Waters encourages the readers, an Author’s Note where Jacqueline Briggs Martin offers a more detailed context to the story, a Bibliography and Resources where you’ll find websites and books on growing food and cooking food.  

Hanna’s Comments: So what does a book about the beginnings of the slow food movement offer families of faith?  In the text it says that Alice Waters knows that sharing good food can wake people up, create happiness, start a party, and make memories. What better activities for faith families? Make connections between the Trip to Delicious and our foundational precept: Oh taste and see that the Lord is good.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Readers to Eaters, 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: Biography, Post 2K

Scripture Connections: Oh taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8); Open your mouth wide and I will fill it (Psalm 81:10); My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast, and my mouth praises you with joyful lips (Psalm 63:5); You satisfy the thirsty and fill the hungry with good things (Psalm 107:9)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of teens or young adults who are exploring vocational aspirations that will positively impact the world. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 4

Picture Book: Stone Soup

Author & Illustrator: Jon J. Muth

Summary: This is an old legend of scarcity, fear, & selfishness in which 3 strangers enter an unwelcoming village & begin to make stone soup, a dish in which sharing is required. The strangers are at first not welcomed. Once they begin making their mysterious stone soup, the hungry villagers become curious. It takes a child's courage to make contact and urge her elders to come see, and smell, and eventually taste. Little by little, the villages give out of their scarcity and taste the marvels of generosity and community.

Hanna’s Comments: Various versions of this old tale have been published; this one has a beautiful Chinese setting. Tom Chapin has recorded a wonderful song with the same title and story. The video version was shared during worship at my church when we were launching a year of focusing our local mission activities on food deserts in our city. This is truly a beautiful book with an incredible message that all will enjoy! 

Publisher & Date of Publication: Scholastic, 2003

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

# of Pages: 32 pages

Available in Spanish? Yes (Marcia Brown’s version of this tale) and the Spanish version is available in video form (see below)

Formats other than book: tablet, video on-line and in the video collection: Strega Nona and Other Caldecott Award-winning Folk Tales

PBT Category: Traditional Tale, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book connects with: abundance/bounty, aliens/immigrants/refugees/strangers, Asia, body of Christ, community, cooperation, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, dependence/interdependence, feasting/food/hunger/nutrition, generosity/giving/offering/stewardship, gifts/giftedness/talents, greed/selfishness, hiding/isolation/separation/walls, joy, jubilee, outsiders, possessions, poverty, rocks/stones, sacrifice, sharing, teamwork, transformation, trust/trustworthiness, variety, vision

Scripture Connections: ...and a little child will lead them. (Isaiah 11:6); Boy with Loaves & Fishes (Matthew 14:13, Mark 6:31, Luke 9:10, John 6:5); any scripture about generosity and hospitality

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to your faith family and explore the importance of hospitality, generosity, abundance rather than scarcity, or unity in community.