3 Books from an Author You Should Know

Dorena Williamson is on a mission to write picture books for children that celebrate differences. Her books are God Books. Here are PBT that means they are not secular. In this case, they mention God. Note the extra L in the key word in the titles and her use of masculine language for God in some of her books. You can make adaptations to her words if you choose. Sticky notes are helpful for this!

Dorena Williamson has written other wonderful books! Here’s another treasure about diversity. This one describes her diverse and open church.

The books below are my favorites! They embrace diversity in church and school settings, including differences in race, culture, socioeconomic status, abilities, and gifts. The situations will be relatable and the illustrations will appeal to your children!

Picture Book: ColorFull: 

                      Celebrating the Colors God Gave Us

Author: Dorena Williamson

Illustrator: Cornelius Van Wright & Ying-Hwa Hu

Summary: One summer, Granny Mac encourages the elementary-aged children playing in her yard to celebrate the rainbow of colors they see in bubbles, flowers, butterflies, and animals. 

Granny Mac gives credit to God for “His” multi-colored creation in the yard and on their skin & hair, even the shapes of their eyes. 

Granny Mac pushes against the idea of being “color-blind,” instead we should be colorFULL. Being colorFULL means our eyes and hearts are Full of the colors God made. While eating colorful ice cream, Granny Mac ends the story by declaring, “Being colorFULL is one of God’s sweetest gifts.

Hanna’s Comments:  An art activity would be an easy addition to this lesson. Also, you may want to end with some ice cream cones with many colorful choices! In the back, you’ll find a Parent Connection page that has a verse to remember, a summary paragraph to read about other scriptures, and several thoughtful questions.

Original Publisher: B & H, 2018

Age Appropriateness: 5 and Up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: I will praise you because I have been remarkably & wondrously made… (Psalm 139:14) is listed on the Parent Connection page. Also, detailed there is Peter’s growing faith via these verses: The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), Pentecost (Acts 2), Peter’s inclination to divide (Acts 10), and at Cornelius’ home where Peter receives an inclusive view of God (Acts 10:24-28).

PBT Applications: Read this book to a group of kindergarteners who are learning to notice God’s diverse creation.

Picture Book: ThoughtFull: 

                        Discovering the Unique Gifts in Each of Us

Author: Dorena Williamson

Illustrator: Robert Dunn

Summary: At an elementary school, it is time for the HEART Awards. These 5 awards celebrate children who are - Hard working, engaged in Excellence, Adventurous, Respectful, and Thoughtful. Ahanu is a 2^nd grader who receives the Thoughtful award. 

Joshua congratulates his friend Ahanu on the way to the bus, but then Joshua overhears other boys talk mean about Ahanu’s “weird” name and behavior. Joshua’s heart sinks. His sadness is apparent to his father that afternoon. After Joshua explains, his father wisely says:

If we only spend time around people who are like us, we miss out on discovering the unique things about people who are different from us. The truth is, we’re all gifted by God’s design. 

Joshua’s dad asks to hear about the ways Ahanu is thoughtful. Joshua offers many examples, and his father affirms how Joshua too is thoughtful. The next day at school, Joshua makes a point of telling the “mean” boys about some of Ahanu’s positive attributes. He ends by saying, “We could all learn a lot from him.”

Hanna’s Comments: Late in the story it is explained that Ahanu has Down’s syndrome so you may want to be prepared to talk about children with genetic differences and Down Syndrome in particular. In the back, you’ll find a Parent Connection page that has a verse to remember, a summary paragraph to read about another scripture, and several thoughtful questions.

Original Publisher: B & H, 2018

Age Appropriateness: 5 and Up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Any scripture about being thoughtful such as Paul’s listing of the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26). Now, there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:4) is listed on the Parent Connection page. Also, detailed there are the verses about body parts being metaphors for various parts of the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-31).

PBT Applications: Read this book to a group of elementary children who are learning to appreciate the differences in the people who are their faith family.

Picture Book: GraceFull:

                      Growing a Heart that Cares for Our Neighbors

Author: Dorena Williamson

Illustrator: Geneva B

Summary: On a Sunday morning at church, Hope and her family are in worship. The pastor welcomes all and prompts the monthly grace offering. 

He explains that it will help the Habib family who are staying at the Chen House where church members are volunteering. Hope tells her parents about Anna Habib who she met at church. They are from Syria. Her parents explain that the Habib family are homeless but are living at the Chen House – a shelter. Hope goes with her family to work at Chen House and sees her new friend Anna and her school friend Ahanu (see previous bk). 

The children go to the garden on the roof. The benefits of the garden are explained to the children while they work. Later Hope talks with her mother about the unfairness of being homeless. Her mother agrees and explains her gratitude that their church can help show God’s grace. Hope asks what grace looks like. Her mother compares it to rain, showering on us all and helping us grow. The book ends with the Habib family moving into their own home. Hope’s family brings them a rosebush. Anna tells Hope that her Mama says God’s grace just keeps falling on us. Then the girls go out to play in the rain.

Hanna’s Comments: This book is inspired by the author’s home church, Strong Tower Bible Church, a multicultural faith community in Nashville, TN. You might want to invite a gardener to come talk to your children about how to tend a garden (esp. roses) and the importance of rain. In the back, you’ll find a Parent Connection page that has a verse to remember, a summary paragraph to read about another scripture, and several thoughtful questions.

Original Publisher: B & H, 2019

Age Appropriateness: 5 and Up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Any scripture about God’s grace and being full of grace. May the Lord bless you and protect you… (Numbers 6:24-26) is listed on the Parent Connection page. Also, detailed is 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 about the Corinthian church’s struggles and generosity to others.

PBT Applications: Read this book to a group of elementary-aged children who are exploring about God’s grace.

Listening as an Act of Love

A few weeks ago, I posted a book about listening to godly sounds. Violinist Joshua Bell playing in a subway was the story in that post. Check it out HERE. Today’s listening is about perhaps the most holy kind of listening we humans can do... listening to a family member, friend, or even a stranger who is hurting. This is the best book I know about that holy practice. Like other excellent picture books, it is rich with tender meaning and encompasses all kinds of humanity, including humor, in its clever images and words.

Picture Book: The Rabbit Listened

Author & Illustrator: Cori Doerrfeld 

Summary: Taylor, a young child, begins to build “something amazing.” This wise author doesn’t use pronouns so Taylor can be whoever you want. Disaster strikes and all blocks fall! Taylor does too.

A series of animals comes to help Taylor cope. There’s a chicken that talks too much, an angry bear that wants to yell on Taylor’s behalf, and an elephant who wants to help Taylor remember. The ostrich’s strategy is predictable! The snake’s suggestion made me ssssmile.

“But Taylor didn’t feel like doing anything with anybody.” Yay, Taylor for knowing that! Once finally alone and in the quiet, Taylor is quietly joined by a rabbit. We don’t know if they are friends. Does it matter? After the silence, Taylor asks the rabbit to stay. Then the rabbit listens and listens and listens. Now that Taylor is ready, some of the responses that were suggested earlier now feel just right. Taylor vents, blames, and remembers. Again, “When the time was right,” Taylor details plans to build again. The rabbit listens some more as Taylor dreams of an even more amazing build next time.

Hanna’s Comments: Did you think of yourself as you heard my quick summary? I hope so! Did you think of others who have tried to help you, but the timing or remedy wasn’t right? They didn’t come in quiet, did they? Long ago, I remember hearing Krista Tippett on the On Being podcast interview Parker Palmer about a terrible bout of depression during which he was in the bed for days, maybe weeks. A friend came regularly to give him a silent foot rub. Wow! What love! What empathy! What a godly neighbor!

Original Publisher: Dial Books, 2018

Age Appropriateness: 3 and up

Formats other than Book: Audio & tablet

Scripture Connections: Any scripture about God being a comforter and listener. So many! The great commandment: Love your neighbor as yourself! Any Jesus story where his first response is to listen. Ruth and Naomi, because they were present for each other through a difficult series of tragedies and a long, dangerous journey! I bet they took turns listening. Why don’t we talk about their journey more?

Connections to The Revised Common Lectionary: I have listed this book for 4 lessons in my 3-year RCL-based Trinity Treasures preschool curriculum. Those 4 lesson themes are: The Trinity: Our Helpers, God Hears Cries, God’s Mothering Love, and Ruth & Naomi.

PBT Applications: Read this book to a group of young parents or teens. Then talk about the power of being present to (and not immediately fixing) another’s pain. Then you LISTEN as they tell stories of listening, not listening, and not being heard. Together vow to do better because it is a godly practice, good for all of us. 

One more thing: (forgive me) I know a few pastors who could use this book. There's a gift idea! 

If you are interested in learning more about my Trinity Treasures, a scripture based preschool Sunday school curriculum that features picture books & children’s Bibles, contact me at hannaschock@bellsouth.net. Right now, free lessons are emailed if you agree to fill out the monthly feedback form.

A Book about Different Abilities and More!

Now and then a book moves me in ways beyond what the creator/s may have intended. Today’s featured book is one of those. When I read it, I wanted to talk about it with many people. I knew you would be part of my imaginary conversations!

Picture Book: What Happened to You?

Author: James Catchpole

Illustrator: Karen George 

Summary: This beautiful story is from the point of view of Joe, a young boy who has one leg. Before the story begins, you see Joe tossing aside his crutches. Then he skillfully plays a favorite game on a balance beam - a game that involves imaginary sharks. Next this powerful sentence appears: Sharks were easy compared to kids Joe hadn't met yet. WOW! Spend some time here!

An outspoken and curious young girl, who we later learn is Simone, comes to Joe, declares the obvious, and asks the title question. 

Surprisingly, Joe replies, "What do you think?" Simone guesses and questions more. Other children join in. Joe answers their creative guesses while adeptly climbing. Eventually, you have this: 

Spend some time here also. 

Then Simone finally joins Joe. They say their names and play together imaginatively. Others join in. I wonder what would have happened if Simone had begun their friendship this way. The story ends with Simone asking if Joe "gets bored of that question about your leg, that you don't have." Again, Joe asks what she thinks and if she still needs to know what happened. Simone answers, No!" Joe likes that answer.

Hanna’s Comments: The cover of this book is subtle, then striking so I would begin a reading by allowing your audience to react silently. The power of this book is Joe's deep hurt and frustration. He just wants to play - in amazing ways! Talk about how some people can skillfully hide their hurt and frustration.

I was struck with how Joe's response to the title question parallels the response many Americans who are non-white experience when those in the white majority (I'm in this category), insensitively ask questions or expect explanation & affirmation. I know I have much to learn! It is not the responsibility of my non-white acquaintances and friends to be my teachers.

At the end of the book is a letter from the author to parents about how children want to know all about every disabled person they see. Read this to yourself no matter your parental status. James Catchpole has one leg so his letter is particularly instructive. He explains that people with disabilities don't want to be everyone's teachable moment. 

 

I have recently discovered a book series called A First Look at.... This series has a similar book titled Don’t Call Me Special: A First Look at Disability by Pat Thomas & Lesley Harker. It is not a story. Instead it explores experiences and poor assumptions people make about people with differing abilities. The book series offers valuable entry points on a large variety of topics. Every few pages, they offer excellent questions for reflection. For a list of books in the series, check the website here. You might choose not to read one of these books aloud but instead allow it to bring you to more a sensitive understanding, design an activity, or help you anticipate issues that might arise.

Original Publisher: Faber & Faber, 2021

Age Appropriateness: 4 and up

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: The self-righteous Pharisee - who judges the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14); Zacchaeus - who was a climber in a tree, feeling very different & alone (Luke 19:1-10); the Syrophoenician woman - who was judged harshly by Jesus, After she challenges him, he commends her and grants her prayer request. (Mark 7:24-30); The Fruits of the Spirit (particularly kindness, gentleness, and self-control) Contrast these to the children's approach to Joe (Galatians 5:22-23). More generally, let Jesus and early Christians be examples of empathically & respectfully approaching a person with differences. This happens with the Ethiopian (Acts 8:26-40) and the woman who touched Jesus' clothing (Matthew 9, Mark 5, Luke 8).

PBT Applications: Start a small group of parents with young children who choose to read together Oprah & Bruce D. Perry’s recent book of the same name. 

This book for adults was my favorite non-fiction book of 2021. It reorients readers away from the common question: “What’s wrong with you?” I recommend the audio version because it is, like the subtitle says, conversations between Dr. Perry & Oprah. Also, having the text on hand is helpful because of the visual content. 

My PBT application is to let the reading of this picture book start your group’s time together. The title question will become a point of reference and broaden the focus, not just on trauma, but also on disability and other differences. This picture book beautiful shows, “What happened to you?” can be an insensitive and damaging question coming from the wrong person or the wrong kind of relationship. What I have learned, thanks to this little picture book, is that it is a question best held delicately with caution and empathy and perhaps not asked at all.   

Pointing Fingers & Name Calling

I'm a little late this week. I’ve moved my daughter to Cleveland to join Teach for America. I’ll be visiting her now and then so if your church or your church-based school is in that general area and interested in a PBT workshop, I’d love to come your way. Teaching is one of my joys and strengths. Contact me to the left, and we’ll work out the details. I’m willing to travel outside of Cleveland too if you’re willing to pay my driving expenses. Today’s book is so fun and profound and very human with lots of scripture connections!

Picture Book: You Are (Not) Small

Authors: Anna Kang

Illustrator: Christopher Weyant

Summary: This story begins with a pointed finger and judgement...

that quickly rebounds.

Perhaps there is comfort in a crowd, but peers sometimes encourage more arrogance and ignorance and...

aggression. 

Arrogance, ignorance, and aggression. How these very human inclinations change everything. 

What could have started as loving diverse community  

has to get through some violence     

and surprises 

 before understanding is expanded

 and connections are made. 

But these characters don't learn any quicker 

 than humans do.

Hanna’s Comments:  If you are struggling with name-calling and teasing among the children/youth in your church, here's a book for you! Spend some time on the feelings of all parties and invite some story sharing. Make scriptural connections, in a non-judgmental way of course, and then apply to your community, Christianity in general, and even your present political environment. Remind them of the inherent worth of every individual as a child of God, imaged in the divine. Don't want to talk about the nastiness of politics or racism at church? Your kids may be soaking it up already. If they see such attitudes in the church community or spiritual leaders, their confusion is inevitable and their role models may be scarce. Be careful to talk about aspects of respect and love in diverse community without drawing divisive political lines. This may be the first opportunity children/youth experience this. As for adult programming, here's a quick intro to a conversation on The Fruit of the Spirit when in boundary-crossing dialogue. This book is the first in a series that includes That’s (Not) Mine, I Am (Not) Scared, and We Are (Not) Friends. These you can get separately or in a boxed set. There’s even a growth chart, activity guide, and Common Core guide to go with this title!

Original Publisher & Date: Two Lions, 2014

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: All humans are made in God's image (Genesis 1:27); Do not judge so that you will not be judged (Matthew 7:1; Luke 6:37); ...in passing judgement on another, you condemn yourselves. (Romans 2:1); There is neither Jew nor Greek... (Romans 3:28); The Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23); Do not speak evil against another (James 4:11); ...encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. (1 Thessalonians 5:14b)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to any age. Focus on the judgmental nature of humans and how Jesus and the early Christian community warned us against this. 

Is Prayer Saying Something?

Here's another brand new book that can lead to a rich discussion of prayer as well as many other theological ideas. I'm sure it will show up in my PBT Grab & Go series someday. There's lots of treasure here!

Picture Book: Say Something

Author & Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds

Summary: This author is known for encouraging readers to creatively dream, hope, and do to bring about a better world. 

He empowers us to speak up in all sorts of verbal

 and nonverbal ways. 

Say something with your presence

or your courage.

Sometimes actions speak louder and are more lasting (and beautiful) than words. 

 Literary and 

science types are represented.

 Even a sense of fashion gets a nod.

Creative justice is a hallmark here, individual and corporate. 

And there's a warning that doubt and much patience may follow.

Every double page spread offers fertilizer for activists, prophets, futurists, and peacemakers, in other words people doing God's work for the sake of the world.

Hanna’s Comments: I see all sorts of possibilities with this gem! One of the best aspects of faith is believing that you can make a difference in the world. Hope and creativity are on every double page spread and image. Want a creative lesson on prayer? Ask before each page turn, "How can prayer be a part of this? Don't forget to talk about how The Holy Spirit empowers our messages and manner and how scripture gives us guidance and many excellent (and a few not so excellent) role models. Give your audience permission to step out in courage and say something! With God's help it just might bless the world!    

Original Publisher & Date: Orchard, 2019

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: This book can easily be connected to an individual or group of prophets in the Hebrew scriptures or the individuals who began the early church. Scriptures about hope are easily connected as are the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Also, What does the Lord require of you... (Micah 6:8)

Idea(s) for Application: Let this book guide a conversation that broadens the concept of prayer during a lesson or sermon for children, youth, and/or adults.