Another Nora's Ark!

I started PBT Easter morning of 2014. That first year, I posted a book everyday! Since that year, I've posted less often, but you'll find 900 or so books here connected to scripture with ideas for using them in ministry, church-based schools, family devotions, and even spiritual direction. 

That first year, I featured a book called Nora's Ark. It was a play on the plot of Noah's story in Genesis. That humorous book, based on a true story, featured a hospitable and compassionate elderly woman who opened her home to neighbors during a flood. Find that post HERE .  

Today's book with the same title is about a preschool girl who pretends to be Noah in her unique and playful ways. Young children will enjoy this newer book! Nora knows the Bible story well and is enjoying being a problem solver and a caretaker to her friends, both animal and human.

At the end of this post, I'll give you a link to another Noah's Ark inspired PBT book. That one has a science fiction slant and has much more text so it's best for tweens and older. Below I'll also mention my strategies when dealing with the Bible story of Noah, which for some children and families may be quite troubling.

Picture Book: Nora’s Ark

Author: Eileen Spinelli

Illustrator: Nora Hilb

Summary: After a prediction of rain, little Nora is inspired by Noah. She builds an ark for herself, her animal toys, a few live animals that happened to be near, her little brother Frankie, and her friends who eventually wander away. Throughout the text it says Nora is being "Just like Noah. Well... not just like Noah." Then you turn the page and discover that little Nora has taken a lot of creative license with the Bible story! The illustrations are great fun so allow ways for your audience to get in close.

Hanna’s Comments: In this beautiful book, I especially love the way Nora is imaginatively exploring this Bible story that she knows quite well and has taken to heart! Isn't that what we are all supposed to do with our sacred scriptures? Think of this book as a preschoolers playful lectio divina! 

Anytime we allow for creative play in children, we are affirming not only healthy joy but also the gifts of creativity and problem solving that God "imaged" in all humans. In Genesis 1:27, where it says that God made us humans in God's own image, I believe it is God's own loving creativity that is God's greatest gift to humans. Allowing time for creative play gives time for children to experiment with story, perspective (building loving empathy!), social-emotional skills, consequences, and even STEM concepts. 

Little Nora builds in ways that are testing her environment and her caretaking inclinations. For this book and the book linked below, you have children engaging in critical thinking with joy and beautiful consequences. 

An easy lesson would be to present the scripture in Genesis. Then read 1 or more of the other books. You might do a whole month of Noah's Ark lessons! Allow the children to find the connections across and between the books and the scripture. Help them see beyond the plot details (especially the troubling ones) to themes like faithfulness, hospitality, generosity, and cleverness. All of these are present in the biblical text and in the picture books. Then allow them to have their own creative responses to this important story. 

Present the story as non-violently as is age-appropriate. If, like me, you view this as a mythic story that is shared by cultures across our globe, present it as such. If your perspective is the story happened as written, be ready to address the questions of violence and suffering that may come from your audience.

Original Publisher: Zonderkidz, 2013

Age Appropriateness: 2 and up

Formats other than Book: Audio book

Scripture Connections: Made in God's image (Genesis 1:27); Noah's Ark (Genesis 6-9) 

Connections to The Revised Common Lectionary: This book has been added to my Trinity Treasures preschool curriculum for 2 lessons - a Pentecost lesson in Year A (theme Noah's Ark) and a Lent lesson in Year B (theme: God's Rainbow Promise).

PBT Applications: Read this book to a group of preschoolers after you tell them the story of Noah. Then ask them to make an ark for everyone in the room to enjoy! Talk about what makes them feel safe and ask how God helps them feel safe.

Violence in Noah's Story: I manage this troubling story by dividing it into two stories. The first involves God's request, Noah and his family's responses, the gathering of animals, and the launch of the Ark as the rains come. This initial plot has themes about obedience, faithfulness, courage (social & bodily!), cooperation, and family ties. The 2nd part of the story begins when the rain ends. You still have plenty to talk about! The clever dove strategy, the ark's landing, again Noah and his family's responses to their new reality, and the rainbow promise from God are the key components. This last part of the story leans into conversation about hope, endurance, patience, loss, resilience, reliance, and promises. 

HERE is another PBT book inspired by Noah's story! It is a PBT Grab & Go book, meaning you will need to prepare very little to use this book in ministry. It offers much for tweens, teens, and adults to explore! If you want to present it to younger audiences, show the illustrations and tell the story because there is a lot of text. 

Other PBT Grab & Go books can be easily found by typing "Grab & Go" into the search box or clicking on that particular search label at the bottom of the web version.

If you are interested in learning more about 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.

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.

Tomorrow I’ll Be...

Two picture books from a lettering artist today!

Tomorrow I’ll Be Kind and

Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave

Author/Illustrator: Jessica Hische 

Summary: These books are very similar so I'll summarize both here. Each involve a rabbit whose sidekick is a cat. (Maybe younger sibling, not sure) Both live in a family of rabbits in a human-like community of various animals. There is an obvious rhythm to the pages. First the rabbit declares, "Tomorrow I'll be..." with a little explanation on a double page.

Then the next double-page spread gives more detail in context, usually with the cat involved. Here the rabbit is helpful with the cat who has made a mess.

That pattern repeats 7 times in both books. Here’s the same kind of pages from the blue book: "Tomorrow I'll be...

The rabbit is adventurous in several ways by trying new things/behaviors.

Each book ends with a summary page listing the 7 attributes. 

Then at bedtime…

the rabbit goes to bed, anticipating the possibilities of all those goals. 

Hanna’s Comments: These books are beautiful! Some of attributes will be a little difficult for early readers to read because they are in cursive, but that's okay. They are learning. Hische often answers the question I ask to ask when following up with a great but abstract idea from children (and sometimes adults), in a group discussion: "What does that look like?" Getting to the nitty-gritty of behaviors and application is what I'm hoping for. Hische shows details of behaviors and situations that your audience can build on in their conversation and applications in the real world. Some of her illustrations are whimsical, so this will take some grounding in reality. It is easy to connect these ideas to scripture. So many Bible characters have these attributes. Bible verses often encourage them. You might consider having those who can write, list the goals in a particular personal order (i.e., easiest to hardest). Then choose 1 goal for the  week.

Original Publisher: Penguin Random House, 2018 & 2020

Age Appropriateness: 4 and up

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Any scripture story or verses about being brave, kind, or any of the other personal goals mentioned here. Many Bible characters, like Abraham and Sarah, are encouraged by God to have some or all of these attributes. 

Connections to The Revised Common Lectionary: In my Trinity Treasures preschool curriculum based on the RCL, I listed the orange book about kindness when teaching about Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) as a group and in lessons about specific fruits like goodness. I also listed it for a lesson on Micah 6:8, suggesting they find the justice, mercy, and humility. I listed the blue book about bravery in lessons about Esther, Ruth & Naomi, and having courage grounded in God, such as in the verses  declaring that God's perfect love works in us and through us to cast out fear (1 John 4:18) and Paul's instruction for putting on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20). 

PBT Applications: If you would like to read either of these books to adults or youth but know the illustrations would be to immature for them, simply write all the text on an index card. But DO give the author credit for those words. Simply explain before reading that you read these words in a picture book by Jessica Hische. Then ask intriguing questions, such as which of these feelings/actions/orientations is hardest for you? Who do you know that does these really well? Is there a pop culture character who you think of when you think of one of these characteristics? What would this look like (there's my question) in your home/school/church/neighborhood/sport?

The Spiritual Lives of Elephant & Piggie

 

A Sampling of Picture Book in This Series and Possible Godly Themes: 

A Big Guy Took My Ball! - Justice & Fear

Are You Ready to Play Outside? - Disappointment & Compassion

I Broke My Trunk! - Compassionate Listening

Can I Play Too? - Hospitality

Waiting Is Not Easy! - Advent Waiting

Should I Share My Ice Cream? - Generosity

My Friend Is Sad - Compassion

Author/Illustrator: Mo Willems 

Hanna’s Comments: Few series delight children and adults as much as Willems' books about Elephant & Piggie's friendship. Their love and devotion to each other are truly inspiring. What Willems can do with a  simple line for facial expressions astounds me. These books are both wise, funny, and heartrending. Often times, their problem-solving is very clever. It is always inspired by their love, particularly for each other, but sometimes for another character. There are usually many pages, but page texts are brief and the illustrations will even keep most toddlers engaged!

My favorite is such a pure example of creative and compassionate hospitality that it would benefit any church community, including adults! That book is above and featured in this PBT post. Below I have given you links to all Mo Willems books here at PBT and mentioned some others I have used in my PBT work. 

I also recommend his Pigeon (& Duckling) series for similar reasons. They are less about friendship and more about appropriate & inappropriate behavior. I believe religious settings are a perfect place for such lessons to be explored. There's a great deal in our scriptures about how to behave. You'll see scriptural connections to a couple of  books in this series below. 

Age Appropriateness: 3 and up

Formats other than Book: There will be many read-alouds on YouTube for Willems' books. Review before you use. Sometimes the quality is surprisingly bad! You may also find a video of the book in your library system or on-line.

Scripture Connections: I have connected these scriptural themes to Willems' books: (those with PBT Posts links listed first) Keep in mind that most of them connect to the Great Commandment.

Hospitality    Can I Play Too?

Waiting         Waiting Is Not Easy!

Feelings & Godly Compassion (2 Willems bks)  

        The Pigeon Has Feelings, Too    My Friend is Sad

Faith Questioning     Edwina 

Loss/Grief (The Pascal Mystery)    Knuffle Bunny 

Love    Leonardo the Terrible Monster

In my Trinity Treasures preschool lectionary-based curriculum, I've recommended the books above AND these:

I Love My New Toy!  

    I connected this to forgiving many times (Matt. 18)  

The Duckling Gets a Cookie!?

     This is listed in 3 lessons:

            10 Rules ( Exodus 20 - the Commandments)

            Mine! Mine! Mine! (James 3 & 4 about coveting)

            Zacchaeus' (Luke 19:1-10 about his greed)

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! 

    This is recommended in 2 lessons:

            Good & Bad Choices (Genesis 3)

            10 Rules (Exodus 20 - the Commandments)

If you are interested in participating in a pilot study of Trinity Treasures, contact me. You will receive the lessons for free as long as you give me feedback.

It's Love! - a Little Late

Sorry I got sick and couldn’t feature these books earlier in February, the month of love. I have 2 new publications that are rich with meaning but very different visually and in tone. Both offer profound ideas about God’s nature and God's greatest gift. I also give you links to other “love-ly” books here at PBT.

Picture Book: Love

Author: Stacy McAnulty

Illustrator: Joanne Lew-Vriethoff

Summary: The profound question “What is love?” is the "heart" of this book. Sorry for that very bad pun! Everyday moments, sometimes unexpected, are highlighted. There's lots of fun and diversity in character and deed, but the context is consistent - families and friends loving on each other!  

Loving spiritual practices and loving situations abound such as gifts of hospitality, generosity, and that most precious gift - presence. 

Hanna’s Comments: If your country celebrates St. Valentine's Day, this is a perfect book for that occasion, but it's applicable all year long! I adore the illustrator’s choices here! Check out the cover. Within these pages you have lots of examples of how we communicate love including the American Sign Language sign and other simple signals with our body. I used all these gestures for a preschool lesson about 1 Corinthians 13. This author’s fun book Excellent Ed was featured at PBT [here]. And [here's] another favorite book all about how our bodies (hands this time) show love. 

Original Publisher & Date: Running Press Kids, 2018

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet 

Scripture Connections: God is love. (1 John 4:8b); The Love Chapter (1 Corinthians 13); Let all you do be done in love. (1 Corinthians 16:14); Above all these, put on love… (Colossians 3:14)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of young children, and practice all the ways in these pages love can be communicated with your body. Then create some new ways.  

Picture Book: My Heart

Author & Illustrator: Corinna Luyken

Summary: This author/illustrator urges us to let our hearts be our guides and listen to the loving voice within us. Sounds like The Holy Spirit to me! There’s a lot of abstract metaphorical language, but don’t let that keep you from sharing this with younger audiences. Sometimes they get such messages when we adults are stuck in the concrete.

Hanna’s Comments: You’ll want to play with these metaphors yourself before you read this book to an audience. What does it mean to say “My heart is a slide, a fence, or a stain? 

I used to collect hearts. There's no red in these pages! What Luyken does with that simple design and the colors yellow and black is amazing! Be sure to have your folks find the hidden hearts in these pages. Spend time with each image’s meaning. Does it remind them of a personal experience or a possibility or hope? Can they make up or dramatize a simple story inspired by an illustration? So much potential here! Keep connecting to scripture and you have a fabulous Sunday school or Bible Study experience. [Here's] another book about loving the world, but it's so very different looking. Kids might like experiencing both and then using all the images to compare, contrast, and create. If you're a preacher, this book could serve as rich visual stimuli for a profound sermon on what it means to love. 

Original Publisher & Date: Dial, 2019

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Create in me a clean heart O God… (Psalm 51:10); Keep your heart with all vigilance… (Proverbs 4:23); I will give you a new heart and a new spirit…I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh (Ezekiel 36:26); Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. (Matthew 5:8)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children or adults who need some reminders about how to love one another better. This book would also be a beautiful reading for spiritual direction or other bibliotherapy contexts, particularly if someone is struggling with important relationships. For more on that, check out [this post]. 

Generous Finding

Picture Book: Found

Author & Illustrator: Salina Yoon

Summary: This simple but profound story begins with Bear finding a very special toy bunny. 

Bear believes someone must be very unhappy and worried because the bunny is lost. Besides, it seems sad too.

Bear takes the toy home and determines to help the bunny return.

Bear creates a generous number of fliers 

and spreads them for his neighbors to see. 

Bear also checks out a nearby collection of notices of lost treasures. He's surprised by how many are lost. No bunny is listed among them 

so he keeps searching high... 

and low for possible owners.

Meanwhile, Bear grows quite attached to the bunny who no one is claiming. 

Bear and the bunny have many days of fun together. 

 On one of their fun outings, Moose approaches 

 and recognizes Floppy. 

 Bear has mixed feelings but knows Floppy is not his. 

Floppy is now home in Moose's arms. Bear says goodbye to Floppy.  

Then Moose has a very wise change of heart. 

Moose realizes many days have passed and some things have changed for Moose, Floppy, and Bear. 

Moose asks Bear to promise to take care of Floppy. Bear's response?  

Hanna’s Comments: This is a perfect PBT book for very young children, but if you can find a version that is not a board book, read it to older audiences for the underlying messages are many and rich with meaning. You could talk about tenderness with those who are lost, gentleness, empathy, treasures, ownership, legacy, and generosity which is in every page of this book. There is even a God symbol here as most illustrations include a lone witness in the form of a small yellow bird who is watching Bear be so generous with his time and efforts. Also, point out that Bear is quite the problem solver, so proactive and tireless, and he never names the bunny but refers to it as Floppy as soon as the owner does! Salina Yoon says this book was inspired by lost and found posters in her neighborhood. Be sure to carefully look at the notice board in the illustrations. I especially like Yoon's Penguin series (also in board book form). [Here's] a Christmas book in that series that I've featured in a PBT post about December holiday books. If you want a great picture book about being lost, I highly recommend Baby Bear by Kadir Nelson. Find it at PBT [here]. 

Original Publisher & Date: Bloomsbury, 2015

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Audio CD

Scripture Connections: Any scripture about generosity, The Great Commandment (Matthew 22:36-40); Where your treasure is, there your heart will also be (Matthew 6:21); the lost parables (Luke 15:1-32)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children and talk about the spiritual practice of generosity as demonstrated by Bear and Moose or talk about what it means to be lost, found, or at home.