Iowa Presentation: Book #3

This simple but profound book was a favorite at my 2 CEF conference presentations in Iowa! Check out the PowerPoint for that presentation in the "Presentations & Resources by Hanna" tab above. Here's my original post with some additional scripture connections: 

This brand-new picture book is about empowering positive responses to the anger and hatred we see in media. It will prompt meaningful faith-based conversations with children and adults about how together our small actions will make a difference. This story ends with an invitation to you!

Picture Book: Come with Me

Author: Holly M. McGhee

Illustrator: Pascal Lemaitre

Summary: A little girl is fearful while watching the stream of news. The anger and hatred that she sees - "people against people"- is troubling.

She asks her papa how she could help. His response? "Come with me." They go to the subway. 

While there, the girl notices her father tips his hat to everyone he meets so she does the same. 

As they ride the subway, they are willing to risk kindness and connection. 

These small acts help them overcome their fears and connect them to each other and the people in the world. 

The news of violence and hate doesn't end. 

The girl turns to her mama next, asking how to make the world better. 

 

Her mama says, "Come with me." This time the journey is to their local grocery store where they see the bounty and diversity of our world. 

The little girl realizes that a person she has seen on the screen doesn't tell her about one person or one family or one race or one people. 

Once home, the ritual of setting the table and eating a meal are grounding to her as is the company of her parents and her dog.

She becomes inspired and more confident! She asks if she can walk her dog so she can do something on her own to make the world better. 

Her parents consider this. It's risky, but they decide to let her go, another sort of message to the world - a refusal to live in fear. 

Just as the little girl exits, a neighbor asks where she is going. 

She decides two people are better than one. Like her parents, she offers an invitation, "Come with me." 

He does come and together they discover that it's good to be outside. 

They see the world is not so bad. All living things deserve their bravery, gentleness, strength, and kindness.  

They see simple ways they can respond with goodness 

and learn that even small gestures matter to the world. 

Everyone's small contributions matter too. They can even come together for more goodness.

To end the young hero speaks to the reader, "Your part matters, too. Come with me."

Hanna’s Comments: This timely story proclaims that hiding in fear and homogeneity is not going to make our divided world better. It's a clarion call to action for children that will be heard by adults who will be reminded that children watch what they do and mimic their approaches to the world. I love that these small acts are doable - goodness in simple and hopeful ways. It's reassuring to consider how simple gestures matter too. The author & illustrator offer a dedication explaining that this book was written "in honor of friendship, bravery, and the fact that we aren't powerless, no matter how small and insignificant we may feel." The scripture connections are so many! 

Original Publisher & Date: Putnam’s, 2017

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Diversity in Creation (Genesis 1:20-25); Learn to do good; seek justice; correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless; plead the widow’s cause. (Isaiah 1:17); We are the work of your hand (Isaiah 64:8); The grounding of rituals (Matthew 7:24-25); Jesus says, "Come follow me." (Matthew 4:19); Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32); Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. (Romans 12:9); Extend hospitality to strangers (Romans 12:13b); Diversity in The Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:15-19); Who is wise and understanding among you? By your good conduct show works in the meekness of wisdom. (James 3:13)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to begin a conversation with your faith family about responses to anger, hatred, and violence in our world. This book would be especially great for parenting class or a small group of parents.

PBT Redux #17 A New Year's Hope & Prayer

Picture Book: Let There Be Peace on Earth                                                                  and Let It Begin with Me

Authors: Jill Jackson & Sy Miller

Illustrator: David Diaz

Summary: This picture book’s text is a song familiar to many. Written in 1955, the song has been recorded by many singers throughout the world. It is a clarion call for world peace and interpersonal peace. Besides the song lyrics, you’ll find an audio CD which includes 11 other songs by these writers. The illustrations feature international symbols of peace which are explained in the back of the book. Other features include historical aspects of the song and its writers as well as the musical score.

Hanna’s Comments: If you are bothered by the masculine terminology, particularly “With God as our Father, brothers all are we.” adapt to “With God, our creator, children all are we.” Change “Let me walk with my brother,” to “Let us walk with each other.” Use sticky notes to replace the words on the pages. Simply explain to your audience that the meaning and use of language changes sometimes. Then give your personal reasons for making the changes.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Tricycle Press, 2009

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

Formats other than Book: None at Present, On the internet, there are many videos of this song being performed.

Scripture Connections: Those who plan peace have joy (Proverbs 12:20); live peaceably with all (Romans 12:18); blessed are the peacemakers (Matthew 5:9); strive for peace with everyone (Hebrews 12:14)

Idea(s) for Application: Consider reading this book or singing along with it as a part of a lesson on the beatitudes in the Gospel of Matthew or as part of a lesson on issues of peace, conflict, and reconciliation. 

Are you Coming?

This brand-new picture book is about empowering positive responses to the anger and hatred we see in media. It will prompt meaningful faith-based conversations with children and adults about how together our small actions will make a difference. This story ends with an invitation to you!

Picture Book: Come with Me

Author: Holly M. McGhee

Illustrator: Pascal Lemaitre

Summary: A little girl is fearful while watching the stream of news. The anger and hatred that she sees - "people against people"- is troubling.

She asks her papa how she could help. His response? "Come with me." They go to the subway. 

While there, the girl notices her father tips his hat to everyone he meets so she does the same. 

As they ride the subway, they are willing to risk kindness and connection. 

These small acts help them overcome their fears and connect them to each other and the people in the world. 

The news of violence and hate doesn't end. 

The girl turns to her mama next, asking how to make the world better. 

 

Her mama says, "Come with me." This time the journey is to their local grocery store where they see the bounty and diversity of our world. 

The little girl realizes that a person she has seen on the screen doesn't tell her about one person or one family or one race or one people. 

Once home, the ritual of setting the table and eating a meal are grounding to her as is the company of her parents and her dog.

She becomes inspired and more confident! She asks if she can walk her dog so she can do something on her own to make the world better. 

Her parents consider this. It's risky, but they decide to let her go, another sort of message to the world - a refusal to live in fear. 

Just as the little girl exits, a neighbor asks where she is going. 

She decides two people are better than one. Like her parents, she offers an invitation, "Come with me." 

He does come and together they discover that it's good to be outside. 

They see the world is not so bad. All living things deserve their bravery, gentleness, strength, and kindness.  

They see simple ways they can respond with goodness 

and learn that even small gestures matter to the world. 

Everyone's small contributions matter too. They can even come together for more goodness.

To end the young hero speaks to the reader, "Your part matters, too. Come with me."

Hanna’s Comments: This timely story proclaims that hiding in fear and homogeneity is not going to make our divided world better. It's a clarion call to action for children that will be heard by adults who will be reminded that children watch what they do and mimic their approaches to the world. I love that these small acts are doable - goodness in simple and hopeful ways. It's reassuring to consider how simple gestures matter too. The author & illustrator offer a dedication explaining that this book was written "in honor of friendship, bravery, and the fact that we aren't powerless, no matter how small and insignificant we may feel." The scripture connections are so many! 

Original Publisher & Date: Putnam’s, 2017

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Diversity in Creation (Genesis 1:20-25); Learn to do good; seek justice; correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless; plead the widow’s cause. (Isaiah 1:17); We are the work of your hand (Isaiah 64:8); The grounding of rituals (Matthew 7:24-25); Jesus says, "Come follow me." (Matthew 4:19); Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32); Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. (Romans 12:9); Extend hospitality to strangers (Romans 12:13b); Diversity in The Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:15-19); Who is wise and understanding among you? By your good conduct show works in the meekness of wisdom. (James 3:13)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to begin a conversation with your faith family about responses to anger, hatred, and violence in our world. This book would be especially great for parents of young children. 

PBT Stories #3: Mira and the Big Story

Picture Book: Mira and the Big Story

Author: Laura Alary

Illustrator: Sue Todd

Summary: Mira’s village is in a valley, one of two on either side of a river. 

The two sets of villagers are enemies because of differing origin stories. One involves the King of Heaven and some enormous birds. 

Across the river, their story is of the Queen of the Earth and giant turtles. 

As each village celebrates aspects of their beginning, the other complains:

That is not how the story goes!

This is our valley.

It was a gift to us.

We belong here.

There is no room for the Others.   

Although they’re enemies, curious Mira often watches the other villagers from a tree. Sometimes she sneaks across the river and is struck by the familiarity. While on the other side, Mira gets hurts. 

Immediately, a boy greets her and helps her back to her side. He has been watching Mira and commends her for having the courage to cross over. Before crossing back home, he says he wishes they would meet again. 

Confused, Mira visits Old Alfred, who is wise and kind and willing to hear her big question: “Are the stories wrong?” 

Old Alfred explains that stories can make you bigger or smaller, depending on how much space they take up in your mind and heart. That determines whether there is room for new stories, new people, and new ideas. 

Then he says, “There will never be peace in this valley until the people in both villages find a story big enough for all of them.” Old Alfred offers Mira such a story. 

All matter began small, the size of a chestnut. With the light of pure energy, stars were made. Stars exploded and became the source of everything, including their valley, river, and two villages. 

Now, they are all neighbors, with the same origin. Old Alfred explains that his story is big enough to allow for Mira’s curiosity and the boy’s open-hearted kindness. 

Such a story allows Mira to look forward to sharing the big story with the boy and other children and grownups who might cross the river with her.

Hanna’s Comments: Recently I read this wonderful book to my adult Sunday school class. They loved the story and the woodcut illustrations. After reading, I simply asked them to find connections to our church’s 6 priorities:

Practicing Hospitality

Embodying Diversity

Doing Justice

Encouraging Authenticity

Creating an Inclusive Community

Embracing Tough Questions

Each priority is grounded in scripture. More about that can be found [here]. Laura Alary is a Canadian writer whose other books I highly recommend. They can be found on her website [here] or at Amazon [here]. PBT was privileged to have Laura write a guest post in which she talked about the inspiration for her books. It’s a great read! Check it out [here].

Original Publisher & Date: Skinner House Books, 2013

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Check out the link above of my church’s priorities; …and so he asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:25-37)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children or adults when exploring the concept of truth, the value of diverse perspectives, or the importance of being neighborly.