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.

Looking for a Family

Picture Book: Can I Be Your Dog?

Author & Illustrator: Troy Cummings

Summary: This clever picture book is about Arfy who is desperate for a better home on Butternut Street. He writes a variety of unsealed letters to home owners touting his positive traits and willingness to adapt. 

They are all delivered by Mitzi, a curious letter carrier. First to receive is the yellow house. 

 For this family, Arfy addresses the issue of the cat! 

But in a reply, the family explains that the cat is "allergic" to dogs. 

The Butcher Lady has had some unpleasant dog experience so she's not interested in having Arfy, even though he explains he would keep the floor clean.  

 She does give him some treats though. 

The fire station already has filled their important position of  fire dog. 

Arfy is disappointed. 

The letters and rejections continue.  Arfy is even so desperate he sends a letter to the man at the junkyard, whose reply is quite rude. 

 Arfy's last resort is to the occupants of this house.

With each rejection, Arfy gets more and more despondent 

and returns alone to his unpleasant home. 

A surprise comes his way in the form of a letter of invitation! It asks if Arfy might be willing to be a friend and partner. 

If Arfy is willing, it is suggested that they meet at the big blue mailbox. Arfy's response? 

 When they meet, its love all around! 

 Arfy delivers a last letter.

Hanna’s Comments: This is so much more than an adoption story. Here you have a story full of sincere longing, faith, hope, vulnerability, hospitality, perseverance, and resilience. And it ends with a big burst of love and belonging. Also, the word play is so smart! Your audience will love it! Don't assume this book is just for kiddos. See my application below for an important possibility for adult conversation. At the end of the book, there is a "letter" to the reader listing the benefits of pet adoption or volunteering at an animal facility.

Original Publisher & Date: Random House, 2018

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet 

Scripture Connections: Any scripture or Bible story on longing and hope such as the Israelites' wanderings in the wilderness or any scripture about God's love such as "Behold what love God has given us that we should be called the children of God." (1 John 3:1); Whoever receives one child in my name, receives me. (Matthew 18:5); Paul writes about receiving adoption from God (Galatians 4:5 & Ephesians 1:5)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of adults in your church and talk about the desperation that might be present in those visiting your church looking for a faith home and family. 

Favorite PBT Posts: The 2nd Crayon Book

Here's the post about the sequel to Friday's book. Enjoy! 

Picture Book: The Day the Crayons Came Home

Author: Drew Daywalt

Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers 

Summary: Poor Duncan! Now he must contend with a new group of crayons

A bunch of postcards arrive, each with a tale of separation and longing for home. 

Maroon Crayon has been stuck in the couch since Duncan’s father sat on him. 

Pea Green Crayon (who has changed his name to Esteban the Magnificent!) runs away because no one likes the color pea green.

Neon Red Crayon, who was dropped by the pool at a vacation spot, is giving up on Duncan’s rescue and walking home. 

She makes her way back despite being geographically challenged. Here she says she's just entered New Jersey via China, Canada, & France!

No longer sunny, Yellow and Orange, who argued about the color of the sun in the first book, have melted together since being left outside.

Tan crayon was eaten by the dog and vomited on the rug. He’s downstairs in a fuzzy mess. 

Since Halloween, Glow in the Dark Crayon has been trapped in the basement. (If you “charge” this page with light, it’ll glow.) 

Gold crayon is worn down and stuck in a sharpener 

after coloring every coin in Captain Green Beard’s treasure. 

Turquoise Crayon has a sock stuck to his head thanks to the dryer. He had been left in Duncan’s pocket. 

Big Chunky Toddler Crayon (who belongs to Duncan’s younger brother), can’t take the rough handling anymore and pleads for rescue. 

Lastly, Brown Crayon ran away out of embarrassment when Duncan colored a particular scribble. 

Duncan does rescue his crayon friends. After their ordeals, he decides they deserve a new home and creates a wonderful place for them.

Hanna’s Comments: Earlier I connected Daywalt’s bestseller, The Day the Crayons Quit, to the spiritual concept of speaking truth to power. Duncan’s crayons are also featured in a couple of board books for very young children: The Crayons Book of Colors & The Crayons Book of Numbers. For a ministry idea using the book featured here, consider a biblical literacy lesson by helping your audience empathize with those affected by the Jewish diaspora. You see evidence of the diaspora in Bible stories in which many travel to Jerusalem (i.e. the story of Pentecost) or many long for Jerusalem and the faith and culture of home (the books of Esther and Daniel). The diaspora is a key concept for understanding the culture and desires of Jews in both Testaments. Another ideas: There are several Bible stories about going home or longing to be at a spiritual home (some listed below). And of course, the hope for a savior or being saved is throughout our holy scriptures. 

Original Publisher & Date: Philomel Bks, 2015

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Jacob returns home (Genesis 33); Naomi returns home (Ruth 1); exiles return to Jerusalem (Ezra 1 & 2); the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)

Idea(s) for Application: Desires for home, to a place where one lives or where one worships, are powerful spiritual longings as are desires to explore new places. Use this hilarious book to help your audience consider why God places these desire in us.

The Crayons are Back!

Picture Book: The Day the Crayons Came Home

Author: Drew Daywalt

Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers 

Summary: Poor Duncan! Now he must contend with a new group of crayons. 

A bunch of postcards arrive, each with a tale of separation and longing for home. 

Maroon Crayon has been stuck in the couch since Duncan’s father sat on him. 

Pea Green Crayon (who has changed his name to Esteban the Magnificent!) runs away because no one likes the color pea green.

Neon Red Crayon, who was dropped by the pool at a vacation spot, is giving up on Duncan’s rescue and walking home. 

She makes her way back despite being geographically challenged. Here she says she's just entered New Jersey via China, Canada, & France!

No longer sunny, Yellow and Orange, who argued about the color of the sun in the first book, have now melted together since being left outside.

Tan crayon was eaten by the dog and puked up on the rug. He’s downstairs in a fuzzy mess. 

Since Halloween, Glow in the Dark Crayon has been trapped in the basement. (If you “charge” these pages with light, they’ll glow.) 

Gold crayon is worn down and stuck in a sharpener 

after coloring every coin in Captain Green Beard’s treasure. 

Turquoise Crayon has a sock stuck to his head thanks to the dryer. He had been left in Duncan’s pocket. 

Big Chunky Toddler Crayon (who belongs to Duncan’s younger brother), can’t take the rough handling anymore and pleads for rescue. 

Lastly, Brown Crayon ran away out of embarrassment when Duncan colored a particular scribble. 

Duncan does go and rescue his crayon friends. After their ordeals, he decides they deserve a new home and creates a wonderful place for them.

Hanna’s Comments: Here at PBT, I connected Daywalt’s bestseller, The Day the Crayons Quit, to the spiritual concept of speaking truth to power. Check out that post [here]. Duncan’s crayons are also featured in a couple of board books for very young children: The Crayons Book of Colors & The Crayons Book of Numbers. For a ministry idea using the book featured here, consider a biblical literacy lesson by helping your audience empathize with the Jewish diaspora. You see evidence of the diaspora in Bible stories in which many travel to Jerusalem (i.e. the story of Pentecost). This is a key concept for understanding the culture and desires of Jews in both testaments. Another idea: There are several Bible stories about going home or longing to be at a spiritual home (some listed below). And of course, the concept of savior is throughout our holy scriptures. 

Original Publisher & Date: Philomel Bks, 2015

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Jacob returns home (Genesis 33); Naomi returns home (Ruth 1); exiles return to Jerusalem (Ezra 1 & 2); the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)

Idea(s) for Application: Desires for home, to a place where one lives or where one worships, are powerful spiritual longings as are desires to explore new places. Use this hilarious book to help your audience consider why God places these desire in us.