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?

Touching Conversations

Picture Book: God Made All of Me:                                                                A Book to Help Children Protect Their Bodies

Author: Justin S. & Lindsay A. Holcomb

Illustrator: Trish Mahoney

Summary: This book begins with praise from 10 psychologists, child advocates, and theologians. Next comes a detailed letter to parents explaining the importance of the message inside. Here’s a startling fact:

 Scripture is sprinkled throughout the pages.

A story begins within the context of a traditional family with 2 very inquisitive children whose questions will encourage questions from the listeners. 

It seems the older child is very comfortable with these messages and has likely heard them before. This conversation is for the younger sister. 

Here’s the heart of the message which you’ll find in the letter to parents:

God made all of you. Every part of your body is good, and some parts are private. He made the parts of your body that other people see every day, and he made your private parts. Every part is good because God made every part and called them all good. 

I especially like the less significant message that says if you don’t want to be touched (even via a hug from a relative), that’s your choice. It should be respected.  

If you are touched anyway, tell parents, teachers, or doctors. When the child responds that these people are sometimes too busy, the children are instructed to "keep asking for help." 

Subjects like bath time and doctor visits are discussed. Anatomically correct names for body parts are used.  

The children are warned about several ploys that abusers often use. They are told that rewards and games should never be a part of touching or showing private parts. Secrets are never a good situation. 

Because this family doesn’t keep secrets, the parents explain that they should be told immediately if anyone asks the children to keep a secret. Secrets are distinguished from surprises, two easily confused concepts.

The last section is a list of 9 Ways to Protect Your Children from Sexual Abuse. The book is dedicated to Grace, an organization of professionals that provides abuse prevention training and other services. 

Hanna’s Comments: This book is designed for parents to read to 2-8 year olds and is a tool for beginning and continuing conversations and questions about sexual abuse. Typically, I feature books to read in ministry. Today I’m offering a book for those who do children’s ministry (whether ordained or not) to have handy to pass on to parents to read with their children. 

This book isn't designed for those times when a question of sexual abuse arises. Instead it is for your children’s protection from and empowerment in sexually inappropriate situations. These conversations are best done in a loving, non-threatening home and at the doctor’s office. 

If a reading is going to happen at your place of worship, parental involvement in planning is crucial. Make sure parents have read the book beforehand. I recommend having them help design the program and make all parents welcome. If parents in your faith family are suspected of such behavior, then you must report your concerns to the appropriate government authorities. 

Whoever reads this book should feel welcome to substitute gender-neutral words for God. I typically use Post-it notes to make such changes before reading. It is crucial that these conversations reflect your theological beliefs and spiritual values and your children feel positive about God. 

Original Publisher & Date: New Growth Press, 2015

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

Formats other than Book: Digital

Scripture Connections: God created human beings in God’s own image and called us good (Genesis 1 & 2)

Idea(s) for Application: Loan or give this book to parents in your faith family when they want to have a conversation with young children that will protect and empower them should they encounter inappropriate sexual advances or contact. 

Secrets and God’s Presence

Picture Book: Can I Tell You a Secret?

Author: Anna Kang

Illustrator: Christopher Weyant

Summary: The hook with this book is that you, the reader, and your audience are Monty’s friend to whom he is confessing his secret.

This little frog can’t swim; he’s afraid of the water! 

He acknowledges that a frog should be able to swim, but since he was a tadpole he has been finding ways to avoid the water. 

Thanks to his new friends (you and your audience), Monty decides that he must confess this to his parents. 

After a few tries, he tells them the news. Like the good parents they are, they already know and decide it’s time he overcomes his fear and learn to swim. 

He invites his new friends (you and your audience) to come with him as he tries. 

He has limited success, but he’s thrilled with his progress and thankful you came along. 

You get the sense that Monty’s going to be a swimmer after all.

Hanna’s Comments: Here’s an idea for a simple but very meaningful lesson for your children at home or the children of your faith family. Read the scripture below. Talk about how the Israelites had been in the wilderness where they had struggled with the idea of God being with them wherever they went. It took a long time for some of them to believe this.

Next, begin the book by explaining that Monty is addressing your listeners. Then read this fun book straight through with no commentary. Lastly, read the book again but direct the children to imagine that Monty is talking to God. 

The story will be transformed and the conversation you facilitate as you read will be rich and full of possibilities for understanding how God can be a comfort and companion in times of fear. That's the power of Picture Book Theology!

Original Publisher & Date: Harper Collins, 2016

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9); Do not fear for I will be with you… (Isaiah 41:10)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a child who is struggling with any new or difficult situation and encourage him or her to remember God’s presence and unconditional love. 

PBT Blog Series: Theological Statements for Young Children #8

Illustration from Be Gentle by Virginia Miller

Finding stories that are appropriate for toddlers & preschoolers becomes challenging when considering the topics of the next PBT statement for young children: God/Jesus doesn’t want you to lie, steal, or hurt others.

Illustration from Be Gentle by Virginia Miller

Generally, these darker subjects are not addressed in stories for the very young except perhaps for the last prohibition, hurting others. Parents and teachers of young children often have to teach children to “be gentle” or “don’t hurt.” I did find a few excellent series that are specifically published to address social-emotional skills which are crucial for children's success in school and later in adult life. 

I featured 2 books in the Best Behavior Series on February 16, 2015. These 2 books had the same title, Words are Not for Hurting, but one was much simpler and offered Spanish text as well. The rest in the series are also perfect for very young children and many connect with this theological statement. Some are board books, and some come with Spanish text. Their contents are obvious, given the titles, so I’m just going to list those below. 

The illustrator for all is Marieka Heinlen. The author of all is Elizabeth Verdick, except for the first which is by Martine Agassi. Elizabeth Verdick also has a series called Toddler Tools which describes in simple terms typical moments in a young child’s day. Here are some titles from that series: Calm Down Time, Naptime, Sharing Time, Listening Time.

Best Behavior Series:

Hands are Not for Hitting

Feet are Not for Kicking

Teeth are Not for Biting

Tails are Not for Pulling

Germs are Not for Sharing

The Getting Along Series is for children a little older. The recommended age is 4 and up rather than 2 and up for the series above. This series focuses on more complex interpersonal interactions. They are all written by Cheri J. Meiners who also writes the Being the Best Me Series, which I would highly recommend. It covers topics like forgiveness, integrity, and resilience.

 Getting Along Series:

Talk and Work It Out

Cool Down and Work Through Anger

Know and Follow Rules

Share and Take Turns

Be Polite and Kind

Be Honest and Tell the Truth

Respect and Take Care of Things

Other PBT books that connect with links to posts:

The Empty Pot - 7/27/14     

Peace, Baby - 7/8/14

Unlovable - 6/27/14

Do Unto Otters - 10/25/14

Be Gentle - 2/10/15

Too Tall Houses – 3/21/16

Words are Not for Hurting - 2/16/15

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 204

Picture Book: Does God Hear My Prayer?     

Author: August Gold

Photographer: Diane Hardy Waller

Summary: Through a series of questions, this inviting book explores the many ways children can communicate with and experience God. The assurance that God’s love and presence is always available and attentive is emphasized. Photographs highlight the ways we experience God, God’s world, and other creatures created by God.

Hanna’s Comments: In a sense I am featuring 5 books today! This book is representative of a series of 5 books offered by this publisher; all are in the same format and comparable in content. In ways that are neither preachy nor simple, these books offer thought-provoking questions about God’s nature and our relationship with God. Reading these books should lead to some valuable conversations with your children across settings: in their faith communities, in private schools where faith language is welcome, and in their homes. Photographs and other illustrations increase the child-friendliness of these books. This entire series as well as other books from this publisher are "endorsed by Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, and Buddhist religious leaders." If you are Christian, note that Jesus is not mentioned, but God is represented in a way that reflects Christian values. Here are the other titles in the series and their authors:

Where Does God Live? by August Gold There is another PBT book with this title that you can read about [here.]

How Does God Forgive Me? by August Gold

Does God Ever Sleep? by Joan Sauro

How Does God Listen? by Kay Lindahl

Publisher & Date of Publication: Skylight Paths Publishing, 2005

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: God Book, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: anxiety/worry, communication, disappointment, doubt, faith/faithfulness, God’s care/providence, God’s nature, God’s presence, God’s will, holiness, honesty, hope, humility, intercession, lamentations, openness, power, prayer, questioning/questions, quiet/silence, reassurance, strength/strength in God, trust/trustworthiness, waiting, wonder

Scripture Connections: You make known to be the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11); behold, I am with you always (Matthew 28:20)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book and the other books in this series anytime you want to explore the nature of God with children in a way that invites their questions and explorations. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 99

Note: The photograph above is the Braille version of this book.

Picture Book: The Empty Pot

Author & Illustrator: Demi

Summary: Ping is a young boy who, like many in China at the time of this traditional tale, has a passion for growing flowers. What he grows bursts into bloom. When the Emperor needs a successor, he decides to “let the flowers choose.” The Emperor orders all the young children to come to his palace to receive flower seeds. Whoever shows the Emperor “their best in a year’s time” will succeed him. Ping receives the flower seeds but has no success; nothing grows. When the year ends, Ping fearfully brings an empty pot to the Emperor. The other children bring brilliant blooms. When the Emperor asks for Ping’s explanation, Ping describes the different methods he tried for growing the seeds, and then Ping says “Nothing grew. It was the best I could do.” The Emperor smiles and proclaims that Ping will be his successor. All the seeds had been cooked, making them impossible to grow. Only Ping has been honest and courageous.

Hanna’s Comments: Like so many traditional tales, this has a clever twist and an honorable hero. Consider using this book when talking about the importance of honesty or courage. Emphasize that the beauty in this story is not only in the flowers but also in the characters of Ping and the Emperor. 

Publisher & Date of Publication: Square Fish, 1990

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Video on Youtube.com

PBT Category: Traditional

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, anxiety/worry, Asia, authenticity, babies/children, bravery/courage, challenges, choices/decisions, chosen, competition, confession, consequences/punishment, disappointment, deception/dishonesty/lies/lying, eggs/seeds, ethics, flowers/leaves/trees, gardening/planting/pruning/sowing, gifts/giftedness/talents, goodness, honesty, humility, labor/work, the Law/rules/10 commandments, legends/myths, resisting evil, respect, righteousness, risking, temptations, truth

Scripture Connections: The story of Joseph interpreting dreams for Pharaoh (Genesis 41); Be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9); For we aim at what is honorable (2 Corinthians 8:21)

Idea(s) for Application: This book would work well with a lesson on Joseph when he chooses to tell the Pharaoh dire dream interpretations. This telling took a great deal of courage and led to Joseph becoming an Egyptian leader who saves many during the terrible famine his dreams predicted.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 45

Picture Book: When Sophie Gets Angry - Really, Really Angry…

Author & Illustrator: Molly Bang

Summary: Sophie’s sister takes a toy away from her. Mom takes the sister’s side, and Sophie gets very angry, stomping-roaring angry. When “Sophie is like a volcano about to explode,” she goes outside to run & run until she can’t run anymore. Then the beauty of nature begins to calm her so that she can return home.

Hanna’s Comments: I especially like 2 aspects of this book. The story doesn’t get caught up in the question of what’s fair. In fact, Sophie’s sister clearly grabs the toy from her. Instead it normalizes Sophie’s anger. This is especially welcome in a church setting where anger at God is too often taboo. Then the story encourages the audience to be appropriately physical (no destructive violence) & look to nature as a coping mechanism for anger. “The wide world comforts” Sophie in a beautiful way. What concerns me about this book is the age appropriateness of the strategy Sophie uses. Sophie seems such a young child. Uncontrolled running outside alone may be an unsafe & inappropriate strategy for similarly aged children. However, it is a wonderful message for those children with access to a safe outside environment who are old enough to venture outside alone. Consider the age & environment of your children before reading this book. After the reading, discuss with them safe responses when they are angry while you normalize their anger, even their anger to God. 

In 2015 Molly Bang published a another Sophie book: When Sophie's Feelings are Really Really Hurt.
 
Publisher & Date of Publication: Scholastic, 2004

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: Audio CD, Audible, amateur videos are on Youtube

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, action, anger, arguing, babies/children, brokenness, challenges, conflict, difficulties, disappointment, discord, disputes/fighting/opposition, emotions/feelings, the environment/nature, flowers/leaves/trees, forgiveness/justifying grace/mercy/redemption, God’s nature, guilt, hiding/isolation/separation/walls, home, honesty, lamentations, pacifism/peace/peaceful/peacemakers/peaceable kingdom, parents/parental love, prayer, quiet/silence, self-reflection, renewal/restoration, self-control, siblings/sibling rivalry, sin, transformation

Scripture Connections: Create in me a clean heart, O God (Psalm 51:10)

Idea(s) for Application: a lesson on honesty when approaching God in prayer, a lesson on how nature can be comforting & help us work through our feelings

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 44

Picture Book: Curious George Saves His Pennies

Author: Monica Perez

Illustrator: Mary O’Keefe Young

Summary: George discovers the patience & work required for saving up for a special red train that he spies in a toy store. Finally, he has enough to purchase the train himself, but a characteristic diversion leads to George losing his piggy bank. What follows is a lesson in anonymous acts of kindness & meaningful generosity.

Hanna’s Comments: When previewing, make sure you read this new book in the Curious George series all the way to the surprising end. The positive messages of patience, earning, hard work, stewardship, and generosity are many & affirm building meaningful community as well.

Publisher & Date of Publication: HMH Books for Young Readers, 2012

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

# of Pages: 24

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: tablet

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: choices/decisions, found, generosity/giving/offering/stewardship, goodness, gratitude/thankfulness/thanksgiving, honesty, joy, kindness, lost, money, patience, perseverance, sacrifice, satisfaction, self-control, sharing

Scripture Connections: Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book in a children’s lesson on financial pledging, tithing, or stewardship