3 Ellie Holcomb Books (1 for December)

You may know Ellie Holcomb as an award-winning Christian singer/songwriter, a solo artist and a member of her husband Drew Holcomb's band. Her books share several attributes: 

• They are large board books. I’ve written that too many abstract or lengthy books are being made in board book form, which will turn off a child beyond the need for those kinds of books. All are available in tablet form.
• They begin broadly with abstract possibilities that explore questions. Midway they become theological. I recommend them for age 4 and older, despite them being board books.
• The 2 non-Christmas books align with an album which must be purchased separately. There may be a Christmas album eventually.
• All are written in verse so practice before reading aloud.
• She uses masculine pronouns for God. If you choose, adapt easily with sticky notes that cue you to use the words you prefer.
• The images are of diverse children interacting with wild animals in extraordinary ways. 

These images are similar to Nancy Tillman's beautiful books. Find a few of those at PBT HERE  AND HERE.

Picture Book: Sounding Joy

Author: Ellie Holcomb

Illustrator: Laura Ramos

Summary: This book begins with the question: What does joy sound like? It answers with possibilities of child characters experiencing joy in winter. Snow sounds like the laughter of friends, deep breaths when playing games are joy sounds, and hooraying while sledding is a glorious joy noise. Next it says glorious joy long ago sounded like angels’ wings. Suddenly, the modern setting reverts to shepherd children in Bethlehem witnessing a sky full of singing angels! With reverence, the little shepherds visit Jesus at the manger where “God bent down low and sent us His son to make heaven our home.”

Hanna’s Comments: The sentence above doesn't express my theology regarding the purpose of Jesus’ birth, but I try at PBT to not limit your access to good books when they don’t line up with my personal theological ideas. What this book does offer in abundance is joy grounded in a loving God whose creation and incarnation via a human child are very much worth celebrating.

I also like how she ties the lights we see at Christmas to the glory of the angels and encourages her audience to respond to Christmas by sounding joy and being loving.

Original Publisher: B&H, 2022

Age Appropriateness: 4 & up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: There are many joyful sounds in the Christmas story. Those animals couldn’t have been quiet! And the choir of angels were the ultimate joyful noise! Also, Make a joyful noise… works well here (Psalm 100:1-5)

PBT Applications: Read this book at a Christmas day children’s church gathering. Remind all that the joy and rituals we experience this season are about God’s loving generosity. Talk about your audience's most joyful moments this season and help each find the gift God has given in each circumstance.

 

Picture Book: Who Sang the First Song?

Author: Ellie Holcomb

Illustrator: Kayla Harren

Summary: This book’s title question is directed at a group of children. In verse, it describes possibilities. Was the first song sung by the sun? Whales? Flowers? etc. Then it explains that God wrote the first song into everything and everyone. We and all creation are wonderfully made so let's sing our unique songs, while being who and what we were created to be. Good. Beautiful. A reflection of our Creator.

Hanna’s Comments: I like the possibilities that the first pages offer. These can lead to some imagination-fueled conversations. Ask what might the songs of birds say about God? When Holcomb dismisses ideas of earthly creations having  sung the first song, it's a bit jarring, but she quickly explains the goodness of creation and urges all to sing songs they were created to sing. If God sang the first song during creation, then God wrote God's own song into everything  and everyone. God's singing and our extraordinary songs continue. Psalm 150:6 exhorts all breathing creatures to praise God.

Original Publisher: B&H, 2018

Age Appropriateness: 4 & up

Formats other than Book: Tablet & and an album - Sing: Creation Songs

Scripture Connections: We are wonderfully made with an ever-present God to stir us into song (Psalm 139); Make a joyful noise… works well here too (Psalm 100:1-5); Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. (Psalm 150:6)

PBT Applications: Read this book to a group of children who are learning that worship can be noisy. And quiet. And even sad or angry as in a lament.

 

Picture Book: Don’t Forget to Remember

Author: Ellie Holcomb

Illustrator: Kayla Harren

Summary: The question that begins this book is Did you know creation is talking to you? What follows is encouragement to all to listen and remember what God teaches through creation. Creation might be heard anywhere. In the photo below, the ocean sings a reminder that God's love never ends. A sail is a metaphor for being filled with God. 

We can hear God's voice at anytime. Snowflakes whisper we too are unique. 

Each sunrise silently sings of God's loving presence. 

Hanna’s Comments: One of my favorite prayers begins, "New every morning is Your love, oh God of light. And all day long You are working for good in the world." This book reminds me of that assurance. Throughout this book implores us to be open to God's presence, listening to what God is singing and showing. 

Original Publisher: B&H, 2020

Age Appropriateness: 4 & up

Formats other than Book: Tablet & an album - Sing: Remembering Songs

Scripture Connections: The image above is a reminder of many scriptures in which God is said to be light (Isaiah 9:1, 1 John 1:5 are 2 examples). Other scriptures that would connect with this book are those about God's constant presence (i.e., Psalm 139:7-10) and instructions to listen (i.e., James 1:19) and remember (i.e., Psalm 103:2).

PBT Applications: Read this book to a group of young parents. Then spend time talking about what reminders of God they want their children to have and how they can encourage these while outside.

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.

Wonderfully Made Girls (Boys too!)

 

Here are 2 books with similar themes. Strong Suggestion: Don’t dismiss these books because there are only females in them. Your boys need to hear and will learn from books featuring only girls. Females have done this throughout literary history! Encourage your boys to use their inner voices to "translate" when necessary. Most experiences in these books will be applicable to all genders! 

There is a teachable moment here regarding the Jesus’ version of The Great Commandment which added strength to the ideas of loving God and neighbor. Tap into your boys' desire to have strong-loving minds and hearts so they will develop empathy for girls & women. That will benefit everyone! 

The 1st book is a particularly beautiful collection of diverse girls declaring female power. These declarations can be extrapolated to boys easily. 

The 2^nd book is silly and fun, but it’s rich with meaning. It's a story about choosing to be yourself, rather than pretending. Engage boys by asking how they like to dress and play in costume. There is a lot of potential here for children, teens, and adults, particularly with recent political issues regarding gender. 

Also, check out the PBT books I link to below that are similar in theme or content!

Picture Book: I Am Enough

Author: Grace Byers

Illustrator: Keturah A Bobo

Summary: This book is not a narrative. Instead it is a book of similes that describe what is LIKE us – (these beautiful young girls and all of us!). It begins, “Like the sun, I’m here to shine.” Here’s a favorite: “Like the rain, I’m here to pour and drip and fall until I’m full.” This simile deserves some group interpretation! Only girls are shown. Talk about that. Then note that their situations are not “girly” – whatever that means. 

Hanna’s Comments: These declarations emphasize loving who you are, but they also emphasize being kind and respectful to who other people are! Have your audience note how the girls are interacting. Then talk about what Godly attributes they see or ask what Jesus would think of their words and actions. Explore ideas of The Holy Spirit giving them strength and resilience. There is a lot of movement in these pages so you might read again with group gestures or a  simple dance.

 

Original Publisher: Balzer & Bray, 2018

Age Appropriateness: 3 and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet & Audio 

Picture Book: I’m Me!

Author: Sara Sheridan

Illustrator: Margaret Chamberlain

Summary: Little Imogene loves to play dress-up with her Auntie Sara! When she is greeted, it is clear that her auntie is ready to play. She keeps asking Imogen which world they will enter today. The double-page spreads become some of these imagined worlds and play-possibilities. Imogen keeps saying, "No. Today I want to be..." but then her auntie interrupts with another imaginary possibility. Finally, Imogen says that she wants to be... ME! The two playmates go have a grand and wonder - ful time at the park!

Hanna’s Comments: Practice reading this book for full impact. You want the drama of Imogen's words and your page-turning to have good effects. Ask your children about how feelings influence whether they want to pretend or be themselves in the real world. Be sure to remind them that God is always present in their imagined worlds and their real world. You might even want to talk about how God has given us humans particularly skillful imaginations for solving problems (think scientists & explorers) and for having fun (think writers & entertainers). If time allows, talk about how the practice of wonder leads people to think about God, God's world, and how we fit in to its beauty and joy.

Original Publisher: Chicken House, 2011

Age Appropriateness: 4 and up

Formats other than Book: None at present

For both books...

Scripture Connections: God created humankind in God's image (Genesis 1:27); I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works. (Psalm 139: 14); ...the joy of the Lord is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10); We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. (Romans 12:6); My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart. (Psalm 73:26); And other verses about strength in God and personal gifts from God. 

Connections to The Revised Common Lectionary: Both books are listed in my Trinity Treasures preschool curriculum for Year B in a lesson featuring Psalm 139.

PBT Applications: Read 1 or both of these books in an elementary Sunday school class. Talk about how Psalm 139 can be such a comfort when we are feeling unworthy and self-doubt creeps in OR when we are feeling lonely and we forget God is always with us. 

Links to similar PBT books:

Psalms for Young Children

When God Made Light

From Head to Toe God Made Me

Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon

Have Fun Molly Lou Melon

Emma Dodd books see When I Grow Up  or  Just Like You

When I Hold You

Baby Believer series see Psalms of Praise: A Movement Primer

All of Me: A Book of Thanks

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.

Another PBT God Book! What does that mean?

A PBT God book is different from most books featured here. In 2014, I created PBT to tell you about secular books in local libraries and elsewhere that could be treasures for ministry. PBT picture books would keep church curriculum costs down, lead to more topical and visual diversity, and get rich relatable material into the hands of all ages in churches, church-based schools, and homes. I hope you and your settings have benefitted from my work!

In 2014, I knew I would also feature some non-secular books, like Old Turtle, that were what I considered exceptional God Books. Its sequels are here and also here. 

Put simply, PBT God Books are picture books about the nature of God, some overtly so, like these 3 from Karma Wilson and some more subtly, like this reframing of The Giving Tree. But I had no idea how many fabulous God books (and frankly, bad God books) were available! I hoped PBT would help you find the best God books. Right now, there are over 100 here at PBT, sometimes more than 1 in a post. Type “God Book” in the search box in the upper right corner or go to the "God Book" search label that's low in the web version’s format.  

I could easily tell you about many more God Books, and I will! Here’s one I especially love:

Picture Book: Picturing God

Author/Illustrator: Ruth Goring

Summary: In simple language and mixed-media images, Ruth Goring offers a rich spiritual experience for any age. She offers 16 metaphors for God straight from the Bible. Jesus and the Spirit are mentioned as well. 

Hanna’s Comments: There is so much excellent content here that you could use this book for a series of lessons and discuss only a few pages at a time. Then you could have some fun making mixed-media art! My favorite double-page spread won't show well here. It shows 2 dark-skinned children in a dark wood walking along a stone path. The text: 

When we don't know where to go, 

God's light shines on our path 

and leads us home. 

Original Publisher: Beaming Books, 2019

Age Appropriateness: 4 and up

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: This wonderful book has a very helpful list in the back of nearly 40 scriptures that correspond to the book's images! 

Connections to The Revised Common Lectionary: In my Trinity Treasures lectionary-based curriculum for preschoolers, I recommend this book for lessons on God as a rock & cornerstone, God being like a parent, God's Goodness, and The Trinity: Our Helper.

PBT Applications: This would be an excellent book to read to teens or adults. Before showing the book, give drawing materials. Ask participants to draw how they imagined God when they were children. Then ask for volunteers to show &/or tell about their drawings. I was once in a group with my new husband when we were given this task. I was delighted with his image of God on top of the hood of his family's car! I had not yet heard that story!

If you are interested in learning 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 fill out the monthly feedback form.

Litttle + Little = Big

Picture Book: Little Elliot Big City

Author & Illustrator: Mike Curato

Summary: The city is big and scary, especially for an unusual little elephant named Elliot.  

But Elliot loves his city, even when his size and the crowds are not a good match, like when he is easily stepped on and pushed aside.

Many tasks are difficult, such as catching a cab. 

 But sometimes Elliot is very clever 

and solves problems on his own.   

Because of his size, Elliot especially enjoys small things, 

particularly cupcakes!

But he is too often overlooked at the bakery counter! NO CUPCAKES! 

Elliot's disappointment leads him to nearly miss an even smaller creature, a mouse, who also is having trouble getting food because of being small. 

Elliot listens to mouse's tale of hunger 

and quickly helps.  

A fast friendship is formed in which each of the little guys helps the other. 

In this way, the good things in life are more accessible and joyful, 

like cupcakes and so much more! 

Hanna’s Comments: This is the first of the Little Elliott series of books. Right now there are 3 others. All encourage deep connections and have illustrations that hearken back to the 1930's. In one story, Elliot finds a family in the big lonely city and in another, Mouse helps Elliot with his fears at an amusement park. The best part of these books is how easily an audience of children will relate. Like Elliot, they struggle with being too small or young or unable or not seen. If you have children in your group who have disabilities, consider their perspectives and levels of sensitivity. You might need to let them know of your plans and even ask them to share their perspective and experiences. And check out Jessica's Box, a beautiful PBT tale about a child in a wheelchair longing for new friends. Not being noticed is a spiritual issue. All humans (and apparently little elephants too!) are worthy of attention and love. God has desires for us to have encouraging friendships in which we build each other up and out for joy and service.  

Original Publisher & Date: Henry Holt, 2014

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: A scripture about someone small (i.e. Zacchaeus in Luke 19 or the boy who gave loaves & fishes in John 6);  Made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26); Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil… (Ecclesiastes 4:9); God has plans for our welfare, not evil, to give us a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11); where two or three are gathered... (Matthew 18:20); The Body of Christ (Romans 12:4-5); …you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6:18); Encourage one another and build one another up (1 Thessalonians 5:11); Behold what manner of love God has given to us that we should be called children of God! (1 John 3:1)

Idea(s) for Application: This book is perfect for talking about God's desire for strong, supportive, and encouraging connections within faith families, especially between those who are small or disadvantaged such as those with disabilities or the elderly.