PBT Guest Author: Rebecca Lile

A while back, a friend gave me a picture book. He is a United Methodist pastor who I greatly respect. Then came the bonus: The author was a mutual friend of ours from college, Rebecca Lile! What I found in those beautiful pages is what I believe to be the heart of Jesus’ message: All are welcome because all are loved unconditionally. On the 1st 2 pages: 

God's Diner is open; please come one and all.

All creatures are welcome, the great and the small.

Rebecca is a resident of Waynesville, NC. She was ordained as a diaconal minister in The United Methodist Church where she is a life-long member who witnessed her father serve as a pastor. I was interested in her creative process and the logistics of getting a book published when not a professional writer. She said it took about 2 years, 1 full year for the illustrator’s images to be completed. Rebecca was able to make some suggestions and requests, but mostly, Patrick Brooks worked independently from her.

Before writing, Rebecca was told editors would prefer prose, but that didn’t seem to work for this story, instead her writing came in verse: 

No longer is color or status or size

a way to divide us when seen through God's eyes.

What a welcome and welcoming message! Besides the theme of inclusion, another important theme for Rebecca is creation care. She has several books floating around in her head & journals, but God's Diner is the book she most wanted to write.

When I asked Rebecca about her purposes for writing this book, she explained that she wanted to leave a legacy to her 2 sons, the church, and our world. This book will make the church (and therefore the world) better!

Transforming our faith communities 1 person at a time, is what Rebecca has in mind in God’s Diner. Many people come into churches, questioning whether they will be truly welcome, perhaps even questioning if they truly deserve to be there. She hopes church people (all ages!) see themselves in both the hosts' & seekers' roles. Discovering compassion for self & others and how these roles are integrated will bring transformation to the church. I asked Rebecca...

What are a few of your favorite picture books?                        (2 embedded links for PBT books already here)

The hardest question for book lovers! I'll list just a very few:

The Quiltmaker's Gift by Jeff Brumbeau

    The prequel to this great book is also at PBT, posted the                 previous day! 

The Empty Pot by Demi

    A fabulous book about honesty & giftedness!

Purple, Green and Yellow by Robert Munsch

Cherries and Cherry Pits by Vera B Williams

Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox

Mr. Putter and Tabby Pick the Pears by Rylant & Howard

How have you used picture books in ministry?

I use children's books in ministry in both children & adult education (in Sunday School, children's sermons, preschool storytime, summer camps/community centers, & retirement homes). I simply read the book and create questions & activities to complement. 

For example, if I'm looking at our call to be good stewards of Mother Earth, I might use The Little Hummingbird by Yahgulanaas. I'll create questions around what each one of us might do to be a part of the solution.

What various ways do you envision God’s Diner being used in ministry?

I would absolutely love to see God's Diner in the hands of every one of God's children, because I truly believe no child should ever have to wonder if God loves them. But since that may be a bit of a stretch, I would love to see it read in every church/faith community to both children and adults alike. I believe that the message of God's Diner is one of hope and kindness, compassion and inclusion and is at the very heart of what it means to live out of our faith.  

I've read it in churches on World Communion Day which is a wonderful use of the book as well.

What is feeding your soul these days?

Being around other women who are also always learning and coming to the table to enjoy rich conversation and connection

Creation Care is a passion for Rebecca so she hopes to write a book about that, but her next book may be a sequel to God's Diner. Perhaps its setting will be a food truck! 

Keep up with Rebecca's work here: https://rebeccalile.com/books/

Picture Book: God’s Diner

Author: Rebecca Lile

Illustrator: Patrick Brooks

Summary: All sorts of animals come into God's Diner. Many are not so sure they will be welcomed, but all are, even the skeptical. Animal characters differ in dress, income, color, language, & temperament. Symbols among the animals offer more content for conversation. Encourage your audience to look for them and consider their meanings. 

Hanna’s Comments: Rebecca said that the important image of an open table (emphasized in some church’s communion rituals) was a strong inspiration for her writing in God’s Diner. Take special note of the character Pug, who comes into the diner growling and scowling. His very skeptical "Grouch Face" might be a face your audience recognizes in or outside of your churches! Have them consider some reasons why Pug might be so different from the other characters who are laughing and smiling. Why is he is certain he won't be served? Pug is greeted this way:

I see through your meanness and somewhere deep down

I know there is goodness, instead of a frown. 

In response, Pug's face changes, he is hugged by many and invited to pull up a chair. The last words in the story declare the heart of the gospel! 

If you are hungry, remember God's place.

The food is outstanding, there's always a space.

Original Publisher: Warren Publishing, 2018 

Age Appropriateness: 3 and up

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Matthew 25: 35 was her scripture inspiration. It’s found on the last page.

I was hungry and you gave me food.

I was thirsty and you gave me drink.

I was a stranger and you welcomed me. 

Additionally, any scripture about hospitality such as the stories of Jesus welcoming strangers (Zacchaeus), children, and challenging women (the Syrophoenician woman & the woman at the well). AND any scripture about being beloved children of God such as 1 John 3:1.

PBT Applications:  You’ll find many resources designed for further exploration of the ideas in God’s Diner here at the shop on her website, including complete downloadable lessons, games, and coloring pages. 

PBT Grab & Go #16 - Extra Yarn

Here’s another gem in the PBT series I call Grab & Go in which I feature again secular books that are extremely easy to use in sacred settings. I don’t recommend this, but you could literally grab one of these books and go to your audience. The rich sacred connections will easily rise to the surface. Your job is simply to encourage your listeners as they find a godly character, spiritual practice, holy idea, or scripture connection. The book below is a favorite! In fact, I sell a lesson for elementary-aged kiddos connecting this book to the story in Acts of Dorcas/Tabitha’s resurrection. Contact me (see left column) if you’re interested in purchasing for just $4!

Picture Book: Extra Yarn

Author: Mac Barnett

Illustrator: Jon Klassen

Summary: In a colorless world, Annabelle finds a box filled with multi-colored yarn and begins knitting for herself and others. Miraculously, the yarn never runs out. As Annabelle faces criticism for her knitted pieces, she knits for the one who is criticizing and all are converted to the beauty and transformational nature of her work. When a rich archduke wants to purchase the extraordinary yarn and Annabelle refuses, he steals the box. Once in his castle, he opens the box to find it empty. Angrily he throws the box out into the ocean where it floats back to Annabelle so that she can continue her knitting.

Hanna’s Comments: This metaphor of how a young girl’s loving creativity can transform a community is beautifully intriguing. I especially like the way the illustrator shows yarn attaching a character to another character, demonstrating the loving bonds Annabelle is creating with her generosity.

Original Publisher & Date: Balzer + Bray, 2012

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

Available in Spanish? Yes

Scripture Connections: Jesus’ healing power, Tabitha’s good works (Acts 9:36-42), Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12); Gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8-10)

Idea(s) for Application: This book offers a beautiful metaphor for spreading love with your giftedness. Use it with a lesson on the transformational & healing power of generosity and good works. Tie it to the work of knitting or sewing ministries.

Enough Already!

Picture Book: I Am Enough

Author: Grace Byers

Illustrator: Keturah A. Bobo

Summary: This striking book is a celebration of loving who you are and embracing the many and varied aspects of you. A repeated pattern of similes are used: "Like the ___, I'm ___." Here is a smattering of this book's messages and illustrations.  
Like the sun, I'm here to shine. 

Like the voice, I'm here to sing.

Like the bird, I'm here to fly and soar high over everything. 

There's some paradox in the pairing of similes. 

Like the champ, I'm here to fight. 

AND Like the heart, I'm here to love. 

Learning 

and racing are important pursuits 

as well as supporting those who cry because a race doesn't go well. 

Respecting others' differences, opinions, and gifts is an important message here. 

Differences in appearance are worthy of notice and celebration, but each person's worth comes from much more than that. 

In the end, it is enough to "live a life of love, not fear" 

and know that each of us is enough.

Hanna’s Comments: The similes here are mostly abstract and will require concrete examples and exploration for young audiences. You may know the other work of this author. Grace Byers is an actor on Empire. She wrote this book to tool girls against bullying, but it offers all girls (and boys) an opportunity to be reminded of their resilience, while emphasizing kindness. Yes, there are only girls in this book. Don't let that keep you from sharing it with boys. Girls often experience media with no girls present. It's beneficial for boys to have such experiences. It builds empathy and understanding across gender lines. We all want and need more of that.
Original Publisher & Date: Balzer & Bray, 2018

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

Formats other than Book: Audio CD

Scripture Connections: Scriptures about inner strength or God's presence in us such as Deuteronomy 31:6, Isaiah 4o:31, Isaiah 41:10, or Philippians 4:13; Made in God's image (Genesis 1:27); Let us run with endurance the race set before us (Hebrews 12:1b); Blessed is the one who remains steadfast under trial (James 1:12); Behold what manner of love God has given us that we should be called the children of God. (1 John 3:1)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to an elementary class and talk specifically about how each child present has been blessed with resilient qualities thanks to being a unique child of God, made in God's image, for the betterment of the world. In other words, all are blessed to be a blessing. 

 

PBT God Book #11: When God Made You

Below I feature again a wonderful God book by Turner and Catrow. On Friday look for this pair's new book in the series, When God Made Light. 

Picture Book: When God Made You

Author: Matthew Paul Turner

Illustrator: David Catrow

Summary: Through charming rhyme and hilarious illustrations, this picture book celebrates when God made "an incredible you," a you that the world needs. 

You were in God's mind long before you were born. God imagined how you would look, what you could do, and how you would respond to the world. 

God knew your name all along. You are an important member of God's family who brings "color and rhythm and rhyme to God's story." 

Perhaps it's with paint, amazing tricks, a make-believe story, or the beauty of a dance, but for sure God is pleased, for you are an image of God!

God dreams about you, especially "all that in you that will be true." God knows your potential to be "a lover of nature", a "peacemaker," and a "builder of dreams." 

And you definitely can learn to view other children of God as a part of your family, ready to be loved by you. "You being you is God's dream coming true."

Hanna’s Comments: Picture books about the nature of God featured here at PBT I call God Books. I especially like the non-gender nature of God here. This book is a jewel because it emphasizes each person’s value as a uniquely created, child of God, made in God’s image and loved beyond measure. This is such an important message for each person in our world. In this oh-so-colorful book, you have encouragement for children (really people of all ages) to explore their gifts and abilities while considering how they might make the world better. You may recognize the art. David Catrow’s PBT books about Molly Lou Melon, have a similar look and a delightful little girl with similar imagination and enthusiasm but in a secular setting. Check out Molly Lou’s books [here] and [here]. 

Original Publisher & Date: Waterbrook, 2017

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet 

Scripture Connections: Made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27); for I am wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)
Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children or adults to remind them that they are all unique children of God, made in God’s image with gifts to share with and for the world's other creatures. 

Good Friday Peace

I recently heard a podcast about the symbolism of the cross. It challenged me to see the cross as a question: Is there a better way to be human? I now realize the cross can serve as a reminder of Jesus’ refusal to perpetuate the myth of redemptive violence. A cross, an instrument of torture, surprisingly is a symbol of peace! 

[Here’s] the podcast if you’re interested and 2 new PBT picture books about peace to consider for your ministry, your classroom, or your family. I end the post with links to 5 other PBT books about peace. 

I hope this weekend, no matter your relationship to Christianity or the symbolism of the cross, finds you contemplating our great need for peace and how you and your faith community might play your part in meeting that need.

Picture Book: The Peace Book

Author & Illustrator: Todd Parr

Hanna’s Comments: For thoughts about peace with elementary or preschool children, consider Todd Parr's fun exploration of what peace looks like. 

He also offers a global and even ecological perspective,

 often with a bit of humor...  

and some meaningful situations for young children. 

His books often connect directly to scripture,... 

 sometimes with a little twist. 

These peaceful acts can lead to life-long changes to self... 

and aspirations for world change.

Parr finds peace in simple, fun gestures... 

and big, hard work. 

His characters are sometimes surprising, 

often human and animal, 

but very relatable. 

Your children will love his whimsy...

 and his heart.

As usual, Parr ends this book with a letter to his readers.

Original Publisher & Date: Little, Brown & Co., 2004

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Any scripture that encourages peaceful acts such as If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. (Romans 12:11) OR ...seek peace and pursue it. 1 Peter: 3:11)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of preschoolers who are having lots of conflict in their classroom.

Picture Book: Can You Say Peace?

Author & Illustrator: Karen Katz

Hanna’s Comments: For a truly global perspective, consider this book as a start to a series of lessons about peace. 

Even young children pick up on international news events so it's important for faith families to humanize all persons, 

even those who might be demonized in mass media. 

This book is published with International Day of Peace in mind.  

That's September 21, but you can use it (and particularly it's verbal content) anytime you are providing an experience about world peace. The structure is simple. Most double-page spreads highlight one child from a particular country. That child's way of saying peace (the word and the pronunciation) are given. Given recent headlines here are a few timely examples: Hana in Iran... 

Stephan in Russia,... 

 and May in China. 

Resource material in the back shows a map and a list of even more ways to say "peace."

Original Publisher & Date: Henry Holt & Co., 2006

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Any scripture that explores the concept of peace such as Strive for peace with everyone (Hebrews 12:14)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book as a resource when wanting to introduce various ways of saying "peace" during a faith family lesson or sermon about peace for any age. 

I have several others books about peace here at PBT where I'm about to celebrate my 4th anniversary on Sunday! Yay! Here are those links:

Peace, Baby!

A Little Peace

Let There Be Peace on Earth

Peace is an Offering

Growing Peace