PBT Series: God Book #9

Most of the books I feature at PBT are secular, but there are many books here that I call “God Books.” These are sacred picture books that aren’t so easy to find in libraries or bookstores. These may be the most valuable treasures I offer for ministry. This PBT series is a collection of re-posts of those God books. Want to see them all? Simply find the Search Word list at the bottom of the web version and click on "God Book." This treasure is both beautiful and full of potential for conversation about intercessory prayer. Consider it a God Book as well as a Grab & Go book (another PBT series) for there are lots of easy possibilities here!

Picture Book: Beautiful Moon: A Child’s Prayer
Author: Tonya Bolden

Illustrator: Eric Valasquez
Summary: One evening in a noisy city, a young boy hurries out of bed because he’s forgotten to say his prayers. As he kneels and prays, he notices a beautiful moon shining in his window. Others in the city are experiencing the rays of the moon, but those people are in distress. Then the author weaves and directs an aspect of the boy’s prayer to each of the other parties. A woman tries to sleep on a park bench; the boy prays for those who are homeless. A businessman reads a news headline about war and is worried for his soldier daughter; the boy prays for war to end. Two adults stare at an empty cupboard; the boy prays for people to have food. This continues as the beautiful moon shines on them all.

Hanna’s Comments: I don’t usually offer what I call “nighttime” books since my primary purpose at PBT is to provide ideas for ministry which usually occurs in daylight hours. I had to make an exception for this book! Help even your youngest listeners understand that the moon is a symbol for God in this story. Then expand on that idea. Be sure to talk about the feelings each scenario evokes. Ask... How might God feel about these situations? What might God be doing in this city to alleviate some of this suffering? Also, talk about this boy’s prayer practices and how they are a comfort to him and hopefully a lifelong practice. Mention that he was not "in trouble" for forgetting to pray early in the story. Invite your children (or adults) to share their experiences with prayer practices. If you get silence, there's your opportunity to instruct on the power of silent prayer. Offer a simple prayer ritual and then build on this instruction in future experiences. Throughout share the importance of intercessory prayer (prayer for others) in your own spiritual journey.

Thought not a PBT God Book, there is another extraordinary book that shares much with the book above. Max and the Tag-Along Moon by Floyd Cooper is a secular book about a grandfather who lovingly reassures his grandson "that ol' moon will always shine for you... on and on." Again, the moon is a beautiful metaphor for God, who is always present. The grandson tests this idea and finds it to be true.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Abrams, 2014
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up
Formats other than Book: Tablet
Scripture Connections: Love the Lord, your God with all your heart… (Deuteronomy 6:5 and Mark 12:30); when the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears (Psalm 34:17); in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let you requests be known to God (Philippians 4:6)
Idea(s) for Application: Read this book as a nighttime devotional at a church  family retreat or a camp program for children. OR Use this book as a tool to instruct children in the importance and comforting spiritual practice of intercessory prayer. 

PBT Series Grab & Go #11 - 14 Cows for America

The anniversary of the tragedy of 9/11/2001 is nearing so I thought I’d offer a repost of an inspirational story resulting from that event.  Today my feature is a part of the PBT Grab & Go Series featuring books that would be easy lessons for faith families. 14 Cows for America quickly inspires thinking and conversation about compassion, generosity, and international relationships. This picture book was offered in a Dynamic Duo during PBT's first year. I paired it with another story in which Africans responded generously to American suffering. Check out that post [here].

Picture Book: 14 Cows for America

Author: Carmen Agra Deedy

Illustrator: Thomas Gonzalez

Collaborator: Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah

Summary: Months after the World Trade Towers were destroyed, a Kenyan student, who was in New York City on that day, returned to his beloved Maasai tribe and shared the story. Greatly affected by the terrible events, Kimeli asked the elders to ceremoniously bless the giving of his only cow, a valuable gift. For the Maasai, the cow is life. This ritual is seen as a way of taking on some of America’s pain. Moved by the story, the elders agreed. When an American diplomat came to the blessing ceremony, his country was given not 1 but 14 cows. This true story of international compassion and generosity has been shared around the globe and continues to inspire. 

Hanna’s Comments: Although this story is about Kenyan Maasai and the USA, it is a story that can bless those in any community in which international connections are valued and compassion ignores borders. Be sure to read Kimeli’s Afterward. This book is the first in a PBT Dynamic Duo. Tomorrow’s PBT offering is another picture book involving an African tribe’s desire to give to a suffering New York City during The Great Depression of the 1930s.  

Original Publisher & Date: Peachtree Publishers, 2009

Age and Grade Appropriateness:  7 and up, 2nd and up

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: Find more information at www.14cowsforamerica.com, including a Teacher’s Guide and news of the flag commemorating this gift.

Scripture Connections: Giving to the poor (Proverbs 19:17, 25:21, 28:27), To the least of these (Matthew 25), the Gentile churches give to the suffering in the Jerusalem church (Romans 15: 22-29, 1 Corinthians 16:1-4, 2 Corinthians 8: 1-15)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book as part of a sermon or lesson about giving across international borders when a community is suffering.

PBT Redux #11 The Story of Ruby Bridges

School is about to start here in Alabama so I’m reposting my favorite “Back to School” PBT book. This true story is about a hero, a young Christian hero, who prays her way through a very difficult school year. Ruby Bridges is a name I wish American children knew as well as they know many sports stars and entertainers. Read this book to the kids in your faith family as they start school and talk about how prayer can ground them in difficult times.

Picture Book: The Story of Ruby Bridges 
Author: Robert Coles
Illustrator: George Ford
Summary: Ruby Bridges, 6-year-old hero of the Civil Rights Movement, daily faced an angry mob as she single-handedly integrated an elementary school in New Orleans. Facing this mob with courage, dignity, and her unyielding faith, every morning Ruby prayed for those who verbally abused her as she walked to school.
Hanna’s Comments: The author, a well-known child psychiatrist, regularly spent time with Ruby Bridges during her school integration ordeal. There is much material about Ruby Bridges, (interviews, documentaries, video dramas including a Disney film, a famous Norman Rockwell painting…) as well as other picture books. This book was chosen for PBT because it is a first-hand account, and it emphasizes Ruby’s resilience and faith.
Publisher & Date of Publication: Scholastic, 1995
Age and Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up
Formats other than Book: Tablet, see my comments above about other resources
Scripture Connections: The Lord is my strength and my shield (Psalm 28:7); pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44); Christ welcomes the little children (Matthew 19:14); I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)
Idea(s) for Application: Read this book in a children’s lesson on intercessory prayer, facing fear & other difficulties with faith and prayer, or Contemporary Christian Heroes.

A Lesson in Intercessory Prayer

Picture Book: How Do I Pray for Grandpa?

Author: Laura Alary

Illustrator: William Kimber

Summary:  Young Miriam learns that her grandpa has been rushed to the hospital. She prays fervently, but the next day she is confused because Grandpa is still sick. Her brother explains, “God is not like a bubble gum machine.” 

As she begins exploring the question of how to pray for Grandpa, Miriam experiences various methods of prayer. Her sister suggests they blow bubbles and fill them with good thoughts for Grandpa so that the wind (God’s breath) carries “our thoughts where they need to go.” 

Before bed she pictures her nightlight as God who fills the scary places with light for Grandpa. 

While watering flowers, she imagines God as water that Grandpa can “soak up into every part of him and grow strong again.” 

After snuggling with her mom, she imagines her grandpa in God’s arms “surrounded and held by love.” 

When her grandpa is better, Miriam asks her mom if her “prayers made Grandpa better.” Her mother reminds her that many people were praying for Grandpa and helps Miriam see that her prayers were for more than just healing. They were for him to not feel scared or alone. Her mother reassures Miriam that her prayers “made a difference to Grandpa and to all of us.” The book ends with Miriam experiencing God all around her and offering a simple, breath prayer of thanks.

Hanna’s Comments: This thoughtful and sensitive book about how to help children understand intercessory prayer offers fertile ground for rich conversation about God’s nature and prayer in particular. Laura Alary was the first author to do a PBT guest post. You’ll find the fabulous post here. Laura talked particularly about her journey toward writing picture books and what aspects of her faith inspired each book. Since that post Laura has written with Ann Boyajian Make Room: A Child’s Guide to Lent and Easter. Laura is a Canadian author so I’ve not been able to find her books in my library system. However, they are available on the internet. You might need to purchase a used one, but your children won’t mind and you will be pleased with the thoughtfulness of her stories and the ideas she explores.

Original Publisher & Date: Woodlake Publishing, 2014

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: …let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6); …if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. (1 John 5:14)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to children in your faith family or family of origin when teaching about intercessory prayer.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 312

Picture Book: Mandy

Author: Barbara D. Booth

Illustrator: Jim Lamarche

Summary: This story is from the point of view of Mandy who is visiting her grandmother. Mandy’s deafness becomes apparent as she reflects on what the world must be like for those who can hear. After enjoying a dance, the cookies, and a family photo album, Mandy and her grandmother go for a walk through a nearby woods and into a grassy field. Suddenly, Mandy’s grandmother realizes that her treasured pin, a piece of jewelry from Mandy’s late grandfather, has fallen off. They search desperately, but the pin isn’t found. At dark, they return home. Mandy, aware of her grandmother’s crying, wants to help so she considers how the silver of the pin might reflect the light of a flashlight in the dark. Mandy hates darkness; it limits her senses even more, but for her Grandmother to be reunited to this family treasure, Mandy is willing to search in the darkness. She grabs a flashlight and leaves. As a storm brews, Mandy carefully retraces their route. Lightning flashes, but Mandy continues her search. Eventually, she trips and falls. Lying on the grass, she sees the pin, picks it up, gets up, and runs to her grandmother who is coming out to look for her. Mandy presents the pin to her grandmother, and they hug affectionately. All is well.

Hanna’s Comments: Recently I lost a precious piece of jewelry that was miraculously found. Perhaps that’s why I was so moved by this story. As I read, I thought of connections to scriptures like the parable of the lost coin. I also thought of scriptural allusions to darkness and having the courage to bring in the light. Children will respond to Mandy’s heroic story. Emphasize her connections to the lost pin and the pain she feels in seeing her grandmother suffer. Talk about empathy versus sympathy and how sometimes we are lucky enough to alleviate someone’s suffering through our own courage and skill. It is a myth that those who can’t hear have improved vision. What they actually have is better visual focus and less distraction from sound. Use this book to talk about listening with your eyes as Mandy does when she imagines her grandmother’s favored music, love for her grandfather, and then her grandmother’s heartbreak.  

Publisher & Date of Publication: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books, 1991

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, action, affection, artifacts, attentiveness/observation/seeing, bonds/connections, bravery/courage, brokenness, communication, darkness/evening/night, disabilities/handicaps/limitations, family, fear, found, grandparents, helping, heritage, heroes, intercession, journeys/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, light/morning, noise/sounds/voice, possessions, power, quiet/silence, risking, searching, storms

Scripture Connections: Fear not, for I am with you… I will help you (Isaiah 41:10); the lost parables (Luke 15); the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:5)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children when learning about the parable of the lost coin or sheep. Be sure to relate this to its metaphorical meanings of God’s desire to be in relationship with us and for us to bring light into the darkness of the world, particularly to help the lost be lovingly found.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 293

Picture Book: The Yellow Star:                                                The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark

Author: Carmen Agra Deedy

Illustrator: Henri Sorensen
Summary: Before and during World War II, Nazis used the Star of David to segregate and alienate the Jews. As Germany conquered other countries, these terrible policies crossed borders too. Legend has it that Denmark's beloved King Christian the 10th, who was committed to keeping all Danes safe, defied the Nazis. First he ordered that the Nazi flag, which had replaced the Danish flag above the palace, be brought down. When he was told that a repeat of this act would result in the execution of the one who took down the flag, he proclaimed that he would be the one to do so. The Nazi flag did not fly over the palace again. Likewise, when the decree came from Germany that all Jews in Denmark must wear a yellow star, King Christian defied this requirement by wearing a star himself as he paraded through Danish streets each morning. This act of benevolence encouraged all Danish citizens to wear a yellow star. Many did. For a while, the Jews of Denmark were not easily singled out.
Hanna’s Comments: Carmen Deedy beautifully tells this complicated story of a king’s determination to protect all of his people. The response of the non-Jewish Danes is inspiring. There is much in this story that can resonate for those in faith communities who are looking for historical inspiration to encourage biblical values of non-violent acts of social justice and protection of those who are most vulnerable.     
Original Publisher & Date: Peachtree Publishers, 2000
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 6 and up, 1^st and up
# of Pages: 32
Available in Spanish? Not at present
Formats other than Book: There is a short trailer for this book on Youtube.com that shows photographs of King Christian. Note: There are other short videos about a book titled Yellow Star but it is about a young girl in Poland.

PBT Category: Non-fiction
PBT Topics this Book connects with: abuse/abuse of power, belonging, bonds/connections, bravery/courage, bullying/martyrs/persecution/oppression, call/calling/vocation, challenges, citizenship, commitment, communication, community, conflict, conformity, danger, discord, disobedience/obedience, Europe, evil, exclusion/inclusion, God’s nature, heroes, identity/names, intercession, leadership/servant leadership, legends/myths, non-violence/peaceful resistance, power, protecting/protection, rebellion, religious differences, resisting evil, risking, unity, wisdom
Scripture Connections: Greater love has no one than this, that you lay down your life for friends (John 15:13); I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love (Ephesians 4:1-2); whatever is true, honorable, just… if there is any excellence and anything worthy of praise, think on these. (Philippians 4:8)
Idea(s) for Application: Consider reading this book to a group of children learning about modern heroes who face evil because of injustices to those who are oppressed.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 274

Picture Book: Beautiful Moon: A Child’s Prayer                          

Author: Tonya Bolden

Illustrator: Eric Valasquez

Summary: One evening in a noisy city, a young boy hurries out of bed because he’s forgotten to say his prayers. As he kneels and prays, he notices a beautiful moon shining in his window. Others in the city are experiencing the rays of the moon, but those people are in distress. Then the author weaves and directs an aspect of the boy’s prayer to each of the other parties. A woman tries to sleep on a park bench; the boy prays for those who are homeless. A businessman reads a news headline about war and is worried for his soldier daughter; the boy prays for war to end. Two adults stare at an empty cupboard; the boy prays for people to have food. This continues as the beautiful moon shines on them all.

Hanna’s Comments: I don’t usually offer what I call “nighttime” books since my primary purpose at PBT is to provide ideas for ministry which usually occurs in daylight hours. I had to make an exception for this book! Help even your youngest listeners understand that the moon is a symbol for God in this story. Then expand on that idea. Talk about the feelings each scenario evokes. Ask... How might God feel about these situations? What might God be doing in this city to alleviate some of this suffering? Also, talk about this boy’s prayer practices and how they are a comfort to him and hopefully a lifelong practice. Mention that he was not "in trouble" early in the story for forgetting to pray. Invite your children (or adults) to share their experiences with prayer practices. If you get silence, there's your opportunity to instruct on the power of silent prayer. Offer a simple prayer ritual and then build on this instruction in future experiences. Throughout share the importance of intercessory prayer (prayer for others) in your own spiritual journey. 

Though not a PBT God Book, there is another extraordinary book that shares much with the book above. Max and the Tag-Along Moon by Floyd Cooper is a secular book about a grandfather who lovingly reassures his grandson "that ol' moon will always shine for you... on and on." Again, the moon is a beautiful metaphor for God who is always present. The grandson tests this idea and finds it to be true.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Abrams, 2014

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: God Book, Fresh off the Press

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: anxiety/worry, babies/children, beauty, bonds/connections, darkness/evening/night, difficulties, Earth/world, faith/faithfulness, feasting/food/hunger/nutrition, God’s care/providence, God’s presence, heaven/sky, holiness, homelessness, hope, humility, intercession, light/morning, moon/space/stars/sun, neighborhood, poverty, prayer, reverence, righteousness, worship

Scripture Connections: Love the Lord, your God with all your heart… (Deuteronomy 6:5 and Mark 12:30); when the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears (Psalm 34:17); in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let you requests be known to God (Philippians 4:6)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book as a nighttime devotional at a church family retreat or a camp program for children. OR Use this book as a tool to instruct children in the importance and comforting spiritual practice of intercessory prayer. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 266

Picture Book: Sing to the Stars

Author: Mary Brigid Barrett

Illustrator: Sandra Speidel

Summary: Ephram, a student of the violin, often encounters Mr. Washington on his way to and from his lesson. He is amazed that blind Mr. Washington always knows who he is and whether his lesson went well. When Mr. Washington learns that it is Ephram’s music he has heard at night from the darkness of the roof, he encourages him to play at an open mike event in the park. Ephram’s fear of performing is evident, but Mr. Washington encourages him by saying, “Music speaks best when someone listens.” Later, Ephram learns that Mr. Washington was an amazing pianist before the terrible accident that blinded him and killed his little girl. Knowing this, Ephram decides to try to perform. He invites Mr. Washington to play with him, but Mr. Washington confesses that he is not sure his hands could play anymore and he doesn’t want to find out. During the open-mike performances, there is a power outage. Ephram sees this as an opportunity to play in the dark, like on the roof, accompanied by Mr. Washington who is always in the dark. They choose well-known hymns like “Amazing Grace.” The story ends with these words, ”The hum of the crowd fades, and in the darkness the music sings to the stars.”

Hanna’s Comments: There are many potential themes in this inspiring story. Upon reading it, I easily saw its message of sharing your talents and overcoming fears. However, here I’m going to focus on the idea of encouragement. The story begins with Mr. Washington affirming and encouraging young Ephram; it ends with Ephram not only encouraging his older friend to reclaim his artistry, but he offers him a context in which he will likely be successful, a sort of hospitality. Faithful friendship is often about affirmation of God’s gifts, encouragement to use those gifts, and offering hospitality so that those gifts can be shared.    

Publisher & Date of Publication: Little, Brown, & Co., 1994

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: An amateur video is available at Youtube.com.

PBT Category: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, acceptance, action, adaptation/assimilation, affirmation, art, bonds/connections, bravery/courage, brokenness, call/calling/vocation, choir/music/singing/songs, communication, community, darkness/evening/night, disabilities/handicaps/limitations, encouragement, fear, gifts/talents, God’s will, hiding/isolation, insecurity, intercession, joy, language/literacy/reading, listening, loss of faith, neighbors, noise/sounds/voice, participation, partners/teamwork, passion, power, renewal/restoration, resurrection, risking, shyness, tragedy

Scripture Connections: Be strong and courageous. Don’t be frightened or dismayed for the Lord God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9); I lift up my eyes to the hills… My help comes from the Lord (Psalm 121:1); the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30); God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7); any scripture story where one character encourages another such as Jonathan & David or Barnabus & Paul

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children in your faith community who are learning about the importance of encouraging others or sharing talents. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 167

Terrific Trio: Book 2

Picture Book: Fletcher and the Falling Leaves                   

Author: Julia Rawlinson

Illustrator: Tiphanie Beeke

Summary: Fletcher, a young fox, loves a particular tree that is beginning to turn brown and lose some leaves. He begins to panic and tells his mom, but she’s not worried. His animal neighbors seem to think the fallen leaves are theirs to use. This confuses Fletcher. He manages to recruit a flock of birds to put some of the leaves back on, but a wind sends the leaves sailing again. Fletcher tries to hold the last leaf in place but to no avail so he takes the leaf home and makes a bed for it. When Fletcher awakes at dawn, it is significantly colder so he checks on his tree and sees that it has been transformed with icicles. It’s more beautiful than ever. “Are you alright?” he asks. The tree shivers in the wind. The tinkling answer of the icicles is comfort enough for Fletcher who hugs his tree and goes back to his den.   

Hanna’s Comments: I think I especially loved this book because the fox seems so human. Fletcher thinks he understands, but he’s panicking for no reason. Also, his need for control is comical. What he dreads is beyond his comprehension and inevitable. Like Fletcher’s concerns, many of my worries are due to my very limited understanding and my desire to fix that which I don’t really understand. Fortunately, Fletcher recognizes the beauty in his tree’s changes and begins to trust that what is happening is as it should be. Like Fletcher, I am learning to trust the Creator more and rely less on my own understanding.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Greenwillow Books, 2001

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Audible audio CD, This video is in the collection The Curious Garden and Other Stories. 

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, action, anxiety/worry, beauty, breath/breathing/wind, caring/tending, challenges, change, the environment/nature, fear, flowers/leaves/trees, friends/friendship, intercession, judgment/judges/judging, power, prayer, transformation

Scripture Connections: Trust in the Lord…do not lean on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5); For everything there is a season (Ecclesiastes 3:1); Do not be anxious (Matthew 6:25 & Philippians 4:6); Tell me in the morning about your love, because I trust you. (Psalm 143:8)

Idea(s) for Application: This would be a great book when talking with young children about change or worry and how the Holy Scriptures and our faith in God comfort us in these circumstances. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 152

Terrific Trio: Book 1

Picture Book: Desmond Tutu: Bishop of Peace
Author: Carol Greene
Summary: This children’s biography of Desmond Tutu begins in 1984 when Bishop Tutu received The Nobel Peace Prize. The story moves backwards to his birth in 1931 South Africa, through his struggles with the changes brought on by Apartheid, and then to his achievements as a teacher and minister. As Tutu’s reputation as a peace activist and author grew, the tensions and violence in South Africa increased. Highlighted is his relationship with his minister, friend, and mentor Trevor Huddleston, a white Anglican priest. His international profile became heightened when he served as the Secretary General of the South African Council of Churches and began asking the United States and European countries to stop trading with South Africa in response to Apartheid. Tutu’s negotiations with the South African government to avoid violent clashes and many deaths are mentioned as well as an incident in which he used his own body to protect a white police officer from an angry mob.
Hanna’s Comments: This book begins a terrific trio of books. The first two are about Bishop Tutu; the third he authored. Although this is a picture book, it has significantly more text than typical picture books. Rather than reading this book aloud, you may want to tell Bishop Tutu's, adjusting the level of detail depending on the age of your audience. I encourage you to research more recent events in Bishop Tutu’s work, especially since the end of Apartheid and the beginning of The Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The internet will have video and articles about him. I found one other children’s biography of Desmond Tutu that is more recently published, but it is significantly longer and for older children. It is Desmond Tutu by Samuel Willard Crompton and part of The Modern Peacemakers series of books. 
Publisher & Date of Publication: Children’s Press, 1986
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 8 and up, 3^rd and up
# of Pages: 32
Available in Spanish? Not at present
Formats other than Book: None at present, You can easily find info. on Bishop Tutu on the internet or in libraries, including a 2014 feature film, “Children of the Light.”   
PBT Category: Biography
PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abuse/abuse of power, acceptance, action, Africa, anger, brokenness, bullying/martyrs/persecution/oppression, call/calling/vocation, challenges, change, choices/decisions, civil rights, commitment, conflict, cruelty, differences, difficulties, discord, encouragement, enemies, exclusion/inclusion, forgiveness/justifying grace/mercy/redemption, golden rule/great commandment, hatred, heroes, injustice, intercession, intolerance, justice, leadership/servant leadership, non-violence/peaceful resistance, pacifism/peace/peacemakers, power, race relations/racism, resisting evil, segregation, servant hood/service/serving, social justice, victims, violence
Scripture Connections: What does the Lord require of you but to do justice... (Micah 6:8); Blessed are the peacemakers (Matthew 5:9)
Idea(s) for Application: Children need to hear about present day heroes who live out scriptural truths and make the world a better place. Bishop Tutu is a perfect example and subject for a children’s lesson in any faith community that values the work of justice and peace.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 149

Picture Book: The Friend

Author: Sarah Stewart

Illustrator: David Small

Summary: This beautiful book in verse is the story of a fair and quirky preschooler, Belle,  who lives in a mansion by the sea with her mostly absent parents and a black housekeeper/caregiver, Bea, who watches over her daily while doing chores. They head to the beach to play at the end of most days. One day, Belle heads to the beach on her own. Bea senses her absence and frantically runs to the beach just in time to save her. At the end, we see an adult Belle looking out to sea and remembering her loving caregiver.

Hanna’s Comments: I especially loved this book when I first read it because of Bea’s character. I saw both a Christ-like and feminine God quality to her loving care and guardianship of Belle. This is a wonderful book for expanding children’s or adult’s views of God as more than masculine or white. The dedication in the back is especially poignant: "To all the people across the world who have saved the lives of children by paying attention when others did not - but especially to Ola Beatrice Smith." This kind of personal tribute makes this story that much more powerful.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Farrar, Straus, & Giroux, 2004

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

# of Pages: 48

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Audio CD, The video on Youtube.com is from Described and Captioned Media, meaning that this video is adapted for those who are visually impaired.

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: affection, affirmation, attentiveness/observation/seeing, babies/children, beach/ocean/pond/river/sea/shore, beauty, belonging, blessings, bonds/connections, call/calling/vocation, caring/tending, commitment, companionship, creation, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, danger, dependence/interdependence, differences, disobedience/obedience, encouragement, the environment/nature, equality/inequality, family, found, friend/friendship, fruit/fruit of the Spirit, generosity/giving/offering/stewardship, gifts/giftedness/talents, God’s care/providence, God’s nature, God’s presence, God’s will, goodness, grace, gratitude/thankfulness/thanksgiving, heroes, home, image of God, intercession, Jesus, kindness, labor/work, love, mothers, neglect, nurturing, parables/stories, parental love, patience, play, presence, protecting/protection, race relations/racism, relationships, rescue, safety, savior/saving, servant hood/service/serving, steadfastness, survival, wisdom

Scripture Connections: Love is patient and kind (1 Corinthians 13:4); Let all you do be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:14); For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people (Titus 2:11); We love because he first loved us (1 John 4:19)

Idea(s) for Application: The love of our creator is so vast that we have to try to understand it through metaphor and human forms. This picture book offers a rich image of a loving and sensitive caretaker and protector. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 122

Picture Book: The Extraordinary Music of Mr. Ives: The True Story of a Famous American Composer

Author & Illustrator: Joanne Stanbridge

Summary: This picture book is brimming with history, music, and emotion. At the heart of the story is New Yorker, Charles Ives’ inspiration for one of his most famous musical compositions which was written after the devastating sinking of the Lusitania during WWI in 1915. The ship left New York harbor and never returned. The broader story is Mr. Ives’ passion for hearing music in everyday sounds and the elevated status he gave American folk music and hymns. The hymn “In the Sweet Bye-and-Bye” echoes throughout the composition that is central to this picture book. In his lifetime, Mr. Ives never received the recognition he was due, but he is now revered as one of the greatest American composers.  

Hanna’s Comments: The heart of this book is a man whose God-given passion and talented musical ear perceives the beauty and heartbreak in sounds most of us would never attend to. The author implies that Mr. Ives knew his artistic perspective was ahead of its time, but this passion for his art didn’t waiver. This book is an excellent depiction of a city in mourning and a man determined to capture that mourning just as psalmists captured such feelings in their writings of Israel’s devastating losses and confusion.   

Publisher & Date of Publication: Houghton Mifflin, 2012

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Non-fiction, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: brokenness, call/calling/vocation, choir/music/singing/songs, community, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, death/loss/grief, depression/despair/sadness/sorrow, dreams/aspirations, emotions/feeling, gifts/giftedness/talents, intercession, lamentations, legacies, listening, mentors/teachers, mission, passion, perseverance, prayer, tragedy, transformation, unity, worship

Scripture Connections: Psalms of lament such as Psalms 44, 60, 74, 79, 80, 85, & 90

Idea(s) for Application: This would be a wonderful book to use in a homeschool/private school or church art camp when studying artistic expressions of painful emotions and events. Ground your instruction in the hope that is available through your Holy Scriptures, particularly dark poetry and stories.