Grab & Go #14 – Have You Filled a Bucket Today?

A PBT Grab & Go book requires little planning because its content aligns obviously with theological ideas from The Bible. Bucket Filling is all about love. There are numerous resources, including other picture books, about the concept of bucket filling as a metaphor for the importance of loving attention. I've scattered a few covers of some of those resources in this repeated post from 2014. 

Picture Book: Have You Filled a Bucket Today?                                                     A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids

Author: Carol McCloud

Illustrator: David Messing

Summary: Based on the adult book How Full is Your Bucket? by Tom Rath and Donald O. Clifton, this picture book puts those authors’ ideas in an inviting format for children. The guiding metaphor here is that each of us has been carrying an invisible bucket since birth. The purpose of the bucket is to hold good thoughts and feelings about yourself. You need others to fill your bucket by being loving to you, and they need you to fill their bucket by being loving to them. What’s wonderful is that the act of filling someone else’s bucket fills your bucket as well. You feel good when you help others feel good. However, you might sometimes be a “bucket dipper.” Bucket dipping occurs when you take away someone’s good feelings by saying or doing mean things to them.

Hanna’s Comments:  I chose this "bucket" book because it teaches children how to fill others’ buckets and focuses on how our actions influence others’ well-being. This is an important aspect of any faith community. Another strength of this book is the way in which it teaches empathy, an important skill for personal resilience and functional community. Find an introduction by the author. For more information and resources including free downloads, visit www.bucketfillers101.com.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Ferne Press, 2006

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Amateur videos on Youtube.com where there is also a song about being bucket fillers.

Scripture Connections: This is my commandment that you love one another (John 15:12); rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15); be kind to one another (Ephesians 4:32); all of you have unity of mind, sympathy, love, a tender heart and a humble mind

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book when doing a lesson for children on your faith community’s loving interdependence and God's call to live in this way.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 364

Dynamic Duo: Book 2

Picture Book: The Boy Who Changed the World     

Author: Andy Andrews

Illustrator: Philip Hurst

Summary: Nobel laureate, Norman Borlaug, saved the lives of more than two billion people when he developed seeds that grew into super plants that were more hearty and potent. His fascination with agriculture began when he was a young boy in Iowa. In reverse chronology, three other individuals are highlighted here because their influences greatly affected Borlaug’s work. Henry Wallace was the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture who asked Borlaug to do his research with seeds. George Washington Carver, well known plant pioneer, was a student of Henry Wallace’s father. While in school, Carver, roamed the fields and forests of Iowa with young Henry, teaching him about plants. Moses Carver, the adoptive father to the famous scientist, saved young George from the raid in which George’s biological parents were killed. The book ends by explaining the Butterfly Effect.

Hanna’s Comments: My summary above is somewhat dry and confusing. In contrast, the author deftly connects these 4 men in a way that makes the point repeatedly that daily choices can make a positive difference in the world, even the choices that kids make. Note that this book has been published with 2 titles: The Boy Who… and The Kid Who….  This picture book is based on the author’s popular book for adults, The Butterfly Effect.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2010

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet, I could find no video of this book. On Youtube.com, there is a quick promo about the book done by the author. You will also find a short video about 7 children who changed the world. Here’s that link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpm5uNpideo  

PBT Category: Biography, Non-fiction, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book connects with: abilities, America, children, beginnings/morning, bonds/connections, call/calling/vocation, choices/decision, communication, consequences/punishment, creation, dependence/interdependence, discovery/invention, eggs/seeds, encouragement, the environment/nature, feasting/food/hunger/nutrition, gardening/planting/pruning/sowing, gifts/talents, harvest, heroes, labor/work, leadership/servant leadership, legacies, mentors/teachers, nurturing, power, relationships, wisdom

Scripture Connections: Be transformed by the renewal of your mind so that you may discern the will of God (Romans 12:2b); having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them (Romans 12:6); whatever is true, whatever is honorable… think on these things (Philippians 4:8-9); encourage one another and build one another up (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children in your faith family who are learning about how their choices can influence the world in positive ways. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 359

Picture Book: Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen 

Author & Illustrator: DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan 

Summary: On those days when his mother works, a young nephew is always pleased to be picked up from school by his Uncle Willie who works at a soup kitchen. The young boy has lots of questions about the soup kitchen so on a day off from school, the two go to the soup kitchen together. Uncle Willie introduces his nephew to the soup kitchen volunteers including the cat Underfoot. The young boy helps prepare the fruit salad. He is amazed by the size of the appliances and how much it is like his school cafeteria. He learns that, “in the soup kitchen you only have to be hungry,” and “there’s always a little bit more.” Uncle Willie explains the difference between being homeless and hungry. The boy gets more comfortable with the strangers, even the Can Man, who he has seen around town collecting cans. He begins to understand the joy his uncle feels when so many hungry people are fed.   

Hanna’s Comments: Children can become quite comfortable as a part of a team serving those in a homeless shelter or soup kitchen. Much of their initial anxiety can be prevented through anticipating and answering their questions. This book is a great resource for such a conversation. Arm your children with information and they will be more ready to engage and help. Also, give them your faith-based reasons for serving. Because of the age of this book, I suggest you look on the internet for some up-dated statistics and names of soup kitchens in your city to replace the information found in the section titled About Soup Kitchens which is at the beginning of the book.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Morrow Junior 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 @K

PBT Topics this Book connects with: action, aliens/immigrants/refugees/strangers, blessings, bonds/connections, brokenness, caring/tending, community, dependence/interdependence, diversity, family, feasting/food/hunger/nutrition, goodness, helping, heroes, hospitality, image of God, joy, kindness, labor/work, leadership/servant leadership, manna, mentors/teachers, neighborhood, partners/teamwork, passion, poverty, servant/service/serving, sharing, social justice, at table

Scripture Connections: Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord (Proverbs 19:17); …they all ate and were satisfied (Matthew 14:20); just as you did it to the least of these in my family you did it to me (Matthew 25); give to the needy (Luke 12:33); by working hard in this way we must help the weak (Acts 20:35)  

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to your family or a group of children before taking them to a soup kitchen so that they may understand better the plight of the poor and the response the Lord encourages in us. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 356

Picture Book: Love is a Handful of Honey 

Author: Giles Andreae

Illustrator: Vanessa Cabban 

Summary: Aspects of love over the course of one day are imagined in rhyming verse from the point of view of a young bear and his family and friends. Loving actions vary from leaping out of bed to being tickled, playing hide and seek to watching a butterfly tap on a toe, and hearing a bedtime book to whispering good night to the stars.  

Hanna’s Comments: There’s a lot to talk about here with little ones. Helping them understand that love is a BIG CONCEPT is at the heart of this book. Understanding that loving words and actions are varied and bountiful is a crucial foundation for living in a community of faith. Claiming love in attitude, gratitude, and cooperative living helps children understand how many ways their own feelings and behavior can be loving to self and others. Be sure to talk about God’s love for us as demonstrated here and find examples in these pages of how we can, with all that we are, demonstrate our love for God and others. These are the great commandments we have been compelled to live!

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Orchard Books, 1999

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

# of Pages: 24

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present 

PBT Category: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book connects with: abundance/bounty, action, affection, belonging, blessings, bonds/connections, caring/tending, communication, community, companions, cooperation, dependence/independence, encouragement, family, friends/friendship, God’s nature, gratitude/thanksgiving, helping, home, love, nurturing, parents/parental love, play, pleasing God/the Shema, presence, relationships, response to God, unity, wonder 

Scripture Connections: Love the Lord your God… (Deuteronomy 6:4-5); love your neighbor as yourself (Leviticus 19:18 & Matthew 7:12); love is patient and kind (1 Corinthians 13:4); let all you do be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:14); we love because he first loved us (1 John 4:19)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of young children who are learning the many ways love for God, self, and others can be expressed and felt.  

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 348

Picture Book: Albert

Author: Donna Jo Napoli

Illustrator: Jim LaMarche

Summary: Albert lives in a city apartment building. Each morning, he reaches out through the grill work of his window to feel the weather. Then he decides whether to venture out. More likely, he finds reasons to stay home. One morning, as Albert’s arm is beyond the grill, a cardinal places a twig in his hand. More twigs are added by the bird’s partner, and soon one of the birds is snuggled into a nest on Albert’s hand! There she lays 4 small eggs. Albert doesn’t want to bring in his hand. The result would be a tilt to the nest, and it would fall, eggs and all. Albert talks to the birds, but they are busy and ignore him. Days go by! Albert manages to sleep while standing, and eventually the birds begin feeding him berries. From his “perch” at the window, Albert discovers the city is not so threatening. Stories emerge as people pass by. He especially enjoys the day when he sees the cracks in the eggs and the baby birds emerge. He affirms their work in being born and welcomes them. Albert watches as the adult birds teach their fledglings new skills including flight. Ironically, one baby is reluctant, and must be encouraged by Albert to leave the nest. Once the nest is empty of eggs, Albert brings in his arm though the nest falls. Then Albert decides it is a perfect day to go for a walk.

Hanna’s Comments: While reading this book, I was struck by Albert’s gentle spirit. This would be a story to help the children in your faith community decipher the words “meek” and “humble.” If you were to read this story to a group of adults, you could guide them in a conversation about how our trials often teach us exactly what we need to learn. Any age group could talk about the contrast between being a watcher of the world’s stories and a participant who goes out to make the story their own, ready to face fear and failure. You’ll also find most of the fruits of the Spirit in this book. 

Update: While recently studying Celtic Spirituality, a passion of mine for decades, I learned of a Celtic myth similar to this book’s story. Perhaps the author knows it. Saint Kevin of Glendalough, Ireland is said to have supported a blackbird’s nest with his hand when a nest was begun while he extended his arms as on a cross.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Harcourt, 2011 

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: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book connects with: acceptance, adaptation/assimilation, affection, animals, anxiety/worry, attentiveness/observation/seeing, awe, babies/children, bonds/connections, caring/tending, care of creation, challenges, chosen, commitment, dependence/interdependence, difficulties, eggs/seeds, encouragement, fear, freedom, fruit of the Spirit, gentleness/meekness, God’s nature, goodness, grace, heroes, hiding/isolation, home, hospitality, humility, life, loneliness, nurturing, openness, patience, perseverance, sacrifice, steadfastness, transformation, treasure, waiting, witness, wonder   

Scripture Connections: Even the sparrow finds a home… (Psalm 84:3); blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the Earth (Matthew 5:5); …look at the birds in the air, they neither sow nor reap… (Matthew 6:25-34); rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer (Romans 12:12); the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23); put on then…compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience… (Colossians 3:12)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children or adults and consider having participants hold out their arms, feel the pain in their arms, imagine holding an animal, and talk about God’s high value for all creatures and endurance. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 334

Dynamic Duo: Book 2

Picture Book: You are My Sunshine

Author: Jimmie Davis

Illustrator: Caroline Jayne Church 

Summary: This is a board book with the lyrics of the chorus to this fun song. In case you don’t know it, here are those lyrics:

You are my sunshine,

My only sunshine.

You make me happy when skies are gray.

You’ll never know, dear, how much I love you.

Please don’t take my sunshine away.

Hanna’s Comments: This is a 2^nd PBT Dynamic Duo offering. The subtitle of yesterday’s book is the title of today’s book and a popular American song. Long ago, I learned this fun song at church camp where we loved to sing it in a variety of silly renditions. The song was first recorded in the 1930s as a country song, but it has been covered by so many singers and sung in various contexts that it is more like an American folk song now. The verses are a little more mature than the chorus and are about romantic love so it makes sense that only the chorus would be offered for young children, but don’t limit the application of this idea to just young children. If a board book is inappropriate, simply offer the song via a different method. We sang the first verse at my church camp. It was a fun, non-threatening way to sing about romantic love with fellow adolescents in an environment awash with Christ’s love. Check out the verses by watching one of the many versions you’ll find on Youtube.com.

I don’t say this often enough: Many of the books I offer and conversations I encourage here at PBT can be enjoyed at home with a parent/grandparent and child. This is a perfect example. Read the Toot and Puddle Book offered yesterday. Sing You are My Sunshine, if you have the book or not. Then talk about how God’s love shines on and through all of us when the skies outside are gray or blue and whether we are feeling blue (or even a little gray).

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Cartwheel Books, 2011

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

# of Pages: 12 

Available in Spanish? Not at present but there is a nice video of the song being sung in Spanish on Youtube.com.  

Formats other than Book: There are many videos of this song on Youtube.com though they are not related to this book.

PBT Category: Song Book, Post 2K 

PBT Topics this Book connects with: affirmation, bonds/connections, choir/music/singing/songs, commitment, dependence/interdependence, gladness/happiness, joy, love, moon/space/stars/sun, parents/parental love    

Scripture Connections: The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you (Numbers 6:1b); arise, shine, for you light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. (Isaiah 60:1); Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. (John 8:12a); …now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. (Ephesians 5:8b);   

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book when doing a young children’s lesson on how God’s light shines through us, Jesus is the light of the world, or how love between people can be like a sunshine.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 330

Picture Book: It Takes a Village

Author & Illustrator: Jane Cowen-Fletcher

Summary: It is market day in Yemi’s African village. Yemi’s mother, who will be busy selling mangos, has asked Yemi to look after Kokou, her little brother. Feeling very grown up, Yemi proclaims that she will look after Kokou “all by herself.” Her mother knows better as do the women of the market when this situation is explained to them. Kokou wanders off the first chance he gets. As she frantically searches for him, Yemi imagines the specific difficulties Kokou is having, but each time the reader sees that he is actually being tended to by various villagers at the market and having a great time. Finally Yemi yells out that Kokou is lost. Nearby a stranger asks, “Is this your Kokou?” Yemi thanks him, and he explains that others took care of Kokou while pointing to where Kokou came from. Yemi and Kokou retrace his steps and thank all the new friends in their village who helped Yemi take care of Kokou. Hurrying back to their mother, Yemi is anxious, for they have been gone a long time, but their mother hasn’t worried. She explains, “You weren’t alone today, Yemi. We don’t raise our children by ourselves. It takes a village to raise a child.”

Hanna’s Comments: The words of Yemi’s mother are a well-known African proverb that has seemed very true to me since long before I had my children. I think I agree with it so whole-heartedly because I had the privilege of growing up in a large extended family and a small church that was like family. Other important individuals in children’s lives make up their village: teachers, coaches, school counselors, neighbors, etc. Encourage this kind of investment in all the children in your faith community so that parents of young children can feel a little less daunted by the crucial and taxing task of raising children. Once grown, the children will look back on the many nurturing relationships they were blessed to have and just might be the adults your community needs to lead the next generation.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Scholastic, 1994

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: abundance/bounty, affection, Africa, anxiety/worry, babies/children, belonging, body/body of Christ, caring/tending, community, dependence/interdependence, found, goodness, gratitude/thanksgiving, growing up/growth, helping, lost, love, mentors/teachers, mothers, neighbors, nurturing, parents/parental love, protecting/protection, relationships, safety, wisdom 

Scripture Connections: Bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2); let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book at a parenting class in your religious community or when training a team of those who will care for children while parents are away.  

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 313

Picture Book: What a Family! A Fresh Look at Family Trees

Author & Illustrator: Rachel Isadora

Summary: Ollie navigates his family tree with Grandpa Max’s help. This book offers a unique way to help children understand a family tree and how various attributes are inherited. It represents one particular family and demonstrates how features such as freckles, hair texture, and skin color are passed on through generations and shown across generations. It also explains the difference between a first cousin and a first cousin once removed. To help with understanding Ollie’s family composition, the end papers offer the diagram of his family tree.

Hanna’s Comments: This book can serve as a fun entrance into conversations on the concept of genetic inheritance and blessing. The concept of “inheritance” doesn’t have to be limited to genetics. Consider talking about these words in ways that are connected to our Holy Scriptures. We have parables and stories that mention these concepts, and we have a rich inheritance from our biblical patriarchs and matriarchs. Even those who are unnamed in the scriptures have passed on a tradition of precepts, stories, and wisdom that benefit and orient us thousands of years later. Don’t forget to talk about the most valuable aspects of our inheritance: faith, hope, and the greatest of these… love. These are all a part of our inheritance/blessing. Then consider what the younger members of your family of faith are now gaining from your older generations. Perhaps there are observable attributes or passions that are shared. Certainly there will be beliefs and religious practices. All of these are a part of your community’s rich inheritance.

Publisher & Date of Publication: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2006

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: Non-fiction, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, ancestors/patriarchs/matriarchs, babies/children, belonging, blessings, bonds/connections, dependence/interdependence, differences, family, grandparents, heritage, identity/names, individuality/uniqueness, legacies, relationships, variety

Scripture Connections: Parables and stories that mention "blessing" or “inheritance” such as Jacob’s stealing Esau’s blessing (Genesis 26:34 - 27:38) and the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this story to your children in a homeschool or private school lesson when studying the science of inheritance/genetics. Expand this lesson to consider your children’s religious inheritance and blessings as described in my comments above.  

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 309

Picture Book: Doctor White

Author: Jane Goodall

Illustrator: Julie Litty

Summary: At the beginning of this story, it seems Dr. White is a typical doctor, arriving late for work at a hospital. Quickly you realize that he is instead a small white dog who has an uncanny bedside manner, particularly for the sickest children. He lies beside them; then they usually get better. When the health inspector comes and bans Doctor White from the hospital, Doctor White stays outside near the door, hoping for entrance. Then the health inspector’s own daughter becomes very ill and is admitted to the hospital. In desperation, he allows Doctor White to come in and be present with his daughter. Sure enough, she recovers, and Doctor White is allowed to continue his valuable practice.   

Hanna’s Comments: This story is based on an actual London hospital that adopted a dog who had an unusual manner with the sickest children. Pet therapy is a documented reality. The kind of unconditional love and hope that is inspired by dogs and cats can be a healing influence. It’s important to note that world-renowned scientist, Jane Goodall, is the author of this story which gives it more credibility. Healing should not be a taboo topic for children's ministry. Yes, it's mysterious. You won't be able to explain it, but children deal with the unknown all the time. They are more comfortable with mystery than most adults. When we proclaim God and God's work as mysterious and beyond our understanding, then we are in a sense humbly praising God. Declaring ourselves to be less than God which is a good thing.

2021 Update: I recently read a beautiful novel about pet therapy. It's about an very ordinary female chaplain and the "presence" (when alive and after death) of a dog who companions her during her rounds. If you want to be enriched by a mysterious short novel, I recommend One Night Two Souls Go Walking by Ellen Cooney. 

Publisher & Date of Publication: Minedition, 2014

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Non-fiction, Fresh off the Press

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: affection, animals, belonging, bonds/connections, brokenness, call/calling/vocation, caring/tending, companionship, dependence/interdependence, dying, encouragement, Europe, exclusion/inclusion, exile/separation/walls, healing/healthcare, helping, miracles, mystery, pets, poverty, power, presence, renewal/restoration

Scripture Connections: The healing stories of Jesus, especially the story of the healing of Jairus' daughter (Matthew 9:18-26)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book when talking with children about healing, particularly the mysteries of healing and the effects loving presence can have on someone’s recuperation. If you are connecting this to Jesus’ stories of healing, be sure to delineate the power you attribute to Jesus or God versus the power this little dog seems to have in the story. The dog has been gifted by his loving creator to be an instrument of healing for these children. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 308

Picture Book: Saving Strawberry Farm

Author: Deborah Hopkinson

Illustrator: Rachel Isadora

Summary: Is one penny enough to save a farm? During America's Great Depression of the 1930s, young Davey’s home life has changed greatly. His dad, like so many others, has lost his job. Mom tries to cheer them up with a 4^th of July picnic so she sends her children to the store for supplies. Davey helps Miss Elsie, owner of a nearby strawberry farm, with her groceries, and she gives him a penny. Then she explains that she will be losing her farm because the bank will be auctioning it off that night. Inside, the store owner explains the concept of a penny auction to the children, where bids are kept low to allow the owner to again purchase the property. Davey decides to use his penny to inspire a penny auction so he tells his neighbors on the way home. At the auction, Davey bravely starts the bidding with a bid of one penny. Low bids follow until Miss Elsie bids $9.50. The bidding stops. A hat is passed to help Miss Elsie purchase her farm again, and she invites them all to come pick free strawberries next summer. Davey saves his penny for another day and hopes to work for Miss Elsie next summer.

Hanna’s Comments: Children need to hear stories of other children making positive differences in the world. They long to know that their lives have meaning but don’t want to wait until they are adults to realize their power and influence. The Holy Scriptures encourage us to use our power to bring about positive changes in our community and broader society. This book can encourage a conversation with your children about what they might do to positively affect their families, neighborhoods, faith communities, schools, and even broader contexts.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Greenwillow Books, 2005

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: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: action, America, babies/children, body of Christ, community, cooperation, dependence/interdependence, friends/friendship, goodness, helping, home, money, neighbors, poverty, power, problems/problem solving, relationships, unity

Scripture Connections: And a little child will lead them (Isaiah 1:6); What does the Lord require of you? Do justice, love mercy... (Micah 6:8); the story of the widow’s mite (Mark 12:41-44); the boy who shared his loaves and fishes (John 6:1-15); for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book when teaching a lesson on the power and positive influence children can have in their communities and among their friends and family. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 299

Dynamic Duo: Book 1

Picture Book: A Blessing from Above

Author: Patti Henderson

Illustrator: Liz Edge 

Summary: This is a story of an adult female kangaroo who has an empty pouch. She prays every night for a baby to love. Everywhere she sees mothers and children enjoying one another. While resting under a willow tree, she spies a nest filled with bluebird eggs. She watches the eggs hatch, getting more crowded by each hatching. When the last and smallest bird hatches, it is accidentally knocked out of the nest and falls straight into the kangaroo’s pouch! The little bird calls the kangaroo “Mommy.” The mother bird realizes her nest is too small and is happy to see her baby bird in a warm, cuddly pouch. Momma-Roo is elated! Kangaroo and baby bird begin sharing the kinds of experiences the kangaroo was earlier seeing from a distance. Each night they thank God for all their blessings, especially each other. On the title page, you’ll find this scripture: Children are a gift from God; they are His reward. Psalm 127:3. There is another scripture reference at the end: In love He destined us for adoption to himself. Ephesians 1:5.

Hanna’s Comments: This is the first book in a PBT Dynamic Duo of Little Golden Books. In the children’s section of an independent book store, I recently found a carousel of Little Golden Books. I had read the newly published Everything I Needed to Know I Learned from a Little Golden Book by Diane Muldrow so I was determined to find a book suitable for my PBT blog. That was easy! The first book I picked up is featured here. I had hoped that I could somehow find a listing of all of the secular Little Golden Books that had a scripture reference inside as this one does, but alas that did not happen. I also found a beautiful book that has a contemplative prayer orientation, Wonders of Nature. I was struck by the number of sacred Little Golden Books there are. I knew two sacred books in the carousel Prayers for Children and My Little Golden Book about God. There were several others in this carousel alone such as Bible Heroes and Miracles of Jesus. I did find two internet sources that may help you search through the hundreds of titles of Little Golden Books for ones you might use in ministry. In general, Little Golden Books are appropriate for attentive toddlers (Yes, they do exist!), preschoolers, and early elementary students.

Here’s a link to the publisher: http://www.randomhousekids.com/brand/little-golden-books/

Here’s another place to purchase them with a good search engine: http://goldenbookguy.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=19_22&products_id=98

Also, here’s a link to a fun history of Little Golden Books:

http://mentalfloss.com/article/28840/childrens-books-children-history-little-golden-books

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Random House, 1999

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

# of Pages: 24

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book connects with: adoption, affection, aspirations/dreams, babies/children, belonging, blessings, caring/tending, comfort, companionship, coveting/envy/jealousy, dependence/interdependence, family, found, God’s care/providence, gratitude/thanksgiving, joy, loneliness, love, manna, mothers, nurturing, parents/parental love, safe place/sanctuary, surprise, treasure, wishes

Scripture Connections: The stories of Sarah (in Genesis 17 & 21) and/or Hannah (in 1 Samuel 1 & 2); Children are a gift from God; they are God’s reward. (Psalm 127:3); In love God destined us for adoption to Himself (Ephesians 1:5)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children in your faith community when learning about the stories of Sarah or Hannah in the Hebrew Scriptures. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 284

Picture Book: Mrs. Toggle’s Zipper

Author: Robin Pulver

Illustrator: R.W. Alley

Summary: Poor Mrs. Toggle! The zipper of her puffy winter coat is stuck, and it seems she is destined to wear it all day as she teaches her young students. Also, the thingamajig, as she calls it (the pull-tab from the zipper), is missing. Her students pull with all their collective might, but the coat won’t go past her nose and her students end up in a heap on the floor. The class and Mrs. Toggle get help from the school’s nurse and principal. Each one adds their nonsensical efforts, and together they again attempt to remove the coat, but the result is the same. Finally they ask the janitor, who knows the name of the thingamajig and just what to do. Thankfully, Mrs. Toggle is released. She and her students gladly return to her classroom, and the janitor goes to find a dictionary to look up “thingamajig.”

Hanna’s Comments: There are several subtle jokes in this story that you might want to share with your audience. Note the names of the characters. Also, if Mrs. Toggle’s coat used “toggles” as fasteners instead of a zipper, she would not have a problem. There are three aspects of this story that make it a great PBT book. First, the problem is solved in community, with everyone lending a hand. Secondly, the care and concern for Mrs. Toggle is evident. Thirdly, it is the humble janitor who has the smarts here. He is the hero and his practical problem-solving skills are the reason.

Publisher & Date of Original Publication: Simon & Schuster, 1990

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: There are amateur videos on Youtube.com.

PBT Category: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, action, babies/children, body of Christ, brokenness, caring/tending, challenges, clothes/shoes, comfort, community, cooperation, dependence/interdependence, difficulties, education/learning/school, gifts/talents, helping, heroes, humility, mentors/teachers, problems/problem solving, servant/service/servant leadership, unity, wisdom

Scripture Connections: Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)

Idea(s) for Application: Consider reading this book when you want to talk to children in your faith community about God’s variety of gifts and how God wants us to respect and value all of those gifts and use them together to solve problems. Be sure to emphasize our interdependence on one another.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 267

Picture Book: The Bear that Heard Crying

Author: Natalie Kinsey-Warnock and Helen Kinsey

Illustrator: Ted Rand

Summary: In 1793, 3 year old Sarah Whitcher wanders into the woods near her New Hampshire. Her family doesn’t realize she is missing until hours later. Readers know Sarah is lying near the path, snuggled in the fur of a bear. Neighbors and friends search for 3 days but find only her footprints and bear prints nearby. Finally a stranger frantically comes to the Whitcher home. He claims to have had 3 dreams in which little Sarah is in a particular place near the path lying beside a bear. When he is taken to that place, they find Sarah sleeping alone and surrounded by bear tracks. Sarah talks of the “big black dog” that stayed with her every night. Prayers of thanksgiving and songs are shared during a feast in which Sarah’s rescue is celebrated. Surprisingly, this story is based on personal accounts, including Sarah’s, that were found in archives by the authors.

Hanna’s Comments: I think children will really respond to this story. There are countless similar accounts in which wild animals help a human child in need. In my mind, these occurrences point to the possibilities of the kingdom of God in which species live in peace as foretold in Isaiah. They also call us to respect and care for our fellow creatures, particularly mammals that are so like us.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Cobblehill Books, 1993

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Non-fiction, Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: action, aliens/immigrants/refugees/strangers, America, animals, babies/children, body of Christ, caring/tending, community, danger, dependence/independence, the environment/nature, fear, found, gentleness/meekness, God’s nature, helping, heroes, lost, miracles, neighbors, parables/stories, presence, protecting/protection, rescue, saving/savior, searching

Scripture Connections: Peaceable Kingdom (Isaiah 11:6-9); parable of the lost sheep and lost coin (Luke 15:3-10)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children in your faith community when considering stories or parables in the Bible that involve searching, rescue, or cross-species of animals living in peace. You could also use this book as a way to talk with children about God’s presence with them in times of fear or confusion. Here, the bear would serve as a metaphor for God.