Another Dodd book for Christmas!

A while back, I enthusiastically told you about 9 of Emma Dodd’s books. Find that post HERE . She’s an author/illustrator of simple but profound books for young children. These larger than usual board books have a particular look. They are grounded in loving relationships. In fact, these books are in her series called “Love You Books.” This year she’s come out with a book about Christmas. Like the others, it is about animal families and secular - not about Jesus’ birth but about the season. It’s a snowy landscape so it’s for the northern hemisphere. Below you’ll see in which of my preschool lessons I recommend it.

Interested in learning more about Trinity Treasures, my scripture-based preschool Sunday school curriculum. It features picture books & children’s Bibles. Free lessons are emailed if you fill out the monthly feedback form. Contact me at hannaschock@bellsouth.net. 

Picture Book: Christmas is Joy

Author/Illustrator: Emma Dodd

Summary: A family of reindeer are celebrating Christmas in a snowy woods. The primary relationship is between a fawn and father,

but eventually you see the whole herd. Christmas gifting here may be more about snuggling and quality time than wrapped packages. Still humanlike seasonal responses abound. The book ends with an emphasis on the unity the family feels among the peaceful beauty that they share. It acknowledges that their unity and the beauty that surrounds them lasts well beyond Christmas.

Hanna’s Comments: This gorgeous book's celebratory tone has you almost hearing the giggly joy and feeling the crisp cool air! Joy abounds because of loving familial relationships. There is profound beauty in the snowy scenes and beauty in the strong connections among the reindeer. Be sure to linger there with your audience and claim the love that abounds in their own Christmas rituals with family, both biological and faith-based. Talk specifically about what love and joy look like this time of year in various places. Extend that conversation to concepts of peace, which you'll see mentioned in the last pages. See last photo below. 

Original Publisher: Candlewick Press, 2022

Age Appropriateness: Toddler and up

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: The Christmas scriptures are full of joy and love! To expand your focus, tie this story of wilderness living to scriptures about God's loving care when we find ourselves in chaotic stress and noise (aka the holiday season).

Connections to The Revised Common Lectionary: I listed this book in 3 of my Trinity Treasures preschool lessons for Advent (themes: Mary Sees & Sings, Jesus Teaches Love, Prepare the Way), 1 per year in the 3-year lectionary cycle.

PBT Applications: Before reading this book to a group of young elementary children, list for them the 5 Languages of Love (see Gary Chapman's adult books or  THIS BOOK  for children). Find what love languages you can among these pages. End by anticipating how your audience would be inclined to love more joyfully this Christmas season.

Mr. Panda for the Holidays!

 

If you like quirky books, this PBT post is for you! From the Mr. Panda series by author/illustrator Steve Antony, I found a book for Thanksgiving, a book for Advent, and a book for celebrating love. That last book could be for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or anytime you are anticipating a loving ritual. Because these humorous books have little text but complicated social situations, they would be great for any age! For older children, move quickly to more complicated life applications before they are turned off by the simple characters. Don't let Mr. Panda's gruff face fool you! He is all about generous servanthood! Be sure to help children read his facial expressions. They are important and not obvious. Older kids might even talk about the complex skill of reading another's emotions as an aspect of empathy (tie this to The Great Commandment). Here's Mr. Panda really happy!

Many versions of these books have parallel Spanish text. There are other books in this series. I don’t recommend those here, but they would be fun additions to any family’s reading time. 

Please Mr. Panda is about the power of the word “please.” 

Good Night, Mr. Panda is about bedtime rituals. 

All these Mr. Panda books are structured similarly. Their illustrations are clever and funny, and they may need to be explained. They are quick reads with simple but subtle messages. Mr. Panda is a generous (though seemingly unenthusiastic) giver who receives inappropriate responses from an early cast of characters. Once Mr. Panda gets the response he expects (in these books from Lemur or Penguin), he responds generously. He is quite a behavior-oriented teacher! These fun books are truly quirky. Your kids will love them! And you might too.

 For Thanksgiving:

Picture Book: Thank You, Mr. Panda

Summary: This book begins with Lemur asking Mr. Panda about the large stack of wrapped presents he is carrying. Mr. Panda explains that the gifts are for his friends. Lemur follows. Throughout the pages, Mr. Panda gives a gift to a character who responds with a complaint or other lack of appreciation. Lemur reminds all, "It's the thought that counts." The last gift is for Lemur who enthusiastically says thank you. Mr. Panda says, "You're welcome. Remember, it's the thought that counts." Lemur opens the gift and is surprised!

Hanna’s Comments: This book gives you the opportunity to talk about all God's gifts - those we enjoy and understand as well as those we suffer through or are puzzled by. Talk about how we would have nothing if it were not for God. OR Discuss how less than perfect gifts (bad weather, getting sick, etc.) help us be thankful for God's perfect gifts (good weather, feeling healthy, etc.). For more pragmatic application, talk about gifts from humans that we may not appreciate but should still be grateful for. Ask why that is and build some empathy among your audience!

Original Publisher: Scholastic, 2017

Age Appropriateness: 3 and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Connect this book to scriptures involving saying thank you to God or being thankful for all the good that God gives us.

PBT Applications: Read this book to a group of young children who are first learning about the important spiritual practice of saying thank you to God. Talk about why God wants us to say thank you and practice being thankful together. Other life applications would be anticipating Thanksgiving prep and work afterwards. Have them promise to notice and say thanks to the cooks and those who clean before and after.

 

For Advent:

Picture Book: I’ll Wait, Mr. Panda

Summary: This story begins with Llama asking Mr. Panda what he is making in the mixing bowl he is holding. In his usual gruff but intriguing manner, Mr. Panda says, "Wait and see. It's a surprise." But Llama will not wait! Penguin declares a willingness to wait on every page.  The rest of the cast of characters ask about the treat to come but are not patient. Some exit, saying waiting is too hard. 

Some just simply refuse to wait. Finally Penguin yells, "I'll wait, Mr. Panda!" Penguin's waiting and Mr. Panda's good work leads to a HUGE DOUGHNUT with sprinkles! Penguin ends by saying thank you to Mr. Panda and adds, "It was worth the wait!" 

Hanna’s Comments: The primary themes & scriptures of Advent involve hopeful waiting. There are many examples of waiting in the scriptures, but this time of year we focus on waiting for the promised Messiah. If I was using this book in a lesson, I would have the children repeat Penguin's last words throughout your lessons. Remind your audience of some of the extraordinary events of Decembers in their past. Talk about how those events were like Mr. Panda's doughnut gift. (Extraordinary! Miraculous! Big love! WonderFUL! etc.) Consider having donuts with sprinkles!

Original Publisher: Scholastic, 2016

Age Appropriateness: 3 and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Connect this book to scriptures involving waiting or preparing for God’s goodness, such as Advent scriptures or scriptures of longing found in the Wilderness stories in Exodus.

PBT Applications: Read this book to a group of young children who are anticipating (with patience or not) all that their Decembers will bring. Help them anticipate the distractions of the busy season and the benefits of waiting for the beauty and joy of the birth of the Christ Child. 

 

For Any Holiday Involving Love:

Picture Book: We Love You, Mr. Panda

Summary: Skunk says he needs a hug. Mr. Panda, wearing a Free Hugs tee and holding a heart balloon, responds, "OK, Skunk. Let's have a hug." BUT Skunk was talking to another animal. They hug, and Mr. Panda is left out. Thus begins a short series of animals asking for hugs from other animals, not Mr. Panda, even when he offers a hug. 

Mr. Panda decides, "Nobody wants my hugs," forgetting that his 2 companions (Lemur and Penguin - heroes of the 2 books above) are available for hugs. Eventually, those 3 characters hug and an avalanche of other animals join in. Mr. Panda responds while squeezed, "I love you, too."

Hanna’s Comments: This book gives you the opportunity to talk about how we treat those closest to us versus how we treat acquaintances and even strangers. Consider how love shows up differently in families, at church, in the classroom, in public spaces like shopping centers & parks. Ask this not so simple question: Does love = kindness? Always? Talk about how some families are affectionate and some are not. Have children focus on 1 John 4:8b: "God is love." Wow! There is so much in those 3 words! Be thankful to God that love abounds in many ways. 

Ask your children for some quick reminders of Bible stories showing different ways of loving. If they don't remember specifics, describe a Bible story scenario and let them finish it. Wrap-up by having them tell you favorite ways to show love and to be loved. Point out the variety among your audience. If your kids are old enough, teach them the 5 Languages of Love made popular by Gary Chapman: Words of Affirmation, Physical Touch, Quality Time, Gift Giving, and Acts of Service. You'll find a PBT picture book about that HERE

Original Publisher: Scholastic, 2019

Age Appropriateness: 3 and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Connect this book to any scripture about love.

PBT Applications: Read this book to a group of young children who are about to visit a home for elders. Talk about how love might be best shown in this context.

Listening as an Act of Love

A few weeks ago, I posted a book about listening to godly sounds. Violinist Joshua Bell playing in a subway was the story in that post. Check it out HERE. Today’s listening is about perhaps the most holy kind of listening we humans can do... listening to a family member, friend, or even a stranger who is hurting. This is the best book I know about that holy practice. Like other excellent picture books, it is rich with tender meaning and encompasses all kinds of humanity, including humor, in its clever images and words.

Picture Book: The Rabbit Listened

Author & Illustrator: Cori Doerrfeld 

Summary: Taylor, a young child, begins to build “something amazing.” This wise author doesn’t use pronouns so Taylor can be whoever you want. Disaster strikes and all blocks fall! Taylor does too.

A series of animals comes to help Taylor cope. There’s a chicken that talks too much, an angry bear that wants to yell on Taylor’s behalf, and an elephant who wants to help Taylor remember. The ostrich’s strategy is predictable! The snake’s suggestion made me ssssmile.

“But Taylor didn’t feel like doing anything with anybody.” Yay, Taylor for knowing that! Once finally alone and in the quiet, Taylor is quietly joined by a rabbit. We don’t know if they are friends. Does it matter? After the silence, Taylor asks the rabbit to stay. Then the rabbit listens and listens and listens. Now that Taylor is ready, some of the responses that were suggested earlier now feel just right. Taylor vents, blames, and remembers. Again, “When the time was right,” Taylor details plans to build again. The rabbit listens some more as Taylor dreams of an even more amazing build next time.

Hanna’s Comments: Did you think of yourself as you heard my quick summary? I hope so! Did you think of others who have tried to help you, but the timing or remedy wasn’t right? They didn’t come in quiet, did they? Long ago, I remember hearing Krista Tippett on the On Being podcast interview Parker Palmer about a terrible bout of depression during which he was in the bed for days, maybe weeks. A friend came regularly to give him a silent foot rub. Wow! What love! What empathy! What a godly neighbor!

Original Publisher: Dial Books, 2018

Age Appropriateness: 3 and up

Formats other than Book: Audio & tablet

Scripture Connections: Any scripture about God being a comforter and listener. So many! The great commandment: Love your neighbor as yourself! Any Jesus story where his first response is to listen. Ruth and Naomi, because they were present for each other through a difficult series of tragedies and a long, dangerous journey! I bet they took turns listening. Why don’t we talk about their journey more?

Connections to The Revised Common Lectionary: I have listed this book for 4 lessons in my 3-year RCL-based Trinity Treasures preschool curriculum. Those 4 lesson themes are: The Trinity: Our Helpers, God Hears Cries, God’s Mothering Love, and Ruth & Naomi.

PBT Applications: Read this book to a group of young parents or teens. Then talk about the power of being present to (and not immediately fixing) another’s pain. Then you LISTEN as they tell stories of listening, not listening, and not being heard. Together vow to do better because it is a godly practice, good for all of us. 

One more thing: (forgive me) I know a few pastors who could use this book. There's a gift idea! 

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.

Not Just for Goodnights

I tend to disregard books about bedtime since I imagine most of the PBT applications happening at church, far away from homes and beds. But bedtime is about security and love, both very godly concepts! This fun picture book classic offers such an appealing story! It will connect to many important (perhaps surprising) biblical stories and ideas. 

At the end of this post, I give you links to other PBT classic picture books! There are many! 

Picture Book: Good Night, Gorilla

Author & Illustrator: Peggy Rathmann

Summary: A male zookeeper begins his loving nightly ritual by saying good night to a series of animals. At the first interaction, his cage keys are lifted from his pocket by a smiling gorilla. The gorilla opens its own and others' cages as the the sleepy zookeeper moves toward the exit and his nearby home. At his front door, you can see a long line of animal friends that he has not noticed! 

All pile into his bedroom where the zookeeper's wife is sleeping and the zookeeper is oblivious. Even the gorilla is ready for sleep so it snuggles in next to her. Dark double-page spreads follow with speech bubbles of goodnights and then only her wide eyes. 

She quietly leads them back to their home cages. Nearly home again, she says good night to the zoo, but alas, gorilla and mouse are just behind her. Gorilla looks at the reader, finger to mouth, and shushes. The sleepy humans bid each other good night again, while gorilla and mouse find their places under the covers between the humans. 

Hanna’s Comments:  There are few words here so point to and explain aspects of the story as it unfolds in the illustrations. Be sure to mention the little mouse who is an important character and on every page! It drags a banana which isn't eaten until the end. Focus on the behavior of all the characters. They are so happy, likely because they are loved so well! The evidence is the toys in their cages and the humans' loving interactions with the animals.

Original Publisher: Putnam’s, 1994

Age Appropriateness: Infant and up

Amazingly, this book is sometimes called a “baby book.” Not so! Sure, babies can enjoy it if you point to animals and tell the story, but there is much love and joy in this book so preschoolers and elementary ages will enjoy it also! It does come in board book form, BUT those are hard to read to a group!

Formats other than Book: Tablet & Audio

Scripture Connections: This story can be easily connected to scripture in these ways (more follow in the next section): God in early Genesis and beyond, who is a caretaker of each species, Noah’s ark animals who must trust Noah’s entire family for their caretaking, Disciples who followed Jesus because they felt a loving connection (not only “the 12”), The Great Commandment to love others/neighbors, rituals (With the zookeeper's excellent example, teach the importance of godly rituals at church and elsewhere.)

Connections to The Revised Common Lectionary: In my Trinity Treasures preschool curriculum, I list this book in 2 lessons: Year A, Pentecost 10 – All are Welcome (at church, which is like a loving home) AND Year C, Easter 3 – Paul and Ananias (God sends Paul to Ananias’ loving home where Ananias becomes a sort of caretaker for a time.)

PBT Applications: Read this book at a church sleep over, emphasizing that church is a sort of home where people may be lured and welcomed with love. With older audiences, talk about what it takes for us to feel comfortable and secure. Give thanks for those who offer such environments for us. Talk about what your church can do to encourage security and comfort for strangers, visitors, and others. Equate this orientation to God's Great Commandment. 

Here are links to some other PBT posts about classic picture books! Many are from my first year in which I posted a book everyday! The last 3 are the beginning of a PBT post series called Picture Book Classics: 

The Little Engine that Could

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

Strega Nona

Corduroy

The Missing Piece

The PBT Series so far:

The Big Orange Splot

The Carrot Seed

The Happy Owls

Let me know if you think of other books I should post about!

Circles Circles Circles

Circles are a favorite motif for me! They hold much in the way of symbolism for life and my spiritual journey. They can be viewed as a directional line. Seasons, relationships, and life issues come and go and then return. And circles can be viewed as expanding or contracting inner spaces & community spaces. In both spaces, the potential for connections are infinite in number and rich meaning.  

Below details of today's book, find links to 3 other books about circles featured here at PBT.

Picture Book: The Circles All Around Us

Author: Brad Montague

Illustrator: Brad & Kristi Montague

Summary: In rhymed verse, a child teaches how to draw a small circle around self to represent our safe small 1-person space. Keeping that circle small and closed would be like "a library with just one book on the shelf." 

Next we are urged to draw a bigger circle, one for family. Then we see other circles for friends, often times even bigger. Concentric circles are shown for each community of connection. Hospitality is encouraged, even when differences in language and custom make it uncomfortable, because...

    there's a difference we can make

    and a love we can all show.

The acknowledgement that being in an expanding circle is not easy is rich material for conversation. Sharing space is hard. It's also hard to leave a circle to become a member of another circle. But there is joy and wonder and a sense that bigger, expanding circles are what life and love are all about!  

Hanna’s Comments: Interestingly, this book is from the creator of the Kid President web series. This author/illustrator is the person you don't usually see in those videos. If I haven’t convinced you of the powerful metaphor of circles, perhaps Father Richard Rohr can. On 4/11/22, in his daily email titled Expanding Circles of Love, he wrote the only way he knows to love God is to love what God loves. This is everything and everyone! God loves God's creation! Such inclusive love results in a "constant expansion beyond ourselves to loving others," which is what you see in this picture book.  

Here's my favorite spiritual idea about circles. Its an ancient metaphor also about loving others as a way of loving God. The world can be viewed not as circle expansion but as circle contraction, if that contraction is also toward God. This process was uniquely demonstrated via a circle diagram or compass by desert father Abba Dorotheos of Gaza in the 500s CE (spelled Dorotheos & Dorotheus). God is the center of the world's circle. An infinite number of straight lines represent each of us (Rohr would emphasize these are persons AND things) who in moving towards God also moves toward others. See Rohr's words above about the best way to love God.

Original Publisher: Dial Books, 2021

Age Appropriateness: 5 and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: The 2 Great Commandments: love God and neighbor (Mark 12:28-31 & Luke 10:25-28) and other scriptures about loving connections; Any scripture about community such as those describing the early Christian churches (Acts 2:42-47)

PBT Applications: This picture book and the ideas of Rohr and Dorotheos invite you to play with circles as symbols of community and connection. Do this with art supplies, floor diagrams & games, and discussions after each experience. Use circle stencils, hula-hoops, geometry compasses, protractors, big paper plates or pizza pans, posters cut into circles, etc. 

Other PBT books about circles:

Circle of Thanks

Circle Unbroken

The Missing Piece Meets the Big O

Verde & Reynolds’ I Am Books

Author: Susan Verde    Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds

Hopefully, you already know about these books! Here’s a helpful shortcut for this PBT post: 

1. Notice first the 3^rd word in the title.

2. Then read the last word in the title. This tells you more specifics about the book.

3. Next notice the scripture connections I suggest below for each book. Take time to think of more scripture connections. There are many, even for the book about yoga, for yoga is all about being still and breathing which is part of many spiritual practices. 

To simplify, all these books share these characteristics:

• There are many "I am" statements, particularly at the beginning. in most books the story moves into community dynamics, shared experiences, and group attributes ("We are..."). 
• Because of their hair and dress, the gender of most characters is ambiguous which facilitates character connections to all people.
• There is an informative Author's Note in the back, additional exercises often follow. 
• Many of these books are available in board book form. That makes them cheaper, BUT pages have been taken out, they are harder to share in a group reading, AND the exercises in the back are NOT included. Many of your elementary children and no teens would not welcome a board book being read to them! Here's a pet peeve of mine: MANY BOARD BOOKS SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN MADE INTO BOARD BOOKS! 
• Because of their titles, all of these books give you an opportunity to connect to God's answer to Moses' question about God's name. (Exodus 3:14) 

I've listed the books here in what I believe might be most to least useful in church ministry. 

Picture Book: I Am Love: A Book of Compassion

Summary: Because this is about compassionate love, the main character explains that love means asking what we can do in response to witnessed hurt, unfairness, sadness, and even anger. It models putting hands to heart, listening, and then acting with tenderness and gratitude, letting hearts guide us. Little gestures may be all that are needed, as long as all reactions come from the heart. Self-care should be remembered because we creatures are so very connected. This book recognizes that sometimes being a loving presence with a person or creature is all that is needed. Compassion is the skill being taught here. 

Hanna’s Comments: I especially love the breathing component of this book. These days many books express a need for deep breaths to give courage. But here deep breaths are to access our deep compassion. Spend some time imagining such situations and doing some deep breathing. After the Author’s Note, you'll find heart-opening yoga poses and a guided meditation.

Original Publisher: Abrams, 2019

Age Appropriateness: 4 and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: You know there are many scriptures with love as the subject. Consider also Bible characters who show compassionate love such as the widow who met Elijah, the slave girl who directed Naaman, both biblical Josephs, the good Samaritan, the boy who shared his lunch, the woman who anointed Jesus, Philip with the Ethiopian, Paul after knowing and loving Onesimus (Philemon's slave)...

PBT Applications: Read this book to a group of older preschoolers. Then ask them to tell about a love hero they know who is a bit older than them. Afterwards, tell them about some love heroes from the scriptures, especially the boy who shared his lunch - the biblical character they will likely most relate to.

 

Picture Book: I Am Human: A Book of Empathy

Summary: This book is all about embracing human characteristics, particularly being a miraculously unique learner who is hopeful and imperfect. That last attribute of ours is emphasized as the book explores our strong need for connection and how we can make choices that hurt one another. Then being able to apologize is necessary for renewed relationships. Empathy is the skill being taught here. 

Hanna’s Comments: Here at PBT, I have repeatedly connected the skill of empathy to The Great Commandment. That's where human compassion begins! Empathy drives our connections with those in our family, church, and neighborhood and our desire for justice for people all over the globe. After the Author’s Note you'll find a loving-kindness meditation exercise.

Original Publisher: Abrams, 2018

Age Appropriateness: 4 and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: See the scripture note in the book above (Many scripture connections will overlap with these books.) OR consider broadly The Great Commandment which has a component of empathy. Scriptures about confession and forgiveness would connect to the latter part of the book. 

PBT Applications: Read this book to a group of parents. Talk about how they can encourage their children to have empathic responses to various social media posts. Do the loving-kindness meditation that's provided. Then discuss that experience.

Picture Book: I Am Courage: A Book of Resilience

Summary: This book is about facing what challenges us, particularly our fears, with the necessary skills to overcome them or at least manage them better. Here are wise words about positive affirmations, self-confidence, assertiveness, trying new and hard things, asking for help, and trying again after failure. A challenging bike journey of one child is the plot mechanism. When the child meets other children, perseverance and resilience are objectives for all.  

Hanna’s Comments: I bet this book was written after the pandemic began for so much of this pandemic has felt like a difficult journey. Children have suffered greatly since spring 2022. This book will give them an opportunity to consider helpful strategies in a loving faith community. My favorite page says, "I find my center and gather my strength." What a holy statement! Explain to your audience that the great I Am is indeed in us! God is our center - our heart, our strength, and our breath.  After the Author’s Note you'll find exercises to inspire confidence, such as yoga poses and breathing exercises. Resilience is the set of skills being taught here. 

Original Publisher: Abrams, 2021

Age Appropriateness: 4 and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet 

Scripture Connections: The Lord God is my strength and my might. (Isaiah 12:2); Be strong and courageous... (Joshua 1:9); The word courage is found in many scriptures. Also think about the people in the Bible who demonstrated courage or resilience, such as Jacob, the midwives of early Exodus, Jeremiah, Elijah, Daniel, Esther, the woman who touched Jesus' cloak, Ananias, Paul...

PBT Applications: Read this book to a group of young children going to summer church camp. Talk about missing home and the aspects of this book that most apply to your children's potential situations. Talk about God being with us wherever we go. 

Picture Book: I Am One: A Book of Action

Summary: This book demonstrates repeatedly that 1 person, even a small person, can begin a significant change with 1 purposeful action. Examples you'll see here: 1 step leads to a journey, 1 gentle word starts a conversation, 1 act of kindness begins a connection, and 1  brushstroke can lead to a masterpiece. The last part of the book shows a duo of children embarking on a water voyage. They join a community of children who start a beautiful garden.

Hanna’s Comments: It was timely that their 2020 book is about starting alone and then connecting with others. In 2020 and beyond, being only one became too easy (even necessary) for many of us and gathering in community was significantly harder, riskier, and yet necessary! Be sure to talk about how technology changed the process of taking action and connecting after the onset of the pandemic. This book is all about making a difference with your actions, especially if they are joined with others. "I" becomes "we." The concept of a ripple effect is shown within the beautiful illustrations. After the Author’s Note you'll find a mindfulness meditation and a self-reflection exercise. In churchy terms, "works" is what is being taught here. 

Original Publisher: Abrams, 2020

Age Appropriateness: 4 and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Joseph of Arimathea

PBT Applications: Play around with the ripple effect idea after you read this book to elementary children. My hunch is there are scientific experiments explained on-line that might give you some great ideas. Be sure you make connections to the children's actual lives. Metaphors are great, but they often must be explained. That's where application and growth begin.

 

If you question whether mindfulness is an appropriate practice in Christian contexts, I urge you to look below for info. on an adult book that answers your question and click on the podcast link where I recorded a review of that book. 

Picture Book: I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness

Summary: Mindfulness is the skill being taught here. It simply means being fully in the present moment - here and now. The main character experiences mindfulness moments after admitting that worry is a common response for him/her. Rushing thoughts and feeling like a boat with no anchor are explained and shown. Taking a breath and giving self-reassurance leads to the ground feeling more steady. When orienting to the here and now, the character says the mind clears and peace comes. Worries gently pop away, thoughts are let go via saying them aloud. Then kindness can be shared, differences can be made, strong connections to nature can be experienced. Wonder follows. Sensory experiences are acknowledged. Peace is shared. 

Hanna’s Comments: At the start, the speaker confesses there are many reasons to worry. Your audience will immediately relate. This seems more true everyday! Mindfulness practice is an orientation to the here and now. This allows us to be and feel more peace. As shown in this wise book, mindfulness also can lead to sharing kindness and making positive differences toward a more peaceful world. Sensory experiences in nature and conscious breathing are encouraged. Give time and space to share stories about these kinds of moments and the healing they can do. Spend a significant time on the simple sentence: "Wonder is known." After the Author’s Note you'll find a mindfulness exercise. I keep this book by my morning reading chair for inspiration!

Original Publisher: Abrams, 2017

Age Appropriateness: 4 and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10); Create in me a clean heart, O God. (Psalm 51:10); I lift up my eyes to the hills... (Psalm 121:1-2); Do not worry (Matthew 6:34)

PBT Applications: Read this book to a group of young adults who are reframing or building their prayer practices. Mindfulness practice is a common practice now because research shows it is so very good for us! This practice can easily be reframed in a Biblical context. I recorded a podcast as a guest about this method based on Amy G. Oden's book Right Here Right Now: The Practice of Christian Mindfulness. You can access that podcast here.

 

Board book versions have less content!

Picture Book: I Am Yoga

Summary: Here yoga poses and breathing are offered as antidotes to feeling small in a big world. A wiggly body and thinking mind are spoken to gently. Breathing is slowed and creativity are invited in. A child is shown doing nearly 20 poses, sometimes with great imagination. Yoga is the skill being taught here, but there is much here that is healthy self-care and self-compassion.   

Hanna’s Comments:  Yoga is a very meaningful spiritual practice for many people of all ages! After the Author’s Note you'll find a kid-friendly guide to yoga poses. 

Original Publisher: Abrams, 2015

Age Appropriateness: 4 and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10)

PBT Applications: Read this book to a group of children who are learn how to pray with their body and talk about the importance of being attentive to God. Be sure to show the last pages of yoga poses. 

Three of these books (I Am Human, I Am Peace, and I Am Yoga) are available in a box set called I Am... A Box of Goodness. 

And to come...

Picture Book: I Am Me           Due to be published 9/2022!