PBT Redux #24 - Is This Panama?

Picture Book: Is This Panama? A Migration Story

Author: Jan Thornhill

Illustrator: Soyeon Kim

Summary: Sammy, a young warbler, has heard wonderful descriptions of Panama from other warblers. He is excited about his first migration from near the Arctic Circle all the way to Panama, but then he discovers the other warblers have migrated without him. Being so young, Sammy doesn’t know the route, but he is determined so he sets off with a willingness to ask for directions from other creatures along the way. Although Sammy enjoys these interactions, the other creatures steer him wrongly. After taking a much longer route and feeling discouraged, Sammy finally makes it to Panama.

Hanna’s Comments: I love it when authors put maps in their books! This book has a great map in the back that shows you Sammy’s route, the route warblers regularly take, and the location of the creatures he meets along the way. You may want to refer to the map as you read. You’ll also find a list of facts about each creature and a section on how animals migrate. Adults joke about women being more willing to ask for directions than men, but truthfully asking for help is not a bad thing, especially if you do so of someone who is invested in you. If you view this book as a metaphor for personal journeys, spiritual or otherwise, this book offers opportunities to talk about being steadfast, interdependent, and vulnerable, while also gleaning wisdom from mentors in your faith community. Consider connecting this book to stories in the Bible with characters who are lost or misguided; thankfully, there are plenty of those very human characters. 

Publisher & Date of Publication:  Owl Kids Books, 2013

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Fear not, for I am with you (Isaiah 41:10); look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others (Philippians 2:4); do not neglect to do good and to share what you have (Hebrews 13:16)

Idea(s) for Application: Our church sends a mission team to Panama each summer. This book was recently used in a children’s program about the mission team’s expected journey and purposes. Whenever a team from your faith community goes to another part of the world, consider using picture books about the location to teach your children about what your faith community is doing elsewhere and why.

PBT Redux #19 - Snowflake Bentley

We’ve had more snow than usual here in AL. After our last snow, I regretted not reminding you about this gorgeous book featured in PBT’s first year. I don’t dare wait for more snow here. It’s unlikely to come. Perhaps where you are it’s snowing, and you, like the man featured in this book, will marvel at God’s glory in the wondrous snowflake!

Picture Book: Snowflake Bentley

Author: Jacqueline Briggs Martin

Illustrator: Mary Azarian

Summary: In 19^th century Vermont, Wilson Bentley had a passion for snow. When he was given a microscope, Willie began looking at snowflakes and studying the ice crystals. He became fascinated and wished he could save them somehow to show others. He tried drawing their designs, but they always melted too quickly. Despite the high cost, at 17 Willie’s parents gave him a microscope with a camera. Painstakingly, Willie was able to successfully photograph the best examples of snowflakes and show them to others, sell them, or give them as gifts. 

Willie believed his knowledge was a gift to the world, but some neighbors and peers thought his work was a waste of time. Soon he began to understand the influences on and structure of snowflakes; then he realized that no two snowflakes are alike. Artists, designers, and professors began to be interested in his work. For 50 years, Willie shared his knowledge by giving presentations, and eventually, with financial support from scientists, created a book of his best photographs and acquired knowledge. Sadly, “Snowflake Bentley” died soon after the publication of this book, a book that is still read today. A monument and museum were eventually built in his memory.

Hanna’s Comments: I love the passion and perseverance of this individual! Wilson Bentley is a quiet hero of science who has truly given the world a beautiful gift. As faith communities nurture their children and youth, it behooves these communities to encourage the discovery of individual passions and explore ways in which each young person can benefit their world with ideas, skills, and enthusiasm. Willie’s faith in his vocation and the beauty and importance of his work, even though it was with a small and fleeting object, is inspiring. [Here] you'll find an 8-minute video about Wilson Bentley. You can easily find Bentley’s book on-line. It was reissued in 2000 and may be available in your local library. It would be a nice supplement to a lesson. You'll also find a few details and photos in the back of the book:

   

Original Publisher & Date: Houghton Mifflin, 1998

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

Formats other than Book: Audio

Scripture Connections: the charismatic passions of Elijah, John the Baptist, or Paul 

Idea(s) for Application: In addition to the other ideas that I’ve shared above, this book could be used as an exploration of our sacred individuality or the practice of contemplation.

December Holiday Books 10 & 11

Picture Book: Oskar and the Eight Blessings

Author: Tanya and Richard Simon

Illustrator: Mark Siegel

Summary: This is a beautiful story of a child who immigrates alone into New York City on December 24, 1938. His parents have sent him to an aunt after the devastating Kristallnacht. On November 9 & 10 of that year, Nazis destroyed thousands of synagogues and Jewish businesses and over 30,ooo Jews were placed in concentration camps. The date is also significant because it is the last day of Hanukkah and Christmas Eve. As Oskar walks the 100 plus blocks of Broadway to the address of an aunt he doesn’t know, he encounters historical figures (First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and jazz musician Count Basie) and other anonymous strangers. All welcome and bless him in 8 various ways as he eventually makes his way to a loving aunt.  

Hanna’s Comments: This is a perfect book for talking in your family or faith family about hospitality, refugees, and generosity across religious traditions. It won the 2015 National Jewish Book Award for Children’s Literature. A map of Manhattan Island showing Oskar’s route, an Author’s Note, and short glossary are all in the back.

Original Publisher & Date: Roaring Brook Press, 2015

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native (Leviticus 19:34); whoever receives you receives me (Matthew 10:40); see to show hospitality (Romans 12:13); do not neglect to show hospitality to stranger (Hebrews 13:2); show hospitality to on another (1 Peter 4:9); The story of Hanukkah is based on stories in 1^st and 2^nd Maccabees in the Hebrew Bible and in some Christian Bibles.

Idea(s) for Application: During December, read this book to a group in your faith family who are interested in hospitality to refugees or relationships across religious traditions. 

Picture Book: The Message of the Birds

Author: Kate Westerlund

Illustrator: Feridun Oral

Summary: An old owl tells fellow birds the story of Christmas. The coos of the Christ child are viewed as a blessing of joy and good will for all. When a robin asks why the birds no longer sing the story, the owl explains that the humans stopped listening to the song. Then together the birds create a new strategy: sing the story to the children of the world. Perhaps they will listen. The birds fly far and wide singing their message of hope. Birds they meet continue their mission. The children do listen and what unfolds is a coming together of the world’s children in a circle to celebrate the Christ child and honor the possibility of peace.

Hanna’s Comments: For me, this book seems like a mash up of Old Turtle by Wood and Chee (see the post [here]) and Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas. This story has beautiful illustrations of various birds. You’ll want to spend some time identifying them with your audience. Then explore how Jesus life and teachings connect with the idea of peace and why in December, peace is particularly desired.

Original Publisher & Date: Minedition, 2011

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: For unto us a child is born…his name shall be called…Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6); The angel sang, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace (Luke 2:14)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children in your faith family to explore how the Christ child was a promise of peace for all.  

Water, Come Closer!

Picture Book: The Water Princess

Author: Susan Verde

Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds

Summary: This story is based on the childhood experiences of Georgie Badiel, fashion model born in Burkina Faso.

A young African girl, Gie Gie, who is called Princess by her parents, longs for the ability to summon water. 

Despite her dancing, contorting, and pleas for the water to come closer, no water comes. 

Instead, every morning she reluctantly gets out of bed 

and walks with her mother a very long way to get water. 

Half way there, they stop for some nuts under a gorgeous tree. Upon arrival, she plays with her friends, while her mother stands in line. When they fill their containers, they can’t drink the water because it is dirty.

Finally, heavy pots are placed on their heads for the long and careful trek back. Once home, the water is boiled. Then Gie Gie gulps a refreshing and energizing drink of water. 

When her beloved father returns from the fields, their evening meal has been cooked thanks to the water they gathered. 

Later, clothes and body are washed so that Gie Gie can delight in her cleanliness. 

Dreading the next early morning rise to walk for water, Gie Gie asks her mother why getting water is so hard. 

Her mother replies, “Someday you will find a way, my Princess. Someday.”

Hanna’s Comments: Perhaps through her success and in collaboration with a charity called Ryan’s Well, Georgie Badiel has fulfilled her mother’s prophesy. Badiel is finding a way to bring water to the drought-ridden villages of her home country. 

More details and photos are found in the back along with links to Ryan’s Well and the Georgie Badiel Foundation who are working together to encourage better access to clean water in Burkina Faso and beyond. 

This book reminds me of another PBT offering that you might like as well. Find my post about Come On Rain! by Karen Hesse [here].

Original Publisher & Date: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2016

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: They shall not hunger or thirst…, for one who has pity on them will lead them by springs of water (Isaiah 49:10); Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied (Matthew 5:6); Whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of water will not lose a reward (Matthew 10:42); Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer (Romans 12:12)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children, youth, or adults who are learning about issues of access to clean water, activists who improve access to water, “thirsting for righteousness” through activism, or Biblical concepts of prophesy and vocation. 

Blessed are the Elephants

Picture Book: Pennies for Elephants

Author & Illustrator: Lita Judge

Original Publisher & Date: Hyperion, 2009

Summary: Based on true events in 1914, siblings Henry and Dorothy learn that local animal trainers are hoping to sell 3 elephants to the children of Boston for the zoo. 

Boston Globe articles are incorporated into the illustrations and move the plot along as these 2 children and others find ways to earn small change. When the siblings realize that they can visit the elephants, strong relationships develop between them and Mollie, Waddy, and Tony. 

Fundraising includes an animal-themed costume party and a Boston Globe publicity stunt involving having tea with the elephants. Movie theaters get involved as do children in nearby states. Success is marked with a big parade and an official handover in Fenway Park.

Hanna’s Comments: If you have children in your church who are passionate about social activism, they’ll be affirmed by this book. For those who are new to such projects, this book can serve as an early lesson on what children can do to better their world, which is what God calls us all to do. Point out that sometimes being a servant means being passionate about raising money. 

Other times servanthood is about working hard in small ways toward a huge goal. Point out where such patterns can be found in your faith family. Additionally, this book can help them understand how small financial gifts from many sources can make a substantial difference toward building God’s kingdom.

Idea(s) for Application: This book would be a fun component to a lesson for children about how they can contribute to the missions of their particular faith family so that all are blessed by the good work of God's creatures.

Scripture Connections: Paul urges the churches in Rome and Corinth to give generously for the Saints in Jerusalem who are experiencing famine (Romans 15:22-29, 1 Corinthians 16:1-4, 2 Corinthians 8:1-15).

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Beautiful Work for Hands by Hands

For a while, I’m going to be trying out a shorter format compared to the posts I’ve done recently.  I’ll be focusing on one picture book at a time, offering ideas and scripture connections. These will be similar to the Picture Book a Day for a Year series that launched PBT here on 4/20/14. I’d love some feedback on this or other formats that I’ve used. What is most helpful to you in your ministry, family, or school context?

Today’s picture book is short, beautiful, and rich with ideas. It offers both a feel-good read-aloud experience with some inspiration for art making.

Tell me what you think about this book or the new format. If there are picture books that you’ve used that have inspired great art projects, let us know via a comment. We’d love to hear from you here at PBT.  

Picture Book: Beautiful Hands

Author & Illustrator: Kathryn Otashi

Author: Bret Baumgarten

Summary: The central idea of this book is the question: What will your hands do today? Surprising possibilities include planting (ideas), lifting (spirits), stretching (imaginations), etc.  

The look of this book is quite unique. The rainbow-colored illustrations seem to primarily be hand or thumb prints. In the back you’ll find About the Story & Illustrations, where you’ll read that this book began with Baumgarten’s experience holding his children’s hands and asking the central question of the book. Otashi explains that the rainbow image “embeds the handprints of over a hundred family members and friends.”

Hanna’s Comments: What I enjoy about this book is how it jumps from concrete ideas to abstract & unusual applications of those ideas. Hands touch hearts for instance. However, this jump must be supported by good teaching, particularly if your audience is young. For each idea discuss the concrete concepts that the children likely know already. 

For my example, talk about what concrete things your children’s hands might touch. Then transition them to think about the idea of touching hearts. Give examples. Explain what touching hearts feels like. Have them move physically through these ideas if that makes sense. Controlled movement often helps children obtain and retain concepts especially when a book refers to body parts as often as this one does. 

For each idea, you may want to connect with your faith. The easiest way to do this might be to use examples of people in your faith family who demonstrated these concepts. Does your child or children know someone who plants ideas? Lifts spirits? Stretches imaginations? 

For those of you teaching, parenting, or grandparenting very young children, this book fits in well with my PBT series 12 Theological Statements for Young Children. Consider statement #3: God gave you a great body to do great things. (post date 3/16/16) and #4: God loves it when we do even greater things together. (post date 3/22/16). 
   

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book to help children broaden their concepts of using their bodies for service or missions.

Scripture Connections: Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established (Proverbs 16:3); give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her (Proverbs 31:31); work heartily, as for the Lord (Colossians 3:23); having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them (Romans 12:6); we are made in Creator God’s image (Genesis 1:27) 

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

The Silliness of Humans and God’s Delicious Provisions

The following two books have several things in common:

a woman devoted to children

the love, fellowship, joy, and work of preparing meals

and God’s delicious abundance.

The first book might be called a comical modern parable. The second involves a true story of determination and revolution.

Picture Book: The Seven Silly Eaters

Author: Mary Ann Hoberman

Illustrator: Marla Frazee

Summary: In clever rhymed verse, this author presents the increasing toil of a mother whose 7 children each will eat only one food. That’s 7 different foods! Her trouble begins when lovingly Mrs. Peters wants to please her first child who will only drink milk at a certain temperature. Then each newly born children will consume only one different item. All of these foods require trips to the grocery store (That’s how Mr. Peters is involved.) and cooking. No pre-cooked foods here! On her birthday, the children decide to fix their mother the food that they love, but their kitchen skills are lacking and things don’t go well. Their combined efforts make a scrumptious mess that transforms the future meal prep of Mrs. Peters and the eating habits of her children.

  

Hanna’s Comments: This book was recently used in a lesson for elementary children about Peter’s dream in Acts 10 in which he sees a group of unclean animals upon a sheet coming down from the sky. God invites Peter to eat and Peter says, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is profane or unclean.” God responds, “What God has made clean, you must not call profane.” It is easy to see the connections between the picture book and the scripture. It is also easy to see God personified in Mrs. Peter’s loving devotion, provision, and patience. The later deserves a very different kind of conversation about human tendencies to make demands of God on our timeline and schedule.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Voyager Books, 1997

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Video, Audio Cassette

PBT Category: Pre 2K

Scripture Connections: The food laws in Leviticus 11; My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast, and my mouth praises you with joyful lips (Psalm 63:5); Open your mouth wide and I will fill it (Psalm 81:10); Peter’s Dream (Acts 10)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group children and make connections with Acts 10 or read it to a group of adults and consider the personification of God in Mrs. Peters and how we are like her picky children.  

Picture Book: Alice Waters and the Trip to Delicious

Author: Jacqueline Briggs Martin

Illustrator: Hayelin Choi

Afterward: Alice Waters

Summary: Alice Waters has been called the mother of the slow food movement here in the USA. This picture book offers her back story and her mission that every child in America (Dare I say the world?) would come with her on the “Trip to Delicious.” This involves teaching children the story of fresh food and encouraging them to taste good food, every day, even in their school lunches. As a child, Alice was often in search of Delicious. She journeyed to France to study food and returned to California where she opened her restaurant Chez: Panisse. Quickly she struggled to find fresh food for her restaurant. Through her efforts to secure fresh food, relationships with growers were begun, along with The Edible Schoolyard Project, where students can grow and cook their own food. Alice hopes that all children can pursue their dreams to positively change the world sustained by Trips to Delicious. In the back of the book you’ll find an Afterward where Alice Waters encourages the readers, an Author’s Note where Jacqueline Briggs Martin offers a more detailed context to the story, a Bibliography and Resources where you’ll find websites and books on growing food and cooking food.  

Hanna’s Comments: So what does a book about the beginnings of the slow food movement offer families of faith?  In the text it says that Alice Waters knows that sharing good food can wake people up, create happiness, start a party, and make memories. What better activities for faith families? Make connections between the Trip to Delicious and our foundational precept: Oh taste and see that the Lord is good.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Readers to Eaters, 2014

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: Biography, Post 2K

Scripture Connections: Oh taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8); Open your mouth wide and I will fill it (Psalm 81:10); My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast, and my mouth praises you with joyful lips (Psalm 63:5); You satisfy the thirsty and fill the hungry with good things (Psalm 107:9)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of teens or young adults who are exploring vocational aspirations that will positively impact the world. 

The Perseverance and Beauty of Trees and Heroes

Picture Book: Luna and Me: The True Story of a Girl Who Lived in a Tree to Save a Forest

Author & Illustrator: Jenny Sue Kosteki-Shaw

Summary: This is a fictionalized version of the true story of Luna, a redwood that sprouted nearly a thousand years ago, and Julia Butterfly Hill, the young woman who saved Luna. Wildlife, such as birds and butterflies were drawn to both Luna and Julia, hence Julia’s nickname. When Butterfly found a blue X on Luna’s trunk and realized that it meant Luna would be chopped down soon, she determined to save the tree by climbing it and staying there. With help and encouragement from a community of friends and fellow-tree lovers, Butterfly managed to live in Luna for over two years! The specifics of how Butterfly succeeds are wonderfully illustrated here including some amazing discoveries Butterfly makes within and upon Luna’s trunk. When challenges arise, we see dreams in which Luna promises to hold Butterfly until she is less afraid, and we see Butterfly develop into a promoter of trees and the forest. After 738 days, Butterfly received a promise that Luna would not be cut down so Butterfly climbs down and walks on the forest floor of The Luna Preserve.  

Hanna’s Comments: I love it when a picture book offers a female hero. If the story is true, that’s great! If the hero is young and still passionate and present in the media, that’s even better. Our girls need these role models and our boys need to know that girls can be heroes too. Besides the Author’s Note at the end of the book, you’ll find more details about the true, more complicated story of Luna and Butterfly on this hero’s website. Here’s the link: http://www.juliabutterfly.com/. You’ll also find some video that you might want to use to supplement your lesson and her slogan, “Yes, yes, you make the difference.” Relate this message to your faith community’s mission to make a positive difference in the world and the courage and perseverance that your community is being called to demonstrate. As you show the illustrations, be sure to have your audience look for Luna’s face in the bark. OR Relate Butterfly’s ordeal and determination to the trials and faith of biblical characters.   

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Christy Ottaviano Books, 2015 

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: Non-fiction, Fresh off the Press

Scripture Connections: Jacob waits to marry Rachel (Genesis 29); the trials of the Israelites in the wilderness (begins Exodus 14); then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord (1^st Chronicles 16:33)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children or youth learning about modern heroes who make great sacrifice for their beliefs.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 363

Dynamic Duo: Book 1

Picture Book: Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah 

Author: Laurie Anne Thomson

Illustrator: Sean Qualls

Summary: Emmanuel, born in Ghana with only one fully developed leg, was not cast out as tradition would have it. Instead his mother, Comfort, named him “God is with Us” and told him he must do common tasks on his own. He learned to do what typical African boys do, like climb trees and fetch water. He earned money for the family by shining shoes. Comfort carried Emmanuel the two miles to school until she could carry him no longer; then he hopped to and from school. At school, he wanted to play soccer (“football” in Africa), but the boys wouldn’t let him so he saved his money, purchased a real ball, took it to school, and required them to let him play. When his mother became ill, Emmanuel went to the city to work to support his family. He worked at a food stand, but he continually dealt with prejudice. Before his mother died, she encouraged him to “never beg and never give up”. He decided to honor her by demonstrating to his country that “being disabled does not mean being unable.” The Challenged Athletes Foundation in California sent him a bicycle, helmet, shorts, socks, and gloves. After training, going door to door for support, and receiving a royal blessing from the king, he tied his handicapped leg to the bike frame and pedaled with the other leg nearly 400 miles in 10 days! When he stopped to rest, he spoke about the unfair plight of disabled people. As he pedaled, he wore the colors of his country and the words, “The Pozo” which means “The Disabled Person.” He gained attention from his fellow citizens, both disabled and able-bodied, and people from around the world, becoming a national and international hero who had changed the world.

Hanna’s Comments: This is the first in a PBT Dynamic Duo about heroes who have changed the world. In this book you’ll find a Note from the Author and information about Emmanuel’s charitable organization. Appropriately, religious lessons for children often focus on characters from scripture. It is my position that children will benefit greatly from lessons about contemporary heroes as well, especially if those heroes have faith-based reasons for their significant work. In today’s and tomorrow’s book, children can hear how the seeds of these changes began in childhood. Let these and other stories of contemporary heroes inspire the children in your family of faith to make positive changes in the world.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Random House, 2015

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

# of Pages: 40 

Available in Spanish? Not at present 

Formats other than Book: Tablet, There are several videos about Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah on Youtube.com including a trailer for the feature length film that shares the title of this picture book. 

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press, Biography, Non-fiction  

PBT Topics this Book connects with:  abilities, acceptance, action, adaptation/assimilation, Africa, aspiration/dreams, bravery/courage, challenges, commitment, confidence, difficulties, disabilities/handicaps/limitations, heroes, journeys/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, labor/work, leadership/servant leadership, mission, mothers, parents/parental love, participation, perseverance, power, steadfastness, strength/strength in God, underdogs, wisdom

Scripture Connections: We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character… (Romans 5:3-4); count it all joy when you meet trials of various kinds (James 1:2); blessed is the one who remains steadfast under trial (James 1:12)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children in your faith family to inspire them to make positive changes in the world. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 277

Picture Book: Sam and Dave Dig a Hole

Author: Mac Barnett

Illustrator: Jon Klassen

Summary: Sam and Dave begin their mission. They won’t stop digging until they find “something spectacular”. They dig straight down, but find nothing. They decide to dig in another direction, to the side. They dig in that direction for a while and then decide to split up and dig in two different directions. Each time, they find nothing so again they start digging together and straight down. Eventually they rest. Meanwhile, the dog, who all along has been giving hints as to what they are missing, begins digging straight down for a bone. All 3 characters fall through air to another home, an alternative reality of sorts. It looks very similar to the home they left. Upon landing, Sam and Dave declare, “That was pretty spectacular.”  Each illustration offers a cutaway view of Sam and Dave’s digging. Every time they change their direction, it is just before they are about to dig up a huge gem! Again and again in comical fashion, they miss a “spectacular something.” However, the characters are wise enough to realize that the journey in itself was spectacular.

Hanna’s Comments: The illustrations in this book are crucial to the enjoyment. I’m not just referring to where the huge gems are located, but also the dog’s behavior and the subtle differences between Sam and Dave’s location at the start and where they land. It will be important for your audience to be able to see these details so consider projecting the book on a screen or having multiple books with designated page turners who turn each page just as you do. Pacing is crucial in the delivery of this story. If you are reading to young children, you’ll need to explain beforehand that this is not a story based in our reality, although it seems to start that way. The ending is mysterious and up to interpretation. Encourage them all to interpret and discuss. There are many possibilities. You may want to read the book again after you have talked about it. If you plan to do this, don’t point out things the first time you read it, but do read slowly so that people have time to notice the details. Encourage them to be silent and attentive. Then the story becomes an individual journey, perhaps even “something spectacular” for each audience member.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Candlewick Press, 2014

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: action, adventure, blessings, choices/decisions, commitment, companionship, disappointment, doubt, exploration, friends/friendship, God’s will, grace, gratitude/thanksgiving, humanity, journeys/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, labor/work, land/mountains/soil, life, mission, mistakes, partners/teamwork, patience, perseverance, perspective, pets, purpose, satisfaction, searching, steadfastness, treasure, waiting, wisdom

Scripture Connections: Scripture stories of wandering (i.e. the Israelites in the wilderness), scripture stories of surprisingly good results (i.e. Joseph in Egypt), or scripture stories of realizing your priorities have changed (i.e. Paul on the road to Damascus)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of adults when you are talking about the idea of individual spiritual journeys, particularly the value of process over product.