Holding On to Grandparents

With gratitude practices as favored health regimens, Thanksgiving plans upon some (sorry I'm too late for countries who had Thanksgiving already), and legacies of our saints remembered in early November, this book seems perfect to feature. Meaningful rituals, issues of memory, a grateful orientation, profound joy, and loving grandparent legacies (think Lois mentioned in 2nd Timothy 1:2) are obvious scripture connections!

Picture Book: Holding On

Author: Sophia N. Lee

Illustrator: Isabel Roxas

Summary: This book begins: There is always singing in Lola’s house. From the point of view of a granddaughter with her grandmother only in summer, this book celebrates the pure love that skips a generation. 

Within sentences describing grandmother fun are profound statements of deeply meaningful love held with ritual. Lola tells her granddaughter: 

If you want to hold on, you gotta sing your songs.

The granddaughter explains how her grandmother holds on. Tokens from her childhood are treasured. Outgrown clothing is transformed into quilts. Photographs and framed childish drawings are dusted. 

The narrator holds on to all that her grandmother has taught her and “carries it in her heart.” Their loving rituals include singing, listening to music, dancing, cooking special recipes, even playing the lotto. Stories of her grandfather Lolo and the narrator’s infant ways are ritually shared too. 

When Lola no longer remembers some things, the granddaughter sings for her. She explains: 

It is my way of letting her know that’s it's okay if she doesn’t remember sometimes. I’ll remember for her.

Hanna’s Comments: Oh, how I wish I had grandmother memories like these! My sister is such a grandmother to my children. She tells me, “There is no love like grandmother love!” These lessons ground children with love of course, but also identity and meaning. They can be soothing in childhood and offer inner strength in adulthood. Encourage children who don’t have grandmothers in their lives to think about people who are invested in them unconditionally. Hopefully, they will think of people in their church family.

Original Publisher: Antheum, 2022

Age Appropriateness: 4 and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Any scripture about generational rituals or beliefs such as 2^nd Timothy 1:5 where Paul affirms the legacy of sincere faith from Timothy’s grandmother Lois. And there is Proverbs 22:6 which instructs us to train a child in ways that will not be lost when they are old.

More generally, this story connects to scriptures about gratitude, joy, and grandparents. Because so many Psalms were initially sung with sincere faith and with great joy, they too connect with this book and could lead to a powerful conversation about music and other worship rituals that are reminders of grandparents’ faith.

Connections to The Revised Common Lectionary: This book is listed in my Trinity Treasures preschool curriculum in Year C (theme: Faith from Family) on a week which lists the 2^nd Timothy scripture mentioned above.

PBT Applications: Read this book to a group of parents of young children. Help them identify the gifts and values their parents are passing or would want to pass on to future generations. Consider asking participants to bring a treasured item from an ancestor that symbolizes a particular legacy of faith from family.  

OR

Read it to a group of young children and ask them to draw or dramatize the ways their grandparents (or others in your church) show love.

If you are interested in learning more about 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.

Listen! It Might Be Joshua Bell!

Picture Book: The Man with the Violin

Author: Kathy Stinson

Illustrator: Dusan Petricic

Summary: Dylan and his mom hurry to the subway station. He is someone who notices things, but she does not. As they navigate the crowds, Dylan is struck by the sounds of a violinist. The music seems to be telling an exciting story! Then he hears “the saddest sound he has ever heard.” Dylan begs his mom to stop and listen, but she will not. He stretches their arms as long as possible to listen before they ride down the escalator. 

All day Dylan hears the music in his head! When he asks to return to the station, hoping the man will still be playing, Dylan’s mom asks, “What man?” That night, Dylan hears on the radio that the violinist he experienced is “one of the finest musicians in the world,” Joshua Bell, who played on “one of the most valuable violins ever made.” But still few people stopped to listen. Dylan now understands his strong response. He is swept up again, this time by the radio's recording of that morning’s music. AND this time, his mother listens and dances with him!

Hanna’s Comments: This book is a fictional story surrounding an actual event. Here is a link to a video of Joshua Bell’s performance in the Washington DC metro station on January 12, 2007. The book's last few pages have a bit about this event and Joshua Bell. The music Bell played that morning was a godly sound that Dylan couldn't forget. Talk about other kinds of godly sounds including other kinds of music and singing. Here are some possibilities: nature sounds, words of love, words that compel loving action, sounds that evoke positive memories, etc. Beforehand, contemplate godly sounds for yourself generally. Then you'll know what specific questions to prompt answers. 

Original Publisher: Annick Press, 2013

Age Appropriateness: 3 and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Eli told Samuel to return to bed and say, "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening. (1 Samuel 3:9); Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10); To answer before listening, that is folly and shame. (Proverbs 18:13); Jesus' transfiguration story in the 3 synoptic gospels (see next note);  Martha had a sister called Mary who sat at the Lord's feet listening. (Luke 10:39); Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. (James 1:19)

Connections to The Revised Common Lectionary: I listed this book in Trinity Treasures (my preschool curriculum based on the RCL & picture books) for 1 of the Transfiguration lessons. In that particular lesson, I focused on listening, because the disciples are instructed by God to listen to Jesus. 

PBT Applications: Read this book to tweens or teens and talk about godly sounds. If they will not respond well to a picture book, begin a story this way: Once there was a student who had to rush to school each morning.... They will all relate! Do give the author credit for the story. Show the video and then begin a discussion as described above in my comments.

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.

A Thanksgiving Grab & Go

As Thanksgiving season approaches, I'll be featuring some of my favorite picture books that emphasize gratitude. Here at PBT, a Grab & Go Book is one that has such rich content it requires little prep before using it in a group lesson. Today's  book describes the 20-year Thanksgiving tradition of a family in New York State in which over 200 friends and family are invited to celebrate in the woods.  

Picture Book: Thanksgiving in the Woods

Author: Phyllis Alsdurf

Illustrator: Jenny Lovlie
Summary: From the point of view of a young boy, this story builds with emotion as he prepares for the Thanksgiving tradition his grandparents have established.

His parents are excited too. Everyone gathers their outdoor clothes, some musical instruments, and treasures that make the season's rituals all the more pleasing. They drive a long way and finally meet up with Grandpa. The grandson climbs into the cab, and they're on their way to set-up for the feast and fun. 

They arrive at a clearing where cousins, aunts, and uncles are already busy preparing for the crowd to come. Bales of straw and wooden planks for makeshift tables are unloaded. A bonfire is prepared for lighting. 

The family gathers for a quick breakfast the next morning, anxious to get to the woods. 

Upon arrival, the kids start scrambling for kindling. Everyone needs to help with the preparations. A tractor arrives with a stately pair of grandparents in tow along with some other guests and pots loaded with foods for the feast. Hundreds of folks begin arriving with more food and a spirit of gratitude and anticipation. 

When the time is just right, all gather and sing the song Simple Gifts. Plates are piled high. The children have built a special fort for their own smaller Thanksgiving in the woods. 

The festivities end with a huge circle of singing around a warm bonfire. The young narrator joins in with his recorder. Marshmallows are roasted amid the glow of the smoky fire. Yum! The days' experiences linger as the evening comes to a close. Folks pack their gear and head to nearby cars or homes. 

The boy and his immediate family make their way back to his grandparents' house, full of good food and marvelous memories.  From behind he hears a few voices around the fire still.

'Tis the gift to be simple.
'Tis the gift to be free.
'Tis the gift to come down 
where you ought to be. 

It's a perfect ending to a woodsy Thanksgiving tradition.

Hanna’s Comments: This is a secular view of an annual holiday that is grounded in faith for so many. It's a celebration of community, hospitality, and joyful feasting which are all important rituals and sacred practices in most faith communities. The song that is sung is an old Shaker hymn. The score for "Simple Gifts" is included in the back. Consider singing it together as a part of your program. 

Original Publisher & Date: Sparkhouse Family, 2017

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: I will give to The Lord the thanks due for The Lord’s righteousness… (Psalm 7:17); Give thanks to The Lord for The Lord is good… (Psalm 107:1); They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. (Acts 2:42); Let us consider how to stir up one another in love and good works, not neglecting to meet together… (Hebrews 10: 24); Give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book as a Thanksgiving treat for your faith family.

Another New God Book!

Sorry for the delay in posting, folks. I have been sick. It’s great to feel healthy again and ready to share a story! Here is another wonderful book about the nature and gifts of God, what I call here at PBT a God book.

Picture Book: When God Gave Us Words

Author: Sandy Eisenberg Sasso

Illustrator: Darcy Day Zoells

Summary: This is a wisdom tale about all sorts of human words. God believes humans will "make something beautiful with words,"

but the angels (represented in glorious geometric form) are not so sure and just might be jealous. They deliver the words, all sorts of words - long (leading to dictionaries) silly (gibberish is mentioned), hard to spell (here comes spelling lists!). Then God and the angels listen. Even when the angels thought there were enough words (we humans do go on!), God wanted more words. Then the humans started distorting and dirtying words. Gossip, curses, and threats were heard. God was about to take all the words back, but humans began to get creative. They found music and rhythm. 

Dance and poetry and jokes and stories and prayers began to enchant God, and even the angels, so the words remained. Our world is all the better for those many, many words.

Hanna’s Comments: I’m a big fan of this author. You might want to check out her fabulous conversation with Krista Tippett on the On Being podcast (my favorite podcast!). It’s an old but relevant conversation The Spirituality of Parenting. Listening to this wisdom would benefit any church leader. I’ve featured several of her books at PBT. Check out a classic [here] and 2 new books by this same amazing publisher [here] and [here]. Or you can simply type in "Sasso" in the search box at the top right.

Original Publisher & Date: Flyaway Books, 2018

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Let the words of my mouth… (Psalm 19:14); For by your words you will be justified… (Matthew 12:37); [Let come from your mouths] only such [words] as is good for building up… (Ephesians 4:29); Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God through him. (Colossians 3:17)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of tweens or teens. Then celebrate and explore the power (blessings, deceptions, beauty, damage, curses...) of human language. Then expand your conversation to include the languages of non-humans on earth as well. They will love it!

Iowa Presentation: Book #5

Below is my initial post about the last of the 5 books I talked about at my presentations in Iowa. It may be a personal favorite because it is so weird and wonderful. I hope you find ways to use it in your ministry among the many suggestions I've given you below. Here's that post:

One of the benefits of PBT is bringing high-quality secular stories to audiences of faith. Encouraging connections between that story and scripture boosts faithful responses for several reasons. Check out my Picture Books in Ministry tab for more about this. There is so much "below the surface" of these secular picture books!

Children's literature is getting better and better! Some stories are so good, you want your audience to explore them thoroughly, like the PBT book I'm featuring today. This new picture book has 2 protagonists so I encourage you to do what I call The PBT Flip-Flop, which involves finding the connections in opposite aspects of the story. I explain more in my comments below. It's so simple to do!

Picture Book: Hattie & Hudson

Author & Illustrator: Chris Van Dusen

Summary: Hattie lives near a beautiful lake. She has an nature exploration ritual every morning.

On this particular morning, Hattie sings a sort of invitation song in her canoe. A huge creature, who usually stays hidden deep within the lake, is lured by Hattie’s lovely song. He decides to breach the surface, something he has not done for a very long time despite being very lonely. 

 

When the creature surfaces, Hattie is intrigued so she keeps singing. 

After looking in the creature’s eyes, Hattie knows there is no reason to fear. The creature even begins to harmonize with her!

However, the others on the lake soon see the creature and are terrified. The creature disappears into the waters. 

Both Hattie & the creature wonder if they'll see each other again. That evening Hattie decides to venture out and see. 

They do meet again. Hattie isn't afraid of the two eyes below the surface

or the creature's head when it emerges. She names her new friend Hudson. 

They play together all night and plan to meet again the next evening. 

The next day a meeting at The Town Hall is all about "getting rid of ...the Deadly Beast." Hattie tries to speak up, but there's no room for her voice. 

When Hattie and Hudson meet again, Hattie explains the adults' plan. Hudson surprises her with a bump of the canoe and a smile, then another bump and smile. Hattie soon understands. 

Next morning as her neighbors prepare, Hattie paddles to the center of the lake and waits for Hudson. 

 Hudson gently overturns Hattie's canoe. 

Then Hattie's acting begins. She makes sure her screams of terror are heard by the neighbors. As expected, they jump in their boats to rescue her. 

 

Just as they get close, Hudson to the rescue! 

The neighbors all watch in amazement as Hudson lifts Hattie above the water. 

Hudson gently swims Hattie to the pier and places her there. 

Next, Hattie holds a meeting of her own. She introduces Hudson, declares him to be safe, and assures everyone that once they get to know him, he will be their friend too. A boy approaches, and eventually others befriend Hudson. 

Once Hudson is fully integrated into the community, people from far away come to meet and play with him, the "famous friendly monster."  

But at night, it is just Hattie and Hudson growing and playing together.

Hanna’s Comments: If you are inclined create or piggyback a tune for Hattie’s song and sing it while reading. A musical friend of mine suggested trying the tune to "Do Your Ears Hang Low." Singing will enhance this story experience. The PBT Flip-Flop method is to read the story and then have 2 very different (even opposite) conversations. With this book, I encourage you to ask your audience the 2 questions below. Ask the second question only after the first has been discussed.

How is God (or Jesus) like Hattie?

How is God (or Jesus) like Hudson?

Another way you can use this book is to encourage connections to the gospel story in which Jesus heals the man born blind who then must defend Jesus to the Pharisees. Simply ask your audience to find any connections between that gospel story and the picture book. The stories don't have to be parallel. They just have to have some connections. Another Bible story to consider is Philip and the Eunuch. Notice the holy ideas that are here such as Hattie's contemplative ritual each morning. There's an aspect of worship in her ritual. Consider Hudson being lured by Hattie's song. That's like previenent grace. There's a lot of holy risk-taking and justice seeking for the stranger in this story. Talk about those! 

Original Publisher & Date: Candlewick Press, 2017

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Do not be conformed to this world... (Romans 12:2); Scriptures about the nature of God such God being viewed as a shield for all who need refuge (Psalm 18:30) Or the nature of Jesus such as when he heals the man born blind (John 9:1-34) or Philip, Jesus' disciple, welcoming a eunuch into Christianity (Acts 8:26-40); verses about welcoming the stranger such as when Jesus heals the Bent-Over Woman (Luke 13:10-16) or Jesus visiting Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10) Or scriptures about wisdom or discernment when faced with a problem

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of tweens or older and ask them to find connections via The PBT Flip-Flop method as described above in my comments. 

Iowa Presentation: Book #4

At the Iowa CEF conference, I shared one of my favorite picture books. I love it because it's both ridiculous and full of scripture connections! Share it with your faith family.

Picture Book: The Bear and the Piano

Author & Illustrator: David Litchfield 

Summary: This beautiful picture book involves a bear cub discovering a piano in a forest. 

He is intrigued by the sound the pressed keys make and experiments. Years later, he plays beautifully and a forest audience forms. The bear is happy and dreams of “strange and wonderful lands.”  

When a young girl and her father, hear the music and discover the artist, they lure him to the city to experience and play music . There he can perform for bigger crowds!

He is a great success, winning fame and awards. He realizes all he had hoped for in the city, but he misses the forest and his friends. 

He returns to the forest and anxiously looks for friends to tell of his success. When the piano is not where he expects, he worries that his friends have forgotten him or were hurt that he left. After encountering another bear who runs away, he follows while apologizing for leaving. Then he finds the piano. 

Behind it is an altar of sorts, with memorabilia of his musical success. The bear realizes that his earliest audience members were watching from afar and hoping for him to have success and fulfill his dreams.

Hanna’s Comments: I love this beautifully absurd book! There is so much here about the God-given desire we have to explore, create, and experience art & beauty. When you discuss this book with children or adults, don’t just focus on the bear character. Have your audience consider the perspectives of the forest audience, the daughter, and others who encourage the bear’s success in the city. Might you consider the piano similar to the burning bush? This book also relates to the homecoming of The Prodigal Son. He doesn't have to be presented as a negative character. All of us go away from our home in one way or another. Also, there's Abraham & Sarah's journey away from home and God's promise that they will be blessed to be a blessing. In a discussion with adults, end with the question, "What's your piano?"

Original Publisher & Date: Clarion, 2015

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up
Formats other than Book: Tablet
Scripture Connections: Made in God's image (Genesis 1:27); Abraham & Sarah leave home - blessed to be a blessing (Genesis 12:1-5); Jacob leaves home and then returns unsure (Genesis 33:1-17); The Great Commandment  (Deuteronomy 6:5, Mark 12:31); Make a joyful noise (Psalm 100:1); Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25: 14-30); the homecoming of The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32); As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace (1 Peter 4:10)
Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of elementary students or confirmands who are learning about how human artistry is the result of God’s image in us so that we may create for joy and problem solving. You can also explore the importance of a supportive community to help us realize who we are supposed to be. Adults would enjoy this book in a small group or team who is considering ways to contribute to the Kingdom of God through artistry or support of the arts.