Refugees

(all illustrations are from the featured book)

Today’s PBT feature book is the latest I’ve shared about refugee children and their families. In the wake of recent political events, people in your faith communities may benefit from hearing stories of refugees and discerning their appropriate responses to the issues and to families who immigrate.

Picture Book Theology is perfect for exploring potentially contentious issues across age groups because people feel comfortable and nostalgic around picture books. Also, sometimes people are wary (and weary) of information from the internet or other media outlets. Picture books are a nice change. No matter your sources, always connect the story or information to the ideals of scripture and your faith traditions and encourage faithful and respectful questions and responses.

You’ll find the other PBT posts where I featured several books each about refugees [here] and [here]. The book I featured about Jesus’ family and their refuge experience is the 2nd book posted about [here.] Choose wisely. These stories have power. And listen empathically to the concerns of people on all sides of this issue.

Also, I just heard an excellent interview about this issue and the political differences within churches. Adam Hamilton, pastor at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection spoke with NPR. Find it [here]. My church just happened to be finishing this past Sunday a sermon series called Refuge, planned months ago. For that series, we placed 2 identical banners on our church which have received lots of attention. Check out an article and photo of our banner [here]. Now today's wonderful story:

Picture Book: My Name is Sangoel

Author: Karen Lynn Williams & Khadra Mohammed

Illustrator: Catherine Stock

Summary: Sangoel is a young Somali refugee who has been living in a refugee camp. 

While saying goodbye before he leaves to immigrate, his wise mentor reminds Sangoel to be proud of his name, the Dinka name of many of his ancestors. “You will be Sangoel even in America.” 

Sangoel waves a final goodbye to his friends and gets on a “sky boat” that takes him, his mother, and sister to America. 

In the airport, they are amazed by the people, their pace, the noise, and all there is to see. After seeing Sangoel’s name on a poster, they meet Mrs. Johnson. 

She greets them and has trouble pronouncing Sangoel’s name which is both his sir name and family name. 

They are taken to their new apartment where they are again amazed by the stove and TV. As Sangoel transitions to new environments (their apartment,

the doctor’s office,

school, 

and soccer) 

people are not able to correctly pronounce "Sangoel." This disturbs him until he comes up with an ingenious way for others to remember how to pronounce his name. 

He finds a white shirt from the used clothes and toys he has been given, and creates a code for pronouncing his name. 

At school, Sangoel’s code is popular and other children spontaneously begin creating codes for their own names. Can you decipher their codes?

The teacher is pleased and encourages this creativity and compliments Sangoel on his name. He explains the importance of his name and declares that he is Sangoel, even in America.

Hanna’s Comments: Besides the obvious connections this story makes to biblical themes of practicing hospitality, immigration, and refugees, there is an opportunity to explore the importance of names, another biblical theme. I thought of the concept of dignity as I read this book. The pronunciation of Sangoel’s name seems to be crutial to his dignity and pride.  There is an Author’s Note in the back of the book about the Dinka traditional names and the experiences of many refugees.

Original Publisher & Date: Erdman’s, 2009

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 6 and up, 1^st and up

Formats other than Book: None at present 

Scripture Connections: All are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27); when a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong…(Leviticus 19:33-34); strength and dignity are her clothing (Proverbs 31:25); … I was a stranger and you welcomed me (Matthew 25:35); you are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28); do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers (Hebrews 13:2)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group in your faith family when considering the issues of immigration & refugees and the practice of hospitality. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 315

Dynamic Duo: Book 2

Picture Book: Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla

Author: Katherine Applegate

Illustrator: G. Brian Karas

Summary: The first 7 pages of this picture book are about Ivan’s idyllic life with his gorilla family in Central Africa. Then a poacher takes Ivan and another baby gorilla and transports them inside a small crate to Tacoma, Washington where an owner of a shopping mall had placed an order for them “like a couple of pizzas.” They were named Burma and Ivan after a Name the Baby Gorillas Contest. Sadly, soon after their arrival Burma died, and Ivan was alone. For his first three years in America, Ivan lived in a human home and was cuddled and played with by humans.  Eventually he was placed in a cage in the mall where he grew into a silverback gorilla. He had a TV and a few toys, but mostly he watched the people through a window. Shoppers began to react negatively to Ivan’s lonely life, but it wasn’t until he had lived in his cage for 27 years that he was gently moved to Zoo Atlanta where scientists helped him adapt to a more jungle-like lifestyle. There are a few photographs of the gorillas in the back of the book along with some more facts and even a painting by Ivan.  

Hanna’s Comments: This second PBT Dynamic Duo offering about rescued animals is quite different than those offered yesterday. Because this story is beautifully animated and reads less like a documentary and more like a children’s story, the realities of Ivan’s life are not as harsh as my summary might suggest. Do consider the sensitivities of your young audiences though when choosing non-fiction stories or videos about animals that are mistreated. I could have featured many more picture books like these some of which involve cross-species relationships that fascinate scientists. Here are a few others:

Terra & Bella: The Elephant and Dog Who Became Best Friends

Suryia & Rosco: The True Story of an Unlikely Friendship

Kate & Pippin: An Unlikely Love Story

Knut: How One Little Polar Bear Captivated the World

Publisher & Date of Publication: Clarion Books, 2014

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet, The back of this book explains that you can access a slideshow about Ivan at www.ZooAtlanta.org.

PBT Category: Non-fiction

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abuse/abuse of power, adaptation/assimilation, Africa, America, animals, brokenness, cruelty, the environment/nature, exile/separation, fear, greed/selfishness, growing up/growth, loneliness, neglect, new home/relocation, pets, poaching/stealing/theft, rescue, respect, victims

Scripture Connections: Peaceable Kingdom (Isaiah 11:6); love is patient and kind (1 Corinthians 13:4); let all you do be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:14)

Idea(s) for Application: Use any of these picture books about animals when talking about God’s creative design of various species and how humans have been encouraged to be their caretakers. OR Use these books to speak about the various ways love can be demonstrated, even across species. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 260

Terrific Trio: Book 3

Picture Book: Forget Me Not

Author: Nancy Van Laan

Illustrator: Stephanie Graegin

Summary: This story is from the point of view of Julia, a granddaughter whose grandmother is changing. She is becoming more and more forgetful and this troubles Julia. When Grandma’s odd behavior becomes too risky, Julia is told that she has “a sickness” and Grandma is transitioned to a care facility. Although Julia doesn’t like the loss of Grandma’s home, a home which means so much to her, she begins to understand that the move is necessary. Julia plans to fill Grandma’s room come spring with forget-me-nots, a favorite flower.

Hanna’s Comments: This last book in this PBT Terrific Trio about declining mental capacity in elderly matriarchs is more detailed as to the gradual deterioration of the aging character’s mental capacity and the child’s reaction. Choose wisely among these books while considering the experiences and maturity of the children in your audience. I believe all of three books are written with appropriate sensitivity. My hope is that using one or more of these books will encourage conversations about a subject that affects many families but is not discussed and is too often a point of shame.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Schwartz & Wade Books, 2014

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, acceptance, aging, bonds/connections, change, death/loss/grief, disabilities/handicaps/limitations, endings, flowers/leaves/trees, family, grandparents, home, illness, memories/remembering/ritual/tradition, mental illness, new home/relocation, patience

Scripture Connections: Honor your father and mother (Exodus 20:12); grandchildren are the crown of the aged (Proverbs 17:6); I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois (2 Timothy 1:5)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to children or youth in your faith community who are beginning a mission project for the elderly, particularly if it involves time at a care facility with an Alzheimer’s unit.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 203

Picture Book: Corduroy

Author & Illustrator: Don Freeman

Summary: Corduroy is a teddy bear who is waiting in a large department store’s toy area, hoping for a child to claim him and take him home. A little girl does want him, but her mother comments on the missing button for his overalls and says no. Corduroy overhears this conversation so during closing hours he goes looking for a button. He manages to get on the elevator. Then he goes to the furniture department. While trying to pull the button off a mattress, he knocks over some furniture and is heard by the night watchman who finds Corduroy and takes him back to his place on the toy shelf. The next day, the little girl arrives with her own money to buy her beloved bear. She takes him home and sews a button on his overalls.   

Hanna’s Comments: This picture book classic is loved by many, but what can it offer a faith community? How about an illustration of unconditional love, grace, and compassion? There is also the concept of adoption that is an aspect of the Christian scriptures. Consider reading this warm and fuzzy (ha!) classic to the children in your faith community or classroom and exploring God's amazing love for us all, no matter whether we have all our buttons or not!

Publisher & Date of Publication: Viking Press, 1968

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Video, Audio CD

PBT Category: Classic, Award Winner

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, adoption, affection, affirmation, anxiety/worry, belonging, brokenness, caring/tending, chosen, disappointment, found, gentleness/meekness, God’s nature, grace, home, journeys/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, love, money, new home/location, nurturing, orphans, possessions, wisdom

Scripture Connections: Love bears (I couldn’t resist - sorry!) all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. (1 Corinthians 13:7-8a)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this to a group of young children who are exploring the idea of unconditional love and compare the little girl's love to God’s loving nature. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 56

Picture Book: The Quilt Story

Author: Tony Johnston

Illustrator: Tomie dePaola

Summary: A quilt is created for a pioneer girl by her mother. It offers the child comfort as her family transitions to their new home. Years later, this treasured object is placed in an attic where a mouse family and then a cat family make it their home. Generations later, another young girl finds the quilt. Her mother patches it, and it becomes her comfort object as they transition to a new home.

Hanna’s Comments: What I loved about this story is its demonstration of how objects can be comforting and connect us with previous generations. It is not clear whether the families are related, but an antique photograph in many of the illustrations implies that they are. Make this assumption, and you have the added benefit of talking about family heirlooms and heritage. Don’t limit your conversation to objects. Consider beliefs and rituals. 

Publisher & Date of Publication: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1985 

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

# of Pages: 32 

Available in Spanish? Not at present 

Formats other than Book: Audio cassette

PBT Category: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: ancestors/patriarchs & matriarchs, comfort, family, fear, found, God’s presence, heritage, home, mothers, new home/relocation, possessions, presence, reassurance, time/timing/over time, treasure

Scripture Connections: The Ark of the Covenant

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book as part of a lesson on the comfort offered from familiar/memorized scriptures, scriptural stories, or hymns.

A Picture Book A Day for a Year: Day 22

Picture Book: The Runaway Bunny

Author: Margaret Wise Brown

Illustrator: Clement Hurd

Summary: A young bunny decides to run away, but his mother explains how she will always find him. In the imaginary game of chase that follows, the bunny proposes taking various forms, but she explains that no matter where he goes or what form he takes she will always finds him.

Hanna’s Comments: The author of this classic as well as others such as Goodnight Moon and The Big Red Barn had astounding skills for writing simply but in ways that strongly connect with young children’s needs & interests.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Harper Collins, original edition 1942

Age and Grade Appropriateness: 2 and up, toddler and up

# of Pages: 48

Available in Spanish? yes

Formats other than Book: Youtube video, Audio CD, Audible 

PBT Category: Classic

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: babies/children, bonds/connections/connectedness, choices/decisions, exile/separation, found, God’s care/providence, God’s nature, God’s presence, hiding/isolation/separation/walls, home, journeys/pilgrimages/migration/quests, love, mothers, new home/relocation, nurturing, parents/parental love, prevenient grace, steadfastness

Scripture Connections: Jonah tries to run away from God (Jonah 1), boy Jesus at the Temple (Luke 2: 41-49)

Idea(s) for Application: as part of a sermon explaining God’s prevenient grace