PBT Stories #6 Arts Camp & Flight School

Today my urban church, First United Methodist Birmingham, AL, finishes a 10^th Arts Camp in which children from all over our city come together for positive art experiences while learning about being in loving relationship with God. This is the theme and logo:

They have drummed, sung, danced, created visual art, and entered a transformed room where a Bible story or concept came alive for them. My husband Bill writes & plans the Bible Story curricula and is their lead playmate during this time. Ask most kids what their favorite Arts Camp experiences are and they’ll say Bible Story because of the novelty and affirmation received thanks to my husband. This year's theme related to flight so science and history were highlighted as well. 

One day Bill read from a screen the PBT book below and dressed as the penguin in the story. A plush penguin was transformed as well. On that day, they talked about Peter's passionate plea to The Jerusalem Council to include gentiles (read penguins) who wanted to soar with the Christians. You can imagine the delight the children had in hearing and playing this story. Here's my re-post:

Picture Book: Flight School

Author & Illustrator: Lita Judge

Summary: When Little Penguin shows up at flight school, he claims he has the “soul of an eagle” and was “hatched to fly.” 

He is allowed to stay and practice with the other birds. When students attempt their first flight, Penguin’s flight is a disaster. 

He becomes discouraged. This troubles his flight teachers who suddenly have a creative idea. More feathers are attached to Penguin with string and soon he is in flight, soaring with joy, at least for a little while. 

But how did this happen? With help from a friend.

This time Penguin’s eventual fall did not bother him for he had “soared on the wind.” He went home and soon returned with another, even bigger challenge for the flight school teachers.

Hanna’s Comments:  This is a great book for parents and teachers to read for it is a tribute to those who encourage the young and find creative ways to help them be successful. 

How does this inspiring book fit with theology? How about reading this book to children and attaching it to Isaiah 40, a verse often heard by children but rarely explained. You could also focus on the benefits of community and friendship for encouragement and helping us soar into our dreams and vocations. 

Connect with the body of Christ imagery that Paul gives and you’ve got many potential scripture connections.

Original Publisher & Date: Atheneum, 2014

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections:  Those who wait on the Lord shall mount up with wings like eagles (Isaiah 40:31); Body of Christ imagery (in Paul’s letters); look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others (Philippians 2:4); encourage one another and build one another up (1 Thessalonians 5:11); do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God (Hebrews 13:16)
Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of private school or homeschool teachers who you want to encourage to be creative in helping their children succeed. Connect to a scripture choice from above to give it a godly vocational dimension.  

Update: This book now has a sequel that is delightful!

In the new book, Penguin, with the help of his friends, flies home to Antarctica to teach them the magic of flight. However, they're more interested in swimming. Penguin must accept that his penguin friends don't share his desire to fly. They do tell him they are quite proud of him and will be looking up at the sky and thinking of him, their much-loved Penguin with the soul of an eagle.

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. 

You Shall Mount Up with Wings

Picture Book: Flight School

Author & Illustrator: Lita Judge

Summary: When Little Penguin shows up at flight school, he claims he has the “soul of an eagle” and was “hatched to fly.” 

He is allowed to stay and practice with the other birds. When students attempt their first flight, Penguin’s flight is a disaster. 

He becomes discouraged. This troubles his flight teachers who suddenly have a creative idea. More feathers are attached to Penguin with string and soon he is in flight, soaring with joy, at least for a little while. 

But how did this happen? With help from a friend. 

This time Penguin’s eventual fall did not bother him for he had “soared on the wind.” He went home and soon returned with another friend who offers an even bigger challenge for the flight school teachers.

Hanna’s Comments:  This is a great book for parents and teachers to read for it is a tribute to those who encourage the young and find creative ways to help them be successful. 

How does this inspiring book fit with theology? How about reading this book to children and attaching it to Isaiah 40:31, a verse often heard by children but rarely explained. You could also focus on the benefits of community and friendship for encouragement and helping us soar into our dreams and vocations. 

Also, connect with the Body of Christ imagery that Paul gives and you’ve got many potential scripture connections.

Original Publisher & Date: Atheneum, 2014

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections:  Those who wait on the Lord shall mount up with wings like eagles (Isaiah 40:31); Body of Christ imagery (in Paul’s letters); look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others (Philippians 2:4); encourage one another and build one another up (1 Thessalonians 5:11); do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God (Hebrews 13:16) 
Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of private school or homeschool teachers who you want to encourage to be creative in helping their children succeed. Connect to a scripture choice from above to give it a godly vocational dimension.  

Update: This book now has a sequel that is delightful!

In the new book, Penguin, with the help of his friends, flies home to Antarctica to teach them the magic of flight. However, they're more interested in swimming. Penguin must accept that his penguin friends don't share his desire to fly. They do tell him they are quite proud of him and will be looking up at the sky and thinking of him, their much-loved Penguin with the soul of an eagle.

The Symbolism of a Box

Several months ago, I ran across Jessica’s Box by Peter Carnavas and loved it immediately, but it wasn’t widely available. I’m pleased to tell you about it now. If your local library doesn’t have it yet, request it. Better yet, purchase a copy for yourself and one for your library. This rich book will have you and your family, classroom, or congregation considering just what is Jessica’s box while delighting in her gumption.

Jessica is nervous because she is about to start school. Her family is supportive and hopes she will make “plenty of friends.” Jessica has a plan to do just that. She brings a box to school, hoping to build curiosity about its contents. When she reveals a teddy bear, her peers are unimpressed and wander away. Jessica is both surprised and disappointed.

That night her mom, while they do yoga (I love this illustration!) advises her to “try something else. Next Jessica makes and brings cupcakes in her box. The goodies are quickly gobbled, but just as quickly, Jessica’s classmates disappear without even a “thank you.”

Jessica decides that her dog should be the next box surprise. Doris will win them over! The children love Doris, but not the school’s groundskeeper who declares that dogs aren’t allowed and takes Doris back home.” That night, Jessica and her father quietly consider possibilities under a full moon, another wonderful illustration!

Finally, Jessica brings nothing in her box; instead she uses it to quietly disappear. A boy assumes she is playing Hide & Seek so he says, “Found you!... Now you have to find me. Count to ten.” Jessica, realizes she has found a friend after all and begins counting.

After reporting that she did make a friend at school, Jessica’s grandpa says, “You must have had something very special in your box today.” Jessica smiles and says, “I did.”

There are many aspects of this book that are especially positive. First of all, Jessica’s wheelchair and the reason she needs it are never mentioned. She is a typical, capable, child. I love this! We’ve come a long way in children’s literature!

I also love some little touches in the illustrations such as a bird that will be fun for children to spot. What I mostly love about this picture book is the potential symbolism of Jessica’s box.

I read this book to my family and some dinner guests one evening. I wasn’t surprised to hear each of them offering different possibilities of what Jessica’s box might represent. Of course, there’s no correct answer. The possibilities are many. If you want to hear some of those possibilities, let me know in a comment and I’ll share my ideas. Meanwhile, consider how you might use this book to talk about secrets, wholeness, generosity, offering, friendship, anxiety, transitions, family, creativity, hope, limits, community, vulnerability, gratitude, resilience, and affirmation. Scripture abounds with connections to these ideas and all that might be symbolic of Jessica’s box.  

Picture Book: Jessica’s Box

Author & Illustrator: Peter Carnavas

Original Publisher & Date: New Frontier, 2008 

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up
Formats other than Book: Not at present

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 209

Picture Book: Bully

Author & Illustrator: Patricia Polacco

Summary: On her first day of school, Lyla meets Jamie a new 6^th grade boy. When Lyla makes cheerleader, she must keep her friendship with Jamie secret because of her new popular friends. When Lyla witnesses cyber-bullying with Jamie as one of the targets, she is ashamed and tries to distance herself from the girls. When she defends eating lunch with Jamie, Lyla becomes the target of their cyber-bullying.

Hanna’s Comments: The context of this book will be very familiar to older elementary and middle school students. It should serve as a great tool for discussion because the modern characters are well-developed and this issue is very pertinent to many teens and pre-teens. Do note the length of this text and allow time for discussion. Cyber-bullying has become a serious issue of concern for too many students and adults. Its effects can be devastating and permanent. Families of faith are not immune. In fact, it behooves those of us who have influence on youth to offer a place for honest discussion and the teaching of coping strategies, proactive approaches, and moral guidance before this issue detrimentally affects our communities. This book ends the PBT focus on bullying. I hope that you find these books to be helpful resources.

Publisher & Date of Publication: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2012

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 7 and up, 2^nd and up

# of Pages: 48

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abuse/abuse of power, belonging, betrayal, bullying/martyrs/persecution/oppression, challenges, choices/decisions, commitment, communication, conflict, discord, education/learning/school, emotions/feelings, enemies, ethics, evil, exclusion/inclusion,  friends/friendship, injustice, new school, peer pressure, power, relationships, resisting evil, righteousness, victims

Scripture Connections: A friend loves at all time (Proverbs 17:17); whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor (Proverbs 21:21)

Idea(s) for Application: Consider reading this book to tweens or junior highs in your faith community when talking about issues surrounding bullying or cyber-bullying.  

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 97

Dynamic Duo: Book 1

Picture Book: Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon

Author: Patty Lovell

Illustrator: David Catrow

Summary: Molly Lou Melon is tiny, buck-toothed, and somewhat clumsy, but her grandmother’s encouragements make all the difference for her. This girl knows how to be her incredible self! Even the students in her new school are enamored with her, except for Ronald Durkin. Ronald tries to bully little Molly, but that gets him nowhere. Soon he is won over by Molly’s charm, gumption, and amazing confidence.

Hanna’s Comments: Her grandmother’s unconditional love has transformed Molly Lou's liabilities and idiosyncrasies into superb talents and strengths. Although her abilities may lean toward the miraculous, Molly Lou is certainly a role model for any child who has self-doubts. The illustrations in this picture book and its sequel are hilarious. The sequel is the 2^nd PBT Dynamic Duo entry and will be featured in tomorrow’s post.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Putnam, 2002

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Amateur videos on Youtube.com

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, acceptance, authenticity, belonging, bullying/martyrs/persecution/oppression, confidence, conformity, differences, encouragement, gifts/giftedness/talents, gladness/happiness, grandparents, image of God, individuality/uniqueness, leadership/servant leadership, new school, play, risking, self-acceptance/self-image/self-esteem

Scripture Connections: Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book before exploring the story of Zacchaeus with children.