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 Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 297

Picture Book: Be Gentle

Author & Illustrator: Virginia Miller

Summary: Bartholomew loves his new little black kitten, but he’s not yet learned how to handle his new pet. George, an adult bear, tells him to “be gentle because she is only little.” After some squashing, scary rides, and a surprise with the garden hose, Bartholomew is reminded to be gentle. Each time he says, “Nah!” Bartholomew plays the drums for the new kitten, but she runs away. Then he is sad and sorry so he goes to his secret hiding place, where he finds the little black kitten. He handles her gently, and she purrs. He is learning.

Hanna’s Comments: Gentleness is one of the fruits of the Spirit mentioned in Paul’s letter to the Galatians. Gentleness has many forms besides what is represented here, but this is a great first lesson for very young children in how to treat others, not just pets. Note that a board book publication of this book has a different cover than the one you see photographed here.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Candlewick Press, 1997

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 2 and up, Toddler and up

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Pre 2K 

PBT Topics this Book connects with: action, adaptation/assimilation, affection, animals, babies/children, caring/tending, care of creation, comfort, companionship, conformity, education/learning/school, fear, fruit/fruit of the Spirit, gentleness/meekness, God’s will, golden rule, goodness, hiding/isolation, mistakes, noise/sound/voice, nurturing, pets, play, power, regret/repentance, respect, victims

Scripture Connections: The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22); the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason… (James 3:17)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of very young children who are learning how to care for and respect God’s creatures or the fruits of the Spirit. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 156

Picture Book: When Lions Roar

Author: Robie H. Harris

Illustrator: Chris Raschka

Summary: This book begins: “When lions roar! When monkeys screech! When lightning cracks! When thunder booms!” The list of loud fears continues. In the middle: “The scary is near! The scary is here! So I sit right down. Shut my eyes tight. ‘Go away,’ I say. ‘Scary go away.’ And then - the quiet is back. So I open my eyes. And stand right up.” What follows is a list of quiet sounds. Then the ending, “The scary is gone. And I go on my way.”

Hanna’s Comments: This comforting story dramatizes some great emotional intelligence. This boy knows the source of his fears, and demonstrates strategies to deal with them. Afterwards he is able to reassure himself by focusing on the quiet, non-threatening aspects of his life. Dealing with fears is a crucial part of childhood. Being able to talk about good strategies is a valuable part of faith development particularly when learning to rely on the comforting presence of God and loving adults in your religious community.  

Publisher & Date of Publication: Scholastic, 2013

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

# of Pages: 32

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: adaptation/assimilation, anxiety/worry, armor, bravery/courage, comfort, danger, emotions/feelings, fear, God’s presence, insecurity, noise/sounds/voice, non-violence/peaceful resistance, power, prayer, quiet/silence, reassurance, reflection, safety, safe place/sanctuary, self-control, storms, strength/strength in God, transformation

Scripture Connections: Any scriptures about fear or courage such as Elijah in the cave (1 Kings 19); fear not, for I am with you (Isaiah 41:10); Jesus'disciples in the boat during a windstorm (Mark 4:35-41); (God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7)

Idea(s) for Application: When I read this book, I immediately thought of Elijah struggling with his fears, searching for God to comfort him, and listening for God in the quiet. It is a powerful scripture story that should be taught to children. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 26

Picture Book: Henry’s Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad
 
Author: Ellen Levine

Illustrator: Kadir Nelson

Summary: This is a true story of a slave who ingeniously found a way to escape to freedom after his family is sold from him. Henry arranges himself inside a box to be mailed to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The illustrator cleverly shows readers Henry’s position inside the box. After obtaining his freedom, his nickname became Henry “Box” Brown.

Hanna’s Comments: This is a compelling story that illustrates the heartbreak and horrors of slavery including the pain that separation from family can bring. It also cleverly demonstrates the lengths to which one man would go through for freedom at last. The fact that this story is a true makes it all the more powerful.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Scholastic, 2007

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: audio CD, Audible

PBT Category: Non-fiction, Award Winner (Caldecott Honor Book)

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abuse/abuse of power, bravery/courage, challenges, found, freedom, injustice, journeys/pilgrimages/migration/quests, noise/sounds/voice, patience, perseverance, prisons/prisoners, quiet/silence, race relations/racism, resurrection, risking, slavery/slaves, social justice, travel, waiting

Scripture Connections: the escape from Egypt (Exodus 13 & 14), the Lord has anointed me to proclaim liberty to the captives (Isaiah 61:1), do not submit again to a yoke of slavery (Galatians 5:1)

Idea(s) for Application: This book is perfect for a homeschool or private school history lesson on Henry “Box” Brown and how the church’s position on slavery has evolved over time.