PBT Grab & Go #16 - Extra Yarn

Here’s another gem in the PBT series I call Grab & Go in which I feature again secular books that are extremely easy to use in sacred settings. I don’t recommend this, but you could literally grab one of these books and go to your audience. The rich sacred connections will easily rise to the surface. Your job is simply to encourage your listeners as they find a godly character, spiritual practice, holy idea, or scripture connection. The book below is a favorite! In fact, I sell a lesson for elementary-aged kiddos connecting this book to the story in Acts of Dorcas/Tabitha’s resurrection. Contact me (see left column) if you’re interested in purchasing for just $4!

Picture Book: Extra Yarn

Author: Mac Barnett

Illustrator: Jon Klassen

Summary: In a colorless world, Annabelle finds a box filled with multi-colored yarn and begins knitting for herself and others. Miraculously, the yarn never runs out. As Annabelle faces criticism for her knitted pieces, she knits for the one who is criticizing and all are converted to the beauty and transformational nature of her work. When a rich archduke wants to purchase the extraordinary yarn and Annabelle refuses, he steals the box. Once in his castle, he opens the box to find it empty. Angrily he throws the box out into the ocean where it floats back to Annabelle so that she can continue her knitting.

Hanna’s Comments: This metaphor of how a young girl’s loving creativity can transform a community is beautifully intriguing. I especially like the way the illustrator shows yarn attaching a character to another character, demonstrating the loving bonds Annabelle is creating with her generosity.

Original Publisher & Date: Balzer + Bray, 2012

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

Available in Spanish? Yes

Scripture Connections: Jesus’ healing power, Tabitha’s good works (Acts 9:36-42), Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12); Gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8-10)

Idea(s) for Application: This book offers a beautiful metaphor for spreading love with your giftedness. Use it with a lesson on the transformational & healing power of generosity and good works. Tie it to the work of knitting or sewing ministries.

Grab & Go #15 - Big Jabe

Below I've again featured a book from an earlier PBT post. The books in this series have such obvious connections to scripture that you can literally grab the book, read it to your audience, and then ask them what scripture connections they find. For children, you'll likely need to provide some prompting. 

Picture Book: Big Jabe
Author: Jerdine Nolen
Illustrator: Kadir Nelson
Summary: Addy, a young slave, discovers baby Jabe while fishing. Soon Big Jabe is huge & seems responsible for extraordinary, even magical feats. When the overseer blames other slaves for the changes, those slaves disappear, including Addy. Big Jabe moves on to other plantations continuing his work of lifting burdens in miraculous ways.
Hanna’s Comments: This author and this illustrator are two of my favorites! Their story is a tall tale with an American slavery context. There are at least 3 obvious connections with Bible stories and I'm not even counting the theme of slavery. It's an amazing but complicated and somewhat dark story that your children will love. There's a lot here to talk about, much of it biblical in nature.  

Publisher & Date of Publication: Amistad, 2005

Age and Grade Appropriateness: 5 and up, K and up
Formats other than Book: None at present
Scripture Connections: Moses in the basket (Exodus 2:1-10); slaves escaping (Exodus); loads of fish in the net (Luke 5:4-7); Peter & Silas have their chains loosened while in prison (Acts 12:6-11)

Idea(s) for Application: Besides a lesson at your church for elementary-aged children, teens, or adult, this book could enhance a fabulous homeschool or private school lesson on tall tales that would encourage some great Bible story reading.

December Holiday Books 14 & 15

This ends the PBT December Holiday Books series. I hope you’ve enjoyed it and found the books to be helpful in your ministry, teaching, or parenting.

Please consider donating to PBT via PayPal in the right top margin where it says “Show your gratitude. Buy me a picture book.” I invest long hours for you as a labor of love and hope for high quality spiritual learning. Any amount would be appreciated.      Thank you!   Hanna

Picture Book: The Third Gift

Author: Linda Sue Park

Illustrator: Bagram Ibatoulline

Summary: This clever book offers a back story to the gift of myrrh, the 3rd offering the magi give Jesus. A young boy is learning his father’s trade, collecting and selling hardened tree sap. He calls these pearls of sap “tears” and “the blood of the tree.” The tears emerge after his father has cut the shape of an X into the bark. The resin inside dries as the tears dry in the hot sun. Once dry and sold to spice merchants, they are sold again to be used for medicine or flavoring wine. The best tears are mixed with oil which is used to wash a body before burial. When the boy harvests a tear as large as a hen’s egg, 

it is sold to 3 men wearing fine robes in the spice merchant’s tent. They explain they already have 2 gifts, gold and frankincense, to give a particular baby. The boy thinks it strange to give such a gift to a child. The story ends with him wondering about the child.

Hanna’s Comments: There is nothing overtly religious in this story, but spiritual ideas can be found under the surface. Talk about the importance of offering gifts to God or others that are of high quality and sincerely given. Mention the boy's godly desire to learn from his father. Find the subtle connections to Jesus’ death. There is an extensive Author’s Note in the back to give you some great context to help make this book even more meaningful to your audience. 

Original Publisher & Date: Clarion Books, 2011

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: The scripture story of the Wise Men and their gifts are in Matthew 2:1-12.
Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children in a lesson about the Magi’s visit and the 3 gifts for Jesus. 

Picture Book: The Story of the Three Wise Kings

Retold & Illustrated by Tomie dePaola

Summary: In this traditional story of the Magi who visited Jesus, the three kings are named and come from different places:

Melchior of Arabia

Gaspar of Tharsis

Balthazar of Saba.

They are all stargazers compelled to follow the new star that signifies a new king would be born. Each sets out to honor the young king, carrying one of the traditional gifts. They meet along the way. As they approach Jerusalem, they lose sight of the star so they go to King Herod. The rest of the text corresponds to the scripture in Matthew. This story ends with the exit of the kings “by another way.” Joseph’s dream and the family’s rush to Egypt is not in this book.  

Hanna’s Comments: I like this version of the magi story because it is simple and straightforward. It doesn’t have the magi at the nativity. Jesus is a little older and in a home. This corresponds well with the Epiphany season, the liturgical period that follows Christmas. Traditionally Epiphany is on January 6. The art here is beautiful and unusual as well. At the beginning of this book you’ll find A Word about the Kings which gives some literary and historical context. The last paragraph explains that dePaola has chosen to paint Mary and Jesus in a traditional pose found in many Roman paintings of the Magi story.

Original Publisher & Date: Putnam’s Sons, 1983

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: The scripture story of the Wise Men and their gifts are in Matthew 2:1-12.

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children in a lesson about Epiphany or the Magi’s visit and gifts to Jesus.

Little Offerings

Picture Book: Bring Me a Rock

Author & Illustrator: Daniel Miyares

Summary: This clever book is all about offerings. 

A grasshopper king demands that each of his subjects, bring him a rock to build a majestic throne. 

A little bug brings a pebble, all that can be carried by such a little one, but the ungrateful king screams, rejecting the offering and the bug. 

Shunned, the little bug looks on while the throne is built, very tall and very wobbly. When the king gets on top, it doesn’t go so well. 

Little bug quickly comes forward with his pebble which is just right to stabilize the throne. 

When praised and promised a reward, the little bug says, “Bring me those rocks!”  

The result of the little bug's request is in the last illustration, showing all insects, King included, on pedestals, all the same height. King isn’t happy, but everyone else is, especially the little bug.

Hanna’s Comments: If like me, you are passionate about equality and are particularly drawn to scripture emphasizing God's impartiality, then you’ll like this tale. Mine is a progressive Christian church that struggles to find curricula emphasizing biblical principles such as justice, hospitality, diversity, etc. Too often children are viewed as outsiders in the arenas of theology and worship and not asked to contribute their opinions and their offerings. However, children, like this little bug, can be very wise, eager, and determined, all valuable contributions to a faith family. 

The benefits of Picture Book Theology are exemplified in this picture book. Although a secular story, it gets to the heart of themes that are touted by Jesus and his followers again and again. Besides the egalitarian theme, discuss what kinds of offerings children can make in your place of worship and in the world. Broaden and make more sacred their concepts of humility, servanthood, loyalty, worship, and judgement. There’s a great deal of treasure to mine here.  

Original Publisher & Date: Simon & Schuster, 2016

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: The disciples rebuked the people but Jesus said, “Let the children come to me.” (Matt. 19: 13-15); one who is least among all is the one who is great (Luke 9: 48); a servant isn’t greater than a master (John 13:16); God shows no partiality (Romans 2:11); there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free… (Gal. 3:28)

Idea(s) for Application: Your children will respond to this book in a lesson about one of the many scriptures or biblical themes listed above because they will readily identify with the little bug.  

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 42

Picture Book: Extra Yarn

Author: Mac Barnett

Illustrator: Jon Klassen

Summary: In a colorless world, Annabelle finds a box filled with multi-colored yarn and begins knitting for herself and others. Miraculously, the yarn never runs out. As Annabelle brushes against criticism for her knitted pieces, she knits for the one who is criticizing and all are converted to the beauty and transformational nature of her work. When a rich archduke wants to purchase the extraordinary yarn and Annabelle refuses, he steals the box. Once in his castle, he opens the box to find it empty. Angrily he throws the box out into the ocean where it floats back to Annabelle so that she can continue her knitting. 

Hanna’s Comments: This metaphor of how a young girl’s loving creativity can transform a community is beautifully intriguing. I especially like the way the illustrator shows a piece of yarn attaching each character to another, demonstrating the loving bonds Annabelle is creating with her generosity. 

Publisher & Date of Publication: Balzer + Bray, 2012 

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

# of Pages: 40 

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: several amateur videos are on Youtube

PBT Category: Award Winner (Caldecott Honor), Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, abundance/bounty, abuse/abuse of power, action, beauty, blessings, call/calling/vocation, caring/tending, commitment, community, consumerism/consumption/riches, coveting/envy/jealousy, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, fruit/fruit of the spirit, generosity/giving/offering/stewardship, gifts/giftedness/talents, gladness/happiness, gospel/good news, greed/selfishness, healing/healthcare, helping, individuality/uniqueness, joy, kindness, love, manna, miracles, mission, mystery, neighbors, neighborhood, outreach, purpose, sharing, transformation, wisdom

Scripture Connections: Jesus’ healing power, Dorcas’/Tabitha’s good works (Acts 9:36-42), Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12) & particularly Gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8-10)

Idea(s) for Application: This book offers a beautiful metaphor for spreading love with your giftedness. Share with a group doing sewing or prayer shawl ministries or use in any lesson on the transformational & healing power of generosity and good works for others.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 38

Picture Book: Miss Maple’s Seeds

Author & Illustrator: Eliza Wheeler

Summary: Miss Maple, a finder of orphan seeds that did not find a place to grow, sees potential for a miracle in every guest. She tenderly nurtures each seed through the up-coming seasons, taking them on field trips to consider places to grow in next year’s planting. When she deems it is time for them to make roots of their own, she sends them off, telling them to take care for even the smallest seed can become a great tree. Then she goes orphan seed gathering again.

Hanna’s Comments: I especially loved the page in which the illustrator shows the reader 20 different types of seeds. The illustrations are so clever & fanciful that you may want to have multiple copies of this book as you read it.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Nancy Paulsen Books, 2013

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abundance/bounty, adoption, affection, caring/tending, care of creation, commitment, diversity, eggs/seeds, encouragement, the environment/nature, faith/faithfulness, found, gardening/planting/pruning/sowing, generosity/giving/offering/stewardship, gifts/giftedness/talents, god’s care/providence, God’s nature, goodness, growing up/growth, hospitality, image of God, kindness, mission, mothers, nurturing, orphans, outreach, parents/parental love, patience, rescue, safe place/sanctuary, savior/saving, servant hood/service/serving, steadfastness, waiting

Scripture Connections: Whoever welcomes a child (Matthew 18:5); Parable of the Mustard Seed (Mark 4:30-32); Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:18-23)

Idea(s) for Application: a gift for a family who adopts a child, does foster care, a teacher, or someone doing children’s ministry

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 23

Picture Book: A Little Bit of Love

Author: Cynthia Platt

Illustrator: Hannah Whitty

Summary: A hungry young mouse wants something sweet & new to nibble, not the usual cheese & crumbs. He & his mother embark on a journey to gather the ingredients to make a special treat which will be made “with a little bit of love.” As they gather, Mama explains the loving work that goes into making each ingredient & expresses her gratitude for each source. Then they make a delicious huckleberry pie.

Hanna’s Comments: Young children will love the mystery & then coming together of these ingredients. If making and eating a pie could be added to the end of the lesson, it would be such sweet learning! Because this book is about cooking and all the love that goes into that task, you can tie it to the story of God's loving provision for Elijah and the widow (see scripture reference below).

There's similar book that offers more advanced concepts, Who Put the Cookies in the Cookie Jar? by George Shannon. Here readers will consider all the people who worked to make the cookies possible and yummy. This book also has a nice international flavor to it. 

Publisher & Date of Publication: Tiger Tales, 2011

Age and 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: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abundance/bounty, affirmation, babies/children, blessings, body of Christ, bonds/connections/connectedness, caring/tending, community, consumerism/consumption/riches, dependence/interdependence, feasting/food/hunger/nutrition, gardening/planting/pruning/sowing, generosity/giving/offering/stewardship, gifts/giftedness/talents, God’s care/providence, goodness, gratitude/thankfulness/thanksgiving, harvest, helping, labor/work, manna, mothers, nurturing, parents/parental love, participation, patience, preparation/preparing, prevenient grace, relationships, sharing, teamwork, transformation, unity, variety, waiting

Scripture Connections: Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12 & Ephesian 4:16); Elijah and the Widow (1 Kings 17, 8-16)

Idea(s) for Application: a parenting class when talking about quality time or gratitude, a young children’s lesson on the Body of Christ (for non-Christians this refers to diversity yet unity in religious community)