PBT God Book #14

Here’s another favorite God Book from PBT’s archives. Most books here are secular, but I include God books because they might be difficult to know about or find. These books are about the general nature of God or our relationship with God. I could have put this book in the PBT Grab & Go series because there is so much intriguing text. Little prep would be necessary for a great lesson; a discussion will naturally follow.

Picture Book: I Wanted to Know All about God

Author: Virginia L. Kroll

Illustrator: Debra Reid Jenkins

Summary: This picture book is designed to encourage children to be attentive to how God’s creation might inform them about God's nature. Various questions and environmental contexts are offered. The sentences have a somewhat repeated pattern: I wanted to know if God… then I …. Here are two examples: 

I wanted to know if God likes music, then I heard a pond on a summer night.

I wanted to know what colors God likes. Then I met several children of other races.

Hanna’s Comments: Two strengths of this book are the diversity of the children and the variety of experiences depicted in the illustrations. A book like this could be interrupted at each double page spread with conversation about whether your audience members have had similar questions or experiences. Help them see how their experiences might give hints to God’s nature. You could end your time together by writing some new pages to the book with the same pattern of words. Talk about what the illustrations might show or have the children create some illustrations if you have time. If you want to share this book with adults but aren't sure how they will respond to having a picture book read to them, simply transfer the text to your notes and read it. BUT do give the author credit at some point during your lesson by showing or explaining that the text came from a book. 

Publisher & Date of Publication: Eerdmans, 1994

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Elijah in the cave encountering God (1 Kings 19); The Lord is my shepherd (Psalm 23); Jesus’ "I am..." statements (John 6-15)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book before going on a nature walk with children. On the walk, invite them to reflect on how God's creation informs them of God’s nature.

PBT God Book #11

Picture Book: God’s Dream

Authors: Desmond Tutu & Douglas Carlton Abrams

Illustrator: LeUyen Pham

Summary: Along with his co-author, Archbishop Tutu’s offers young children his vision of God’s dream for all people. Sharing, caring, and reaching out to hold hands are a part of God’s dream for us but so is saying sorry and forgiving when we hurt each other or are hurt by someone. The authors explain that we all carry within us "a piece of God’s heart" so that when we love each other, God’s heart becomes whole. God wishes everyone would see themselves as family members across the globe even when they are different in their looks, languages, and ways of speaking to God.  How do you make God’s dream come true? By simply knowing we are all one family of God’s children and loving each other accordingly. This book is also available in board book form for young children. 

Hanna’s Comments: This picture book offers the wise vision of Anglican Archbishop Tutu, a charismatic leader who has captured the world's attention with his desires for justice in South Africa and his message that ALL are beings made in the image of God. Here he encourages young children to lead the world towards God’s dream for humanity: a dream of empathy, tenderness, respect, forgiveness, reconciliation, and joy. Grabbing this book for a children's lesson in your place of worship would be a no-brainer. Reading it to your child or grandchild would be a privilege. Teaching it to the children in your private school classroom would be a treasure passed on to the next generation. 

Original Publisher & Date: Candlewick, 2008

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27); Love your neighbor as yourself (Leviticus 19:18 & Matthew 7:12); God’s plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11)

Idea(s) for Application: This would be an easy book to use with children who are learning about these concepts: God's hope for God's kingdom, our being made in God's image, or The Great Commandment.  

PBT Redux Series #10 - Yo! Yes?

It’s time for another repeated post about 1 of the 600 or so picture books I’ve featured here at PBT the last 3 years. Yo! Yes? was featured in the early days of this PBT website when I offered A Picture Book a Day for a Year. This book is amazing for its mass appeal. Because it has so few words, young children will understand it. And the subtleties of language (verbal & especially nonverbal) and focus on hospitality make it worthy of a spiritual conversation for children of any age.

I’m not including it in my PBT Grab & Go Series because using it in ministry will require you to spend some time deciding what aspects of the spiritual practice of hospitality you will want to highlight and how to connect them to the words and illustrations. This book is one of many PBT books in which I’ve written lessons suitable for age 4 through 11. Let me know via a comment if you’re interested in purchasing that lesson or seeing a list of other books with lessons. I charge only $4 per lesson (sent electronically).

Picture Book: Yo! Yes?

Author & Illustrator: Chris Raschka

Summary: A light-skinned boy, who is dressed up, passes a dark-skinned boy who is willing to risk a conversation. “Yo!” he says. The passing boy says, “Yes?” and their relationship begins. Cleverly, their conversation is rich in meaning even though it is comprised of only 1 or 2 word interactions, only 34 unique words in all!

Hanna’s Comments: The risks of initial interaction and the building of friendship are the themes here. The professional video of this book (check your library) is particularly appealing because music and a basketball are added. Also, the gestures of the two characters and their intonation help you interpret the simple conversation. It’s amazing how so few words can evoke hospitality, timidity, trust, and satisfaction leading to a budding friendship. Note that despite their different races, postures, and dress, their relationship blossoms. You might want to consider having the children act out the story several times since the conversation is so simple and fun. If you’re looking for a Spanish language book, this book could be easily translated because it has so few words. Consider having two languages in your reading, the dark-skinned character speaking English and the lighter-skinned character speaking Spanish. Homeschool or private school teachers, pay attention to the end marks of each sentence. There’s potential for a basic punctuation lesson here.

PBT Lesson Available: I've written a church lesson for children based on this book. Contact me via a comment if you're interested in purchasing it for just $4!

Original Publisher & Date: Scholastic, 1993

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

Formats other than Book: Video, Audible, Audio CD

Scripture Connections: Jesus and the bent-over woman (Luke 13:10-17); Jesus and Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10)

Idea(s) for Application: I think this book connects well with 2 gospel stories (listed above) in which Jesus initiates interactions with outsiders. Use this book when considering themes of initiating relationships in your faith community, especially with those who are different or on the outside. 

PBT Grab & Go #3 - This Little Light of Mine

Here's the 3^rd selection in my Grab & Go Series, comprised of repeated posts (with some editing) of books that are so good they almost stand on their own. Simply find connections to one or more of the scriptures I provide. Be sure to consider the age appropriateness of each book you select. Look for additions to this series. Email me if you want a top ten list!

Picture Book: This Little Light of Mine

Illustrator: E.B. Lewis 
Summary: This beautifully illustrated version of the African-American spiritual begins with a boy looking in the mirror and then interacting with family & neighbors in delightful and helpful ways. His activities include giving his grandmother a hug, waving to neighbors, picking up spilled groceries, offering comfort to a boy who is upset, and then inviting that boy to join a group of friends to play basketball. 
Hanna’s Comments: On the book jacket, the introduction begins, “There is a light inside of YOU.” What a wonderful way to begin a PBT lesson! This book would be especially valuable to children who know this song. It gives the song meaning that they can relate to and expand on. Note that the song’s score is in the back.

There are several other book versions of this song, some with an audio component, some combined with other songs. I found a board book version that I like for young children by Mcnicholas. However, for children 4 and up, I especially like Lewis’ illustrations especially for children who are not exposed to neighborhoods comprised primarily of black people. Such positive images are important for all to see.

Update: Here’s a new version of this song in a board book by Pattinson & Skelton. It is bigger than most board books, has interactive pages (lift the flap), and a beautiful pop-up at the end. This book has the verse about Satan. If you prefer to avoid that word, simply say “someone” instead.
Original Publisher & Date: Simon & Schuster, 2005
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up
Formats other than Book: None at present 
Scripture Connections: The Lord is my light & my salvation (Psalm 27:1), a lamp under a jar (Luke 8:16), a city on a hill (Matthew 5:14-16); may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace (Romans 15:13); rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this beautiful book to a children’s music class in your faith community or private school. 

Ideas (and Stories) Are All Around

Title of Picture Book: Ideas Are All Around

Author & Illustrator: Philip C. Stead

Original Publisher & Date: Roaring Brook Press, 2016   

Summary: Ideas Are All Around is quite different; it seems to be autobiographical and extemporaneous but that is unlikely because it is so clever. Like the variety of experiences the author evokes, the illustrations are multi-media including images of photographs, detailed water colors, and stamped impressions. 

The author/illustrator tells of a day in which he needs to write a story, but he is out of ideas.

His dog Wednesday, who doesn’t like for him to write stories, wants to go for a walk. Author and dog go for a walk amidst all sorts of idea and story opportunities, including a turtle, Frank, who ignores the author, and a more human neighbor friend. The story material is never acknowledged as such so the reader has to do some thinking. What ideas are all around and how might they become stories?

Stead’s clever art adds even more to the mix so that it becomes clear that ideas for stories are all around if we are attentive, open to their possibilities, and willing to step into those opportunities.

Hanna’s Comments: Although young children will enjoy this book, for PBT’s purposes this book is best for older elementary, teen, or adult audiences.

The free-flowing plot and the abstract ideas would be hard to pin down and connect with theology for young children. However, there is much here for more mature thinkers. 

While reading this book, I thought of how Jesus’ travels must have seemed something like this author’s, unhurried and companionable, open to where the Holy Spirit would have him go, and attentive to possibilities. For Jesus, these opportunities were for ministry, teaching, and God’s glorification. 

If only we could be so open in our own daily routines! Jesus’ healing of the Bent-Over Woman at the Temple seems to be one scriptural example. It was risky, interacting with a woman and healing on the Sabbath, but the woman’s burden moved Jesus so he acted. Thanks to Jesus’ godly idea, we have a godly story.

Philip C. Stead is one of my favorite picture book authors. Often times he is partnered with his illustrator wife, Erin E. Stead. Two of my favorite PBT books are their creations: 

A Sick Day for Amos McGee, originally featured here at PBT on 4/28/14 and in an upcoming entry in my new PBT redux series. Look for that later this summer. I recently did a successful adult Sunday School lesson based on it, very easy and meaningful. If you’re interested in hearing more about that lesson, ask via a comment or email me.  

Also this couple is responsible for Bear Has a Story to Tell which is a subtle but powerful story of meeting others’ needs rather than demanding to be heard. I featured that gem on 6/22/14.                     

Idea(s) for Application: Offer this book to a client in spiritual direction or an adult small group when beginning to discuss concepts of being open to the Holy Spirit and/or processes of discernment.

Scripture Connections: Jesus heals the Bent-Over Woman (Luke 13:10-17)

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up (see my comments above)

Formats other than Book: None at present

Welcoming Strangers and Spoilsports

There are picture books that I wish everyone would read. This is one of them. Here you can find a sermon every few pages and illustrations that capture the heart of who we are as fragile, hurtful, but hopeful human beings. If you let the juvenile nature of this book keep you from offering it to teens or adults, you’ll be missing out on an opportunity to slip into some meaningful conversations about difficult relationships and building meaningful community.

The young boy in this book has a tiny elephant for a pet. Life is difficult because no one else has a pet quite like his. But the joy of loving his pet is worth the trouble of “never fitting in.” When they are not allowed to enter Number 17 on Pet Club Day, he meets a friend with a skunk who already knows she would not be welcome either. When they meet more excluded friends with unusual pets, they start a new club. Look at this!

When I see this illustration, I think about my church with pride, the good kind of pride because I believe we are aligning ourselves with God’s values. There are the obvious outsiders that we welcome: those who live on the street, those who “live in sin,” those who live with addiction, etc. But we are also godly when we are determined to be in loving, on-going relationship with those who are strange or spoilsports.

See any strangers (or strange people) or spoilsports in your neighborhood? Your church? Your work? Let’s really talk about how to be more welcoming and loving in their midst and less like Number 17. And remember, in certain crowds we all have the potential to be strangers and spoilsports, longing for welcome and validation, looking for those who will invest in relationship.

Picture Book: Strictly No Elephants

Author: Lisa Mantchev

Illustrator: Taeeun Yoo

Original Publisher & Date: Simon & Schuster, 2015

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 360

Picture Book: Over There

Author & Illustrator: Steve Pilcher 

Summary: Shredder, a tiny shrew, is happy in his forest home. It’s cozy and food is aplenty, but there’s no one to talk to or sing with him. He wonders if there might be something more, something better. He sees a shiny object in the distance and decides it might provide the answer. Despite his fears, his curiosity leads him to set off and explore. His point of view changes as the sky gets bigger and the grass gets taller. When he reaches a stream he must cross, he finds the shiny object there. It is a silver boat (aluminum foil bowl) which he expects will serve him nicely as his journey continues, but it quickly capsizes. A dark furry mole fishes him out of the water and introduces himself as Nosey, a professional digger. Nosey invites Shredder to dig. They dig together until a shadow falls over them. Together they quickly hide until it is gone and decide to find Shredder’s home. Shredder, wearing red and blue, says to Nosey, who is wearing purple, “Did you know that red and blue make purple?” At this question, Nosey responds that purple is his favorite color. Everything did seem better.

Hanna’s Comments: This book is part of a series of books that highlight the artists of Pixar Animation Studios, makers of movies like Finding Nemo and Up. The illustrations are luscious! The story is poignant and has potential for much discussion about the benefits of considering the possibility of more, exploring beyond your ordinary, and being in community. Both children and adults would enjoy this book. Consider starting with the question, “Why did Shredder want someone to sing with him?”

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Disney Press, 2014

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 3 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: adventure, attentiveness/observation/seeing, beginnings/morning, belonging, bonds/connections, choir/music/singing/songs, community, companionship, discovery/invention, emotions/feelings, exploration, found, friends/friendship, God’s will, hiding/isolation, home, hope, journeys/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, loneliness, openness, presence, questioning/questions, searching

Scripture Connections: Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil… (Ecclesiastes 4:9); where two or more are gathered in my name, there am I among them (Matthew 18:20)  

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children who are learning about the benefits of being in community. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 348

Picture Book: Albert

Author: Donna Jo Napoli

Illustrator: Jim LaMarche

Summary: Albert lives in a city apartment building. Each morning, he reaches out through the grill work of his window to feel the weather. Then he decides whether to venture out. More likely, he finds reasons to stay home. One morning, as Albert’s arm is beyond the grill, a cardinal places a twig in his hand. More twigs are added by the bird’s partner, and soon one of the birds is snuggled into a nest on Albert’s hand! There she lays 4 small eggs. Albert doesn’t want to bring in his hand. The result would be a tilt to the nest, and it would fall, eggs and all. Albert talks to the birds, but they are busy and ignore him. Days go by! Albert manages to sleep while standing, and eventually the birds begin feeding him berries. From his “perch” at the window, Albert discovers the city is not so threatening. Stories emerge as people pass by. He especially enjoys the day when he sees the cracks in the eggs and the baby birds emerge. He affirms their work in being born and welcomes them. Albert watches as the adult birds teach their fledglings new skills including flight. Ironically, one baby is reluctant, and must be encouraged by Albert to leave the nest. Once the nest is empty of eggs, Albert brings in his arm though the nest falls. Then Albert decides it is a perfect day to go for a walk.

Hanna’s Comments: While reading this book, I was struck by Albert’s gentle spirit. This would be a story to help the children in your faith community decipher the words “meek” and “humble.” If you were to read this story to a group of adults, you could guide them in a conversation about how our trials often teach us exactly what we need to learn. Any age group could talk about the contrast between being a watcher of the world’s stories and a participant who goes out to make the story their own, ready to face fear and failure. You’ll also find most of the fruits of the Spirit in this book. 

Update: While recently studying Celtic Spirituality, a passion of mine for decades, I learned of a Celtic myth similar to this book’s story. Perhaps the author knows it. Saint Kevin of Glendalough, Ireland is said to have supported a blackbird’s nest with his hand when a nest was begun while he extended his arms as on a cross.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Harcourt, 2011 

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 5 and up, K 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: acceptance, adaptation/assimilation, affection, animals, anxiety/worry, attentiveness/observation/seeing, awe, babies/children, bonds/connections, caring/tending, care of creation, challenges, chosen, commitment, dependence/interdependence, difficulties, eggs/seeds, encouragement, fear, freedom, fruit of the Spirit, gentleness/meekness, God’s nature, goodness, grace, heroes, hiding/isolation, home, hospitality, humility, life, loneliness, nurturing, openness, patience, perseverance, sacrifice, steadfastness, transformation, treasure, waiting, witness, wonder   

Scripture Connections: Even the sparrow finds a home… (Psalm 84:3); blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the Earth (Matthew 5:5); …look at the birds in the air, they neither sow nor reap… (Matthew 6:25-34); rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer (Romans 12:12); the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23); put on then…compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience… (Colossians 3:12)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children or adults and consider having participants hold out their arms, feel the pain in their arms, imagine holding an animal, and talk about God’s high value for all creatures and endurance. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 323

Picture Book: And Away We Go

Author & Illustrator: Migy 

Summary:  Mr. Fox receives the hot air balloon he ordered so that he can fly to the moon. Elephant wants to come and suggests they pick-up pizza before leaving. Mr. Fox says, “Sure you can.” Thus begins a series of requests from various animals to ride in the balloon’s small basket up to the moon. Riders are many and often suggest items they should bring for their trip. When asked if they can join the fun, Mr. Fox often replies, “The more the merrier.” Each time a guest gets in, Mr. Fox yells, “Away we go!” Giraffe wants to pick up some milkshakes. Squirrel wants a 4-piece band. A group of rabbits bring some games. The alarmingly tight arrangement of animals and items hysterically defies the odds of gravity, but all seem to be having a grand time oblivious to the fraying ropes. Then a little bird asks to join the fun. The bird is the proverbial straw that snapped the balloon’s ropes. Thanks to more gravity-defying finagling, all animals land on the ground intact. “Away it goes!” Mr. Fox exclaims as his balloon soars to the moon. He is resigned to go to the moon another time. “It’s much more fun to be here with my friends.”

Hanna’s Comments: Be sure to read this book in a way that invites your audience to yell, “And Away We Go!” each time with Mr. Fox. My summary above can’t do justice to the fun of this story and these hilarious illustrations. The children will love the pictures so be sure to have multiple books if you have a big group. Spend time discussing the spiritual practice of hospitality that Mr. Fox demonstrates so well and how different the trip might have been had he gone alone or limited his guests. Yes, he might have arrived on the moon like he planned, but there would not have been near as much fun! Talk about the importance of relationships versus results or efficiency. I recently heard efficiency described as an unhealthy obsession. This book speaks to the joy of the journey. Also, note how diverse the community of travelers is here. You might want your young audience to talk about trips they have been on or celebrations they have been to that have had this kind of hospitable spirit. Those are the best memories. Talk about why this is true. Tie in scripture stories that involve feasts, celebrations or journeys that invoke a spirit of love and hospitality.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Henry Holt & Co., 2014

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 2 and up, Toddler 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:  acceptance, adaptation/assimilation, adventure, celebration/party, chaos/disorder, communion/Eucharist, community, differences, diversity, feasting/food/hunger/nutrition, gladness/happiness, hospitality, journeys/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, joy, kingdom of God/reign of God, moon/space/stars/sun, openness, sharing, tolerance, travel

Scripture Connections: Scriptures about feasts, celebrations or journeys that involve hospitality such as the Passover, the Wedding at Canaan, the Prodigal Son, Paul’s travels, and the practice of Holy Communion in the early Christian church.  

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book to supplement a lesson for children on the spiritual practice of hospitality or feasting, celebrations or journeys in our Holy Scriptures.   

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 311

Picture Book: Cat and Bunny

Author & Illustrator: Mary Lundquist

Summary: Born on the same day, Cat & Bunny have always been together, just the two of them. They have even made up a game together: The Made-Up Game. When another character, Quail, wants to play too, Bunny is welcoming, but Cat is not. Others join the game. As Bunny’s attention is on the new friends, Cat wanders away, sad and hoping Bunny will come to find her. Instead a kitten approaches and wants to play. Cat begins playing a new Made-Up Game with the kitten. Then Giraffe asks to play. Cat, no longer pouting, says, “Of course.” Then the earlier group of children ask to join the new Made-Up Game. Cat welcomes them all, especially her friend Bunny.

Hanna’s Comments: It’s not clear here if Cat & Bunny are twins, neighbors, best friends, or all of the above. Also, what’s with the costumes?! Are these human children who each have a different animal costume or is this an original world this talented first time picture book author has created? It’s a mystery that I especially like. This will not be a problem for young children who are used to dealing with unknowns. You don’t need to answer all of their questions. Here you have the theme of sharing attention which is a big issue for many young children. Also, one of my favorite spiritual disciplines is offered here in simple terms: hospitality. This book encourages little ones to consider that being open to new friendships and shared fun doesn’t have to be threatening. In fact, community sharing can even enrich your experiences. I also like that Cat’s strategy of wandering away and pouting doesn’t get her the attention she so desires. That’s the psychologist in me. At first Cat doesn’t get her way, but what she does get is a new set of friends that don’t deplete her rich relationship with Bunny, and she discovers the delights of shared joy in community.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Balzer & Bray, 2015

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 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: abundance/bounty, acceptance, adaptation/assimilation, belonging, change, choices/decisions, community, companionship, depression/despair/sadness/sorrow, exclusion/inclusion, friends/friendship, hiding/isolation, hospitality, integration, loneliness, openness, outsiders, perspective, play, segregation, sharing, shyness, unity

Scripture Connections: They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share (1 Timothy 6:18); do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers (Hebrews 13:2); do not neglect to do good and to share what you have (Hebrews 13:6); above all, keep loving one another earnestly … show hospitality to one another without grumbling (1 Peter 4:8-9)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to young children when wanting to encourage the sharing of attention, toys, games, and/or relationships. This book would also be an excellent tool for beginning to teach the concept of empathy.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 298

Picture Book: Last Stop on Market Street

Author: Mark De La Pena

Illustrator: Christian Robinson 

Summary: Little CJ and his grandmother ride the bus across the city every Sunday after church. CJ begins to notice how others are different from him so he asks questions of his Nana, questions that she answers with an affirming tone that encourages him to notice and interact with the abundant life that surrounds him. CJ is open to these new experiences. When they get off the bus, CJ asks why it is always so dirty in the neighborhood. Nana wisely answers, “Sometimes when you’re surrounded by dirt, CJ, you’re a better witness for what’s beautiful.” When they arrive at their destination, a place where a communal meal is being served to the poor, CJ sees the faces of familiar friends and proclaims that he is glad they came. Nana agrees and begins serving the meal with CJ beside her.

Hanna’s Comments: If quickly read, this picture book offers a nice story about diversity and abundance. However, there is much more here. Have your questions ready to ask the children either during or after you’ve read the story. You may want to prompt them with a few questions before reading.  Talk about how they can be more aware of differences across communities, particularly when traveling. Delve into issues of poverty, income segregation, gated communities, hospitality, jealousy, judgment, and/or engagement with those who are different. In our church we are working towards developing deeper relationships across differences. This requires time, effort, and sometimes vulnerability and risk. Use this book well, and I believe it will bless your community. Also, this book was recently highlighted on NPR. Here’s the link: http://www.npr.org/2015/02/06/383856887/on-board-a-city-bus-a-little-boy-finds-the-route-to-gratitude

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2015

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet, video, audio download

PBT Category: Award Winner (Newbery Award & Caldecott Honor)

PBT Topics this Book connects with: abundance/bounty, acceptance, attentiveness/observation/seeing, blessings, body of Christ, choir/music/singing/songs, community, coveting/envy/jealousy, differences, diversity, feasting/food/hunger/nutrition, grandparents, gratitude/thanksgiving, humanity, integration, jealousy, journeys/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, kindness, listening, openness, outreach, poverty, presence, questioning/questions, sharing, at table, travel, variety, wisdom, witness

Scripture Connections:  All these blessings shall come upon you if you obey the voice of the Lord your God. Blessed shall you be in the city. (Deuteronomy 28: 2-3); I came that they may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children who are learning about the importance of sharing in diverse community, including sharing experiences such as meals, music, stories, worship experiences, and even sharing the bus or other transportation. OR Read this book to a group of youth or adults who are about to embark on a mission activity with those who are different. Encourage them to notice and be open to the abundance of life and the blessings of the relationships and experiences to come. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 283

Picture Book: Same, Same but Different

Author & Illustrator: Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw

Summary: Two boys, living a world apart, can be best friends. In this picture book about pen pals (actually picture pals), Elliot, an American boy, and Kailash, who lives in India, share their lives through words and pictures. They discover that they have much in common (same, same) even though their worlds look very dissimilar (but different). Both love to climb trees, have pets, ride buses to school, and deal with too much traffic. Much is different about their worlds though. Their alphabet is different, as is the number of people in their town and family members in their home. They both greet people, but very differently.   

Hanna’s Comments: The author learned the popular saying, “same, same but different” while in Nepal and India. Native Nepalese and Pakistanis use this saying when comparing cultures. You might want to spend some time with your audience looking at the illustrations closely so that you can explicitly compare and contrast these two boys. Be sure to look at the postage stamps on the end papers. Maybe your children can guess in which country the stamps originated.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Henry Holt, 2011

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

# of Pages: 36

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet, There are videos of this book on Youtube.com, but note that there is a different live-action movie with the same name.

PBT Category: Award Winner, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abundance/bounty, America, art, Asia, blessings, body of Christ, bonds/connections, communication, culture, differences, diversity, exile/separation/walls, friends/friendship, geography, humanity, identity/names, openness, relationships, unity

Scripture Connections: Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children who are studying diverse cultures that are united in their religious beliefs.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 248

Picture Book: May I Bring a Friend

Author: Beatrice Schenk de Regniers

Illustrator: Beni Montresor

Summary: A small boy receives an invitation from the king and queen to come to their castle for Sunday tea. He asks, “May I bring a friend?” Their reply: “My dear, my dear, any friend of our friend is welcome here.” So the boy brings a giraffe. This pattern repeats each day of the week, and each time the boy brings a more outrageous animal. The king and queen are always welcoming and adapt to the strange situation and guests. On Saturday, the boy invites the king and queen to have tea with his friends so all go to the city zoo for tea.

Hanna’s Comments: Do practice reading this silly tale in verse aloud several times before reading it to your children. It has a difficult and unusual rhyme and rhythm. This picture book offers an opportunity to talk about the true nature of hospitality, why it is a spiritual practice, how the king and queen might represent God’s true nature, and funny stories about unusual guests and/or surprised hosts.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Atheneum Books, 1964

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

# of Pages: 48

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Audio download

PBT Category: Award Winner (Caldecott), Classic

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, aliens/immigrants/refugees/strangers, chaos/disorder, differences, diversity, evangelism, exclusion/inclusion, feasting/food/hunger/nutrition, gladness/happiness, God’s nature, God’s will, hospitality, image of God, individuality/uniqueness, integration, reign of God/kingdom of God, openness, outreach, outsiders, participation, play, pleasing God/the Shema, at table, tolerance, variety

Scripture Connections: You shall treat the stranger as the native among you and you shall love him as yourself (Leviticus 19:34); When did we see you a stranger and welcome you… Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are my family, you did it to me. (Matthew 25:35-40)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of young children when talking to them about hospitality at home or at your faith community’s meeting place.