A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 264

Picture Book: Raising Dragons

Author: Jerdine Nolen

Illustrator: Elise Primavera

Summary: From the point of view of a delightful farm girl, this book is about discovering who you are meant to be. The narrator finds a large, unusual egg. Although her father’s discourages her, she cannot stay away from the egg. When a dragon hatches, she names him Hank and quickly begins to tend him and teach him. She respects that her parents are wary of Hank, but she is determined to raise him. When Hank finds unusual ways to contribute to the family farm, they are all amazed. However, when it is time for Hank to be with his own kind, the narrator takes him to a dragon island she’s read about in a book. As she reluctantly says goodbye, she is given a wonderfully affirming gift by Hank: a wheelbarrow full of dragon eggs to hatch and raise on her farm. She knows that raising dragons is in her blood. It’s what she’s meant to do so she does just that, at her parents’ farm with their blessing.

Hanna’s Comments: This book has been one of my favorite picture books for years. I’ve read it to many elementary classes. Why do I love it? I love the voice and authenticity of the narrator. It’s fun to read aloud for these reasons. I love the family dynamics, especially the parents’ caution and then acceptance of Hank. Also, I love the narrator’s willingness to accept saying goodbye to Hank and then embrace her identity and vocation. I think it’s good for children to begin thinking early about their God-given gifts, passions, and what they might be meant to do vocationally, especially if it involves giving back to the world. Note that the newest version of this book includes some story-related activities.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Scholastic, 1998

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: An amateur video is available at Youtube.com.

PBT Category: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, adoption, aspirations/dreams, call/calling/vocation, caring/tending, commitment, companionship, fear, gardening/planting/pruning/sewing, gifts/talents, individuality/uniqueness, mentors/teachers, mission, orphans, parents/parental love, passion, purpose, wisdom

Scripture Connections: Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30); Barnabus helping Jesus’ disciples accept Paul (the book of Acts); having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them (Romans 12:6)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to children who are learning about important teachers in the Holy Scriptures especially those who help dispel fears such as Barnabus. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 255

Picture Book: Hope Springs

Author: Eric Walters

Illustrator: Eugenie Fernandes

Summary: Boniface is a young orphan boy in Kenya who leads a group of younger orphans to gather water down at the small spring shared by the entire drought-ridden village, a spring that is simply drops of water, seeping from rocks into a muddy puddle. Because the orphans are new to the area, the children are forced to leave without water. The adults give this reason: “You may live here, but you are not from here. This is our water for our families.” When they return, Henry, Boniface’s houseparent, explains that they were not welcome to get water because the villagers are afraid their own families will not have water. The spring could dry up anytime. Meanwhile, through donations to the orphanage, a well is being built next to the orphanage. When the orphanage’s well is successfully dug, Boniface suggests that the well-digging equipment be used to build a well in the valley for the villagers. Henry agrees as long as the villagers provide the labor. The village well is successfully built and named Hope Springs. The book ends with these words: “And there was enough water – and enough kindness - for all.”  

Hanna’s Comments: My favorite line in this inspiring true story is Boniface’s response to his Henry’s surprise that the boy wants to help those who turned him away. “We are not desperate… so perhaps we can be kind. I know that when you give water, you give life.” If only more people could overcome fear and scarcity with such generosity! On my PBT blog, I use the non-fiction category more loosely than you would find in a library. If a picture book is based on a true story, I categorize it as non-fiction. is an example. It’s unlikely you’ll find it in the non-fiction section of your library. Look in the fiction section. In the back of the book, you’ll see The Story Behind the Story which includes a map and photographs of the characters and places in the story, including the built wells. You may want to learn more about the author’s philanthropic endeavors for orphans in Kenya at www.creationofhope.com.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Tundra Books, 2014

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present, but there is a 15 minute TEDx video on Youtube.com of the author talking about his experiences in Kenya.

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press, Non-fiction

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: action, Africa, anxiety/worry, babies/children, blessings, body of Christ, challenges, community, dependence/interdependence, discord, drink/thirst, drought, fear, forgiveness/mercy/redemption, generosity/giving/offering/stewardship, goodness, grace, helping, hope, insecurity, intolerance, labor/work, land/mountains/soil, leadership/servant leadership, neighbors, orphans, outreach, partners/teamwork, problems/problem solving, sharing, survival, water, wisdom

Scripture Connections:  You shall treat the stranger as the native among you and you shall love him as yourself (Leviticus 19:34); and a little child will lead them (Isaiah 11:6); blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled (Matthew 5:6); 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: Use this book with children or youth when talking about scarcity of water in many places in the world or overcoming selfishness and fear with generosity.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 211

Dynamic Duo: Book 2

Picture Book: Way Home

Author & Illustrator: Libby Hathorn

Summary: Shane, a young adolescent boy, finds a stray cat and decides to take it home. He tucks the cat into his jacket snuggly and heads through dark streets, alleys, and other dangerous parts of a big city. They peek into restaurants, are chased by a gang of boys, and encounter a dog. Throughout the entire journey, Shane assures the cat, who he calls a series of clever names, that there is lots of milk at his home. When they reach Shane’s home, the reader is somewhat surprised to see Shane crawl under a fence and into a corner of an alley, declaring the entire time, “It’s ok now. You’re safe. Here we are. We’re home.”

Hanna’s Comments: This 2^nd PBT Dynamic Duo demonstrates how hospitality and comforting others, even in such humble circumstances, can be practiced. Shane’s constant reassurance to the cat is so moving, particularly in hindsight, as you realize that he is probably engaging in some self-calming. The dangers are ever present throughout the journey home. I began to suspect Shane was homeless towards the end of the story, but for some it will be a big surprise. Note the age appropriateness of this book. It is quite dark, visually and in its tone and subject matter. One of my church’s minister’s is experiencing the favelas of Rio de Janeiro this week, stacks upon stacks of slums that press up to some of most luxurious homes in the world. She is blogging about her journey, sharing photographs and writing about her experiences. It is mind blowing for those of us who live snug in our homes with our needs met. Too many children live in circumstances like Shane’s, alone, out in the elements, without access to basic needs or adults who care. No surprise that the possibility of relating to any living thing, especially another creature in need, offers hope and purpose. Her blog address is http://stephaniearnold.blogspot.com.  

Publisher & Date of Publication: Knopf Books for Young Readers, 1994

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 8 and up

# of Pages: 30

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: affection, anxiety/worry, bravery/courage, brokenness, challenges, comfort, commitment, companionship, darkness/evening/night, difficulties, exclusion/inclusion, exile/separation/walls, fear, found, gentleness/meekness, hiding/isolation, home, homelessness, insecurity, loneliness, neglect, neighbors, orphans, outsiders, perseverance, possessions, poverty, safety, safe place/sanctuary, social justice, survival, wilderness  

Scripture Connections: Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord (Proverbs 19:17); whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name, welcomes me (Matthew 18:5); whoever has (clothing or food) is to share with him who has none (Luke 3:10)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this to a group of older elementary or junior high students as you explore issues of homelessness, social justice or urban hunger and your faith community’s response to such issues.  

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 178

Picture Book: The Stray Dog

Author & Illustrator: Marc Simont from a true story by Reiko Sassa

Summary: On a family picnic, 2 children discover a stray dog and play with him. They name him Willy. When it is time to go, the children want to take him home, but the parents fear Willy belongs to someone nearby. All week each family member misses Willy. On Saturday they return to the park hoping to meet Willy again. Willy does come, but he runs quickly past their picnic table because he is being chased by a dog catcher. Willy is caught. When the dog catcher declares that Willy has no collar or leash, the children take off their belts and declare that his name is Willy. They take Willy home, clean him up, and introduce him to their neighborhood’s dogs. Willy easily settles into his new home.

Hanna’s Comments: Books about adoption, both pet adoptions and adoptions of children, relate easily to the heart of the Abrahamic faiths in which caring for orphans is not only a mandate but an extension of the hospitable love we see affirmed in our scriptures. This book speaks specifically to our human desire to help and even rescue those who are in dire circumstances. This is the best human beings can give one another, and this book offers a fun way to talk about such an important subject.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Harper Collins, 2001

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: Audio CD, There is an amateur video on Youtube.com.

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, adoption, affection, animals, choices/decisions, chosen, emotions/feelings, exclusion/inclusion, family, found, gladness/happiness, grace, guilt, homelessness, hospitality, image of God, kingdom of God/reign of God, mistakes, orphans, pets, play, pleasing God/the Shema, prevenient grace, regret/repentance,  rescue, safe place/sanctuary

Scripture Connections: Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression (Isaiah 1:17); whoever welcomes a little child welcomes me (Matthew 18:5); adoption through Jesus (Galatians 4:5 & Ephesians 1:5)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to children when talking about Jesus’ inclinations to include or heal those who were powerless, weak or outsiders such as children, women, the sick or handicapped, and Gentiles.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 124

Picture Book: Little Flower: A Journey of Caring

Author: Laura McAndrew

Illustrator: Nancy Conrad

Summary: Little Flower is a potted daisy whose home is on a kitchen window ledge. Too often, Little Flower’s family forgets to care for her. What she wishes most is for someone to spend time with her and love her.  When her family leaves on a trip, they say goodbye and promise to see her again soon. Little Flower becomes more lonely, scared, sad, and unhealthy. She even begins to feel shame and fears they left her because she has been a bad flower. Despite her shame, when a robin discovers her and asks if she is ok, Little Flower bravely says no and explains. The robin promises to go for help. A “nice woman” brings a police officer to enter the house. The nice woman explains to Little Flower, “Some people haven’t learned how to give flowers what they need. I will help the people you live with learn how to care for flowers. But until they learn that, you need to live in a place where other people can give you what you need.” Then she takes Little Flower to another home where a family begins to properly and lovingly take care of the daisy.   

Hanna’s Comments: This book was given to my family several years ago when we began doing emergency foster care. As an extended metaphor for too many foster children who are neglected and forgotten by their families, it is very powerful and offers specific concepts that can be helpful. We used this book to help my 2 young children understand why the foster children were coming into our homes temporarily. In the back is a list of activities to do after reading to encourage children to process the concepts and emotions of this story.  

Publisher & Date of Publication: Child Welfare League of America, 1999

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: adoption, anxiety/worry, babies/children, belonging, brokenness, caring/tending, care of creation, challenges, community, dependence/interdependence, difficulties, disappointment, drink/thirst, dying, family, found, flowers/leaves/trees, fruit/fruit of the spirit, healing/healthcare, hiding/isolation/walls, hope, insecurity, intercession, loneliness, love, neglect, new home/relocation, nurturing, orphans, outreach, parables/stories, patience, perseverance, poverty, prisons/prisoners, renewal/restoration, rescue, resurrection, waiting, water

Scripture Connections: Bring justice to the fatherless (Isaiah 1:17); whoever welcomes a child in my name welcomes me (Matthew 18:5); let the children come to me (Mark 10:13-16)

Idea(s) for Application: This book also lends itself well as a metaphor for taking in abandoned or abused animals. Consider using this book in your faith community when talking about welcoming and caring for any of God’s creatures in your home.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 89

Picture Book: Orphan Train

Author: Verla Kay

Illustrator: Ken Stark

Summary: In rhymed verse, this author tells the story of 3 fictional children who are place on an orphan train. Because of a large numbers of orphans in northeastern American cities in the early 1900s, these trains full of children headed west to provide adopted children to farm families. This book begins with Lucy, Harold, and David experiencing the death of their parents to typhoid fever. Then they must fend for themselves on the streets. An orphanage takes them in and gives them clothes, meals, and beds.  Later they are placed on an orphan train. In Midwestern towns, they are paraded in front of farm families with no regard to their staying together. David is taken first. Later Lucy and Harold are taken in the same town so they are able to see each other. The book ends with Lucy and Harold hoping to find David someday.

Hanna’s Comments: This book explores an important historical time in American history when children’s rights were not valued. Even though many orphans on these trains were little more than slave labor to their adoptive families, the orphanage employees and adoptive families are not presented as good or bad characters, revealing the emotional complications of the time period. An author’s note at the beginning gives some historical context. Do not confuse this book with other books with the same title for older readers.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Putnam, 2003

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: There are videos on Youtube about the history of the orphan trains.

PBT Category: NF, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: adaptation/assimilation, adoption, America, anxiety/worry, babies/children, belonging, change, chosen, death/loss/grief, emotions/feeling, exile/separation, family, home, homelessness, journeys/pilgrimages/migration/quests, judgment/judges/judging, labor/work, orphans, parents/parental love, poverty, siblings/sibling rivalry, survival, tragedy, victims

Scripture Connections:: You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child (Exodus 22:22-24); children separated from parents during the Babylonian exile in the Old Testament

Idea(s) for Application: as part of a homeschool/religious school lesson on the history of the orphan trains and how your faith informs issues of adoption and parenting