PBT Redux #11 The Story of Ruby Bridges

School is about to start here in Alabama so I’m reposting my favorite “Back to School” PBT book. This true story is about a hero, a young Christian hero, who prays her way through a very difficult school year. Ruby Bridges is a name I wish American children knew as well as they know many sports stars and entertainers. Read this book to the kids in your faith family as they start school and talk about how prayer can ground them in difficult times.

Picture Book: The Story of Ruby Bridges 
Author: Robert Coles
Illustrator: George Ford
Summary: Ruby Bridges, 6-year-old hero of the Civil Rights Movement, daily faced an angry mob as she single-handedly integrated an elementary school in New Orleans. Facing this mob with courage, dignity, and her unyielding faith, every morning Ruby prayed for those who verbally abused her as she walked to school.
Hanna’s Comments: The author, a well-known child psychiatrist, regularly spent time with Ruby Bridges during her school integration ordeal. There is much material about Ruby Bridges, (interviews, documentaries, video dramas including a Disney film, a famous Norman Rockwell painting…) as well as other picture books. This book was chosen for PBT because it is a first-hand account, and it emphasizes Ruby’s resilience and faith.
Publisher & Date of Publication: Scholastic, 1995
Age and Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up
Formats other than Book: Tablet, see my comments above about other resources
Scripture Connections: The Lord is my strength and my shield (Psalm 28:7); pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44); Christ welcomes the little children (Matthew 19:14); I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)
Idea(s) for Application: Read this book in a children’s lesson on intercessory prayer, facing fear & other difficulties with faith and prayer, or Contemporary Christian Heroes.

PBT Redux Series #3 – Lion's Lunch

Today I’m featuring the third book in the PBT Redux Series in which I re-post (with a little editing) an earlier post about a picture book published in the last few years that you need to know. The books in this series are treasures with so much potential for ministry!

Picture Book: Lion’s Lunch

Author: Fiona Tierney
Illustrator: Margaret Chamberlain
Summary: Quick-witted Sarah wanders into the jungle happily singing until a lion threatens her. From Lion’s perspective, she is useless and nobody should sing in the jungle. Sarah asks what she can do to be a part of the jungle community. Lion sees her only as lunch, but Sarah quickly demonstrates her value by drawing a picture of Lion. No one else in the jungle can do that. Lion is astonished that Sarah portrays him as “mad and mean.” The other animals agree with Sarah’s assessment so she draws them in more positive ways, friendly, perky, cuddly, etc. The animals declare that Sarah “only draws it like it is.” Sarah’s drawings convince Lion to change his attitude. Then he invites her back to the jungle to see his transformation. When Sarah returns, she finds a very different Lion who invites her to become a permanent member of their jungle community. 

Hanna’s Comments: Children will love this silly book! It has a great deal to say about how we are sometimes oblivious to our own behavior and how others view us. Sarah is such a great role model for being creative, smart, frank, and empathetic. Her problem-solving is brilliant and seems to be God-inspired because it is grounded in valuing the uniqueness of each member of a loving community.
Publisher & Date of Publication: Chicken House, 2010
Age and Grade Appropriateness: 3 and up, Pre and up
Available in Spanish? Yes
Formats other than Book: None at present 
Scripture Connections: Tax collectors, like Matthew (Matthew 9:9-13) and Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10), are viewed as outsiders but change their ways after meeting Jesus; Saul changes after the Road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-22)

Idea(s) for Application: Lion's Lunch would be a great component to a lesson on the importance of self-awareness and how it may lead to transformation. Additionally, consider reading it in a lesson on peaceful resistance.

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 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 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.  

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 245

Dynamic Duo: Book 2

Picture Book: Say Hello

Authors & Illustrators: Jack Foreman & Michael Foreman

Summary: This story in verse begins with a dog who is apparently feeling lonely. Then he spies a group of children playing and easily joins the fun. Meanwhile, a shy child off to the side asks, “Why am I the only one? (the only one who is left out).” The other children don’t seem to notice him. The dog does though and offers him a ball with an unspoken message to, ”Come join the fun. No need to be the lonely one.” All the other children then notice. Together they shout one simple word, “Hello!” and welcome him to play.

Hanna’s Comments: This simple, but poignant picture book offers a direct challenge to readers, particularly children. When you are caught up in your fun activities, take time to notice who is feeling left out. Then be more welcoming to them. I know some adults who would benefit from this reminder. There are times, you could argue, when the behavior of shy people, like the child in the story, encourages being excluded. You could argue that it’s their own fault. However, I believe the children of God are called to pay attention and be especially welcoming to the outsiders, the on-lookers, the shy ones, the least. Help the children in your faith community be more sensitive and welcoming to those who might be shy or feel left out. Overtly teach them skills such as how to carry a conversation by asking questions and searching for common interests. Talk about the difference between being encouraging and pushy. Remind them to respect those who don’t want to participate. Like yesterday’s PBT Dynamic Duo entry book with the same title, this book includes the word “hello” in various languages. You’ll find these on the back end pages, not in the narrative.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Candlewick, 2008

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, aliens/immigrants/refugees/strangers, animals, attentiveness/observation/seeing, belonging, chosen, communication, community, exclusion/inclusion, golden rule, hiding/isolation, hospitality, insecurity, loneliness, outsiders, participation, perspective, relationships, risking, shyness, waiting

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: Use this book in a lesson for children on hospitality. See details in my comments above. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 196

Picture Book: Each Kindness               

Author: Jacqueline Woodson

Illustrator: E.B. Lewis

Summary: A new girl, Maya, enters school, but Chloe and her friends won’t play with her because of the way she’s dressed. Eventually Maya no longer comes to school, then she moves away, but she is remembered by Chloe when their teacher gives a lesson on how each kindness that is bestowed makes the world better. The teacher uses a bowl of water and stones to illustrate this concept, focusing on the water ripples that spread. Chloe reflects on this idea and realizes her lost opportunities for kindness toward Maya and for friendship.

Hanna’s Comments: Consider this book a hint of things to come. Within the pages of this book about shunning and cruelty is a subtle anti-bullying message. You might not recognize it as bullying since there is no physical aggression or obvious taunting, but girls often bully in different ways than boys. Bullying in the manner of boys gets the most media attention. Girls bully with deliberate and calculated alienation and subtle insults. That’s what happens in this story and too often in communities of faith, both at places of worship and in religious schools, where breaking down the barriers of cliques can be especially hard. This is true despite scriptural exhortations to be hospitable. If your faith community struggles with this issue, consider focusing on an anti-bullying message and how it is in conflict with your faith values. The week of November 16 is Anti-bullying month here in the USA. Look for a focus on that issue in the PBT offerings the week before (November 9/Day 204 through November 15/Day 210). Meanwhile, you can check out www.bullyingawarenessweek.org .

Publisher & Date of Publication: Penguin, 2012

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Audio book

PBT Category: Award, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: aliens/immigrants/refugees/strangers, brokenness, choices/decisions, clothes/shoes, communication, community, confession, conformity, consequences/punishment, cruelty, differences, emotions/feelings, evangelism, exile/separation/walls, friends/friendship, golden rule/great commandment, greed/selfishness, guilt, hospitality, injustice, mistakes, new school, outsiders, peer pressure, poverty, power, prejudice, regret/repentance, relationships, sin, victims

Scripture Connections: Let the words of my mouth... be acceptable to Your heart (Psalm 19:14); death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:22); what comes out of the mouth defiles a person (Matthew 15:10)

Idea(s) for Application: Teach the children in your faith community the prayer usually attributed to King David (Psalm 19:14) and talk about how words can welcome, hurt, and heal in powerful ways.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 145

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

Publisher & Date of Publication: Scholastic, 1993

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present but 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 or another language.

Formats other than Book: Video on Youtube.com, Audible, Audio CD

PBT Category: Award Winner (Caldecott Honor) Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, beginnings/morning, chosen, communication, community, companionship, differences, emotions/feelings, encouragement, evangelism, exclusion/inclusion, friends/friendship, gentleness/meekness, golden rule/great commandment, hospitality, insecurity, integration, kindness, language/literacy/reading, openness, outreach, outsiders, play, prevenient grace, race relations/racism, relationships, risking, shyness, sports/sports stars

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 with children themes of initiating relationships, especially with those who are different or on the outside. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 132

Picture Book: But Not the Hippopotamus

Author & Illustrator: Sandra Boynton

Summary: Boynton is famous for her whimsical animal characters, but they are not so nice in this book. “A dog and a frog do a dance in the bog. But not the hippopotamus.” Sadly the hippopotamus is left out of all sorts of fun activities. The story and illustrations never reveal why. Finally, the animals decide to “hurry out for a jog” and then think to come back for … “Yes, the hippopotamus!”

Hanna’s Comments: This may be a silly, simple book, but it packs a punch of relevant meaning. Children struggle with in-group vs. out-group issues in their homes, schools, and religious communities. Talk with your children about the heartaches (and joys) of cliques and informal groups with this fun book. In a comical context, your kids may be more willing to honestly confess to this common human behavior and allow you to discuss how exclusivity and inclusivity fit into your faith values. Don’t hesitate to model a little confessing on your own. Sometimes your confessions are what children are most likely to find meaningful and remember.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Little Simon Books, 1982

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

# of Pages: 14

Available in Spanish? Not at Present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: Pre 2k

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, belonging, body of Christ, disappointment, exclusion/inclusion, exile/separation, friends/friendship, God’s will, golden rule/great commandment, hospitality, injustice, integration, loneliness, neglect, outsiders, participation, pleasing God/the Shema, prejudice, segregation, sin, social justice

Scripture Connections: There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female. All are one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:28)

Idea(s) for Application: Jesus ministered to a great number of outsiders (women, lepers, Gentiles, tax collectors, Samaritans…). Use this book when discussing one of these stories or Jesus’ tendency to include.  

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 100

Picture Book: The Memory String

Author: Eve Bunting

Illustrator: Ted Rand

Summary: Laura is struggling to accept her new stepmother, Jane. Laura often clutches her memory string, a string of heirloom buttons from clothing belonging to herself and important members of her family, the most important being her dead mother. As Laura forces her cat to hear explanations of all the buttons, the cat flees and breaks the string. Buttons scatter in the grass. All 3 family members search, but 1 button is still missing at dark. Later Laura overhears a conversation in which her dad wants to replace the missing button, but Jane says, “It’s like a mother. No substitute allowed.” Jane convinces Dad to help her search in the dark. She finds the button but refuses to be the one to return it, believing Laura won’t accept it from her. Instead she leaves the button on the porch for Laura to find. Laura overhears all of this so the next morning she asks Jane to help her re-string the buttons, a small step toward accepting Jane.

Hanna’s Comments: I discovered this book soon after learning how to make and use prayer beads from my friend Kristen Vincent, author of A Bead and a Prayer: A Beginner's Guide to Protestant Prayer Beads. This picture book reminded me of the comfort prayer beads can offer and the way in which some prayer beads are created with special care for personal symbolism and memory. If this interests you, I highly recommend Kristen's book and blog at www.abeadnaprayer.wordpress.com. If you decide to focus on the plot’s family dynamics, don’t limit this story to audiences struggling with issues of death or remarriage. All significant changes in families are difficult. Some members adapt more slowly than others. Discovering rituals such as praying with beads can be helpful for coping and improving communication.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Clarion, 2000

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

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

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, adaptation/assimilation, 

ancestors/patriarchs & matriarchs, artifacts, brokenness, collections, comfort, death/loss/grief, depression/despair/sadness/sorrow, difficulties, emotions/feelings, found, God’s nature, grace, heritage, identity/names, loneliness, memories/remembering/ritual/tradition, milestones, mothers, openness, outsiders, parables/stories, parents/parental love, patience, perspective, wisdom 

Scripture Connections: I have stored up your word in my heart (Psalm 119:11); The memory of the righteous is a blessing (Proverbs 10:7)

Idea(s) for Application: Even young children can learn to make and use prayer beads. Use this picture book as an introduction to the power of that ritualized kind of prayer.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 76

A video demonstration of me reading this book can be found on
 the "Other Resources by Hanna" page.

Picture Book: When Marian Sang

Author: Pam Munoz Ryan

Illustrator: Brian Selznick

Summary: This is the true story of Marian Anderson’s rise to world-wide fame as an opera singer and civil rights symbol. It highlights the events leading to the historic 1939 concert at The Lincoln Memorial where 75,000 people witnessed a glorious act of civil rights. The Daughters of the American Revolution would not allow Anderson to sing in Constitution Hall, despite her success in Europe. Instead she sang My Country, 'Tis of Thee for the world at the feet of the author of the Emancipation Proclamation. The story begins with her childhood in which many are astonished by the 8-year-old's striking contralto voice. As she faces the segregation and prejudice of her time, her talent and determined passion shine through. The book ends, after the famous concert, as Marian realizes her dream of performing on the stage of The Metropolitan Opera.

Hanna’s Comments: Although racial discrimination is an important part of this story, the book also highlights Marian Anderson's discovery, at an early age, of her God-given talent and her vocation. The author deftly explains the perseverance and courage necessary for Marian to succeed so early, at such a high level, and within a segregated United States. See the author's historical note in the back for more details. The story beautifully connects with the Parable of the Talents in the New Testament, and I have written a lesson for elementary-aged children that does just that. Contact me via a comment here or at hannaschock@bellsouth.net if you are interested in purchasing the lesson for $4. A video demonstration of me reading this book to a group of children during Sunday school can be found at the above tab: Other Resources by Hanna.

Original Publisher & Date: Scholastic, 2002

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Audio CD, A video of  the 1939 Lincoln Memorial concert is on the internet.

PBT Category: Biography

Scripture Connections: Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30); diversity in the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book in a lesson for children or teens on valuing God-given talents or realizing vocations. OR Use this book to explore how social injustice can prevent God's children from using their talents for good.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 67

Picture Book: The Top of the Pizzas

Author & Illustrator: Bill Basso  

Summary: An ugly pizza maker, called Ogre Pizza-Ola because of his looks & his skill at pizza-making, was hidden in the kitchen of a popular pizzeria. He loved the children who delighted in his pizzas, but he stayed hidden as directed. Eventually a nosey woman discovered him and panic followed. After being fired, he set off to another city. Alas, the only job he could find was as a substitute gargoyle atop a tall skyscraper where its owner hoped tourists would come for the best view of the old city.  After weeks, only 1 family came, exhausted and hungry. Ogre Pizza-Ola asked permission to make pizzas for the tourists, though there was nowhere to hide. The first group to visit was led by a teacher who fainted when seeing Ogre, but her children did not. They loved him immediately because they saw his kindness. After a taste of the pizza, the teacher was won over too. Many customers followed to taste the pizza and see the pizza making ogre at the city’s newest and most intriguing pizzeria, The Top of the Pizzas.

Hanna’s Comments: The photo above reveals how much my students, children, and I have loved this book over the years. I especially like the way it gives children the credit for seeing beyond Ogre’s name and looks. Appearance is too often a place of judgment or obsession. This book offers an opportunity to talk about those who don’t fit your culture’s idea of beauty. Then consider how your faith instructs you to treat such people.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Dodd, Mead, & Company, 1977 

Age and 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: Rare but Worth the Search

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, acceptance, babies/children, beauty, bullying/martyrs/persecution/oppression, dreams/aspirations, exclusion/inclusion, exile/separation, fear, feasting/food/hunger/nutrition, gifts/giftedness/talents, hatred, hiding/isolation/separation/walls, injustice, intolerance, judgment/judges/judging, justice, outsiders, prejudice, purpose, social justice, stereotypes

Scripture Connections: unless you become like children (Matthew 18:3); Jesus interacts and heals a bent-over woman (Luke 13:10-17) and lepers (Luke 17:11-19)

Idea(s) for Application: Consider using this book when talking to children about judging others especially for their appearance.  

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 52

Picture Book: The Sandwich Swap

Author: Her Majesty the Queen Rania Al Abdullah with Kelly DiPucchio 

Illustrator: Tricia Tusa

Summary: Suspicion about new food is the issue here. Despite Lilly and Salma’s mutual friendship, BFFs even, each girl is concerned about the kind of sandwich her friend eats for lunch. Lilly eats peanut butter and jelly. Salma eats hummus on pita. Eventually these doubts are expressed, feelings are hurt, anger bubbles to the top, other students choose sides, and a cafeteria food fight ensues. When they are called to the principal's office, feelings of shame surface. The next day at lunch, Lilly and Salma try each other’s sandwiches and are delightfully surprised and are inspired to have an international food event at school.

Hanna’s Comments: Sometimes something as small as a sandwich leads to poor assumptions and discrimination. This story demonstrates that being open to other’s differences and being willing to step into another’s shoes, can lead to new delights and stronger relationships. This story is based on the queen of Jordan's own experiences with a friend. This is explained in a great author’s note at the end.

Another book with a similar story is Yoko by Rosemary Wells. In this book, the criticized food Yoko initially takes to school is sushi. That's ironic! Sushi has become very popular since the book's publication in 1998.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Disney-Hyperion, 2010 

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: amateur Youtube videos, one very well done 

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abundance/bounty, choices/decisions, communion/Eucharist, conflict, differences, emotions/feelings, exploration, feasting/food/hunger/nutrition, forgiveness/justifying grace/mercy/redemption, friends/friendship, grace, individuality/uniqueness, joy, jubilee, judgment/judges/judging, manna, obstacles, outsiders, pacifism/peace/peaceful/peacemakers/peaceable kingdom, pride, regret/repentance, respect, sharing

Scripture Connections: any scripture story in which a character is willing to accept differences in culture, Peter's dream about food (Acts 10:1-48), Gentiles versus Jews (Acts 15:7-9),  

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book as a part of an Inter-religious Food Festival focusing on how various faiths use food in their rituals. Or read it in a lesson for children about judgement or forgiveness.