Litttle + Little = Big

Picture Book: Little Elliot Big City

Author & Illustrator: Mike Curato

Summary: The city is big and scary, especially for an unusual little elephant named Elliot.  

But Elliot loves his city, even when his size and the crowds are not a good match, like when he is easily stepped on and pushed aside.

Many tasks are difficult, such as catching a cab. 

 But sometimes Elliot is very clever 

and solves problems on his own.   

Because of his size, Elliot especially enjoys small things, 

particularly cupcakes!

But he is too often overlooked at the bakery counter! NO CUPCAKES! 

Elliot's disappointment leads him to nearly miss an even smaller creature, a mouse, who also is having trouble getting food because of being small. 

Elliot listens to mouse's tale of hunger 

and quickly helps.  

A fast friendship is formed in which each of the little guys helps the other. 

In this way, the good things in life are more accessible and joyful, 

like cupcakes and so much more! 

Hanna’s Comments: This is the first of the Little Elliott series of books. Right now there are 3 others. All encourage deep connections and have illustrations that hearken back to the 1930's. In one story, Elliot finds a family in the big lonely city and in another, Mouse helps Elliot with his fears at an amusement park. The best part of these books is how easily an audience of children will relate. Like Elliot, they struggle with being too small or young or unable or not seen. If you have children in your group who have disabilities, consider their perspectives and levels of sensitivity. You might need to let them know of your plans and even ask them to share their perspective and experiences. And check out Jessica's Box, a beautiful PBT tale about a child in a wheelchair longing for new friends. Not being noticed is a spiritual issue. All humans (and apparently little elephants too!) are worthy of attention and love. God has desires for us to have encouraging friendships in which we build each other up and out for joy and service.  

Original Publisher & Date: Henry Holt, 2014

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: A scripture about someone small (i.e. Zacchaeus in Luke 19 or the boy who gave loaves & fishes in John 6);  Made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26); Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil… (Ecclesiastes 4:9); God has plans for our welfare, not evil, to give us a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11); where two or three are gathered... (Matthew 18:20); The Body of Christ (Romans 12:4-5); …you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6:18); Encourage one another and build one another up (1 Thessalonians 5:11); Behold what manner of love God has given to us that we should be called children of God! (1 John 3:1)

Idea(s) for Application: This book is perfect for talking about God's desire for strong, supportive, and encouraging connections within faith families, especially between those who are small or disadvantaged such as those with disabilities or the elderly.    

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 363

Dynamic Duo: Book 1

Picture Book: Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah 

Author: Laurie Anne Thomson

Illustrator: Sean Qualls

Summary: Emmanuel, born in Ghana with only one fully developed leg, was not cast out as tradition would have it. Instead his mother, Comfort, named him “God is with Us” and told him he must do common tasks on his own. He learned to do what typical African boys do, like climb trees and fetch water. He earned money for the family by shining shoes. Comfort carried Emmanuel the two miles to school until she could carry him no longer; then he hopped to and from school. At school, he wanted to play soccer (“football” in Africa), but the boys wouldn’t let him so he saved his money, purchased a real ball, took it to school, and required them to let him play. When his mother became ill, Emmanuel went to the city to work to support his family. He worked at a food stand, but he continually dealt with prejudice. Before his mother died, she encouraged him to “never beg and never give up”. He decided to honor her by demonstrating to his country that “being disabled does not mean being unable.” The Challenged Athletes Foundation in California sent him a bicycle, helmet, shorts, socks, and gloves. After training, going door to door for support, and receiving a royal blessing from the king, he tied his handicapped leg to the bike frame and pedaled with the other leg nearly 400 miles in 10 days! When he stopped to rest, he spoke about the unfair plight of disabled people. As he pedaled, he wore the colors of his country and the words, “The Pozo” which means “The Disabled Person.” He gained attention from his fellow citizens, both disabled and able-bodied, and people from around the world, becoming a national and international hero who had changed the world.

Hanna’s Comments: This is the first in a PBT Dynamic Duo about heroes who have changed the world. In this book you’ll find a Note from the Author and information about Emmanuel’s charitable organization. Appropriately, religious lessons for children often focus on characters from scripture. It is my position that children will benefit greatly from lessons about contemporary heroes as well, especially if those heroes have faith-based reasons for their significant work. In today’s and tomorrow’s book, children can hear how the seeds of these changes began in childhood. Let these and other stories of contemporary heroes inspire the children in your family of faith to make positive changes in the world.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Random House, 2015

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

# of Pages: 40 

Available in Spanish? Not at present 

Formats other than Book: Tablet, There are several videos about Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah on Youtube.com including a trailer for the feature length film that shares the title of this picture book. 

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press, Biography, Non-fiction  

PBT Topics this Book connects with:  abilities, acceptance, action, adaptation/assimilation, Africa, aspiration/dreams, bravery/courage, challenges, commitment, confidence, difficulties, disabilities/handicaps/limitations, heroes, journeys/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, labor/work, leadership/servant leadership, mission, mothers, parents/parental love, participation, perseverance, power, steadfastness, strength/strength in God, underdogs, wisdom

Scripture Connections: We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character… (Romans 5:3-4); count it all joy when you meet trials of various kinds (James 1:2); blessed is the one who remains steadfast under trial (James 1:12)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children in your faith family to inspire them to make positive changes in the world. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 266

Picture Book: Sing to the Stars

Author: Mary Brigid Barrett

Illustrator: Sandra Speidel

Summary: Ephram, a student of the violin, often encounters Mr. Washington on his way to and from his lesson. He is amazed that blind Mr. Washington always knows who he is and whether his lesson went well. When Mr. Washington learns that it is Ephram’s music he has heard at night from the darkness of the roof, he encourages him to play at an open mike event in the park. Ephram’s fear of performing is evident, but Mr. Washington encourages him by saying, “Music speaks best when someone listens.” Later, Ephram learns that Mr. Washington was an amazing pianist before the terrible accident that blinded him and killed his little girl. Knowing this, Ephram decides to try to perform. He invites Mr. Washington to play with him, but Mr. Washington confesses that he is not sure his hands could play anymore and he doesn’t want to find out. During the open-mike performances, there is a power outage. Ephram sees this as an opportunity to play in the dark, like on the roof, accompanied by Mr. Washington who is always in the dark. They choose well-known hymns like “Amazing Grace.” The story ends with these words, ”The hum of the crowd fades, and in the darkness the music sings to the stars.”

Hanna’s Comments: There are many potential themes in this inspiring story. Upon reading it, I easily saw its message of sharing your talents and overcoming fears. However, here I’m going to focus on the idea of encouragement. The story begins with Mr. Washington affirming and encouraging young Ephram; it ends with Ephram not only encouraging his older friend to reclaim his artistry, but he offers him a context in which he will likely be successful, a sort of hospitality. Faithful friendship is often about affirmation of God’s gifts, encouragement to use those gifts, and offering hospitality so that those gifts can be shared.    

Publisher & Date of Publication: Little, Brown, & Co., 1994

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

# of Pages: 32

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, acceptance, action, adaptation/assimilation, affirmation, art, bonds/connections, bravery/courage, brokenness, call/calling/vocation, choir/music/singing/songs, communication, community, darkness/evening/night, disabilities/handicaps/limitations, encouragement, fear, gifts/talents, God’s will, hiding/isolation, insecurity, intercession, joy, language/literacy/reading, listening, loss of faith, neighbors, noise/sounds/voice, participation, partners/teamwork, passion, power, renewal/restoration, resurrection, risking, shyness, tragedy

Scripture Connections: Be strong and courageous. Don’t be frightened or dismayed for the Lord God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9); I lift up my eyes to the hills… My help comes from the Lord (Psalm 121:1); the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30); God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7); any scripture story where one character encourages another such as Jonathan & David or Barnabus & Paul

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children in your faith community who are learning about the importance of encouraging others or sharing talents. 

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 233

Picture Book: Giraffes Can’t Dance

Author: Giles Andreae

Illustrator: Guy Parker-Rees

Summary: Gerald, a giraffe, wants nothing more than to join in the dancing at the annual Jungle Dance, but his knees are crooked and his legs are thin, both of which make his dancing clumsy and awkward. He approaches the dance floor anyway, but he is quickly teased so he slinks off, ashamed. Along the way home, Gerald is encouraged by a cricket who says, “Sometimes when you’re different you just need a different song.” Then he tells him to imagine the moon is playing just for Gerald because everything makes music. Gerald begins to shuffle, sway, and swish. His dancing becomes glorious. Soon the animals from the party arrive and become entranced by Gerald’s moves. They declare Gerald the best dancer ever! When asked to explain his sudden grace, Gerald says that we all can dance when we find music that we love.

Hanna’s Comments: This is such great book about encouraging others and finding your bliss! Many of Gerald’s admirable attributes could be talked about with children in your faith community such as his ability to persevere, be authentic, and listen. The cricket would be a great character to explore in a children’s discussion too. Both of these characters can be connected to characters in the scriptures who acted in similar ways such as Barnabus, Paul’s encourager, and Paul himself, who was an outsider among Christians until he proved himself a valuable preacher of the Gospel.  

Publisher & Date of Publication: Orchard Books, 1999

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: Video, Audio download/CD

PBT Category: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, action, Africa, aspirations/dreams, authenticity, celebration/party, choir/music/singing/songs, dance/dancing, diversity, doubt, encouragement, exclusion/inclusion, gifts/talents, gladness/happiness, God’s presence, goodness, helping, individuality/uniqueness, joy, judgment/judges/judging, listening, loss of faith, mentors/teachers, moon/space/stars/sun, participation, prejudice, reassurance, response to God, self-discovery, underdogs

Scripture Connections: Then Miriam took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines and dancing. (Exodus 15:20); You have turned my mourning into dancing (Psalm 30:11); let them praise his name with dancing (Psalm 149:3)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book to talk with children about different styles of worship and the purposes of worship including to authentically praise God. Or Connect these main characters to Bible characters with similar attributes.

A Picture a Day for a Year: Day 159

Picture Book: Amazing Grace

Author: Mary Hoffman

Illustrator: Caroline Binch

Summary: Grace is an imaginative girl who loves drama, stories, and pretending. When she gets her heart set on the role of Peter Pan in a musical at school, she is told by one classmate that she can’t be Peter Pan because she is a girl. Another classmate says she can’t be Peter Pan because she is black. Grace becomes determined especially when her Nana and mother lovingly remind her that she can do anything. Nana then takes her to see a professional prima ballerina from Trinidad, their home country. Grace is inspired to reach for her dreams despite what her classmates say. Grace blows away the competition in the audition and proudly becomes Peter Pan.

Hanna’s Comments: This wonderful book was read to me and a group of women in my church many years ago. We were delighted that its protagonist defied the prejudices in her classroom. We were also delighted that such high quality children’s literature was being published. The title of this book is the title of a popular Christian hymn, but this is not a Christian story. However, it is a story rich with possibilities for conversation in a religious context. You have the topics of defying social barriers (think the Canaanite woman begging Jesus to heal her daughter), embracing creative expression (think Tabitha/Dorcas or Priscilla), and confident determination and pride in your ethnic group (think Esther). 

Publisher & Date of Publication: Dial, 1991

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Yes and a Spanish video version is in the collection below, other translations are available such as the one pictured above which is in Arabic and English

Formats other than Book: Audio CD & cassette, In the video collection: Shrinking Violet & More Stories for Young Performers

PBT Category: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, affirmation, art, aspiration/dreams, chosen, competition, confidence, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, encouragement, exclusion/inclusion, freedom, grace, grandparents, individuality/uniqueness, judgment/judges/judging, justice, mothers, parents/parental love, participation, passion, play, prejudice, race relations/racism, social justice

Scripture Connections: Esther approaches the King (Esther 5); the Canaanite woman who begs Jesus to heal her daughter (Matthew 15:21-28); Tabitha/Dorcas’ good works & acts of charity (Acts 9:36); Priscilla re-teaches a man who was preaching inaccurately (Acts 18:26)

Idea(s) for Application: As mentioned above, this story is rich with possibilities for discussion with adults and children about overcoming prejudices, the importance of creative expression, and the value of celebrating your ethnic characteristics and individual talents. 

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 105

Picture Book: Me and Momma and Big John

Author: Mara Rockcliff

Illustrator: William Low

Summary: The narrator of this stunning picture book is Little John who is proud of his Momma, a stonecutter at Big John, aka the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in New York City. Momma is fulfilled by the dusty, back-breaking skill she recently learned. Little John is puzzled. For weeks Momma has worked on just one stone. When the stone is finished, Momma takes the whole family to see it and enormous Big John. Little John is awe-struck by the beauty of the cathedral, but he is puzzled that Momma’s name is not on the piece of art she proudly shows her family. When Momma shows them where her stone will be placed, Little John begins to understand that his Momma and the other stonecutters have come together not for an art to look at but “for an art to be.” And that art will “be” for a very long time.

Hanna’s Comments: Be sure to read the section in the back, About Big John, which gives the factual basis of this picture book. I was struck with not only the beautiful depiction of this massive cathedral that is still being built, but the patience required for its builders and the city that awaits its completion.   

Publisher & Date of Publication: Candlewick, 2012

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Non-fiction, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, America, art, awe, babies/children, beauty, body of Christ, call/calling/vocation, choir/music/singing/songs, church building/the Temple, commitment, gifts/giftedness/talents, God’s presence, heritage, humanity, humility, image of God, labor/work, mothers, participation, partners/teamwork, patience, perseverance, pleasing God/the Shema, power, preparation/preparing, pride, response to God, reverence, satisfaction, steadfastness, strength/strength in God, time/timing/over time, unity, waiting, worship

Scripture Connections: Leaving an inheritance to your children (Proverbs 13:22); Commit your work to the Lord (Proverbs 16:3); Present your bodies as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1); Let us not grow weary of doing good (Galatians 6:9)

Idea(s) for Application: Use in a homeschool/private school lesson for a study on various places of worship. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 84

Terrific Trio: Book 2

Picture Book: On Linden Square

Author & Illustrator: Kate Sullivan

Summary: Stella Mae is bored on her first day of winter vacation. Luckily for her, she always has a perfect view into windows of neighbors across the street, and she often hears the noisy antics of neighbors in her building. Perceptive Stella Mae thinks she knows her neighbors though they are always too busy to speak. When a snow storm blankets her neighborhood and home bounds them all, she ventures out to build a snow creature. Soon she is joined by her neighbors whose creative spirit transforms the snow creature she is making and their own relationships.

Hanna’s Comments: This is the 2^nd book of this PBT Terrific Trio in which all the books involve communities becoming more engaged due to unforeseen circumstances. While reading, check out the glossary in the back of this book which defines the many interesting words used, including many musical terms.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Sleeping Bear Press, 2013

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

# of Pages: 40

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: attentiveness/observation/seeing, beauty, blessings, body of Christ, celebration/party, change, communication, community, companionship, creation, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, gladness/happiness, humanity, image of God, listening, loneliness, neighbors, neighborhood, noise/sounds/voice, participation, presence, relationships, Sabbath, satisfaction, snow, surprise, transformation, unity

Scripture Connections: Scriptures about the Sabbath

Idea(s) for Application: These 3 books would be fantastic for a literature lesson at a homeschool/religious school. You could compare and contrast the plot devices and literary elements. For this book, you already have the vocabulary listed in the glossary in the back. Then consider how these 3 communities are approaching what it means to live in the kind of intentional, loving community that your religious community holds dear.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 83

Terrific Trio: Book 1

Picture Book: Blackout

Author & Illustrator: John Rocco

Summary: After trying to engage his busy family with a board game, a boy sits in front of a screen. Then the power goes out all over the city. Because it is a hot night, the family carries the board game to the roof. Under the splendor of the stars, neighbors join them, and it’s a block party in the sky. Later the family joins the party on the street. When the power comes back on, the family resumes their normal activities, but the boy doesn’t like normal so much. He turns off the lights in their home, and the board game enthusiastically continues.  

Hanna’s Comments: This is book 1 in PBT's first Terrific Trio. All of these books begin with people who are busy and isolated. The authors of each use a different plot mechanism for bringing the communities together, each celebrating community engagement. This author wonderfully illustrates the beauty of an urban night and the love and camaraderie that can be shared in a neighborhood or family when the power goes out and when it comes back on.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Hyperion Books, 2011

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Audible

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

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: attentiveness/observation/seeing, beauty, blessings, celebration/party, challenges, change, communication, community, companionship, darkness/evening/night, difficulties, disabilities/handicaps/limitations, family, gladness/happiness, grace, home, humanity, leadership/servant leadership, loneliness, love, moon/space/stars/sun, neighbors, neighborhood, parents/parental love, participation, presence, relationships, reverence, Sabbath, satisfaction, security, siblings/sibling rivalry, surprise, at table, transformation, treasure, unity, vision

Scripture Connections: Scriptures about the Sabbath

Idea(s) for Application: There are many negatives associated with darkness. This book offers a positive view. Use this book in a lesson on how metaphorical darkness, such as illness, limitations, loss, struggle or lack of clarity, can strengthen relationships, particularly with God.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 58

Picture Book: One Love: Based on the Song by Bob Marley

Adapted by: Cedella Marley

Illustrator: Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Summary: Bob Marley’s oldest daughter offers this adaptation of one of her father’s most beloved songs. Though the words of the book do not conform to the lyrics of the Bob Marley recording, the simpler text & fun illustrations offer a meaningful message of joy and hope as a young girl convinces a group in her community to transform it into a more beautiful space.

Hanna’s Comments: Singing along with the book may not be possible, but you can read the book, talk about how your community might be transformed, and then everyone can dance to the reggae tune. The original lyrics have some Christian references, but they are hard to decipher and will likely be ignored by children. A skilled musician might be able to adapt the book’s text to a tune comparable to the original. There is a quick promo video on Amazon.com that might help. Since this book is all about making connections with one another and nature, it’s a perfect PBT book.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Chronicle Books, 2011

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

# of Pages: 32                                                                                               

Available in Spanish? Not at present                                                              

Formats other than Book: tablet, videos of the song only

PBT Category: Song Book, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abundance/bounty, action, affection, awe, belonging, blessings, body of Christ, bonds/connections/connectedness, care of creation, choir/music/singing/songs, comfort, commitment, community, companionship, dance/dancing, dependence/interdependence, the environment/nature, flowers/leaves/trees, freedom, gladness/happiness, God’s care/providence, helping, humanity, image of God, joy, labor/work, love, manna, neighbors, neighborhood, participation, partners/teamwork, play, presence, relationships, response to God, reverence, satisfaction, sharing, transformation, unity  

Scripture Connections: Love is patient and kind… (1^st Corinthians 13: 4-8)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book as part of a children’s celebration after they take part in beautification activities or simply doing some cleaning and picking up litter on the campus of your faith family.