Tomorrow I’ll Be...

Two picture books from a lettering artist today!

Tomorrow I’ll Be Kind and

Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave

Author/Illustrator: Jessica Hische 

Summary: These books are very similar so I'll summarize both here. Each involve a rabbit whose sidekick is a cat. (Maybe younger sibling, not sure) Both live in a family of rabbits in a human-like community of various animals. There is an obvious rhythm to the pages. First the rabbit declares, "Tomorrow I'll be..." with a little explanation on a double page.

Then the next double-page spread gives more detail in context, usually with the cat involved. Here the rabbit is helpful with the cat who has made a mess.

That pattern repeats 7 times in both books. Here’s the same kind of pages from the blue book: "Tomorrow I'll be...

The rabbit is adventurous in several ways by trying new things/behaviors.

Each book ends with a summary page listing the 7 attributes. 

Then at bedtime…

the rabbit goes to bed, anticipating the possibilities of all those goals. 

Hanna’s Comments: These books are beautiful! Some of attributes will be a little difficult for early readers to read because they are in cursive, but that's okay. They are learning. Hische often answers the question I ask to ask when following up with a great but abstract idea from children (and sometimes adults), in a group discussion: "What does that look like?" Getting to the nitty-gritty of behaviors and application is what I'm hoping for. Hische shows details of behaviors and situations that your audience can build on in their conversation and applications in the real world. Some of her illustrations are whimsical, so this will take some grounding in reality. It is easy to connect these ideas to scripture. So many Bible characters have these attributes. Bible verses often encourage them. You might consider having those who can write, list the goals in a particular personal order (i.e., easiest to hardest). Then choose 1 goal for the  week.

Original Publisher: Penguin Random House, 2018 & 2020

Age Appropriateness: 4 and up

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Any scripture story or verses about being brave, kind, or any of the other personal goals mentioned here. Many Bible characters, like Abraham and Sarah, are encouraged by God to have some or all of these attributes. 

Connections to The Revised Common Lectionary: In my Trinity Treasures preschool curriculum based on the RCL, I listed the orange book about kindness when teaching about Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) as a group and in lessons about specific fruits like goodness. I also listed it for a lesson on Micah 6:8, suggesting they find the justice, mercy, and humility. I listed the blue book about bravery in lessons about Esther, Ruth & Naomi, and having courage grounded in God, such as in the verses  declaring that God's perfect love works in us and through us to cast out fear (1 John 4:18) and Paul's instruction for putting on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20). 

PBT Applications: If you would like to read either of these books to adults or youth but know the illustrations would be to immature for them, simply write all the text on an index card. But DO give the author credit for those words. Simply explain before reading that you read these words in a picture book by Jessica Hische. Then ask intriguing questions, such as which of these feelings/actions/orientations is hardest for you? Who do you know that does these really well? Is there a pop culture character who you think of when you think of one of these characteristics? What would this look like (there's my question) in your home/school/church/neighborhood/sport?

Still My Favorite Advent Post

Sorry I have not been able to post more often! ‘Tis the season to be crazy-busy!

Here is a link to my favorite PBT post featuring Advent books: Waiting and Waiting and Waiting and Waiting

If the term “Advent” has little or no meaning for you, you might be surprised to know at this time we are not in the Christmas season according to the liturgical year of most churches. Click the link above for a bit of explanation and info. on 3 secular books for Advent. BUT these books, and others about waiting, can be used year-round!

The theme of Waiting throughout the Bible: Even if you have made your picture book selections for this Advent season, the theme of waiting is important in many biblical stories and key biblical verses. More importantly in children's ministries, waiting is a huge issue for children so there is rich theological soil here. 

Here are 2 of my favorite biblical phrases...

For you alone, O God, my soul waits in silence... (Psalm 62:1)  

Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. (Isaiah 40:31.)

Here are some Bible stories that come to mind:

• Waiting to become mothers (Sara, Hannah, and Elizabeth),
• Waiting for love (Jacob waiting for Rachel, Zacchaeus waiting from the tree for Jesus)
• Waiting to return home (Israelites wandering in the wilderness and later in Babylonian exile)
• Waiting for health (Jesus’ miraculous healing stories)
• Waiting for God’s justice and hope to be realized (many Old Testament prophets, Simeon & Anna, New Testament Christians longing for Jesus’ return)

I hope your Advent waiting is realized with a particularly meaningful Christmas season! 

Sadness as a Companion

Today is Good Friday, the day we remember the crucifixion of Jesus. I've never understood why we call it good. It seems like a very sad day to me. This newly published book could be used throughout the year in your ministry or at your home or school, particularly when a sad event occurs and affects many. In American culture, we run from sadness. Today I want to feature this intriguing book that teaches us to acknowledge and befriend sadness. We might even need to invite sadness to stay for a while.

Picture Book: When Sadness is at Your Door
Authors  & Illustrator: Eva Eland
Summary: Striking illustrations of sadness personified are found immediately in the inside covers to begin and end Eland's book.

Sadness enters a child's home unexpectedly. At first the child is unsure and puzzled.

Sadness follows and seems to need comfort in a way that is uncomfortable and even scary.

Hiding it doesn't work,

because in some sense you've become sadness yourself.

Perhaps it is best to face it, name it, and listen. Ask it what it needs. It's okay if you don't understand or can't help it just now.

You might have to simply be a companion 

or sadness might just need time and beauty

and welcoming attention.

Someday it will be gone and you will have a new day.

Hanna’s Comments: During my 2 year Academy for Spiritual Formation, a book was assigned in which personification of personal issues - everything from emotions to addictions - was explained as a powerful tool for spiritual growth and healing. The question, "What does it need?" was crucial. Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love speaks of such personification in a delightful TED talk and writes about it in her book on creativity Big Magic. I have experienced such healing myself. Social science has long said that emotional literacy is crucial for emotional development. Our places of worship and families of faith are important environments for this kind of learning and healing to occur, but they must be safe, trustworthy places. 
When might this book be appropriate? 

When a much-loved member or teacher dies

When a national tragedy occurs as in Paris this week

When a pastor struggles with clinical depression or terminal illness

When many in your church are near the end of their lives

When a global church makes a decision that shuts-out many

When much has been lost across a congregation as in a major change or disaster

When your client or spiritual directee is stuck and needing a creative invitation

When Good Friday is not really so good

Demystifying sadness can be a gift to your children and all members of your classroom or congregation if handled delicately and respectfully, with no judgement or impatience. Don't view this as a way to get over sadness but as a way to companion it and be mindful of it. Find personal connections in the loss, fear, and confusion. Offer hints of hope. For this book, I would simply read it and then listen. Some gentle questions and art supplies might be good to have handy too.

Original Publisher & Date: Random House, 2019

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: There are many Bible stories that have elements of sadness besides those we hear in anticipation of Good Friday. Consider the sadness that must have been felt by Ruth, the friends of Tabitha/Dorcas, David at the death of Jonathan, and Martha, Mary, and Jesus upon Lazarus' death. Sparingly use scriptures about hope such as I am making all things new (Revelation 21:5) since this is a book about sadness being acknowledged and respected in the present.

Idea(s) for Application: Besides the ideas mentioned above, read this book to a group of children when learning about God's presence when we are sad. 

4 Snow Books

It’s a tricky matter to feature books about snow, but such stories are often fun and illustrations are usually striking. Thus is the case for the 4 books featured below. You may not be experiencing snow or even the winter season right now, but it was time for me to spend a little time connecting the joys of snow to faith. Have these books in your wheelhouse for when the flakes fall or when it’s hot outside and thoughts of snow would be particularly refreshing to your faith family. The first book is the story of a child's prayer. The next two books share the title Snow, with one being about patience and the other about snow's variety, beauty, and fun. The last book is about perseverance. All are full of sacred themes. But first, [here's] a PBT post about a "snowy" book that you all know already. 

Picture Book: Before Morning

Author: Joyce Sidman

Illustrator: Beth Krommes

Summary: Upon arriving home, a young girl realizes her airline pilot mom will be leaving soon. She is not happy about this. As she prepares for sleep, she offers an invocation, a prayer of sorts, for a snow day to keep her family together. She gets her wish and love abounds! The joys of a snow day are abundant.

Hanna’s Comments: The text in this book doesn’t occur for several pages so this is a quiet book that demands attention to the illustrations. Be sure to offer it in small groups and explain the illustrations when they are hard to follow. The time and effort are worth it for this gorgeous book is all about familial love and a desire to be present. This would be a great choice for a conversation in your faith family about prayers of petition that are purely selfish. Does God mind them when they are motivated purely by love? Then spend some time talking about the joy of snow days and how they are blessings for some and hardships for others.

Original Publisher & Date: HMH, 2016

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: The psalms are full of petitionary prayers. Some are less selfish than others. 

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children or adults and embark on a discussion about the appropriateness of prayers founded on selfish desires. 

Picture Book: Snow

Author & Illustrator: Sam Usher

Summary: Sam awakes to a blanket of snow, but he must wait for his grandfather to step outside. Eager to be the first to make footprints, he's stands at the door calling for Granddad, but Granddad is slow. Then Sam watches as another child has that privilege. He keeps waiting and waiting, watching more folks and creatures (some ridiculous - the result of Sam’s imagination) walk about having glorious fun. After an agonizing wait, the two step out and join the fun. 

Hanna’s Comments: This book is part of a series called Seasons with Granddad. Other titles are Sun, Rain, and Storm. This would be a perfect book to share with children in a church family that wants to increase and improve  multi-generational interaction. Let it be a catalyst for a discussion about The Fruits of the Spirit (particularly patience, joy, and love) and how these might be needed on both sides of the age spectrum. Recognizing and exploring differences are the best way to eventually celebrate them and reap the benefits of all being respected and affirmed for their part of The Body of Christ.

Original Publisher & Date: Templar, 2015

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: The Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children and talk realistically about how patience is required when interacting with people who are elderly. Then spend time talking about the gifts the older generations have given your church. Have some important stories to share about individuals your children know.

Picture Book: Snow

Author: Cynthia Rylant

Illustrator: Lauren Stringer

Summary: In this beautiful book of rhythmic prose, this prize-winning writer evokes all sorts of feelings from a variety of snow experiences thanks to a young girl who greets snow like a friend. She tells us that snow is best enjoyed WITH a friend too. Snow gives us permission to be happy! Delicate snow is lightly described, but sometimes snow is a heavy burden. This entire book is a child’s wisdom (they do experience snow better than us adults!) to savor snow and the experiences it offers for “nothing lasts forever except memories.”

Hanna’s Comments: Anytime you earnestly consider the beauty and treasure of one of God’s gifts in nature, you are engaged in contemplative prayer. This is certainly something children do already so label it as a spiritual practice and encourage more of it. Because this book is full of gratitude, you could read it in a lesson on the spiritual practice of gratitude. Share some scientific findings about how this orientation inclines us toward health and joy. Then encourage a gratitude journal. [Here] at PBT, I featured Cynthia Rylant and mentioned a few of her many books. She is a treasure that I am grateful for!

Original Publisher & Date: Harcourt, 2008

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: In the perfection of beauty, God shines forth (Psalm 50:2); To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1); God has made everything beautiful in its time. (Ecclesiastes 3:11); How great is God’s goodness and how great is God’s beauty! (Zachariah 9:17)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children who are learning about how to pray contemplatively or who are writing gratitude journals.  

Picture Book: Blizzard

Author & Illustrator: John Rocco

Summary: The author shares a story from his Rhode Island childhood about the blizzard of 1978. From the first flakes to the first snowplow many days later, Rocco’s family rises to the challenges of the deep snow. On day 6, their food has run out. Hot cocoa made from water has its limits. John is the lightest (and he’s the only one who has read a survival guide), so he sets out on top of the deep snow trudging toward the neighborhood store. Comically, he meets and helps neighbors along the way while taking their requests from the store. Finally, he arrives at the store and piles the supplies onto his sled. Racing against the sun, he delivers the requests to his grateful neighbors and returns home with groceries – a hero to all.

Hanna’s Comments: The themes of this fun story are hard work, kindness, perseverance, and being oriented to the needs of the community as a whole. Kids become heroes with such biblical values and such stories help them see the connections between real life and scripture, faith and action, love and work, service and joy.

Original Publisher & Date: Hyperion, 2014

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Scriptures about heroes such as Young David in 1 Samuel 17 and the boy who shares his lunch in John 6.

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children and talk about attributes of heroes and what motivates them to do good.

PBT Redux #24 - Is This Panama?

Picture Book: Is This Panama? A Migration Story

Author: Jan Thornhill

Illustrator: Soyeon Kim

Summary: Sammy, a young warbler, has heard wonderful descriptions of Panama from other warblers. He is excited about his first migration from near the Arctic Circle all the way to Panama, but then he discovers the other warblers have migrated without him. Being so young, Sammy doesn’t know the route, but he is determined so he sets off with a willingness to ask for directions from other creatures along the way. Although Sammy enjoys these interactions, the other creatures steer him wrongly. After taking a much longer route and feeling discouraged, Sammy finally makes it to Panama.

Hanna’s Comments: I love it when authors put maps in their books! This book has a great map in the back that shows you Sammy’s route, the route warblers regularly take, and the location of the creatures he meets along the way. You may want to refer to the map as you read. You’ll also find a list of facts about each creature and a section on how animals migrate. Adults joke about women being more willing to ask for directions than men, but truthfully asking for help is not a bad thing, especially if you do so of someone who is invested in you. If you view this book as a metaphor for personal journeys, spiritual or otherwise, this book offers opportunities to talk about being steadfast, interdependent, and vulnerable, while also gleaning wisdom from mentors in your faith community. Consider connecting this book to stories in the Bible with characters who are lost or misguided; thankfully, there are plenty of those very human characters. 

Publisher & Date of Publication:  Owl Kids Books, 2013

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Fear not, for I am with you (Isaiah 41:10); look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others (Philippians 2:4); do not neglect to do good and to share what you have (Hebrews 13:16)

Idea(s) for Application: Our church sends a mission team to Panama each summer. This book was recently used in a children’s program about the mission team’s expected journey and purposes. Whenever a team from your faith community goes to another part of the world, consider using picture books about the location to teach your children about what your faith community is doing elsewhere and why.

Fruit of the Spirit Series: List & PBT Links

Find below a general book about Galatians 5:22-23, 3-4 books for each Fruit of the Spirit with a question to help you explore these, and a couple of books about a particular fruit or fruit in general. Find links to those PBT posts in the titles.  

I’ve changed the order of the Fruits. I end the list with Love, Kindness, Goodness, & Faithfulness because conceptually they overlap. Conceptual overlapping is also true for Gentleness and Self-Control. 

Twice below I refer to a PBT series called 12 Theological Statements for Young Children which is a workshop I do for church-based preschool events. 

Paul's collection of positive and godly behaviors are traits we can all aspire to. Make this learning enjoyable and more meaningful to children (and their parents) in your faith family with these books:

Fruits of the Spirit (general- Ask: Where do you see these fruits in your faith family?)

Maybe God is Like That Too by Grant & Schipper

JOY  (Ask: How is joy shown in different ways by different characters?)

Yes Day! by Rosenthal & Lichtenheld (also a great secular book for Easter.)

Lola Loves Stories by McQuinn & Beardshaw

Anna Hibiscus’ Song by Atinuke & Tobia

#12 Theological Statement for Young Children: God wants to be worshiped.

PEACE (Ask: How does peace change you and others in the moment?)

Peace, Baby! By Ashman & Lew-Vriethoff

The Peace Book by Parr  

A Little Peace by Kerley     

PATIENCE (Ask: What does having no patience look like?)

Albert by Napoli & LaMarche (Too long? Tell the story & show the pictures.) 

Bear Has a Story to Tell by Stead & Stead

Owl Moon by Yolen & Schoenherr

GENTLENESS (Ask: How does gentleness help others and you?)

Be Gentle by Miller

How to Heal a Broken Wing by Graham

You Will Be My Friend! by Brown (an opposite of gentleness offers humor and redemption)

SELF-CONTROL (Ask: How does self-control help everyone including you?)

Katie Loves the Kittens and its sequel by Himmelman

More by Springman & Lies

Wild Feelings by Milgrim

#5 Theological Statement for Young Children: God gave you feelings. They’re not good or bad. What matters is how you act on your feelings.

LOVE (Ask: What does love look like here? Feel like here? Sound like here?)

The Invisible String by Karst & Stevenson

I Will Love You Anyway by Inkpen & Inkpen

Love is… by Adams & Keane 

Love by La Pena & Long (dark situations here, consider using paper clips to skip pages)     

KINDNESS (Ask: What kinds of hard choices are being made here?)

The Kindness Quilt by Wallace

Miss Maple’s Seeds by Wheeler

Be Kind by Miller 

GOODNESS (Some translations call this COMPASSION. Ask: What makes these characters’ behaviors good?)

Bear Feels Sick by Wilson & Chapman (This book is about servanthood.)

What Baby Wants by Root & Bartow (This book is about empathy.)

One Winter’s Day by Butler & Macnaughton (This book is about generosity.)

FAITHFULNESS (Ask: Who do you know that is faithful?)

The Carrot Seed by Krauss & Johnson (This books connects with being faithful to God. The other books are about being faithful to other people.)

I Promise by McPhail

Mama Always Comes Home by Wilson & Dyer

A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Stead & Stead

Two Bonus Books about fruit:

Little Apple Goat by Church

An Orange In January by Aston & Maren

Grab & Go #13: Little Apple Goat

Picture Book: Little Apple Goat

Author & Illustrator: Caroline Jayne Church 

Summary: In this story, an ordinary goat has quite an extraordinary appetite. 

Wednesday's laundry isn't appetizing to her. 

Instead she loves fruit! Each autumn, Little Apple Goat patiently waits for fruit to fall before she munches and munches. 

Any fruit will do: cherries, pears, and especially apples.

For years, Little Apple Goat spits the pits and seeds over the hedge on her way home from the orchard. 

On one particular day, the breeze is strong. 

It picks up to a bluster and then a storm, a terrible storm. 

The animals gather in their barn, huddled together while watching and hearing the terrible wind. 

Once it's safe, Little Apple Goat hurries to see her beloved fruit trees.

Every tree is destroyed! 

As the farmer cuts and drags debris away, the animals are sad. They agree that the farm "just won't be the same without the orchard." 

When winter comes, Little Apple Goat thinks how the logs from the orchard trees are keeping the farmer warm. 

Spring comes, and Little Apple Goat notices blossoms peeking out over the hedge. She wonders about them.

"Then one Autumn" the fruit trees are back and their yummy fruit! The animals wonder who could have planted all the new fruit trees. 

We know who!

Hanna’s Comments: I'm amazed at the emotion this illustrator is able to capture with simple marks! Spend some time discussing the characters' feelings in this story. Recently I’ve heard several radio stories about the destruction of fruit crops in Florida because of Hurricane Irma. This book seems perfect for children or families in congregations who have experienced the destruction of recent hurricanes because it offers a comforting long view, a hopeful view that seeds (even Fruit of the Spirit seeds) are already planted for their recovery. Fruit is coming - sweet, juicy fruit and the fruit we see in the generous goodness of others who have compassionately responded to pain and loss. Picture books are a non-threatening and comforting tool for difficult subjects, even for adults. Having a faith orientation that helps with this kind of hope builds resilience and sustains in the difficult work and wait ahead. Read this book to other groups as well because we all suffer through disasters or tragedies and need to lean on our faithful hope to wait and endure. Seeds are planted without us knowing. Later we enjoy their goodness and sustenance.  

Original Publisher & Date: Eerdmans, 2007

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: They who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength… (Isaiah 40:31); Behold, for I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth. Do you not perceive it? (Isaiah 43:19); For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11); Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation… Romans 12:12); What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. (1 Corinthians 15: 36); the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children in your faith family and talk about recent natural disasters. Help the children view those negative consequences with hope that is found in their faith. OR Tie this book to Paul's Fruit of the Spirit by considering those in your audience's lives who generously plant such fruit.