Grab & Go #12 - Stone Soup

Here’s another great book if you need a lesson for adults or children in your faith community and don’t have much time to prepare. It practically teaches itself! It’s an old tale full of rich meaning that particularly contrasts with modern paradigms of fear and scarcity. The scripture connections are many.

Picture Book: Stone Soup 

Author & Illustrator: Jon J. Muth
Summary: This is an oft-told legend of scarcity, fear, & selfishness in which 3 strangers enter an unwelcoming village & begin to make stone soup, a dish for which sharing is required. Their mysterious soup prep happens in the center of town so the hungry villagers become curious. It takes a child's courage to make contact and urge her elders to come see, smell, contribute, and eventually taste. Little by little, the villagers give out of their scarcity and experience the marvels of generosity and community.
Hanna’s Comments: Various versions of this old tale have been published; this one has a beautiful Chinese setting. Tom Chapin has recorded a wonderful song with the same title and story. The video version of this book was shared during worship at my church when we were launching a year of focusing our local mission activities on food deserts in our city. This is truly a beautiful book with an incredible message that all will understand! 

Original Publisher & Date: Scholastic, 2003
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Preschool and upFormats other than book: tablet, video on-line and in several video collections

Scripture Connections: ...and a little child will lead them. (Isaiah 11:6); Boy with Loaves & Fishes (Matthew 14:13, Mark 6:31, Luke 9:10, John 6:5); any scripture about generosity, hospitality, or abundance

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to your faith family and explore the importance of hospitality, generosity, abundance rather than scarcity, or unity in community.

PBT Redux Series #6 - One Winter's Day

Today I feature a former post that is one of the newly published treasures of PBT’s 500 plus books. It is for young children, but the themes of generosity and hope are for lifelong learning. Consider this a perfect book for encouraging a lifetime of giving.

Picture Book: One Winter’s Day

Author: M. Christina Butler

Illustrator: Tina Macnaughton

Summary: The wind is blowing hard so that Little Hedgehog’s nest is toppled. He puts on all his winter clothes and heads to Badger’s warm home. Along the way, he meets other animal friends who are shivering in the terribly frigid wind. In his generosity, Little Hedgehog gives his mittens, hat, and scarf to his cold friends. When he reaches Badger’s place, he is covered in ice. Badger greets him, warms him, and listens to his story. After the storm, Little Hedgehog is restored, but he returns home with little hope for his home's restoration. He is surprised to find his home rebuilt, stronger and cozier than ever, by the friends who benefited from his generosity.

Hanna’s Comments: Sometimes PBT stories, like this one for the youngest children, have such mature meaning and relate directly to the scriptures. This is not just a story of generosity and the payback that sometimes comes. It is also a story of the great gift of hospitality in times of need and about a community coming together to help others endure and then recover after a tragedy. The underlying theme is the value of a comfortable home. Young children, more than most, understand the importance of home. They can be encouraged to thank God for their home and their loving generous community. This book can also be viewed as early seeds planted for generosity to come in the young children who hear it.

Want a similar but more comical story for older children? Check out The Spiffiest Giant in Town by Donaldson & Scheffler. In this book, a giant buys new clothes and then begins giving them away.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Good Books, 2006

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

Formats other than Book: Audio CD, there are amateur videos on Youtube.com

Scripture Connections: If anyone wants your coat, give your cloak as well (Matthew 5:40); just as you did it to one of the least of these… (Matthew 25:40)

Idea(s) for Application: Besides encouraging a conversation about generosity and outreach, this book could serve as a useful tool for children who are recuperating from a disaster. After a disaster, talking about what has happened to your family, members of your family of faith, or others in your community can be very healing and motivating. This book also gives hope that homes and lives will be restored.

A Response to "But we've always done it this way!"

Picture Book: Shh! We Have a Plan

Author & Illustrator: Chris Haughton

Summary: In very few words but vivid pictures, this clever story begins with four companions creeping in a dark woods. Three have nets. The fourth, much smaller and in the rear, does not. An extraordinary bird is spied. The smaller figure immediately offers a verbal greeting but is quickly shushed by the other three. Their plan, demonstrated time and again as they follow the bird, is to catch it in a net. After a refrain of, “Ready one, ready two, ready three... go!” they always fail comically and miserably. Ultimately the little character breaks from the pack and engages the bird with an outstretched hand of breadcrumbs and a “one, two, three.” More birds gather and are fed. Ironically, the flock of birds turn on the three aggressors with a “Ready one, ready two, ready three.” The human-like characters run away and then spy a squirrel. The three quickly shush the little character and again offer familiar assurance, “We have a plan.” They haven’t yet learned the possibility of a new plan.

Hanna’s Comments: Now and then I run across a picture book that resonates on many levels. This is such a book. I recently read in the writings of spiritual author Linda Douty that failure is caused by the refusal to try anything new. That is the central message of this book, especially when new ideas involve compassion and relationship and  when old ideas don’t have compassion and relationship as priorities. This powerful book could stir within a group of children or adults (such as your governing body or small groups) important conversations about evangelism, greeting visitors, integrating new members, worship styles, and even the manner in which you consider your successes (numbers vs. relationships, dollars vs. spiritual depth). I think it’s interesting that all the approaches involve 3 steps. Might this represent a hopeful representation of the trinity or a tendency to wrap up our plans (and sermons) in neat packages of three?

There are other possibilities for application here. The smallest character (Be careful not to assume they are all male.) could easily be a Christ figure, one who offers a new approach toward building the Kingdom of God. The scene in the book with the flock of beautiful birds is particularly potent. Like the Israelites of the Hebrew Scriptures, the disciples of the New Testament, and us, we are slow to break bad habits and old paradigms. Old ways and assumptions are hard to leave behind.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Candlewick Press, 2014

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: Award Winner, Fresh off the Press  

Scripture Connections: Any scripture where a new idea is being offered or resisted or a negative pattern of behavior is being criticized such as... Behold, I am doing a new thing (Isaiah 43:19); woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! (Matthew 23:13); those who are in Christ are new creations. The old has passed away, the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of ministers or leaders who need some lighthearted conversation about the battles they must wage when up against the refrain, “But we’ve always done it this way!”

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 358

Picture Book: A Single Pearl

Author: Donna Jo Napoli          

Illustrator: Jim LaMarche

Summary: From the point of view of a grain of sand transformed into a highly valued pearl, this story is a hypothetical account of the discovery of the first pearl. The natural process of pearl-making in an oyster is part of the narrative. What once had been an oyster’s irritation caused by the simple grain of sand becomes an object of luminescence and beauty, a treasure to be found. After the pearl is extracted by a diver, it is taken and sold to a Persian prince for a high price. The prince gives it to his wife who later passes it on to her daughter. Each owner prizes the pearl for its rare beauty. It was so admired that pearls became the jewels of the royalty in all of Persia.

Hanna’s Comments: The process of pearl creation is fascinating and so unique. Perhaps that’s why the “pearl of great price” is mentioned in our Holy Scriptures in the book of Matthew 13. There is potential here for conversation about many important concepts such as transformation, God’s creative spirit, beauty, generosity, and treasure.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Disney/Hyperion Books, 2013 

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:  Fresh off the Press

PBT Topics this Book connects with: Asia, awe, beach/ocean/pond/river/sea/shore, beauty, blessings, consumerism/consumption/riches, creation, difficulties, discovery/invention, the environment/nature, family, found, parables/stories, parents/parental love, possessions, surprise, transformation, treasure, wonder

Scripture Connections: If you search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God (Proverbs 2:4-5); Parable of the pearl merchant (Matthew 13:45-46); for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (Luke 12:34) 

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of tweens and talk about the parable of the pearl merchant in the book of Matthew. Discuss what counts as treasure today and how this can lead to greed or idolatry if not held in check.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 345

Picture Book: Those Shoes

Author: Maribeth Boelts

Illustrator: Nah Z. Jones 

Summary: Jeremy longs for “those shoes”, the ones featured on the big billboard, the ones many other boys are wearing. He especially yearns for them when one of his shoes falls apart at school and he is given a pair of kiddie shoes from the guidance counselor’s box. His classmates laugh at him, but not Antonio. When Jeremy and his grandmother go shoe shopping, they discover the price is too steep. They search at local thrift shops and find a pair. They are tight, but Jeremy is thrilled anyway and takes them home, hoping they will stretch. They don’t stretch, and he gets sores on his feet. He has to resort to wearing the kiddie shoes again. Meanwhile, Jeremy and Antonio become friends. Jeremy notices that Antonio has duct tape holding his shoes together. When Antonio visits Jeremy’s house, he sees “those shoes” and asks Jeremy why he doesn’t wear them. Jeremy shrugs. The next morning Jeremy tries on the too tight shoes one more time and then secretly leaves them on Antonio’s stoop. At school, Jeremy has mixed feelings when Antonio shows up with those shoes on until Antonio quietly thanks Jeremy.   

Hanna’s Comments: This story gets to the heart of issues that many children and teens struggle with, consumerism, brand consciousness, and desiring what peers have. Usually, the crux of these matters are coveting, idolatry, and gluttony, all very human and very common problems that are addressed directly in scripture. I believe it’s good to talk with children directly about these issues, but be honest, not preachy. Confess that these issues don’t go away in childhood. In fact, they often get bigger, more expensive, and more damaging. Share honestly with the children in your faith family about how you personally struggle with status items, coveting, or consumerism. Then talk about confession and repentance. Give them hope for an abundant life that doesn’t involve jealousy, obsession, or being manipulated by marketing.  

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Candlewick Press, 2007

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Video

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book connects with: acceptance, adaptations/assimilation, choices/decisions, clothes/shoes, conformity, consumerism/consumption/riches, coveting/envy/jealousy, friends/friendship, generosity/giving/offering/stewardship, God’s will, grandparents, gratitude/thanksgiving, humility, idolatry, possessions, poverty, pride, sin, wisdom  

Scripture Connections: You shall not covet anything that is your neighbor’s (Exodus 20:17); you ask and do not receive because you ask wrongly to spend it on your passions (James 4:3); little children, keep yourselves from idols (1 John 5:21)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children who are learning about the struggles of coveting, idolatry, and consumerism.  

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 312

Picture Book: Mandy

Author: Barbara D. Booth

Illustrator: Jim Lamarche

Summary: This story is from the point of view of Mandy who is visiting her grandmother. Mandy’s deafness becomes apparent as she reflects on what the world must be like for those who can hear. After enjoying a dance, the cookies, and a family photo album, Mandy and her grandmother go for a walk through a nearby woods and into a grassy field. Suddenly, Mandy’s grandmother realizes that her treasured pin, a piece of jewelry from Mandy’s late grandfather, has fallen off. They search desperately, but the pin isn’t found. At dark, they return home. Mandy, aware of her grandmother’s crying, wants to help so she considers how the silver of the pin might reflect the light of a flashlight in the dark. Mandy hates darkness; it limits her senses even more, but for her Grandmother to be reunited to this family treasure, Mandy is willing to search in the darkness. She grabs a flashlight and leaves. As a storm brews, Mandy carefully retraces their route. Lightning flashes, but Mandy continues her search. Eventually, she trips and falls. Lying on the grass, she sees the pin, picks it up, gets up, and runs to her grandmother who is coming out to look for her. Mandy presents the pin to her grandmother, and they hug affectionately. All is well.

Hanna’s Comments: Recently I lost a precious piece of jewelry that was miraculously found. Perhaps that’s why I was so moved by this story. As I read, I thought of connections to scriptures like the parable of the lost coin. I also thought of scriptural allusions to darkness and having the courage to bring in the light. Children will respond to Mandy’s heroic story. Emphasize her connections to the lost pin and the pain she feels in seeing her grandmother suffer. Talk about empathy versus sympathy and how sometimes we are lucky enough to alleviate someone’s suffering through our own courage and skill. It is a myth that those who can’t hear have improved vision. What they actually have is better visual focus and less distraction from sound. Use this book to talk about listening with your eyes as Mandy does when she imagines her grandmother’s favored music, love for her grandfather, and then her grandmother’s heartbreak.  

Publisher & Date of Publication: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books, 1991

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: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, action, affection, artifacts, attentiveness/observation/seeing, bonds/connections, bravery/courage, brokenness, communication, darkness/evening/night, disabilities/handicaps/limitations, family, fear, found, grandparents, helping, heritage, heroes, intercession, journeys/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, light/morning, noise/sounds/voice, possessions, power, quiet/silence, risking, searching, storms

Scripture Connections: Fear not, for I am with you… I will help you (Isaiah 41:10); the lost parables (Luke 15); the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:5)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children when learning about the parable of the lost coin or sheep. Be sure to relate this to its metaphorical meanings of God’s desire to be in relationship with us and for us to bring light into the darkness of the world, particularly to help the lost be lovingly found.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 290

 Terrific Trio: Book 1

Picture Book: Sorry

Author: Norbert Landa

Illustrator: Tim Warnes

Summary: Bear and Rabbit live together in a Bear-Rabbit house which is designed well for both of them. The two best friends get along very well until one day when they spy something shiny in their yard. When they go to investigate it, they discover a large reflective silver piece (a portion of a Mylar balloon). Bear picks it up and is pleased to see his fluffy bear ears, but when Rabbit looks at the shiny thing, he doesn't see bear. Instead he sees a picture of himself with long ears. An argument begins then ends with the friends tearing the shiny piece in two. At once, they storm off with their half of the treasure. Rabbit goes home, and Bear goes to their tree house. That night they begin missing each other so they grab their half of the shiny piece and prepare to give it to their best friend. Upon meeting at the door, they say that they are sorry and give up their shiny pieces. Together they lean over and look at the 2 shiny pieces together and see a picture of both of them which they immediately proclaim to be perfect!

Hanna’s Comments: This is the first in a PBT Terrific Trio in which there will be 3 picture books with the same title. This book for young children would be a great tool for helping them begin to understand the concept of different perspectives and the importance of sharing because of the joy it can bring. Considering the perspective of another is an essential way to learn to have empathy, a crucial skill for those of us in the Abrahamic faiths for we have been instructed to “love others as we love ourselves.”

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Good Books, 2009

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: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book connects with: affection, anger, belonging, companionship, confession, conflict, exile/separation, friends/friendship, greed/selfishness, guilt, loneliness, possessions, presence, reflection, regret/repentance, relationships, renewal/restoration

Scripture Connections: Love your neighbor as yourself (Leviticus 19:18); repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out (Acts 3:19); for all have sinned (Romans 3:23)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to young children who are struggling with sharing and understanding others’ points of view. Help them see how pride in the reflection the animals saw in the balloon, led the characters to be self-centered and separated.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 272

Picture Book: You are Not My Friend, But I Miss You

Author & Illustrator: Daniel Kirk

Summary: This delightful story begins with a sock monkey being very upset because his friend, a plush toy dog, has taken sock monkey’s red ball and won’t share it. He declares, “You are not my friend! Friends are supposed to share.” He sneakily gets the ball back, but he finds that finding a new friend to enjoy his ball is not so easy nor is it fun to play ball by himself. As he begins missing his friend, he remembers that he didn’t share the ball either so he invites the toy dog to play again. As they share the ball, their friendship is revived and all is forgiven.

Hanna’s Comments: For very young children, the issue of sharing toys is crucial. While playing, toys are their world. The ability to take another’s point of view is still very immature, but it is growing so conversations about others' perspectives are important. Encouraging sharing, considering another’s perspective, and forgiving selfishness are all important lessons for all members of faith communities where those values are foundational to their Holy Scriptures.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Abrams Books, 2014

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, anger, conflict, cooperation, forgiveness/mercy/redemption, friends/friendship, golden rule, greed/selfishness, judgment/judges/judging, perspective, play, possessions, self-reflection, regret/repentance, sharing, sin

Scripture Connections: You shall not steal. (Exodus 20:15); if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will God forgive your trespasses (Matthew 6:15); why do you see the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not see the log that is in your own eye (Matthew 7:3)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children who are learning about forgiveness and generosity or to refrain from judging and stealing.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 271

Picture Book: One Winter’s Day

Author: M. Christina Butler

Illustrator: Tina Macnaughton

Summary: The wind is blowing hard so that Little Hedgehog’s nest is toppled. He puts on all his winter clothes and heads to Badger’s warmer home. Along the way, he meets other animal friends who are shivering in the terribly frigid wind. In his generosity, Little Hedgehog gives his mittens, hat, and scarf to his cold friends. When he reaches Badger’s place, he is covered in ice. Badger greets him, warms him, and listens to his story. After the storm, Little Hedgehog returns to his home with little hope for recovering it. He is surprised to find his home rebuilt, stronger and cozier than ever, by the friends who benefited from his generosity.

Hanna’s Comments: Sometimes stories for the youngest children have such mature meaning and relate directly to the scriptures. This is not just a story of generosity and the payback that sometimes comes. It is also about a community coming together to help others endure and then recover after a storm.

Want a similar but more comical story for older children? Check out The Spiffiest Giant in Town by Donaldson & Scheffler. In this book, a giant buys new clothes and then begins giving them away.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Good Books, 2006

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

# of Pages: 28

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Audio CD, There are amateur videos on Youtube.com.

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: body of Christ, caring/tending, clothes/shoes, comfort, community, difficulties, fruit/fruit of the Spirit, generosity/giving/offering/stewardship, God’s care/providence, God’s nature, goodness, gratitude/thanksgiving, helping, heroes, home, homelessness, humility, image of God, intercession, journeys/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, kindness, kingdom of God/reign of God, love, manna, neighbors, neighborhood, nurturing, outreach, perseverance, possessions, poverty, righteousness, risking, sacrifice, safe place/sanctuary, security, sharing, snow, storms, tragedy, unity, weather

Scripture Connections: If anyone wants your coat, give your cloak as well (Matthew 5:40); just as you did it to one of the least of these (Matthew 25:40)

Idea(s) for Application: Besides encouraging a conversation about generosity and outreach, this book could serve as a useful tool for children who are recuperating from a disaster. After a disaster, talking about what has happened to your family, members of your family of faith, or others in your community can be very healing and motivating.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 235

Picture Book: I Know a Place

Author: Karen Ackerman

Illustrator: Deborah Kogan Ray

Summary: This book is from the point of view of a school age girl who tells the reader all about what her home uniquely represents to her and why it is so valuable. It’s an exploration of why her home (and the presence of her family) is so comforting and offers such security and stability. Habits, routines, and rituals are mentioned as she describes a typical school day in winter. The illustrations encapsulate a feeling of warmth, love, and coziness.

Hanna’s Comments: The desire, longing, and comforts of home and family are common themes in scripture and religious stories. This book, though its context is far removed from Bible stories, will offer your children the opportunity to consider why home is such an important place in scripture and in their own lives. Making these kinds of connections will help them be more empathetic with those Bible characters who are experiencing home or the longing for home. You can even use this conversation as a starting place before delving into other subjects such as ritual, tradition, homelessness, immigration, hospitality, etc.  

Publisher & Date of Publication: Houghton Mifflin, 1992

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: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abundance/bounty, attentiveness/observation/seeing, beauty, belonging, blessings, bonds/connections, comfort, family, gentleness/meekness, gladness/happiness, God’s care/providence, goodness, gratitude/thanksgiving, home, homelessness, love, memories/remembering/ritual/tradition, nurturing, parents/parental love, possessions, security, unity

Scripture Connections: As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15); by wisdom a house is built, by understanding it is established, and by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. (Proverbs 24:3-4); a house built on a rock shall stand (Matthew 7:24)

Idea(s) for Application: See my comments above regarding some ways you can use this book to explore the important, grounding concepts of home and family.  Then connect your conversation with Bible characters for whom these issues  are compelling such as the Prodigal Son, Mary and Joseph in Egypt, Ruth and Naomi, or those exiled to Babylon. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 228

Picture Book: The Rainbow Fish

Author & Illustrator: Marcus Pfister

Translator: J. Alison James

Summary: The title character, with rainbow scales of blue, green, purple, and sparkling silver, is the most beautiful fish in the ocean . Other fish call him Rainbow Fish and want him to play, but he is too proud. When a small fish asks for one shiny scale. Rainbow Fish responds angrily and selfishly. The other fish hear of this rebuke so they begin turning away from Rainbow Fish when he swims near. Lonely and unable to show off to other fish, Rainbow Fish laments to Starfish who sends him to the Wise Octopus who advises him to give a scale to each of his friends. At first, he doesn’t think he can bear to give his scales away until the original small fish returns and asks again for one shiny scale. Rainbow Fish gives in. A good feeling comes upon Rainbow Fish as he sees the joy the gift has given the small fish. Other fish come and ask for a glittering scale. The more scales he gives away, the more delighted he becomes. When the fish around him each have a shimmer, Rainbow Fish feels more at home among the other fish so he joyfully joins their play.

Hanna’s Comments: My children loved this book when they were small. I still like it because it emphasizes sharing, an important issue for children, and it criticizes pride in appearance. Too often children are encouraged to show off their new clothes, shoes, or hairstyles. Our Holy Scriptures and our culture clash when it comes to the concepts of “pride” and “humility.” For this reason our communities of faith have a tendency to avoid these issues. Also, these two issues are confusing. When does confidence become pride? Does humility mean being passive? Children learn these kinds of orientations early and struggle with them throughout their adult years if there is not a balance between pride and humility. Therefore, consider exploring the topics of pride and humility tenderly and honestly in your faith family.

Publisher & Date of Publication: North-South Books, 1992

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: DVD

PBT Category: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: beauty, belonging, call/calling/vocation, choices/decisions, clothes/shoes, equality/inequality, exclusion/inclusion, exile/separation/walls, fish/fishing, generosity/giving/offering/stewardship, gifts/talents, God’s will, greed/selfishness, joy, jubilee, loneliness, mentors/teachers, mission, mistakes, neighbors, neighborhood, pleasing God/the Shema, possessions, poverty, power, pride, rainbows, self-reflection, renewal/restoration, response to God, righteousness, sacrifice, satisfaction, sharing, transformation, treasure, wisdom

Scripture Connections: When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. (Proverbs 11:2); Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips. (Proverbs 27:2); God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. (James 4:6)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children when talking about the importance of sharing or the difficult balance of pride and humility called for in our Holy Scriptures.