The Perseverance and Beauty of Trees and Heroes

Picture Book: Luna and Me: The True Story of a Girl Who Lived in a Tree to Save a Forest

Author & Illustrator: Jenny Sue Kosteki-Shaw

Summary: This is a fictionalized version of the true story of Luna, a redwood that sprouted nearly a thousand years ago, and Julia Butterfly Hill, the young woman who saved Luna. Wildlife, such as birds and butterflies were drawn to both Luna and Julia, hence Julia’s nickname. When Butterfly found a blue X on Luna’s trunk and realized that it meant Luna would be chopped down soon, she determined to save the tree by climbing it and staying there. With help and encouragement from a community of friends and fellow-tree lovers, Butterfly managed to live in Luna for over two years! The specifics of how Butterfly succeeds are wonderfully illustrated here including some amazing discoveries Butterfly makes within and upon Luna’s trunk. When challenges arise, we see dreams in which Luna promises to hold Butterfly until she is less afraid, and we see Butterfly develop into a promoter of trees and the forest. After 738 days, Butterfly received a promise that Luna would not be cut down so Butterfly climbs down and walks on the forest floor of The Luna Preserve.  

Hanna’s Comments: I love it when a picture book offers a female hero. If the story is true, that’s great! If the hero is young and still passionate and present in the media, that’s even better. Our girls need these role models and our boys need to know that girls can be heroes too. Besides the Author’s Note at the end of the book, you’ll find more details about the true, more complicated story of Luna and Butterfly on this hero’s website. Here’s the link: http://www.juliabutterfly.com/. You’ll also find some video that you might want to use to supplement your lesson and her slogan, “Yes, yes, you make the difference.” Relate this message to your faith community’s mission to make a positive difference in the world and the courage and perseverance that your community is being called to demonstrate. As you show the illustrations, be sure to have your audience look for Luna’s face in the bark. OR Relate Butterfly’s ordeal and determination to the trials and faith of biblical characters.   

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Christy Ottaviano Books, 2015 

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: Non-fiction, Fresh off the Press

Scripture Connections: Jacob waits to marry Rachel (Genesis 29); the trials of the Israelites in the wilderness (begins Exodus 14); then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord (1^st Chronicles 16:33)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children or youth learning about modern heroes who make great sacrifice for their beliefs.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 342

Picture Book: The Whispering Town

Author: Jennifer Elvgren 

Illustrator: Fabio Santomauro

Summary: In their basement, Anett and her parents are hiding two Jews from the Nazis in 1943 Denmark. When Anett brings their breakfast down, she relies on their whispers in the dark to guide and comfort her. As she desires items for them from the town’s merchants, she whispers, “We have new friends. Then the merchants give a few items. Each time Anett ventures outside, she sees Nazi soldiers looking for hidden Jews. The Nazis threaten to arrest anyone who is hiding Jews. Because the Nazi presence is increasing, the Jews must leave at night with no local escort to the harbor where a boat will be waiting for their escape. How will they find their way? Anett remembers how the whispers guide her to the basement and suggests that the townspeople, along the desired route, stand at their doorways and use whispered voices to guide the Jews to the harbor. This plan works. “This way,” is repeatedly whispered and guides the Jews as they walk to the harbor.

Hanna’s Comments: The Author’s Note in the back of the book gives the historical context of this story and explains that it is based on true events in the small fishing village of Gilleleje, Denmark. I have considered featuring a book on Anne Frank this month because it is the 70^th anniversary of her death. However, I couldn’t find a picture book that balanced her heartbreaking story with her own statements of hope and faith in people. I encourage you to continue to look for that kind of book in your local library or simply tell Anne Frank’s story as a supplement and contrast to the book featured here. Anne Frank hid in an upper set of rooms in Amsterdam, Holland. Tweens and teens easily identify with Anne Frank’s story. There are reference books about her that will help you tell her story and show pictures. Also, there are many videos including the only known video of Anne Frank. She is looking out a window. Find it on Youtube.com. It is quite moving. Miep Gies, one of the protectors of Anne Frank and her family, has been interviewed many times. You'll find her story on Youtube as well. It is one of courage, humility, and sacrifice.   

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Kar-Ben Publishing, 2014

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Audio CD 

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press, Non-fiction

PBT Topics this Book connects with: abuse/abuse of power, action, adaptation/assimilation, aliens/immigrants/refugees/strangers, anxiety/worry, body/body of Christ, bravery/courage, bullying/martyrs/persecution/oppression, caring/tending, challenges, commitment, communication, community, cooperation, cruelty, danger, darkness/evening/night, dependence, difficulties, encouragement, enemies, ethics, Europe, evil, exile/separation/walls, fear, goodness, helping, hiding/isolation, homelessness, hospitality, listening, neighbors, partners/teamwork, presence, prisons/prisoners, problems/problem solving, protecting/protection, rebellion, resisting evil, risking, safe place/sanctuary, secrets, sharing, unity   

Scripture Connections: I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more (Psalm 71:14); abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good (Romans 12:9); welcome one another… for the glory of God (Romans 15:7); if one member suffers, all suffer together (1 Corinthians 12:26a); now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book and consider telling the story of Anne Frank to older elementary or youth who are learning about concepts of faith, hope, and reliance on others in difficult times. This book also easily connects with spiritual concepts such as discernment, particularly discernment through the guidance of others, and the power of community.   

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 320

Picture Book: The Lorax

Author & Illustrator: Dr. Seuss

Summary: This ecological story begins with a boy wandering onto The Street of the Lifted Lorax. The boy wonders, "What was the Lorax? Why was it lifted?" The old Once-ler who lives nearby knows. Back when the grass was green and the sky was clean, the beautiful Truffula Trees grew. When the Once-ler arrived, he was thrilled by the trees. They met all of his needs for making his Thneeds. When the first tree was chopped down, a creature crawled out of the Truffula’s trunk claiming he was the Lorax who spoke for the trees. The Lorax begged the Once-ler not to cut down any more trees, but the Once-ler ignored him. The trees came down swiftly, and the animals departed. The Once-ler responded to the Lorax, “Business is business! And Business must grow.” The Lorax returned to complain about the smog and polluted pond just as the last Truffula tree fell. The Lorax lifted himself into the sky and departed, but not before leaving behind a pile of stones on which he had written, “Unless.” "What does it mean?" the boy asks. The Once-ler responds, “Unless someone like you cares an awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” Then he gives the boy the last Truffula seed and urges him to plant it and protect it. Perhaps the Lorax and the animals will come back.

Hanna’s Comments: When unpacking this story with children, you’ll need to help them understand how this book does and does not reflect your present reality. Steer the conversation away from a simplified view. Yes, there are people who do terrible damage to the environment in order to sell a product, but there are some safeguards in place that often work.  People do need jobs and products. Consider alternate ways the Once-ler might have begun his business, ways that were more sustainable and respectful to the environment. Then talk about how God created humans to solve problems not create them, although too often it seems that problems are inevitable. Talk about your audience’s role in protecting and improving your environment now and in the future. You might even want to get into the difficult subject of humans having dominion over the other creatures as specified in Genesis. Please note the length of this book.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Random House, 1971

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

# of Pages: 72

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Audio, A video is available on Youtube.com and there is a feature length animated version that I would recommend. Also, Random House has created a website full of Dr. Seuss activities and information. Here’s the link: www.seussville.com.

PBT Category: Classic

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abundance/bounty, abuse/abuse of power, action, beauty, brokenness, care of creation, change, choices/decisions, consequences, consumerism/consumption/riches, creation, death, eggs/seeds, the environment/nature, flowers/leaves/trees, greed/selfishness, guilt, harvest, hope, humanity, mistakes, money, pollution, power, protecting/protection, reverence, sacrifice, sin

Scripture Connections: God created the earth and its creatures. Humans were made in God’s image and were given dominion over the other creatures (Genesis 1:24-26); ask the beasts, and they will teach you (Job 12:7)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children who are concerned about how humans are negatively affecting God’s creation. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 319

Picture Book: The Butter Battle Book

Author & Illustrator: Dr. Seuss

Summary: Grandfather Yook takes his grandson to the wall that separates the Yooks from the Zooks. He explains the horrible thing that the Zooks do. They eat their bread with the butter side down! Grandfather has been a Zook-watcher for the Border Patrol where he used to be armed with a Snick-Berry Switch. He goes on to explain that one day a very rude Zook, Van Itch, came to the wall and slingshotted his switch. After reporting to the Chief Yookeroo, he was given a fancy suit and a bigger weapon. When he meets Van Itch again, armed and ready, Van Itch runs away, but he soon returns with a weapon that makes Grandfather’s weapon obsolete. The pattern repeats Seusian-style with fantastical weapons and contrived words galore until both the Yook and the Zook are on top of the wall, poised with small but very damaging bombs in their hands. The grandson is watching so that he may be a witness to history. Here’s the ending to this cautionary tale: ”Grandpa! I shouted. Be careful! Oh, gee! Who’s going to drop it? Will you…? Or will he?” “Be patient,” said Grandpa. “We’ll see. We will see….”

Hanna’s Comments: It is likely that Theodor Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, wrote this book in response to the escalation of nuclear weapons during the Cold War. Although nuclear weaponry is still a major problem, this picture book can serve to encourage conversations about other topics that relate to religious issues such as tolerance, insulation, respect for differences, the culture of war, or peacemaking. Be sure to make connections to real issues your audience understands such as violence in the media or religious intolerance. Also, ask your audience, "Who in the story is benefitting as the potential for violence progresses?" Relate their comments to modern situations of war, oppression, or aggression.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Random House, 1984

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

# of Pages: 56

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet, audio, A video is available on Youtube.com. The Best of Dr. Seuss dvd collection has The Butter Battle Book, Daisy Head Mayzie, & Horton Hatches the Egg. Random House has created a website full of Dr. Seuss activities and information. Here’s the link: www.seussville.com.

PBT Category: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: anger, anxiety/worry, armor, challenges, competition, conflict, conformity, differences, disputes/fighting/opposition, diversity, exile/separation/walls, fear, grandparents, hatred, heritage, intolerance, judgment/judges/judging, legacies, neighbors, pacifism/peace/peacemakers, power, prejudice, pride, protecting/protection, religious differences, tolerance, violence, war/war veterans

Scripture Connections: They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks… (Isaiah 2b-4); love your enemies, do good to those who hate you (Luke 6:27); that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way (1 Timothy 2:2)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of youth who are talking about the culture of war, violence in the media, reconciliation, or peacemaking. Also, for adult or youth programming, consider checking out The Gospel According to Dr. Seuss by James W. Kemp.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 293

Picture Book: The Yellow Star:                                                The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark

Author: Carmen Agra Deedy

Illustrator: Henri Sorensen
Summary: Before and during World War II, Nazis used the Star of David to segregate and alienate the Jews. As Germany conquered other countries, these terrible policies crossed borders too. Legend has it that Denmark's beloved King Christian the 10th, who was committed to keeping all Danes safe, defied the Nazis. First he ordered that the Nazi flag, which had replaced the Danish flag above the palace, be brought down. When he was told that a repeat of this act would result in the execution of the one who took down the flag, he proclaimed that he would be the one to do so. The Nazi flag did not fly over the palace again. Likewise, when the decree came from Germany that all Jews in Denmark must wear a yellow star, King Christian defied this requirement by wearing a star himself as he paraded through Danish streets each morning. This act of benevolence encouraged all Danish citizens to wear a yellow star. Many did. For a while, the Jews of Denmark were not easily singled out.
Hanna’s Comments: Carmen Deedy beautifully tells this complicated story of a king’s determination to protect all of his people. The response of the non-Jewish Danes is inspiring. There is much in this story that can resonate for those in faith communities who are looking for historical inspiration to encourage biblical values of non-violent acts of social justice and protection of those who are most vulnerable.     
Original Publisher & Date: Peachtree Publishers, 2000
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 6 and up, 1^st and up
# of Pages: 32
Available in Spanish? Not at present
Formats other than Book: There is a short trailer for this book on Youtube.com that shows photographs of King Christian. Note: There are other short videos about a book titled Yellow Star but it is about a young girl in Poland.

PBT Category: Non-fiction
PBT Topics this Book connects with: abuse/abuse of power, belonging, bonds/connections, bravery/courage, bullying/martyrs/persecution/oppression, call/calling/vocation, challenges, citizenship, commitment, communication, community, conflict, conformity, danger, discord, disobedience/obedience, Europe, evil, exclusion/inclusion, God’s nature, heroes, identity/names, intercession, leadership/servant leadership, legends/myths, non-violence/peaceful resistance, power, protecting/protection, rebellion, religious differences, resisting evil, risking, unity, wisdom
Scripture Connections: Greater love has no one than this, that you lay down your life for friends (John 15:13); I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love (Ephesians 4:1-2); whatever is true, honorable, just… if there is any excellence and anything worthy of praise, think on these. (Philippians 4:8)
Idea(s) for Application: Consider reading this book to a group of children learning about modern heroes who face evil because of injustices to those who are oppressed.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 267

Picture Book: The Bear that Heard Crying

Author: Natalie Kinsey-Warnock and Helen Kinsey

Illustrator: Ted Rand

Summary: In 1793, 3 year old Sarah Whitcher wanders into the woods near her New Hampshire. Her family doesn’t realize she is missing until hours later. Readers know Sarah is lying near the path, snuggled in the fur of a bear. Neighbors and friends search for 3 days but find only her footprints and bear prints nearby. Finally a stranger frantically comes to the Whitcher home. He claims to have had 3 dreams in which little Sarah is in a particular place near the path lying beside a bear. When he is taken to that place, they find Sarah sleeping alone and surrounded by bear tracks. Sarah talks of the “big black dog” that stayed with her every night. Prayers of thanksgiving and songs are shared during a feast in which Sarah’s rescue is celebrated. Surprisingly, this story is based on personal accounts, including Sarah’s, that were found in archives by the authors.

Hanna’s Comments: I think children will really respond to this story. There are countless similar accounts in which wild animals help a human child in need. In my mind, these occurrences point to the possibilities of the kingdom of God in which species live in peace as foretold in Isaiah. They also call us to respect and care for our fellow creatures, particularly mammals that are so like us.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Cobblehill Books, 1993

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, Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: action, aliens/immigrants/refugees/strangers, America, animals, babies/children, body of Christ, caring/tending, community, danger, dependence/independence, the environment/nature, fear, found, gentleness/meekness, God’s nature, helping, heroes, lost, miracles, neighbors, parables/stories, presence, protecting/protection, rescue, saving/savior, searching

Scripture Connections: Peaceable Kingdom (Isaiah 11:6-9); parable of the lost sheep and lost coin (Luke 15:3-10)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children in your faith community when considering stories or parables in the Bible that involve searching, rescue, or cross-species of animals living in peace. You could also use this book as a way to talk with children about God’s presence with them in times of fear or confusion. Here, the bear would serve as a metaphor for God.  

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 246

Picture Book: Lightship

Author & Illustrator: Brian Floca

Summary: Anchored on waters where lighthouses could not be built, lightships served similar purposes, offering beacons of light, loud horns, and radio signals warning passing ships of rocks, shoals, reefs, or shipwrecks. This picture book offers specific details about what life was like for lightship sailors as they held their one sure spot so that other, much larger vessels, would be safe as they passed. Illustrations and text offer details of the compartments and equipment of a lightship and the varying atmospheric conditions, particularly the close quarters and the sometimes dangerous rendezvous with ships. An interesting historical note in the back will offer more detailed material. The end papers have a fascinating cross-section drawing of the layout of a particular lightship that inspired this illustrator's drawings. That lightship is now docked in New York City.

Hanna’s Comments: This is such a fun book! Most of us know about lighthouses, but who knew about lightships! Encourage your audience to look for the cat in most of the illustrations. Consider what it must have been like for the sailors to be isolated so long, stuck in the waters and vulnerable to the weather and the huge ships that they were there to protect. There are lots of possibilities for conversation and connections to scripture here.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Antheneum Books, 2007

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

# of Pages: 48

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: Non-fiction

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: America, beach/ocean/pond/river/sea/shore, bravery/courage, call/calling/vocation, challenges, commitment, communication, danger, dependence/interdependence, difficulties, directions/maps, geography, God’s nature, helping, heroes, hiding/isolation, heroes, labor/work, light/morning, loneliness, obstacles, protecting/protection, purpose, risking, rocks/shells/stones, safety, storms, unity, waiting, water, weather

Scripture Connections: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105); let your light shine before others. (Matthew 5:16); the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:5); I am the light of the world. (John 8:12)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book for an interesting lesson on light. Make connections between the light of the lightships and the various kinds of light in the Holy Scriptures. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 222

Picture Book: Brother Eagle, Sister Sky: A Message from Chief Seattle

Illustrator: Susan Jeffers

Summary: The central part of this book is a portion of a speech Chief Seattle gave in the mid-1850s while sitting at a table with the Commissioner of Indian Affairs who wanted to purchase the last of Chief Seattle’s native lands for the U.S. government. At the heart of his message is a reverence for the natural world, a hope that this world will be preserved, and a warning that waste of these resources and desecration of that which is beautiful will lead to the end of life.

Hanna’s Comments: In Jeffers introduction, she gives a brief history of Chief Seattle’s ancient people and describes Chief Seattle as being one of the bravest and most respected chiefs of the Northwest Nations. In her Endnote, Jeffers explains that this speech, was given in Chief Seattle’s native tongue. It was transcribed by a friend of the chief’s but translated numerous times. Jeffers too has adapted Chief Seattle’s words for this book. She says here that Chief Seattle’s words now haunt us. Our present environmental concerns, which have become more pressing and complicated since this book’s publication, as well as Jeffers’ striking illustrations here only add to that haunting.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Scholastic, 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: Biography, Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abundance/bounty, abuse/abuse of power, America, ancestors/patriarchs & matriarchs, animals, awe, beauty, blessings, caring/tending, care of creation, citizenship, consumerism/consumption/riches, creation, dependence/interdependence, diversity, Earth/world, the environment/nature, generosity/giving/offering/stewardship, God’s care/providence, God’s presence, gratitude/thanksgiving, greed/selfishness, heritage, heroes, humanity, land/mountains/soil, legends/myths/manna, mentors/teachers, North America, prophesy/prophets, protecting/protection, reverence, treasure, vision, water, wilderness, wisdom  

Scripture Connections: For the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets. (Amos 3:7); long ago, at many times in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets (Hebrews 1:1)

Idea(s) for Application: The idea of prophets and prophesies is somewhat foreign to many of us. Chief Seattle and his words here seem like good examples of these concepts, especially when you consider how Chief Seattle’s passions and warnings, like those of the prophets in the Hebrew Scriptures, were largely ignored. Instead, they were remembered after the painful prophesies came true. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 199

Picture Book: Bear and Bird

Author: James Skofield

Illustrator: Jennifer Thermes

Summary: Bear finds young Bird on the ground after Bird’s flying mishap. Their relationship blossoms despite their differences in age, species, and lifestyle. They become constant companions, helping each other search for food and stay safe. However, during the winters when Bird must migrate and Bear must hibernate, they separate and look forward to their reunion. One spring, Bear doesn’t reappear, but his grandchild does. The grandchild explains that Bear has probably died. Fortunately, stories of Bird are well-known among Bear’s family and a new relationship begins.

Hanna’s Comments: This is a story of cross-generational love and family legacies. Despite significant differences, this relationship lasts until Bear’s death. Then the effects of the relationship continue for younger generations. I suspect you can think of some relationships in your faith community that have some connections with this story. Note: There is another children’s picture book with the same name.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Sleeping Bear Press, 2014

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: Fresh Off the Press

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, adaptation/assimilation, affection, aging, bonds/connections, change, chosen, commitment, companionship, cooperation, death/loss/grief, dependence/interdependence, differences, exile/separation/walls, found, friends/friendship, grandparents, helping, heritage, kindness, legacies, memories/remembering/ritual/tradition, nurturing, openness, presence, protecting/protection, safety, time/timing/over time

Scripture Connections: Elijah and Elisha (1 Kings 19:19 - 2 Kings 2:18)

Idea(s) for Application: I admit connecting Elijah’s and Elisha’s relationship with this book may be viewed as a stretch. When I read it, I was struck with the older Bear's empowering and then befriending Bird. Once Bear dies, his grandchild seems to take up the “mantle” of friendship with Bird. Rather than focusing on the violence or prophetic nature of the OT relationship, with children focus instead on the idea of taking up a mantle. To me, this concept means to take on a new responsibility or a new role that is given to you from a higher authority.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 164

Picture Book: The Chiru of High Tibet: A True Story

Author: Jacqueline Briggs Martin

Illustrator: Linda Wingerter

Summary: Chiru, animals that look like small antelope, are found only in the northern part of Tibet, a very cold region called Chang Tang. Having the softest, warmest wool on Earth, these animals are sought. Unlike sheep, they must be killed if their wool is taken. For these reasons, chiru have been victims of poachers and are endangered species. This is the story of George B. Schaller, a conservationist who was determined to protect the chiru. After failing several times himself in the 1990s, he recruited 4 mountain climbers to follow the chiru 200 miles to find their secret calving grounds. This was necessary so that Schaller could lobby the Chinese government to protect the chiru.  Although a very difficult journey, the 4 men were successful, resulting in a large protected area being set aside for the chiru to thrive, The Chang Tang Reserve.

Hanna’s Comments: This beautiful story is told in a compelling narrative and illustrative windows with interesting facts. This is a modern adventure story with 5 heroes, the scientist and the 4 mountain climbers. It is a story of determination and perseverance in a harsh climate for a small, meek animal species. I suspect many faith traditions want to encourage these kinds of selfless, protective acts for our most vulnerable animals who, like us, were created by God for a divine purpose.  Photographs of the men and some chiru are at the end.  

Publisher & Date of Publication: Houghton Mifflin, 2010

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet, There is a great short video on Youtube.com of the author talking about her visit to the Chang Tang Reserve in Tibet. It includes some photographs of the Chiru.

PBT Category:  Non Fiction, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: action, adventure, animals, Asia, aspirations/dreams, attentiveness/observation/seeing, bravery/courage, care of creation, challenges, commitment, creation, cruelty, danger, Earth/world, the environment/nature, exploration, faith/faithfulness, found, gifts/giftedness/talents, heroes, hiding/isolation, intercession, journeys/pilgrimages/migrations/quests, labor/work, mystery, non-violence/peaceful resistance, obstacles, partners/teamwork, passion, patience, perseverance, poaching/stealing/theft, power, protecting/protection, reverence, risking, sacrifice, savior/saving, searching, secrets, servant hood/service/service, shyness, sin, steadfastness, survival, unity, vision, wilderness

Scripture Connections: God made the wild animals of the Earth of every kind… and God saw that it was good (Genesis 1:25); let everything that has breath praise the Lord (Psalm 150:6)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book with teens when talking about their God-given vocations. Emphasize that one of these heroes was particularly strong in mind and the other 4 were strong in body. Together they saved a vulnerable species and blessed the world.