Who is My Neighbor, Mr. Rogers?

The first page of today’s book says,

Love your neighbor as yourself,

and love the stranger,

because you know what it was like to be a stranger.

Isn’t that true of us all? This book and the wisdom of Fred Rogers are featured here at PBT because we need their wisdom more than ever in our world. 

Picture Book: Who is My Neighbor?

Authors: Amy-Jill Levine & Sandy Eisenberg Sasso

Illustrator: Denise Turu

Summary: These 2 authors, a rabbi and a religion professor, have a knack for putting a new spin on biblical parables. Here they offer a more innocent, less violent version of The Good Samaritan for preschoolers and young elementary kiddos. The story begins with the Blues, who live in a very blue culture and think they must be the coolest, especially when compared to...

the Yellows, in the neighboring town, who enjoy all things yellow. They are certain to be the hottest! Each group doesn't go near the others, claiming, "They are not our neighbors." For Blues there was no such thing as a good Yellow and visa versa. 

Things change when Midnight Blue has a bike accident. Neither Navy nor Powder Blue help when passing. Midnight thinks this is puzzling. Aren't they his neighbors? But when Lemon comes along, she helps Midnight, despite both feeling suspicious and afraid. She lifts Midnight onto her bike and takes him to her doctor. Midnight comments that Lemon is "a good Yellow, not like the others." Lemon explains that most Yellows are good. Midnight says the same of most Blues and shares his squished blueberries. Also, Midnight is surprised that Dr. Gold is so kind and good. After being bandaged, Midnight says thanks to Lemon and declares, "I would like to be your friend." Lemon agrees enthusiastically.  

When the new friends go home, they tell their stories to surprised audiences. Everyone wonders if Blues and Yellows could all be helpful friends, despite their many differences. "Maybe just maybe," hopes Midnight and Lemon. 
Hanna’s Comments: A new story from Flyaway Books is always a treat! Along with a few questions, find in the back of Flyaway’s books by these 2 authors a helpful Note for Parents and Educators where the important concept and tradition of parables is explained. Check out 2 more fabulous books by these authors [here] and [here.] 

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about Fred Rogers and Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. Did you know he was an ordained minister? His positive messages of neighborliness and acceptance are crucial for children to hear and learn and everyone else to practice for the sake of our world. You might consider tapping into this gold mine in your church's family programming. Find out more about the popular 2018 documentary [here]. Also, Tom Hanks will be starring as Fred Rogers in an up-coming movie in theaters. Check out the trailer [here].     

Original Publisher & Date: Flyaway Books, 2019      

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: This book is a retelling of The Good Samaritan from The Gospel of Luke, chapter 10.

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of young elementary-aged students who are studying The Shema or the parable of The Good Samaritan.

Pointing Fingers & Name Calling

I'm a little late this week. I’ve moved my daughter to Cleveland to join Teach for America. I’ll be visiting her now and then so if your church or your church-based school is in that general area and interested in a PBT workshop, I’d love to come your way. Teaching is one of my joys and strengths. Contact me to the left, and we’ll work out the details. I’m willing to travel outside of Cleveland too if you’re willing to pay my driving expenses. Today’s book is so fun and profound and very human with lots of scripture connections!

Picture Book: You Are (Not) Small

Authors: Anna Kang

Illustrator: Christopher Weyant

Summary: This story begins with a pointed finger and judgement...

that quickly rebounds.

Perhaps there is comfort in a crowd, but peers sometimes encourage more arrogance and ignorance and...

aggression. 

Arrogance, ignorance, and aggression. How these very human inclinations change everything. 

What could have started as loving diverse community  

has to get through some violence     

and surprises 

 before understanding is expanded

 and connections are made. 

But these characters don't learn any quicker 

 than humans do.

Hanna’s Comments:  If you are struggling with name-calling and teasing among the children/youth in your church, here's a book for you! Spend some time on the feelings of all parties and invite some story sharing. Make scriptural connections, in a non-judgmental way of course, and then apply to your community, Christianity in general, and even your present political environment. Remind them of the inherent worth of every individual as a child of God, imaged in the divine. Don't want to talk about the nastiness of politics or racism at church? Your kids may be soaking it up already. If they see such attitudes in the church community or spiritual leaders, their confusion is inevitable and their role models may be scarce. Be careful to talk about aspects of respect and love in diverse community without drawing divisive political lines. This may be the first opportunity children/youth experience this. As for adult programming, here's a quick intro to a conversation on The Fruit of the Spirit when in boundary-crossing dialogue. This book is the first in a series that includes That’s (Not) Mine, I Am (Not) Scared, and We Are (Not) Friends. These you can get separately or in a boxed set. There’s even a growth chart, activity guide, and Common Core guide to go with this title!

Original Publisher & Date: Two Lions, 2014

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: All humans are made in God's image (Genesis 1:27); Do not judge so that you will not be judged (Matthew 7:1; Luke 6:37); ...in passing judgement on another, you condemn yourselves. (Romans 2:1); There is neither Jew nor Greek... (Romans 3:28); The Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23); Do not speak evil against another (James 4:11); ...encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. (1 Thessalonians 5:14b)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to any age. Focus on the judgmental nature of humans and how Jesus and the early Christian community warned us against this. 

A Speech for Today

It’s MLK Day here in The States so today I’ve chosen to feature another beautiful book by Kadir Nelson. You’ll likely recognize the text from MLK’s remarkable speech.

Picture Book: I Have a Dream

Author: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Illustrator: Kadir Nelson

Summary: The text of this picture book is the last portion of Dr. King’s speech given in Washington DC on August 28, 1963. A few of the darker passages have been left out. Here are some of the passages that are familiar and most loved by me. 

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal. 

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and he sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. 

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. 

I have a dream that one day... little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers. 

With this faith we will be able to work together, pray together, struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day. 

This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning: My country, 'tis of thee... And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true. 

Let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire... from the curvaceous slopes of California. 

But not only that: Let freedom ring from Stone Mountain in Georgia...Lookout Mountain in Tennesee...Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississsippi. 

From every mountainside, let freedom ring. 

... we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the Negro spiritual: 

Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last.

Hanna’s Comments: The full text of Dr. King's speech is in the back of this book. If your faith family isn't spending time learning about the scriptural foundations of doing social justice, ask yourself why. Stories of God's desires for justice abound in our holy scriptures. Jesus had a habit of stepping over social barriers to talk with those who were marginalized. In the present political climate, we need to be teaching our children what faithful justice work looks like, encouraging our teens to find their vocations in such work, and exhorting our adults to step out of their comfort zones when human rights are being threatened or pushed aside. At the very least, all should be taught how to be intolerant of hatred and racism. Such positions are not love and therefore not scriptural. Whoever does not love, does not know God because God is love. 1 John 4:8.

Original Publisher & Date: Schwartz, 2012

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet, A cd comes with this book. You can watch the speech on Youtube [here].

Scripture Connections: This portion of Dr. King’s speech has Isaiah 40:4-5a as a part of the text. Connect it with any scripture about inclusion or social justice issues such as "What does The Lord require of us but to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God." Micah 6:8 and 1 John 4:8 (see above) as well as Bible stories where the marginalized are included.

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children in your faith family when giving a lesson on God’s love for diversity or God's requirement that we do justice. 

PBT Redux Series #8 - Ruth and the Green Book

To continue my series in which I post again some of the best PBT books published in this century, I chose a story from American history that I believe the whole world should know. This picture book will offer another opportunity to explore how spiritual values can be tied to important historical phenomena. This book also reminds Americans how things used to be here. I believe remembering our history (especially our mistakes) is especially important politically and spiritually.

My impetus for posting this particular book today is an announcement I heard on Central Alabama's public radio WBHM. A play has opened in Birmingham that explores the relationship between black people and Jewish people during segregation. Highlighted in this drama is The Green Book, the title of the play and a publication for African Americans who were traveling through the segregated south. The WBHM article explains that The Green Book was inspired by a similar book published for Jews. Here's the story I heard and details about the play if you'd like to learn more. Below is my previous PBT post describing a fabulous picture book which tells the importance of The Green Book through the eyes of a young girl. 

Picture Book: Ruth and the Green Book

Author: Calvin Alexander Ramsey with Gwen Strauss

Illustrator: Floyd Cooper

Summary: Ruth is excited because she and her parents are driving from Chicago to Alabama to visit her grandmother. It’s the 1950s so before the trip, Ruth’s mother spends days cooking meals knowing there will be few restaurants willing to serve Negros. After being rejected from various gas stations, hotels, and restaurants, Ruth’s family spends the night it their car. Eventually they learn to look for Esso stations where they will be welcomed. At one Esso, they purchase The Negro Motorist Green Book, a guide to places that would welcome black travelers. Ruth learns to use the book and is so happy to experience the hospitality of fellow African Americans.

Hanna’s Comments: I am a passionate advocate of the spiritual practice of hospitality so I especially loved the part of this story where Ruth’s family is welcomed into a “tourist home.” These were homes listed in The Green Book where travelers were warmly welcomed, in this case for no charge and a fun night’s sleep. In the back of the book, find The History of The Negro Motorist Green Book. 2014 was the 50^th anniversary of the Civil Rights Bill which outlawed Jim Crow Laws and therefore also the anniversary of the last edition of The Green Book. Thank goodness, this book is now a relic of the last century and no longer necessary for black individuals to comfortably travel for long distances. It is my prayer that families in our country will never have to travel in fear, surrounded by hatred.

Original Publisher & Date: Scholastic, 2010

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Treat the stranger as the native among you (Leviticus 19:34); the Good Samaritan parable (Luke 10:30-37); seek to show hospitality (Romans 12:13); do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers (Hebrews 13:2); show hospitality to one another (1 Peter 4:9)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this picture book in a lesson or sermon on how scripture, like The Green Book, can be a comfort, a safety net, and a guide. Also, consider that the author of The Green Book might have been inspired by God’s desires for humans to be safe and hospitable in all situations.

The Beatitudes: A Newer Context

Picture Book: The Beatitudes:                                                                                     From Slavery to Civil Rights

Author: Carole Boston Weatherford

Illustrator: Tim Ladwig

Summary: This book begins with a paragraph explaining that much of the African American people’s struggle for freedom has been founded on biblical values and emboldened in a belief in God’s presence and desire for justice. 

The text then begins, “I am the Lord your God.” What follows are key moments and figures in chronological African-American history, some very specific and some more general, along with declarations of God’s presence with them. For instance:

I was with Harriet Tubman when she fled slavery.

As she led others out of bondage,

I was the star guiding them north.

Jesus’ words known as the Beatitudes are a running border at the bottom of each page and on the end papers, offering a newer context for these familiar sayings than in Jesus' time.  The book ends with a promise from God to be with “your offspring, standing on the side of justice.”

Hanna’s Comments: Today is Independence Day here in The States so this book seems particularly appropriate. The illustrations are marvelous. When reading this book to a group of children or adults, be sure to point out my 2 favorite illustrations. 

One has MLK’s image in the reflecting pool on the DC mall as 2 young girls (1 white, 1 black) hug with joy. My other favorite is on the title page. There you find a collection of key figures gathered together apparently in prayer. After reading the entire book, go back to this picture and have children identify the characters that they can, such as a slave, a soldier, Ruby Bridges, Marian Anderson, and others. 

Don’t let the fact that your church has no African-American members keep you from sharing this incredible book that declares God’s presence in crucial times in history.

Original Publisher & Date: Eerdmans, 2010

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 8 and up, 3^rd and up

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: The Beatitudes of Jesus (Matthew 5:3-12)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book when teaching a group of tweens, teens, or adults in your faith family about the Beatitudes.

Worship & Picture Books That Would Please MLK

It’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day here in the states. To honor this man and the strides we have made in Birmingham, my church, First United Methodist, and Saint John’s African Methodist Episcopal Church, worshiped together yesterday. The music and message were so inspiring. I was especially moved when MLK’s I Have a Dream speech was recited by various congregants from both churches.

We have come a long way in downtown Birmingham and in my church where African American children and adults are beloved members and involved in planning and worship. Dr. King once said, “it is appalling that the most segregated hour of Christian America is eleven o’clock on Sunday morning.” If only he could have been present to witness the love and joy in our sanctuary yesterday and in the reception afterwards where we enjoyed one another.

Today’s books are offered in memory of Dr. King who I believe would have enjoyed reading them to his children.

The first book is a celebration of the ingenuity, determination and faith of pilot James Banning & mechanic Thomas Allen, the first African Americans to fly across the US. Despite the hardships of the Great Depression and the limits of segregation, these 2 men repaired a rundown plane. Friends, family, and people they met along the journey from Los Angeles to Harlem signed their names on the wings in exchange for food, supplies, and fuel. This story is a testament to what community, bravery, and perseverance can achieve.

The illustrations here are dazzling! You feel like you are riding beside them and you see some highlights of American geographical beauty. Children will especially love to hear that when it got really hot, the men rode in just their underwear! Be careful not to assume only African American children would enjoy this story, and please don’t set it aside because it is not February, Black History Month. You’ll find a Note from the Author who is amazed that he didn’t know more of this story since he is a student and teacher of history. He explains that the book is fiction but based on historical record.

The theological connections here are obvious. Both men say “Hallelujah!” when touching down safely and when lifting off the dirt of particularly racist locales. This flight could easily be connected to Biblical stories such as the journeys of the Israelites in the Wilderness, Jesus & his disciples, or Paul and other missionaries.

Picture Book: The Hallelujah Flight

Author: Phil Bildner

Illustrator: John Holyfield

Original Publisher & Date: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2010

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

The other book I offer today has significantly more text, reads at a much higher level, and would be perfect for a private school or homeschool that is studying Christian perseverance or American heroes.

I confess I had not heard of Howard Thurman until I was in my 40s despite the influence he had on so many Christian theologians and ministers, including Dr. King who he mentored. 

Here we read Howard Thurmon’s life as having a continual thirst for knowledge, intellectual achievement, and opportunity. Despite living in segregated Daytona, Florida where there was one school for African Americans and it went only through 7^th grade, Howard did become highly educated. His intelligence and passion for learning encouraged those who met him to facilitate his education. He became an influential theologian, minister, advocate for civil rights, and Dean of the Chapel at both Howard University and Boston College.

The most pivotal moment in this story occurs when Howard’s dreams are almost derailed by an unexpected expense at a railroad station while he was traveling out of town to attend a private high school. An African American bystander in overalls gives Howard the coins he needs to continue his journey.

Like the PBT book above, this book is a testament to the value of a spiritual journey and the support of community. In the story you’ll find phrases from Howard’s mother and grandmother that offer much in the way of theological discussion. They are:

God will take care.

Make a way, dear Lord, make a way.

God had made a way.

Picture Book: Howard Thurman’s Great Hope

Author: Kai Jackson Issa

Illustrator: Arthur L. Dawson

Original Publisher & Date: Lee and Low Books, 2008

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 7 and up, 2 and up

Formats other than Book: None at present

Violence at a Sacred Place and How Healing Comes

In the aftermath of the murder of 9 people in Charleston who were at a Bible study at Emmanuel AME Church, I urge you to offer opportunities for conversation with the adults and children in your families of faith, classrooms, and homes. This can begin healing for all of us who are hurt and shocked by this event. Picture books are a wonderful way to start these kinds of difficult conversations because picture books are comforting and nostalgic. Trust can be more easily established. Adults need picture books in times like these.

There is a lengthy list of words in the search engine on this PBT blog usually found at the bottom of the computer screen. Click on words such as violence, death, loss, racism, and hatred. Then you will be taken to picture books that I have determined to have potential for conversations on these topics. Choose according to age appropriateness and carefully consider issues of trust and places for deep listening before you start what I hope will be meaningful conversations in the wake of this horrible event.

Here are a few PBT Books you might want to consider and the date they were offered her on PBT:
Let There Be Peace on Earth             8/17/14
The Butter Battle Book                       3/4/15
The Goodbye Boat                               5/25/14

My fellow picture book bloggers on the Storypath Blog have written an excellent posting on how you might respond to this tragedy. I commend them on the writing of it and urge you to check it out. Here’s the link:

http://storypath.upsem.edu/peace-is-an-offering-children-and-charleston/

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 336

Picture Book: We Shall Overcome: The Story of a Song

Author: Debbie Levy

Illustrator: Vanessa Brantley-Newton 

Summary:  Inspiring the African-American Civil Rights Movement in the 1960’s is just one component of this song’s rich history. The lyrics serve as part of the illustrations to the story of the song. The book begins by explaining how American slaves sang to soothe their suffering and to declare that they were human beings. It goes on to explain that once slavery ended black people in America were not really free. Believing their circumstances could get better, they still sang and they began protesting. A church song, I Will Overcome, was adapted and heard by Martin Luther King, Jr. who took the song as he worked for civil rights. Many important events of the Civil Rights Movement are mentioned here, including the sit-ins and the march in Washington D.C. I had not known of the Freedom Singers, who traveled all over America singing in places such as high schools, concert halls, and even jails. The book goes on to explain how the song traveled to South Africa to fuel the movement against apartheid. It traveled to other places in the world, wherever people longed for a better life and wanted to sing their determination. The book culminates in 2008 when this song was very present as Barak Obama was elected president of the United States.  

Update! There is new book about this song illustrated by Bryan Collis. It has many historical references to the Civil Rights Movement of the mid 1900s and contemporary political protests.

Hanna’s Comments: This weekend marks the 50^th anniversary of the Civil Rights March from Selma, AL to Montgomery, AL, just down the highway from my home. Surely this song was sung many times as they walked. I salute them today with this small offering of a book that celebrates their work. Even as a middle class white woman, I know I have been richly blessed by the courage, efforts, and sacrifices of those marchers. I especially thank them for the spiritual context that many of them gave to their struggle. In the back of this book, there is an informative timeline, noting important milestones in the life of this song. Also, you’ll find a list of sources, suggestions for further reading, and links to recordings of the song.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Jump at the Sun, 2013

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present for this book, but you’ll find many videos of this song being sung on-line.

PBT Category: Song Book, Post 2K  

PBT Topics this Book connects with: abilities, abuse/abuse of power, action, America, art, aspiration/dreams, bravery/courage, brokenness, bullying/martyrs/persecution/oppression, challenges, change, choir/music/singing/songs, civil rights, commitment, confidence, cruelty, difficulties, disabilities/handicaps/limitations, discord, disputes/fighting/opposition, encouragement, equality/inequality, exclusion/inclusion, faith/faithfulness, freedom, heroes, hope, injustice, integration, intolerance, justice, leadership/servant leadership, non-violence/peaceful resistance, passion, patience, perseverance, power, prayer, race relations/racism, rebellion, segregation, sin, slavery/slaves, social justice, steadfastness, strength/strength in God, unity 

Scripture Connections: Seek the Lord and the Lord’s strength… (1 Chronicles 16:11); ask what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. (Micah 6:8); suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character… (Romans 5:3-5); blessed is the one who remains steadfast under trial (James 1:12);  

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to children who are learning about modern religious heroes or how music, as a tool in worship or elsewhere, can inspire work for social justice and political change.