Fruit of the Spirit: Faithfulness

Picture Book: Mama Always Comes Home

Author: Karma Wilson

Illustrator: Brooke Dyer

Summary: Young children will love this reassuring story in verse. It has at its core various animal mothers who are faithful to their children. They must briefly leave those they love most, but then they joyfully return. The book begins with baby birds protesting when Mother Bird must fly away.  

Despite the protests, she must retrieve a worm for herself and her babies. 

 

She returns with food, demonstrating her steadfast love and devotion. 

Mama Cat can't stay snuggled,

she must feed herself to sustain her milk 

 and snuggle in again. 

When a round of puppy play with Mama is interrupted by a call, 

the pups whine for her to stay. She suggests a nap 

and bounds to her human boy for another sort of play.

Later, she gladly returns to her puppies.

Even Mama Dolphin, 

Mama Chipmunk, 

 Mama Chimpanzee,

 Mama Polar Bear,  

Mama Gopher, 

Mama Mole, 

and Mama Pony must leave their little ones for a time. 

For Mamas all over the world have to go away. 

But they hurry to return to those they love most. 

Human Mama gives a hug and explains it's time for her to go. 

Daddy and child watch her leave, anticipating her return 

because Mamas always come home.   

Hanna’s Comments: When choosing PBT books, it is important to consider the experiences and family situations of those in your audience. This book offers a message you might expect all children will relate to positively, but the truth is not all mamas (or daddies) come home and not all children are primarily raised by their mamas. The last thing you want is to alienate or confuse a child so choose wisely. Also, offer a reminder that even when Mama (or Daddy or a Grandparent) is away, God is always with them. Such reminders may seem too advanced for very young children, but such reassurances will become a part of their self-talk if heard often. If this book is too juvenile for your group, forget about a book and offer older children the idea of instinctual parental love across animal species as examples of faithfulness, including humans. Older kids will have no trouble thinking of evidence in the animal kingdom. They will enjoy sharing stories found in popular media or their own first-hand observations. Then they can meaningfully transfer to their own home situations. If you want to read a picture book, stories of faithful parents abound or look for other PBT books about faithfulness in the search engine below this post or in the window in the upper right corner.  

Original Publisher & Date: Harper Collins, 2005

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: In addition to The Fruit of the Spirit verses in Galatians 5:22-23… A faithful person will abound with blessings (Proverbs 28:20); One who is faithful in very little is also faithful in much (Luke 16:10)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of young children in your faith family when introducing the concept of faithfulness or devotion.

Fruit of the Spirit: Love

The amazing power of love, the first fruit listed in Paul's Fruits of the Spirit, is explored in the book below. I confess, I'm not crazy about this book. It's a little too saccharine for my taste and some illustrations don't meet the standards of most PBT books. I also apologize for the damage to the book that you'll see in the photos. This copy has been loved! Despite all these reservations, I firmly believe the idea at the center of this story! It has such potential for ministry to folks of all ages and would offer important reassurance to children. Exploring the facets and power of love is always a good idea for families of faith so consider using it as inspiration for creative programming ideas, especially if, like me, this book's shortcomings bother you. If you like the book, fabulous! Read it to those you love! 

Picture Book: The Invisible String

Author: Patrice Karst 

Illustrator: Geoff Stevenson

Summary: The story begins with twins frightened by a thunderstorm.

They rush to their mother, needing comfort. She encourages them to go back to their beds. 

The siblings want to stay close to their mom, but she reassures them that they are together even if rooms separate them. The children wonder how this can be. 

Their mom explains that her own mother told her about "The Invisible String" when she was a child. It seems that "people who love each other are always connected by a very special String made of love." 

The children are intrigued and ask how they can know the invisible string is there if it can't be seen. Mom explains that there's a tug you feel that is the love in your heart. 

When the twins are at school, the love between the three of them is still strong thanks to that Invisible String across the distance. Their love goes to Mom all the way from school. 

Her love comes to them from home. 

The kids want to know if their cat has a string. "Sure," their mother explains. 

Best friends do too. Then a profound question comes: "How far can the Invisible Strings reach?"  

Their mom explains that this kind of string is unlimited. Her son tests that idea with distances to the bottom of an ocean.

A mountain top?

On animal adventures? 

And aboard a spaceship?

Her daughter asks about performing in France. In all situations, the children are assured that The Invisible String of love will connect them no matter the distance or situation. 

The last question is offered by the son who remembers Uncle Brian in heaven. Does his string reach that far? "Yes, even there," his mother answers. 

Then their mom considers the future. She explains that even when they are older and arguing about what to watch on a screen 

or who gets to sit in the front seat of the car, The Invisible String will be there, connecting them with love. 

Reassured and no longer so afraid of the storm, the children are hustled back to bed.   

Soon they are dreaming of all The Invisible Strings that connect them to their many friends

The story ends with the comforting message that no one is ever alone. 

Hanna’s Comments: This story is an important message of the connections we have with those we love and the transcendent power of love. Notice that the author chooses to capitalize the words The Invisible String, perhaps a subtle hint of the sacredness of such love. God's love is not mentioned, but it is between every line and page. One other criticism of this story: There's some gender bias here. Notice that the son tests the limits of The Invisible String in more varied and adventurous ways (a submarine, a spaceship, a mountain top). In contrast, the daughter is seen performing on stage in Paris. Parents and folks in ministry should pay attention to subtle ways female roles are limited and male roles are elevated. We don't want our girls ambitions to be stifled. 

Original Publisher & Date: Devorss & Co., 2000

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: In addition to The Fruit of the Spirit verses in Galatians 5:22-23 consider this simple but profound verse: Love never ends. (1 Corinthians 13:8). Also, there are Bible stories that emphasize human to human connections despite distance. Here are some familiar possibilities: David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 20), Jesus separated from his parents (Luke 2:41-52), Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), and Jairus’ daughter (Luke 8:41-32, 49-56).  

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book or present this intriguing idea to a group of children or teens who are exploring being connected despite distance thanks to the power of love. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 341

Picture Book: Nana in the City

Author & Illustrator: Lauren Castillo

Summary: A young grandson goes to stay with his Nana in the city. He loves his Nana, but not her city. It is too loud, busy, and therefore scary. He is worried that Nana should not be living in such a place, but Nana loves the city. She says it is the perfect place for her to live because it is so extraordinary. During the night when he can’t sleep because of the city noises, Nana promises to show him the wonders of her city. Nana doesn’t go to bed. She knits instead. When her grandson wakes, she has made a red cape for him to wear as they explore the city. Once she places the cape on him, he feels brave. As they tour the city, it is still loud and busy, but it is not filled with scary things after all. It is filled with extraordinary things! A few days later as he prepares to leave, he drapes the cape onto his Nana and says, “This will keep you brave,” knowing that even though the city is loud and busy, it is the perfect place for Nana.

Hanna’s Comments: Besides the sweet story this book offers your audience, it also offers you the opportunity to talk about what children must be equipped with to face the world and what your faith community offers your children to insulate them from the damage stresses and fears can do. This book could be read to children and followed with a discussion about what the cape symbolizes in the story. Then have them share what they do to dispel their fears. Be sure to mention memorizing and reciting scripture, prayer, being in community, and religious beliefs that bring comfort in fearful times such as a belief in God’s constant presence. You could also use this book in a parenting class and have a similar discussion. What should parents do to equip their children for fearful or stressful times? How does being a person of faith influence these strategies? A key aspect of this for parents will be modeling faithful courage. Discuss how parents might do this? Talk about how resilience can be grounded in community, faith, and hope.  

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Clarion Books, 2014

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Audio

PBT Category: Award Winner, Fresh off the Press 

PBT Topics this Book connects with: abundance/bounty, adaptation/assimilation, anxiety/worry, armor, babies/children, Bible/scripture, bravery/courage, comfort, community, companionship, confidence, danger, differences, encouragement, exploration, family, faith, fear, God’s presence, grandparents, hope, insecurity, noise/sounds/voice, nurturing, prayer, reassurance, risking, safety, security, strength in God

Scripture Connections: Even though I walk through dark valleys, I fear no evil for You are with me (Psalm 23:4); God comforts us in our affliction so that we may comfort those in any affliction (2^nd Corinthians 1:4); put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18); I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this to a group of children or parents. Then follow with a discussion as described above in my comments. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 338

Picture Book: Owl Babies

Author: Martin Waddell

Illustrator: Patrick Benson

Summary: Three baby owls wake up one night and are surprised that Mama Owl is gone. As the night continues and their fears grow, they huddle together to wait, and a pattern emerges in their thoughts and words because, “Owls think a lot”. Sarah, the largest and always the first to speak tries to be reassuring. Percy, the older brother, agrees with his sister. But baby owl Bill simply says, “I want my mommy!” Finally, when Mommy comes back, she reminds the three that she always returns. Sarah and Percy say they knew she was coming back. Bill ends the book with, “I love my Mommy.”  

Hanna’s Comments: I like this simple tale because it comically offers a very real problem for young children and considers their fears of abandonment tenderly and deliberately. At first the two older owls engage in encouragement, hope, and positive self-talk which are smart emotional approaches when afraid. Each of these represent faith in their Mommy. Then they huddle together which helps too, especially when you are imagining terrible possibilities. When their fears are expressed, their fears grow. Lastly, they close their eyes and wish their mother present. This is a sort of prayer. When Mama Owl arrives, there is much flapping and dancing in relief, a celebration. She offers reassurance. Sarah and Percy become a little self-defensive about their doubts. However, little Bill offers authentic and loving affirmation. Be sure to allow your audience to talk about how they respond to fear and what strategies are most reassuring for them. Tie in concepts of faith and prayer when you can. 

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Candlewick Press, 1992

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Audio Cassette, Video

PBT Category: Pre 2K 

PBT Topics this Book connects with:  affirmation, anxiety/worry, authenticity, babies/children, belonging, bonds/connections, bravery/courage, commitment, companionship, darkness/evening/night, dependence/interdependence, doubt, emotions/feelings, encouragement, family, fear, hope, love, mothers, parents/parental love, perspective, prayer, presence, reassurance, security, unity, waiting  

Scripture Connections: Be strong and courageous; do not be terrified (Joshua 1:9); oh most high, when I am afraid, I put my trust in you… (Psalm 56:2b-4); the Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. (Hebrews 13:6)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this picture book to a group of young children in a lesson on fear and how to rely on God through faithful, positive self-talk and prayer.   

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 321

Picture Book: Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?

Author & Illustrator: Dr. Seuss

Summary: “When you think things are bad, when you feel sour and blue, when you start to get mad, you should do what I do! Just tell yourself, Ducky, you’re really quite lucky.” Thus begins a song sung by an old man that the young narrator meets in the Desert of Drize. The old man goes on to tell the boy of the places and people he should be glad he is not, delightfully describing miserable situations that only Dr. Seuss could dream up, such as the man who has to paint flag poles or the creature whose tail is in knots. Then there are those who mow the fast-growing grass, the T-crosser and I-dotter, and the folks who live near the perilous pants-eating plants! The young man is as lucky, as lucky can be.

Hanna’s Comments: Optimism, Affirmation, Gratitude, and Hope. These are all spiritual orientations that connect with this book. Positive psychology tells us that these attributes also build our capacity for resilience which is what we all want for ourselves and our children when life throws us a whammy. Realizing that circumstances could always be worse is comforting and so is noticing how others seem to be suffering more. Perhaps this is selfish. It is definitely human. Dr. Seuss allows us to accept this aspect of our humanity and have fun with it. Do discuss with your audience how it is usually best to keep these thoughts to ourselves. No one likes to hear it when they are on the worse end of a comparison either. Those who are in the midst of their pain don’t want to hear how lucky they are, but eventually a healthy person will realize that there is grace in all circumstances and a kind of healing comes eventually.   

Publisher & Date of Publication: Random House, 1973

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

# of Pages: 64

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Audio, A video is available on Youtube.com. 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: acceptance, affirmation, blessings, difficulties, disappointment, encouragement, grace, gratitude/thanksgiving, hope, humanity, perspective, reassurance, tragedy, wisdom

Scripture Connections: Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. (Proverbs 4:23); for those who love God, all things work together for good (Romans 8:28); I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13); give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book when talking about how there is grace in every situation and some kind of healing comes. Realizing this can help us deal with difficult circumstances and rely on God. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 287

Picture Book: I’d Know You Anywhere, My Love

Author & Illustrator: Nancy Tillman

Summary: In this endearing declaration of a mother’s love, the author cleverly delights in young human children’s tendency to pretend to be other animals. Despite the ferocity or exotic nature of the animals her child becomes, this mother insists, “I’d know you anywhere, my love.” The illustrations here are stunning and will bring a smile to your face. The mother always manages to be nearby (look for red), no matter the species of her babe or the circumstances.

Hanna’s Comments: The reassurance we can provide children when speaking of God’s presence and unconditional love is invaluable to them. Allow this picture book to help you explore these ideas with young children. No matter who we pretend to be or how far we drift from God’s ways, we will always be God’s precious child, known and loved.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Feiwel and Friends, 2013

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 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: affection, animals, babies/children, belonging, bonds/connections, caring/tending, change, covenant/promises/vows, God’s nature, God’s presence, love, mothers, parents/parental love, play, prevenient grace, reassurance

Scripture Connections: My steadfast love shall not depart from you (Isaiah 54:10); I have loved you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3); nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:39)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book as part of a lesson on God’s unconditional love, constant presence, or wooing prevenient grace.  

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 238

Dynamic Duo: Book 2

Picture Book: Hug

Author & Illustrator: Jez Alborough

Summary: Bobo is glad to see hugging animal pairs until he realizes that his hug partner, Mommy, is nowhere to be seen. The other animals are empathic towards Bobo’s grief and want to help so an elephant carries little Bobo while they all search for his mother. The crowd of animals intersect a frantic Mommy, and the pair is reunited. All celebrate with more hugs. 

Hanna’s Comments: One collective strength of this picture book is the various animal facial expressions which are fun and humanlike. Another benefit is how well it’s told with only 3 different words (hug, Bobo, and Mommy) which makes it perfect for very young child, a beginning reader, or a group read aloud. Here’s an interesting question to consider with a group: Why don’t the animals hug Bobo until the end? This is the second PBT Dynamic Duo about hugs; both of which highlight the importance of loving affection across mammal species. Be sure to do some hugging after this story is read!

Updates! There are now 3 more books in this series. The characters are the same. All have 1 word titles, and the low vocabulary is still there. Some can be found in board book format. Here they are:

Yes is about Bobo learning about right and wrong behavior. It could be connected to biblical themes of loving others, anger, respect for parents, or gentleness. 

Tall could be easily connected to Zacchaeus in Luke 19.

Play is all about joy (know any scriptures about joy? There are many!) and getting lost. In this book, Bobo yells "Mommy!" when he has ventured too far. Hmm... I've certainly felt like I have strayed too far from God's ways. But then I remember, God is never absent from me. This is 1 of 3 messages Father Richard Rohr says young children most need to hear about God! Adults too!

Now back to Hug

Publisher & Date of Publication: Scholastic, 2000

Age & Grade Appropriateness: Toddler and up

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Video on Youtube.com

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: affection, anxiety/worry, babies/children, belonging, blessings, bonds/connections, brokenness, comfort, communication, dependence/interdependence, emotions/feelings, encouragement, family, found, golden rule, insecurity, lost, love, reassurance       

Scripture Connections: Love your neighbor as yourself (Leviticus 19:18); as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them (Luke 6:31); let all you do be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:14)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this story to a group of children in your religious community when talking about the various ways love is communicated and how God accepts all of those ways when the love is real and considerate of what the other needs.