Where is God?

Picture Book: Where are You Hiding, God?

Author & Illustrator: Elizabeth Zartl

Summary: The young child in this new book is determined to find God so she plays a game of Hide & Seek with God. She explores her bedroom. Is God hiding in her socks? She checks out her bathroom. Is God hanging out with her little rubber duck? God isn't found in the tub either. She wanders to the garden and is disappointed that God isn't among the flowers. She starts to get frustrated, "Why can't I find you, God?" Then a small leaf floats down and touches her.  

She recognizes God in the leaf... and in the wind! Now she declares with confidence that God is in the flowers after all. God is in the dragonflies too!

And at bath time, she makes an even more profound discovery. God is in even the smallest drop of water. When she returns to her room, she realizes her earlier mistake. God has been there all along, in her dresser and more importantly, in her image when she looks in the mirror because God is always inside her.

Hanna’s Comments: This beautiful book won a 2017 Spirituality and Practice Award. I received an advance copy, hence the missing mirror in the last photo. Published copies will have a foil mirror. Read this book with older children if you are trying to help them understand that God's presence is everywhere. If you have younger children who love to play Hide & See (What child doesn't!), this is a great book for them. Read the book, and then play an exploration game or ask them to go find God in an unusual place and report back to the group. While playing, be sure to emphasize the central message of the book: God is in every moment, every place, and inside us. Don't forget to talk with your kids about the emotions that this character is feeling and how those translate to our own lives when we feel God's presence. There is joy and comfort and especially companionship.

Original Publisher & Date: Westminster John Knox, 2017

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: My presence will go with you…(Exodus 33:14); Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? (Psalm 139:7); You will seek and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:13); Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20b)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children in your faith family and explore the possibilities of God's presence everywhere, including inside us. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 353

Dynamic Duo: Book 2

Picture Book: The Trellis and the Seed: A Book of Encouragement for All Ages

Author: Jan Karon

Illustrator: Robert Gantt Steele

Summary: This story is from the point of view of a moonflower seed who has doubts about her potential. The seed has heard that she will become a vine and blossoms, but she doesn’t see how. Planted beside a white trellis by a “nice lady” who has faith the seed will transform, the seed waits and experiences changes described as a tickle and a kiss. Earth encourages the seed when she has doubts, saying that “God has planned something beautiful for you.” After struggling to the top of the trellis and sensing the blossoms of the many other plants, she becomes discouraged that she has no blossoms. Again Earth advises, “God’s timing for you is different.” When a full moon appears, the nice lady comes out to investigate the amazing new fragrance that comes from the seed’s many moonflower blossoms. The nice lady exclaims that she knew the seed would be “wonderfully different.”

Hanna’s Comments: Besides an informative lesson on the process of growing a climbing vine, this second offering of a PBT Dynamic Duo of books about seeds offers several metaphorical lessons on issues such as doubt, faith, vocation, patience, transformation, and personal potential. As the subtitle implies, both children and adults will enjoy this story. Scripture connections abound!

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Viking, 2003

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Audio cassette

PBT Category: God Book, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book connects with: babies/children, beauty, beginnings/morning, calling/call/vocation, care of creation, covenant/promises/vow, differences, doubt, eggs/seeds, encouragement, the environment/nature, faith/faithfulness, flowers/leaves/trees, gardening/planting/pruning/sowing, God’s presence, God’s nature, God’s will, growing up/growth, life, moon/space/stars/sun, nurturing, patience, prophesy/prophets, purpose, reflection, self-discovery, surprise, transformation, word of God

Scripture Connections:  Trust in the Lord with all your heart (Proverbs 3:5-6); the seed parables (Matthew 13); for nothing will be impossible with God (Luke 1:37); if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience (Romans 8:25); faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children or adults when talking about spiritual issues of personal potential, self-doubt, faith, vocation, transformation, or patience (aka God’s timing versus our timing).   

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 156

Picture Book: When Lions Roar

Author: Robie H. Harris

Illustrator: Chris Raschka

Summary: This book begins: “When lions roar! When monkeys screech! When lightning cracks! When thunder booms!” The list of loud fears continues. In the middle: “The scary is near! The scary is here! So I sit right down. Shut my eyes tight. ‘Go away,’ I say. ‘Scary go away.’ And then - the quiet is back. So I open my eyes. And stand right up.” What follows is a list of quiet sounds. Then the ending, “The scary is gone. And I go on my way.”

Hanna’s Comments: This comforting story dramatizes some great emotional intelligence. This boy knows the source of his fears, and demonstrates strategies to deal with them. Afterwards he is able to reassure himself by focusing on the quiet, non-threatening aspects of his life. Dealing with fears is a crucial part of childhood. Being able to talk about good strategies is a valuable part of faith development particularly when learning to rely on the comforting presence of God and loving adults in your religious community.  

Publisher & Date of Publication: Scholastic, 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: adaptation/assimilation, anxiety/worry, armor, bravery/courage, comfort, danger, emotions/feelings, fear, God’s presence, insecurity, noise/sounds/voice, non-violence/peaceful resistance, power, prayer, quiet/silence, reassurance, reflection, safety, safe place/sanctuary, self-control, storms, strength/strength in God, transformation

Scripture Connections: Any scriptures about fear or courage such as Elijah in the cave (1 Kings 19); fear not, for I am with you (Isaiah 41:10); Jesus'disciples in the boat during a windstorm (Mark 4:35-41); (God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7)

Idea(s) for Application: When I read this book, I immediately thought of Elijah struggling with his fears, searching for God to comfort him, and listening for God in the quiet. It is a powerful scripture story that should be taught to children. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 144

Picture Book: The Blue Day Book for Kids: A Lesson in Cheering Yourself Up

Author & Photographer: Bradley Trevor Greive

Summary: This book is comprised of the author’s poignant and often funny animal photographs. The captions encourage children to consider when you have a “blue day,” a day when nothing goes as it should. The author has readers reflect on all the feelings that accompany those days while offering some simple strategies for dealing with those emotions in order to get past a blue day.

Hanna’s Comments: Based on a successful adult book published in 2000, these endearing photographs really will bring a smile to someone who is feeling blue. More importantly, it offers the opportunity for children to explore and identify feelings no matter what kind of day they are having. Building this kind of emotional intelligence in our children is always a constructive activity. In a religious community, you have the added benefit of offering the comfort and hope that your faith tradition offers. Because of this book, that conversation will likely be sprinkled with some giggles and awes.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Andrew McMeel Publishing, 2005

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

# of Pages: 48

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Non-fiction

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: animals, brokenness, depression/despair/sadness/sorrow, comfort, covenant/promises/vows, emotions/feelings, lamentations, prayer, problems/problem solving, reflection

Scripture Connections: The Lord is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18); cast your burdens on the Lord (Psalm 55:22); comfort, comfort my people (Isaiah 40:1); let not your hearts be troubled (John 14:1)

Idea(s) for Application: Children need specific models for prayer. Use this book and the situations if offers as starting points for demonstrating specific prayer practices and assurance that God has promised to comfort us. For children, this might feel safer and be more light-hearted than digging into a difficult, emotionally heavy situation. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 113

Picture Book: Lost for Words

Author & Illustrator: Natalie Russell

Summary: With a new pad of paper and pencils, Tapir is ready to write, but no words come. He sees his friends, Giraffe, Hippo, and Flamingo, writing easily and well. Tapir becomes envious and tries writing in their specific environments hoping it will help, but to no avail. Eventually Tapir sits on a hill with an inspiring view. This time when he puts pencil to paper, he begins drawing his friends' 3 beautiful environments, adding details for his friends to enjoy and eventually inserting drawings of his friends. Tapir is pleased to discover what he can do well as are his friends who affirm Tapir’s skill.  The book ends in this way: “Tapir didn’t need words after all. Not one! His colorful drawings said everything he wanted to say. And they said it perfectly.”

Hanna’s Comments: This is a thought provoking book about giftedness and envy. Both are subjects worthy of conversation in religious education. Children and adults have a tendency to value most those attributes they don’t possess. Think of this book as offering an opportunity to affirm people in your faith community who have skills that may be less noticeable, less valued, less common, or less “spiritual” than other skills.The subject of prayer would be a perfect context for this book. Those who can pray aloud are often recognized when praying silently is just as valuable. Moreover pride can sometimes sneak in when praying aloud. Are words even necessary when praying? Sometimes, like Tapir, I don’t believe I need words at all to be in communion with God. “Not one!”  

Publisher & Date of Publication: Peachtree, 2013

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 5 and up, K 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: abilities, acceptance, affirmation, anxiety/worry, art, attentiveness/observation/seeing, authenticity, beauty, call/calling/vocation, communication, coveting/envy/jealousy, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, differences, difficulties, disabilities/handicaps/limitations, gifts/giftedness/talents, language/literacy/reading, prayer, prevenient grace, reflection, self-acceptance/self-image/self-esteem, self-discovery

Scripture Connections: Do not covet (Exodus 20:17); every good gift is from above (James 1:17); each has received a gift, use it to serve one another (1 Peter 4:10)

Idea(s) for Application: As described in my comments above, this would be a fitting book to offer when talking to children or adults about prayers to God.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 66

 Picture Book: Knots on a Counting Rope

Authors: Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault

Illustrator: Ted Rand   

Summary: A Native American boy begs his grandfather to tell the story of the boy’s birth once again. Through prompting, the birth story and more are told: During a wind storm, the boy was born sickly & blind, but a pair of horses seemed to give him strength so he was named Boy-Strength-of-Blue-Horses at his naming ceremony. When a foal was born, it was given to the boy so he learned to swiftly ride through the trails despite his blindness. In a horse race, the boy and his horse do not win, but many spectators are amazed. At the end of the book, you learn that each knot in the rope represents a re-telling of the story until the boy can tell it himself.

Hanna’s Comments: This is a complicated but beautiful story that illustrates several themes: the loving bonds across generations, the importance of owning our origin stories, the power in a name, and the resilience of those who courageously adapt to their limitations. This would be a powerful story for grandparents to read to their grandchildren before sharing birth/origin stories. Faith and scripture stories could easily follow.                     

Publisher & Date Published: Holt & Company, 1987 

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

# of Pages: 32                                                                                              

Available in Spanish? Not at present                                                         

Formats other than Book: Audio Cd, videos on Youtube (one version read by 2 professional actors)  

PBT Category: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, acceptance, ancestors/patriarchs & matriarchs, attentiveness/observation/seeing, birth/birthday, bravery/courage, challenges, darkness/evening/night, difficulties, disabilities/handicaps/limitations, grandparents, identity/names, listening, memories/remembering/ritual/tradition, obstacles, parables/stories, perseverance, questioning/questions, reassurance, reflection

Scripture Connections: scripture stories in which a character is named or re-named; Saul becomes Paul (Acts 9) & Barnabus becomes his helper (Acts 13)

Idea(s) for Application: when teaching the importance of repeating faith stories such as at Passover or Eucharist/Communion