A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 303

Picture Book: Words Are Not for Hurting

Author: Elizabeth Verdick

Illustrator: Marieka Heinlen

Summary: These picture books gently and simply explain how words can be both helpful and harmful. They also explore the importance of apologizing when words have been used in a unkind manner. In each situation described here, the children are encouraged to be less impulsive, less selfish, and more responsible for their words and actions. Thinking before speaking is emphasized and feelings of all parties are explored.

Hanna’s Comments: Pictured above are 2 versions of this book. The one on the left is a simpler board book with Spanish alongside English. The book on the right has no Spanish translation and is for older children. Also, you may find it has a different cover than the one shown. There are other books from this publisher with similar messages and formats: Hands are Not for Hitting, Feet are Not for Kicking, Teeth are Not for Biting.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Free Spirit Publishing, 2004

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 2 and up (book on left), 4 and up (book on right)

# of Pages: 24 (board book), 40 (other book)

Available in Spanish? The board book has a parallel Spanish translation.

Formats other than Book: Tablet (both books), videos are on Youtube.com.

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: action, affirmation, anger, arguing, choices/decision, communication, confession, conflict, discord, disputes/fighting/opposition, emotions/feelings, encouragement, golden rule, goodness, kindness, language/literacy/reading, mistakes, regret/repentance, self-control, sin

Scripture Connections: Let the words of my mouth… be acceptable to You, God (Psalm 19:14); gracious words are like honeycomb (Proverbs 16:24); let no corrupting talk come from your mouth, but only talk that is good for building up (Ephesians 4:29).

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to children in your home, classroom, or faith community when hurtful words are becoming a problem. Tie the concepts here to the commandment to treat others as we want to be treated, building empathy and kindness in even young children. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 297

Picture Book: Be Gentle

Author & Illustrator: Virginia Miller

Summary: Bartholomew loves his new little black kitten, but he’s not yet learned how to handle his new pet. George, an adult bear, tells him to “be gentle because she is only little.” After some squashing, scary rides, and a surprise with the garden hose, Bartholomew is reminded to be gentle. Each time he says, “Nah!” Bartholomew plays the drums for the new kitten, but she runs away. Then he is sad and sorry so he goes to his secret hiding place, where he finds the little black kitten. He handles her gently, and she purrs. He is learning.

Hanna’s Comments: Gentleness is one of the fruits of the Spirit mentioned in Paul’s letter to the Galatians. Gentleness has many forms besides what is represented here, but this is a great first lesson for very young children in how to treat others, not just pets. Note that a board book publication of this book has a different cover than the one you see photographed here.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Candlewick Press, 1997

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Pre 2K 

PBT Topics this Book connects with: action, adaptation/assimilation, affection, animals, babies/children, caring/tending, care of creation, comfort, companionship, conformity, education/learning/school, fear, fruit/fruit of the Spirit, gentleness/meekness, God’s will, golden rule, goodness, hiding/isolation, mistakes, noise/sound/voice, nurturing, pets, play, power, regret/repentance, respect, victims

Scripture Connections: The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22); the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason… (James 3:17)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of very young children who are learning how to care for and respect God’s creatures or the fruits of the Spirit. 

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 279

Dynamic Duo: Book 1

Picture Book: The Missing Piece

Author & Illustrator: Shel Silverstein

Summary: This story begins, “It was missing a piece. And it was not happy. So it set off in search of its missing piece.” Thus begins a classic, metaphorical tale that has a simply-drawn protagonist searching for that which will make it complete. Along the way, it sings a searching song and delights in encounters such as those with flowers and butterflies. It does meet some pieces. One piece might fit but refuses, some pieces humorously don’t fit, and one piece that fits perfectly. But life changes when it is complete. There is no time for flowers and butterflies. And it can’t sing anymore. Eventually, it leaves the piece behind and continues the journey and the singing.

Hanna’s Comments: Because the song is important to the story, you might want to plan a little tune to sing with the lyrics. Simple is fine. The illustrations are crucial to enjoying this book. Keep this in mind when considering how to share it. More than one book might be needed if you have a large group or use one of the video versions. Don’t let the number of pages mislead you. It’s a fast read with few words per page. What does it mean? That’s the beauty of this book. Is it about… finding the perfect mate? Our search for God? Obsessions? Co-dependence? The joy of the journey? Have fun talking about all these possibilities and more. This is book one in a PBT Dynamic Duo. Tomorrow’s offering is Silverstein’s sequel to the book featured today. In it you’ll experience the perspective of a piece.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Harper Collins, 1976

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

# of Pages: 112

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: Video versions are on Youtube.com.

PBT Category: Classic

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, addiction, adventure, belonging, challenges, conformity, dependence/interdependence, disabilities/handicaps/limitations, exploration, freedom, grace, growing up/growth, insecurity, journeys/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, loneliness, perseverance, problems/problem solving, reflection, regret/repentance, relationships, satisfaction, searching, self-acceptance/self-image/self-esteem, self-discovery,  travel, waiting, wisdom, wishes

Scripture Connections: Seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33); do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind (Romans 12:2)

Idea(s) for Application: There are many books that I offer on the PBT blog that would work well in a therapy, counseling, or spiritual direction situation. When a therapist, counselor, or spiritual director offers a book to be read and considered, it is called bibliotherapy. This book offers all sorts of possibilities for such a context.  

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 272

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

Author & Illustrator: Daniel Kirk

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

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

Publisher & Date of Publication: Abrams Books, 2014

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press

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

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

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

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 196

Picture Book: Each Kindness               

Author: Jacqueline Woodson

Illustrator: E.B. Lewis

Summary: A new girl, Maya, enters school, but Chloe and her friends won’t play with her because of the way she’s dressed. Eventually Maya no longer comes to school, then she moves away, but she is remembered by Chloe when their teacher gives a lesson on how each kindness that is bestowed makes the world better. The teacher uses a bowl of water and stones to illustrate this concept, focusing on the water ripples that spread. Chloe reflects on this idea and realizes her lost opportunities for kindness toward Maya and for friendship.

Hanna’s Comments: Consider this book a hint of things to come. Within the pages of this book about shunning and cruelty is a subtle anti-bullying message. You might not recognize it as bullying since there is no physical aggression or obvious taunting, but girls often bully in different ways than boys. Bullying in the manner of boys gets the most media attention. Girls bully with deliberate and calculated alienation and subtle insults. That’s what happens in this story and too often in communities of faith, both at places of worship and in religious schools, where breaking down the barriers of cliques can be especially hard. This is true despite scriptural exhortations to be hospitable. If your faith community struggles with this issue, consider focusing on an anti-bullying message and how it is in conflict with your faith values. The week of November 16 is Anti-bullying month here in the USA. Look for a focus on that issue in the PBT offerings the week before (November 9/Day 204 through November 15/Day 210). Meanwhile, you can check out www.bullyingawarenessweek.org .

Publisher & Date of Publication: Penguin, 2012

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Audio book

PBT Category: Award, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: aliens/immigrants/refugees/strangers, brokenness, choices/decisions, clothes/shoes, communication, community, confession, conformity, consequences/punishment, cruelty, differences, emotions/feelings, evangelism, exile/separation/walls, friends/friendship, golden rule/great commandment, greed/selfishness, guilt, hospitality, injustice, mistakes, new school, outsiders, peer pressure, poverty, power, prejudice, regret/repentance, relationships, sin, victims

Scripture Connections: Let the words of my mouth... be acceptable to Your heart (Psalm 19:14); death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:22); what comes out of the mouth defiles a person (Matthew 15:10)

Idea(s) for Application: Teach the children in your faith community the prayer usually attributed to King David (Psalm 19:14) and talk about how words can welcome, hurt, and heal in powerful ways.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 194

Picture Book: The Scarves

Author & Illustrator: Daniela Bunge

Summary: A granddaughter who regularly visits her grandparents is told upon her arrival that they will no longer be living together. When she asks if they don’t like the other, they separately explain that they have different opinions and interests now, but she is confused. As she begins to visit their separate homes, she suspects that they begin missing each other and their love still exists so she devises a plan to bring them back together involving 2 knitted scarves, anonymous notes, and a plan to meet to ice skate which is how they first met.

Hanna’s Comments: This is a picture book about old, forgotten love, newer love for a cherished grandchild, and remembered love. It’s a clever story which demonstrates that love doesn’t have to be about liking the same things. This plot also reveals how change can be thrilling but eventually sad and tiresome. This perceptive grandchild listens and watches with the eyes of one who loves her grandparents desperately. The power of shared memory is another important subject here that has bound together many a faith community. 

Publisher & Date of Publication: Minedition, 2006

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: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, bonds/connections, commitment, differences, discord, disputes/fighting/opposition, forgiveness/mercy/redemption, grandparents, hiding/isolation, loneliness, love, pacifism/peace/peacemakers, perspective, regret/repentance, relationships, tolerance, transformation

Scripture Connections: Let all you do be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:14); stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught (2Thessalonians 2:15); above all, keep loving one another earnestly (1 Peter 4:8)

Idea(s) for Application: Consider reading this book to adults and children at a community-wide retreat for your family of faith. Then discuss loving bonds you share that encompass the diversity of interests across your population and all that you hold in common and treasure together.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 178

Picture Book: The Stray Dog

Author & Illustrator: Marc Simont from a true story by Reiko Sassa

Summary: On a family picnic, 2 children discover a stray dog and play with him. They name him Willy. When it is time to go, the children want to take him home, but the parents fear Willy belongs to someone nearby. All week each family member misses Willy. On Saturday they return to the park hoping to meet Willy again. Willy does come, but he runs quickly past their picnic table because he is being chased by a dog catcher. Willy is caught. When the dog catcher declares that Willy has no collar or leash, the children take off their belts and declare that his name is Willy. They take Willy home, clean him up, and introduce him to their neighborhood’s dogs. Willy easily settles into his new home.

Hanna’s Comments: Books about adoption, both pet adoptions and adoptions of children, relate easily to the heart of the Abrahamic faiths in which caring for orphans is not only a mandate but an extension of the hospitable love we see affirmed in our scriptures. This book speaks specifically to our human desire to help and even rescue those who are in dire circumstances. This is the best human beings can give one another, and this book offers a fun way to talk about such an important subject.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Harper Collins, 2001

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: Audio CD, There is an amateur video on Youtube.com.

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, adoption, affection, animals, choices/decisions, chosen, emotions/feelings, exclusion/inclusion, family, found, gladness/happiness, grace, guilt, homelessness, hospitality, image of God, kingdom of God/reign of God, mistakes, orphans, pets, play, pleasing God/the Shema, prevenient grace, regret/repentance,  rescue, safe place/sanctuary

Scripture Connections: Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression (Isaiah 1:17); whoever welcomes a little child welcomes me (Matthew 18:5); adoption through Jesus (Galatians 4:5 & Ephesians 1:5)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to children when talking about Jesus’ inclinations to include or heal those who were powerless, weak or outsiders such as children, women, the sick or handicapped, and Gentiles.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 74

Picture Book: The Fisherwoman

Author: Anne Carter

Illustrator: Louise Brierley

Summary: Maud, a fisherwoman, has a simple life earning her living from the sea, but her dream is to be adorned in beautiful clothes among the rich in the nearby village. When she hauls in an old pink vase, she brings it home. Eventually the vase gives her the dream she desires, a beautiful hat, shoes, and dress. Soon she is invited to feast among the rich. At first she is delighted, but when she overhears a fellow diner ridicule the common people, she is revolted. Realizing she belongs in her former world with her friends and work, she returns home, re-purposes her dress for a sail, and drops the vase into the sea.

Hanna’s Comments: This modern fairy tale has a keen lesson for those of us in religious communities who worry about how we look, rather than being content with the riches that our friends, family, work, and faith offer us.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard, 1990

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

# of Pages: 26

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: beach/ocean/seashore, call/calling/vocation, choices/decisions, clothes/shoes, consumerism/consumption/riches, coveting/envy/jealousy, dreams/aspirations, exclusion/inclusion, fish/fishing, flowers/leaves/tree, found, greed/selfishness, guilt, humility, judgment/judges/judging, labor/work, perspective, possessions,  prejudice, pride, regret/repentance, resisting evil, righteousness, satisfaction, self-acceptance/self-image/self-esteem, sin, at table, temptations, wishes

Scripture Connections: Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things (Psalm 119:37); When pride comes, then comes disgrace (Proverbs 11:2); the Publican in the temple (Luke 18:9-12); do nothing from rivalry or conceit (Philippians 2:3) 

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book as part of a lesson on the sins of pride and vanity.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 59

Picture Book: Too Perfect

Author: Trudy Ludwig

Illustrator: Lisa Fields

Summary: To young Maisie’s eyes, Kayla is perfect and therefore happy until Maisie is partnered with Kayla for a school project. Then Maisie sees the perfectionism, judgment, and stress that are a big part of how Kayla views herself and others. The girls’ teacher becomes concerned, and Maisie’s mother perfectly handles with unconditional love the questions Maisie asks about Kayla’s views of herself and others.

Hanna’s Comments: This author has a number of great books about children’s interpersonal & social issues. Be sure to read the afterward about perfectionism written by Thomas S. Greenspon, Ph.D, licensed Psychologist and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I chose this book for PBT because too often religious life is only about comparing yourself to a set of standards or laws. Hopefully, this book will encourage children in religious settings to explore in non-threatening ways the topics of perfectionism, religious laws, works vs. faith, God’s grace & mercy, self-acceptance, and unconditional love.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Tricycle Press, 2009                         

Age and 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  

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, affirmation, authenticity, challenges, coveting/envy/jealousy, differences, difficulties, dreams/aspirations, emotions/feelings, encouragement, forgiveness/justifying grace/mercy/redemption, freedom, gifts/giftedness/talents, gladness/happiness, God’s nature, goodness, grace, guilt, holiness, the law/rules/10 commandments, mistakes, mothers, nurturing,  parents/parental love, perspective, self-reflection, regret/repentance, righteousness, self-acceptance/self-image/self-esteem, sin, works vs. faith or grace

Scripture Connections: The Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14); There is therefore now no condemnation (Romans 8:1-39); My grace is sufficient for you (2 Corinthians 12:9-10); If we say we have no sin (1 John 1:8) 

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book as a part of tween girls’ scripture study groups when dealing with issues of religious law, mercy, and grace.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 19

Picture Book: Lion’s Lunch

Author: Fiona Tierney

Illustrator: Margaret Chamberlain

Summary: Quick-witted Sarah wanders into the jungle happily singing until a lion threatens her. From Lion’s perspective, she is useless. Sarah quickly demonstrates her value by drawing a picture of the lion who is astonished that she portrays him as grumpy. The other animals agree with Sarah’s assessment. Sarah’s drawing convinces Lion to change his attitude, and Sarah becomes a permanent member of the jungle community.

Hanna’s Comments: This somewhat silly book has a great deal to say about how we are sometimes oblivious to our own behavior and how it affects how others view us. Sarah is such a great role model for being creative, smart, frank, and empathetic.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Chicken House, 2010

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, aliens/immigrants/refugees/strangers, anger, art, attentiveness/observation/seeing, authenticity, change, choir/music/singing/songs, communication, conflict, conversion, disputes/fighting/opposition, diversity, gifts/giftedness/talents, emotions/feelings, evil, exclusion/inclusion, honesty, immigration, intolerance, non-violence/peaceful resistance, outsiders, pacifism/peace/peaceful/peacemakers/peaceable kingdom, perspective, power, prejudice, regret/repentance, resisting evil, risking, sin, transformation, truth, underdogs, variety, wisdom

Scripture Connections: tax collectors: Matthew (Matthew 9:9-13) or Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10) who changed their ways; Saul on the Road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-22)

Idea(s) for Application: Lion's Lunch would be a great component to a lesson on the importance of self-awareness and how it may lead to transformation or consider reading it in a lesson on peaceful resistance.