December Holiday Books #1 and #2

Advent is almost here so I’m going back to my simple format from my first year at PBT. That will allow me to feature more December holiday books. These two are a lesson in contrasts. One is brand new – my favorite discovery this season so far! One has been around for a while and was a recommendation from a webinar listener. Thanks for that! I’m sorry I didn’t catch your name. 

Here they are…

Picture Book: A Savior is Born:                                                                              Rocks Tell the Story of Christmas

Author & Photographer: Patti Rokus

Summary: This book will delight and amaze your audience! Rokus has managed to artistically explore the story of Jesus’ birth in rock collage, pairing each creation with a familiar scripture. In the video mentioned below, she says she found all the rocks on one hiking excursion! There is something about these faceless images direct from our Earth that gloriously speaks the Truth of these stories within the one great Story of Christmas. You may never look at rocks the same way again. Look for me to feature her Easter book come spring.

Hanna’s Comments: As is true for most PBT books, this jewel could be enjoyed by any age group because the art is stunning and so unusual. For very young children, you may want to focus on only a few double page spreads.

Original Publisher & Date: Zondervan, 2018

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Check out the 2 informative videos on the Amazon page. Fabulous!

Scripture Connections: Scriptures make up the text of this book.

Idea(s) for Application: Share this book with a group of children and offer a variety of rocks so that they too may create images that correspond to Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany stories.

Note: You may find this book with a different cover. 

Picture Book: Room for Little One: A Christmas Tale

Author: Martin Waddell

Illustrator: Jason Cockcroft

Summary: There are many picture books that cleverly have Jesus' birth told from animals' points of view. This one is special in that a series of animals offer invitations, share the warmth and comfort of the stable, accommodate differences, and even cuddle beside a species that might be thought of as an enemy. After each invitation, you find the sentence: There's always room for a little one here. Old Dog is welcomed by Kind Ox who later invites Stray Cat. Small Mouse is encouraged to come in by Stray Cat. Despite her fears, she enters. When Tired Donkey needs a place for Mary and Joseph, Kind Ox again offers hospitality so that Jesus, a little one so vulnerable, is born among selfless animals and loving parents. Beautiful!

Hanna’s Comments: This book may be written for young children, but the heart of the message is for us all. Will we make room for the message of Christmas amidst the chaos of the holiday? Will allow inside those we disagree with? Those who are very different from us? Those who make us uncomfortable? Even our enemies? These are burning questions for many in the world today and they relate to the themes of Luke's gospel message. For some fun, ask your audience to think about which character they most identify with and what kind of animal (or who in their lives) would they have the most difficulty inviting and accommodating. Invite those who will to share. You might be surprised at how profound their personal reflections are. I suspect we all imagine ourselves peering into that manger. Complicate those imaginings this year with this challenging story of hospitality and accommodation.

Original Publisher & Date: McElderry, 2004

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

Formats other than Book: Audio Cassette

Scripture Connections: Luke 2:1-7

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of adults and then encourage them to go into their neighborhood and invite all they meet to your Christmas Eve service. 

PBT Question #3 to Ask about any Secular Book

Does the book remind you of scripture?                    

(a Story, a Character, or a Verse) 

Answering this question takes some thought. However, as you read a picture book a connection with a Bible story, character, or verse may jump out at you. That’s fun to discover! When there are no obvious links but I’m still hoping for a biblical connection for a picture book I love, I rely on a Bible concordance or a list on a website.

Check out http://www.openbible.info/topics/. This site allows you to search by a biblical name, a religious theme, or a phrase in a Bible verse. This site also offers a nice list of the most popular Bible stories for children, but don’t use this link only when you are doing children’s programming. Adults will respond to those same stories. http://www.openbible.info/labs/kids-bible-stories/.

Don’t just think of major characters/stories of the Bible. Your audience deserves new material! Consider some of the lesser known stories such as those in the Acts of the Apostles or those referenced in Paul’s letters. Don't forget the parables that Jesus told. 

Also, don't forget the stories of women and girls in the Bible! Rich faith development involves girls learning about female biblical role-models and boys hearing the important roles that women had in our Holy Scriptures. There are many women’s stories in the Bible that offer meaningful lessons and conversations. Sadly, females are often unnamed so finding their story is harder.

Here are 4 women in the Bible that you may not have considered for a lesson: 
Rahab - Joshua 2

The Widow of Zarephath - 1 Kings 17:7-24

The Bent-over Woman - Luke 13:11

Dorcas/Tabitha - Acts 9:36

Another problem occurs when a key figure is labeled negatively. We tend to shy away from those stories, especially when teaching children. But those labels don’t have to be used! For example, you don’t have to call Rahab a prostitute. Focus on how she was a crucial figure who helped the Israelites. The Eunuch in Acts 8 can be called simply “a man from Ethiopia”. His story is so powerful! The woman caught in adultery in John 8 can be described as a “woman who got into trouble.” 

In contrast, don’t shy away from age-appropriate negative attributes. These descriptions make characters more human. They are easier to relate to, more believable, and more relevant. Got an impulsive kid in your group? Find a book that connects to Peter. God’s great mercy is all the more powerful when complicated characters are changed for the better. 

Apart from stories, children and adults can learn a great deal from key phrases in Bible verses. I like to have children repeat a simple phrase throughout a lesson so that it lingers in their minds afterwards. Adults can benefit from this method too. For instance, in a lesson using a picture book about rocks. Talk about how God is like a rock, and have your audience say intermittently this phrase from Psalm 71:3: “Be to me a rock of refuge.” Don’t forget to define “refuge.” Then you’ll have a little vocabulary development. All the better! 

Sometimes you must allow a picture book to soak into you for a while and let The Spirit do the work. Set aside the book, say a little prayer for guidance, and give God some time to help you see the connections. A Bible connection might pop into your mind.

In a few days, I’ll post about PBT question #4. It may be the question that yields the most potential for a picture book. Meanwhile, may your Biblical knowledge grow.

Here are many more books from the PBT archives that directly connect to scriptures:

Psalm 139 - I am Enough!

The Lost Parables - Duck's Key Where Can it Be? and

Who Counts?

Good Samaritan - Who is My Neighbor?

The Mustard Seed - The Marvelous Mustard Seed

New PBT Series: God Book #1

Today's post begins a new PBT series in which I offer posts from the past that featured PBT God books. These are picture books that explore the nature of God. Typically I offer secular books here; God books are the exception. Because I have not yet featured these books a 2nd time and they are so rich with ministry possibilities, I'm going to post about these for the next week or so. My elbow is healing well. Doing more re-posting has helped with that process. Thanks for your prayers and patience for new posts. Below I highlight 2 great books for young children that explore what God is like. 

Picture Book: God is Like a Mother Hen and Much,                                     Much More

Author: Carolyn Stahl Bohler

Illustrator: Dean Nicklas with help from daughter Amy

Summary: In simple metaphors and illustrations, God’s nature is explored in ways that are meaningful to young children. God is like a mother hen, daddy, teacher, friend, mommy, the air, a child, you, and love. The last illustrated page offers a blank frame with an invitation, “Can you think of what else God is like?”

Hanna’s Comments: At the back of the book you’ll find a note to parents and teachers explaining how metaphors are important for use when exploring God’s nature. Interestingly, they also suggest you explore with the children ways that God is not like the metaphor. This would offer more distinctive meaning and confirm that God is unique, mysterious, and much more. Lastly, all the symbols used in the book are listed with 1 or 2 scripture references.  

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, 1996

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: See the list in the back of the book for many scripture connections.

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book with young children at bedtime or in a group lesson for imaginatively exploring the nature of God. 

Picture Book: God is Like…: Three Parables for Children

Author: Julie Walters

Illustrator: Thea Kliros 

Summary: In the first of three parables, a rock at the edge of the sea is shown and described. Repeatedly it is emphasized that “the rock stayed the same” despite the waves, weather, and a boy’s attempts to move it. As the boy ages, he notices that the rock does not change. He wonders, “Could God be like a rock?” The appropriateness of this simile is revealed and a scripture reference is given. The second simile begins as a spark of light that grows into a campfire and illuminates a young girl’s play and imagination. She guides other children to the light, and when the sun comes up the next morning, she wonders if God could be like the light. Jesus is offered as the light of the world with a scripture reference. Similarly, the third simile, a breath of wind, is illustrated in the playful activities of another young boy.

Hanna’s Comments: Note the length of this book. I suggest presenting it over 3 sessions. Each parable offers much in terms of conversation and supplemental activities. Don’t be afraid that your children are not able to think abstractly. One of the beauties of metaphorical thinking is that it allows humans to translate abstract thought into concrete, meaningful terms. Focus on the concrete and consider additional metaphors for God that might inspire other stories, questions, and lessons. The other picture book I’ve offered in this post will give you some possibilities, and I encourage you to think of some on your own that would be particularly meaningful for your children. Like mentioned above, talking about what God (or Jesus) is not like, is also helpful.

Original Publisher & Date: Water Brook Press, 1973

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Each of the similes (parables) is tied to a scripture reference.

Idea(s) for Application: This book could easily be translated into 3 simple skits for 3 different children to silently dramatize while the text is read in a lesson or even in a worship experience for your entire family of faith.

Faith Based Resilience

Picture Book: The Hugging Tree:                                                                     A Story about Resilience

Author: Jill Neimark

Illustrator: Nicole Wong

Summary: This book is a poetic story about The Lone Cypress, a world-famous tree and tourist attraction in California. 

But it is much more than that. The author offers a rich consideration of this tree being a symbol of resilience. 

She begins with an entire page that does my work for me. 

She explains the concept of resilience and connects this book to The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. You’ll find my post about that classic [here]. 

Because the tree is personified in the story, there is struggle and relationship. 

As you would expect, the tree grows, suffers through bad weather, 

clings to the its rock, offers beauty, creates a home for others, and endures despite its circumstances.

You’ll also find in the back a very thorough and helpful Note to Parents and Caregivers written by Dr. Elizabeth McCallum. Note that there is another picture book by this name.

Hanna’s Comments: As a school psychologist, I have been fascinated by the research on resilience. In my work, I have not only connected the research to children but to adults and even congregations. Don’t limit your use of this book to children or teachers. Having faith based programming about what makes a child, adult, or congregation more resilient can have long-lasting results and encourage the good outcomes that resilience offers. There is much overlap with the resilience research and faithful ideas. For instance, in this book you see a community quickly surrounding and helping the tree. There’s the rock, the moon, birds, and a boy. 

These characters make strong connections with the tree. 

Having empathy and making meaningful connections are central to resilience just as they are central to a well-functioning family of faith. 

Be sure to show your audience an actual photo of The Lone Cypress which can be found easily on-line [here]. If you need more reasons to read this book to others, note that the publisher is The American Psychological Association. Here’s a warning: I found reading this book awkward. The poetry is tricky. You may choose to read it as a story rather than trying to figure out the meter and rhyme scheme. Either way, practice before you have an audience. The book is worth the effort!

Original Publisher & Date: Magination Press, 2016

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9); suffering produces endurance… (Romans 5:3-5); in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us (Romans 8:37); Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. (Ephesians 6:10); God gave us not a spirit of fear but of power and love… (2 Timothy 1:7); count it all joy (James 1:2-4)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book in a lesson about resilience to a faith based, adult small group that is concerned about their future together.

Vocation and Rocks in Pockets

Picture Book: Rocks in His Head

Author: Carol Otis Hurst

Illustrator: James Stevenson

Summary:  This story is about the author’s father who has been a passionate rock collector since his pre-depression childhood. 

Not understanding the economic or learning potential for the subject of rocks, all joke about him having rocks in his head and his pockets. 

He's always ready to show an interesting rock to anyone who wants to see and learn. 

Throughout his early professional life as the owner of a “filling station” and a Model-T mechanic, rocks are in the background, literally displayed on small shelves in the station.

When his business fails because of the Great Depression, he moves the rocks to the attic of his home. 

Between jobs, he frequently visits the rock collection at the nearby science museum to compare his collection to the one in the museum. 

When the director of the museum hears his comparison, she very much wants to see his rock collection so she climbs into his attic and is compelled to hire him, but as a janitor. 

Eventually he impresses everyone and becomes Curator of Mineralogy and serves the rest of his days communicating his passion to others.

Hanna’s Comments:  This is a story about vocation. I learned this word as a teen at church camp and understood it to be more than a job. Instead it is a God-given potential for service and even ministry. Tweens and teens are ready to learn this concept and then explore and discover how they might serve the “Kindom” of God while tapping into their passions and skills. 

Note how the main character’s journey to become a mineralogist was neither simple nor easy. Be sure to read the info. about the author; she gives some more details about her father and his vocational development.

Original Publisher & Date: Greenwillow Books, 2001

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: For it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Phil. 2:13)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of tweens or teens and encourage them to begin considering their God-given inclinations and passions for vocational work. Consider doing a series on this concept by reading other picture books found here at PBT that tell the story of people discovering and developing their various vocations. Click on “vocation” in the large Labels section down below and you’ll find over a dozen books on this subject to consider. 

Do Something GRAND!

It’s National Grandparents Day here in the states. On the website, the folks at www.grandparentsday.org encourage everyone to “Do something GRAND!” Today I have a blogpost for you that celebrates grandparents, including details on 2 very different books about grandmothers. If you want more picture book options featuring grandparents, go to the list of green search words and click on “grandparents.” You’ll be taken to 36 different picture books I’ve featured on this blog!

What grand thing have I done today? I’ve designed and taught an adult Sunday School lesson. I’ve invited and welcomed a family to my church’s worship service where the praise was mighty and authentic. I’ve tutored a child. And I’ve visited my local library where I complimented the librarians on the grand work they do for me. Then I left with my usual big stack of picture books. Oh boy!

Look for more grand possibilities as I expand and diversify my work here at PBT. Details to come soon. Meanwhile, enjoy all the picture books I have already offered you and the many possibilities they hold for ministry, teaching, therapy, or especially for today, family time with a child or grandchild where you can talk about your values and your legacy. 

Picture Book: A Special Gift for Grammy 

Author: Jean Craighead George

Illustrator: Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher

Summary: At the end of a visit, Hunter gives his grandmother a pile of stones on the front porch, near her front door.

What will I do with a pile of stones?” she asked Hunter.

“What everyone does with a pile of stones,” he answered.

Her simple response is, “Of course,” a response that is repeated time and time again as various passersby use the stones for various purposes. Some are used to mark the grave of a much-love dog. Three are used to give directions to a couple of Girl Scouts. Hunter himself finds that 5 of the stones serve as important symbols of his identity so they are strung on a necklace for Grammy. The last stone is found to be perfect for skipping lightly across a nearby lake.   

Hanna’s Comments: There are many things I love about this book. It emphasizes generosity, creativity, and memory while offering a nature story. Too many children are not able to see the bounty that is in their back yard or a nearby park. Stones, like many other gifts of the natural world, offer great potential for marking, adorning, and remembering. Offer your children a lesson on the qualities and possibilities of a pile of stones or one remarkable rock.

There are many places in scripture where stones or rocks are mentioned either concretely or metaphorically. The old hymn Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing has had generations singing, “Here I raise mine Ebenezer.” That’s a reference to a biblical story of thanksgiving in 1st Samuel. Do you know what a cairn is? Cairns are piles of stones used for marking a place of memory. Jacob built such a cairn to witness his and Laban’s covenant. Peter is called the rock, and we are instructed to build our house on stone, not sand.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Harper, 2013

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: Fresh off the Press

Scripture Connections: Jacob places his pillow stone as an altar (Genesis 28:18-22); Joshua instructs them to take 12 stones from the Jordan River (Joshua 4); Then Samuel took a stone (1 Samuel 7); a wise one build a house upon the rock (Matthew 7: 24-27); you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church (Matthew 16:18); yourselves, like living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5)

Idea(s) for Application: Consider a series of lessons on how stones are used in scripture. Let this story be your starting point, emphasizing that, of course, a pile of stones has so much potential for enriching our lives.  

Picture Book: Grandma in Blue with Red Hat

Author: Scott Menchin

Illustrator: Harry Bliss

Summary: From a young artist’s point of view, this book celebrates the potential of art to honor and commemorate the love a grandson has for his grandmother. The unnamed protagonist attends art lessons at his city’s art museum. There he learns that art is beautiful, different, funny, tells stories, comes from far away, and makes others feel good. When he realizes that all of these qualities are also true of his grandmother, he decides he must give his grandmother to the museum. Once the museum curator gets involved, the narrator has a more practical idea. He studies the styles of various artists, is inspired by them, and creates a one-boy exhibition. The theme? Grandma. Many come, including the museum curator who acquires a piece for the museum: Grandma in Blue with Red Hat.

Hanna’s Comments: This is such a fun book. It teaches a great deal about art while celebrating an extraordinary cross-generational relationship. Encourage discussion about the nature of art and God’s role in artistic endeavors and the creative spirit of humans. Emphasize how the love of these family members inspires and enriches the beauty of the boy’s art. Look for evidence of loving art in your family or family of faith. Talk about how God and scripture have been the subject of artists throughout history.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Abrams, 2015

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  

Scripture Connections: The skills of artists (Exodus 35); but now, O Lord, you are our God, we are the clay (Isaiah 64:8)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book as a discussion starter for considering how God has created humans to be both artists and art, creators and creations, inspired by God and for God. 

What is God Like? Two Books that Explore this Central Question for Young Children

 Picture Book: God is Like a Mother Hen and Much, Much More

Author: Carolyn Stahl Bohler

Illustrator: Dean Nicklas with help from daughter Amy

Summary: In simple metaphors and illustrations, God’s nature is explored in ways that are meaningful to young children. God is like a mother hen, daddy, teacher, friend, mommy, the air, a child, you, and love. The last illustrated page offers a blank frame with an invitation, “Can you think of what else God is like?”

Hanna’s Comments: At the back of the book you’ll find a note to parents and teachers explaining how metaphors are important for use when exploring God’s nature. Interestingly, they also suggest you explore with the children ways that God is not like the metaphor. This would offer more distinctive meaning and confirm that God is unique, mysterious, and much more. Lastly, all of the symbols used in the book are listed with 1 or 2 scripture references.  

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, 1996

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: God Book, Pre 2K 

Scripture Connections: See the list in the back of the book for many scripture connections.

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book with young children at bedtime or in a group lesson for imaginatively exploring the nature of God. 

Picture Book: God is Like…: Three Parables for Children

Author: Julie Walters

Illustrator: Thea Kliros 

Summary: In the first of three parables, a rock at the edge of the sea is shown and described. Repeatedly it is emphasized that “the rock stayed the same” despite the waves, weather, and a boy’s attempts to move it. As the boy ages, he notices that the rock does not change. He wonders, “Could God be like a rock?” The appropriateness of this simile is revealed and a scripture reference is given. The second simile begins as a spark of light that grows into a campfire and illuminates a young girl’s play and imagination. She guides other children to the light, and when the sun comes up the next morning, she wonders if God could be like the light. Jesus is offered as the light of the world with a scripture reference. Similarly, the third simile, a breath of wind, is illustrated in the playful activities of another young boy.

Hanna’s Comments: Note the length of this book. I suggest presenting it over 3 sessions. Each of them offers much in terms of conversation and supplemental activities. Don’t be afraid that your children are not able to think abstractly. One of the beauties of metaphorical thinking is that it allows humans to translate abstract thought into concrete, meaningful terms. Focus on the concrete and consider additional metaphors for God that might inspire other stories, questions, and lessons. The other picture book I’ve offered in this post will give you some possibilities, and I encourage you to think of some on your own that would be particularly meaningful for your children.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Water Brook Press, 1973

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

# of Pages: 96 

Available in Spanish? Not at present 

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: God Book, Classic

Scripture Connections: Each of the similes is tied to a scripture reference.

Idea(s) for Application: This book could easily be translated into 3 simple skits for 3 different children to silently dramatize while the text is read in a lesson or even in a worship experience for your entire family of faith.