PBT Redux #24 - Is This Panama?

Picture Book: Is This Panama? A Migration Story

Author: Jan Thornhill

Illustrator: Soyeon Kim

Summary: Sammy, a young warbler, has heard wonderful descriptions of Panama from other warblers. He is excited about his first migration from near the Arctic Circle all the way to Panama, but then he discovers the other warblers have migrated without him. Being so young, Sammy doesn’t know the route, but he is determined so he sets off with a willingness to ask for directions from other creatures along the way. Although Sammy enjoys these interactions, the other creatures steer him wrongly. After taking a much longer route and feeling discouraged, Sammy finally makes it to Panama.

Hanna’s Comments: I love it when authors put maps in their books! This book has a great map in the back that shows you Sammy’s route, the route warblers regularly take, and the location of the creatures he meets along the way. You may want to refer to the map as you read. You’ll also find a list of facts about each creature and a section on how animals migrate. Adults joke about women being more willing to ask for directions than men, but truthfully asking for help is not a bad thing, especially if you do so of someone who is invested in you. If you view this book as a metaphor for personal journeys, spiritual or otherwise, this book offers opportunities to talk about being steadfast, interdependent, and vulnerable, while also gleaning wisdom from mentors in your faith community. Consider connecting this book to stories in the Bible with characters who are lost or misguided; thankfully, there are plenty of those very human characters. 

Publisher & Date of Publication:  Owl Kids Books, 2013

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Fear not, for I am with you (Isaiah 41:10); look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others (Philippians 2:4); do not neglect to do good and to share what you have (Hebrews 13:16)

Idea(s) for Application: Our church sends a mission team to Panama each summer. This book was recently used in a children’s program about the mission team’s expected journey and purposes. Whenever a team from your faith community goes to another part of the world, consider using picture books about the location to teach your children about what your faith community is doing elsewhere and why.

PBT Redux #19 - Snowflake Bentley

We’ve had more snow than usual here in AL. After our last snow, I regretted not reminding you about this gorgeous book featured in PBT’s first year. I don’t dare wait for more snow here. It’s unlikely to come. Perhaps where you are it’s snowing, and you, like the man featured in this book, will marvel at God’s glory in the wondrous snowflake!

Picture Book: Snowflake Bentley

Author: Jacqueline Briggs Martin

Illustrator: Mary Azarian

Summary: In 19^th century Vermont, Wilson Bentley had a passion for snow. When he was given a microscope, Willie began looking at snowflakes and studying the ice crystals. He became fascinated and wished he could save them somehow to show others. He tried drawing their designs, but they always melted too quickly. Despite the high cost, at 17 Willie’s parents gave him a microscope with a camera. Painstakingly, Willie was able to successfully photograph the best examples of snowflakes and show them to others, sell them, or give them as gifts. 

Willie believed his knowledge was a gift to the world, but some neighbors and peers thought his work was a waste of time. Soon he began to understand the influences on and structure of snowflakes; then he realized that no two snowflakes are alike. Artists, designers, and professors began to be interested in his work. For 50 years, Willie shared his knowledge by giving presentations, and eventually, with financial support from scientists, created a book of his best photographs and acquired knowledge. Sadly, “Snowflake Bentley” died soon after the publication of this book, a book that is still read today. A monument and museum were eventually built in his memory.

Hanna’s Comments: I love the passion and perseverance of this individual! Wilson Bentley is a quiet hero of science who has truly given the world a beautiful gift. As faith communities nurture their children and youth, it behooves these communities to encourage the discovery of individual passions and explore ways in which each young person can benefit their world with ideas, skills, and enthusiasm. Willie’s faith in his vocation and the beauty and importance of his work, even though it was with a small and fleeting object, is inspiring. [Here] you'll find an 8-minute video about Wilson Bentley. You can easily find Bentley’s book on-line. It was reissued in 2000 and may be available in your local library. It would be a nice supplement to a lesson. You'll also find a few details and photos in the back of the book:

   

Original Publisher & Date: Houghton Mifflin, 1998

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

Formats other than Book: Audio

Scripture Connections: the charismatic passions of Elijah, John the Baptist, or Paul 

Idea(s) for Application: In addition to the other ideas that I’ve shared above, this book could be used as an exploration of our sacred individuality or the practice of contemplation.

Waiting for Whales and Gardens Thanks to Kohl's

I Need to See a Whale

Now and then life gets in the way of your delights. I’ve not posted for a while because I promised myself that writing a post would be my reward only after I applied to numerous jobs, the kind that will pay me money. Today we both get my reward! It’s no surprise that I found just the perfect picture book to explain my absence thanks to, of all places, a Kohl’s department store display. More about that later. 

Picture Book: If You Want to See a Whale

Author: Julie Fogliano

Illustrator: Erin E. Stead

Summary: This delightful book is full of advice on how to look for a whale. “You will need a window and an ocean.” AND Don’t look at "the ship that is sailing and the flag that is flapping.” There is not enough time to do the things you may want to do like smell the roses or determine if the pelican is smiling because pelicans and roses can never be a whale. Be sure to keep both eyes on the sea and wait and wait and wait….

Hanna’s Comments: Among the many helpful suggestions when looking for a whale, two struck home with me this month as I focused on applying for jobs. Whale-watching, like job-hunting, takes “time for waiting and time for looking and time for wondering ‘is that a whale?’” Is that the right job? Also, “possible pirates (in the ship mentioned above) won’t help at all. Neither will watching movies or reading novels. There are many wonderful things I could be doing instead, but I just might miss that whale. The whale encounter at the end of the book is (whale!) worth the wait! Sorry! I hope my new job will be as intriguing and rewarding.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Roaring Brook Press, 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, Award Winner

Scripture Connections: Seek first the kingdom of God and God’s righteousness (Matthew 6:33); no one who puts his hand on the plow should look back (Luke 9:62); Paul and Silas freed from jail (Acts 16:16-40); be sober-minded; be watchful (1 Peter: 5:8)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to children who are learning about Paul and Silas in jail. Here’s the connection: The folk song Keep Your Eyes on the Prize, popularized in the American Civil Rights Movement, is based on an old spiritual Hand on the Plow which is all about Paul and Silas being freed from prison. Here’s a Wikipedia link that explains: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keep_Your_Eyes_on_the_Prize. If you want to hear a great modern version of Keep Your Eyes on the Prize, listen to one of my favorite Christian singers, Sara Groves. It’s on her Invisible Empires album.

Now about that Kohl’s display…

I’m pleased to tell you that if you have access to Kohl’s (on-line or a store) you have the opportunity to purchase 4 great picture books (hardbacks for $5 each!) while donating to local health and education initiatives. Kohl’s calls this their “cause merchandise.” What I call it is a treasure trove! The books are from one of my favorite illustrators, Erin E. Stead. Four cute plush animals based on characters from the books are also available for $5 each. Kohl’s will donate 100% of the net profit from these items toward local kid’s health and education initiatives. Here’s a link if you want to know more. www.kohls.com/Kids

Two of these Erin Stead books are favorites so they are already in my A Picture Book a Day for a Year list. Both of these are the kinds of picture book you could give to any child, as well as an adult who is hurting or needs a laugh. Their potential for ministry is unending: (A Sick Day for Amos McGhee - PBT Day 9 on April 28, 2014 and Bear Has a Story to Tell – PBT Day 64 on June 11, 2014). The third book is featured above. Here are the details and ideas for use for the fourth book which I liked a lot!

Picture Book: and then it’s spring

Author: Julie Fogliano

Illustrator: Erin E. Stead

Summary: After a snowy winter, a boy and dog begin to plant a garden. Colors begin as browns. Then the two characters do the necessary work of planting, caring, and watching for their plans to come to fruition. Waiting, anticipation, hope, and patience are emphasized here. Finally, colors evolve from browns to wonderful greens.

Hanna’s Comments: This would be a particularly great book to read to children at the end of winter, but it would also serve well for a group who has been through a hard time or a long transition, adults or children. Connect the required patience when waiting for changes in this book with the changes you are anticipating in your group. Perhaps your faith community is hoping for a new leader or the completion of a building project. Then turn your conversation around and imagine how patient God must be while waiting for each of us to change. Emphasize God’s love, mercy, patience, and constant hope as we resist positive change.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Roaring Brook Press, 2012

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

# of Pages: 32 

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Audible

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press, Award Winner 

Scripture Connections: Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. (Proverbs 16:3); I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Idea(s) for Application: Besides the ideas in the comments above, consider reading this book to a group who is doing some long-range planning. Anticipate the difficult waiting and the inevitable doubts. Emphasize the importance of your faith in God and in your ability to discern God’s good work toward your goals.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 337

Picture Book: What Makes a Rainbow?

Author: Betty Ann Schwartz

Illustrator: Dona Turner

Summary: After a rainstorm, Little Rabbit’s mother says that soon they will see a rainbow. Little Rabbit asks the title question, and a series of animals help his mother explain. This is a Magic Ribbon Book which means that as you turn the page, a ribbon of a particular color drapes across the double page spread. In this case, ribbons of the colors of the rainbow are revealed each page turn. The book ends with Little Rabbit declaring the 3 things needed for a rainbow: rain, colors, and sunshine.

Hanna’s Comments: If this book is too immature for your audience, you’ll find lots of books about rainbows in the library some of which will emphasize the science behind the phenomenon which is always a nice addition to a lesson for children. You might want to teach the children in your audience the song, I Can Sing a Rainbow which is available on ITunes. This author and illustrator have another Magic Ribbon Book which you may want to consider. It’s called What Makes Music?

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Piggy Toes Press, 2000

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

# of Pages: 14 

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present, but you’ll find plenty of videos on Youtube.com on how a rainbow is made or describing how to do a science experiment about rainbows or light refraction. 

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book connects with: ancestors/patriarchs & matriarchs, attentiveness/observation/seeing, awe, beauty, covenant/promises/vows, the environment/nature, God’s presence, heaven/sky, light/morning, rain, rainbows, water, wonder

Scripture Connections: God said this is the sign of the covenant between me and you… I have set my bow in the cloud…. (Genesis 9:12-13) 

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children who are learning about signs of God’s covenant or the story of Noah and the Ark.   

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 335

Picture Book: Whose Eyes are These?

Author & Illustrator: Elizabeth Burman Patterson 

Summary: In this book of riddles and enchanting paintings of animals’ eyes, a simple question is asked, “Whose eyes are these?” Thus the beautiful and distinctive attributes of a variety of species are offered for amazement and contemplation while giving God the credit for such wonderful designs. The introduction explains that readers are about to go on a sight-seeing safari. The answers are surreptitiously given in upside down text on the page. You’ll also find a mirror at the end for your children to gaze into their own eyes and think about their perfect design. 

Hanna’s Comments: There are other books with this title that are similar though they use photographs rather than paintings. I like this one because I can consider it a “God book” since there is an introduction by Rev. Bern Brunsting, and in one of the animal riddles you’ll find, “God made me just right,” a phrase I suggest you have your audience repeat after each animal description.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Thomas Nelson, Inc. 1997

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

# of Pages: 28

Available in Spanish? Not at present 

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: God Book, Pre 2K 

PBT Topics this Book connects with:  abundance/bounty, animals, attentiveness/observation/seeing, awe, beauty, blessings, bonds/connections, contemplation, creation, difference, diversity, the environment/nature, reverence, variety, vision, wonder

Scripture Connections: God created every living creature that moves (Genesis 1:21); Who teaches us more than the beasts? (Job 35:11); the Lord’s mercy is over all that the Lord has made (Psalm 145:9)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children who are learning about animals and God’s wonderful design for them. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 278

Picture Book: Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?

Author: Bill Martin Jr.

Illustrator: Eric Carle

Summary: What Panda Bear sees is a “bald eagle soaring by me.” The next page asks, “Bald Eagle, Bald Eagle, What do you see?” In like fashion and in delightful rhyme and meter, each animal sees a different species. A black panther sees “a dreaming child watching over me.” This child, who might be interpreted as the moon or our best hope for the future, lists all of the animals that have been seen in progression. The book ends with “all wild and free – that’s what I see.”

Hanna’s Comments:  This board book is the most recent in the Brown Bear and Friends series. The first book, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, was published in 1967. The author and illustrator have given this book a conservation emphasis by using only endangered species. The other 2 books are:
Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See? (North American animals)

Polar Bear, Polar Bear What Do You Hear? (zoo animals)

Each of these books celebrate God’s diverse creativity as demonstrated in the animal kingdom. How might this book encourage a theological or spiritual experience with toddlers and preschoolers? After reading the book to a small group, go back through Eric Carle’s gorgeous tissue paper animals and talk about how God created each beautiful animal to have different and specific attributes to survive. For instance, “Look at this spider monkey’s long arms and legs. God gave those to the spider monkey so that swinging from tree limbs is easy as can be.” You may have to do a little research about each species, but that can be easily done on the internet. At the end, be sure to talk about human bodies and how they too are beautiful and different and how they allow your young children to do amazing things.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Henry Holt & Company, 2006

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

# of Pages: 26

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: Audio download, Audio CD (of all 4 books listed above), video on Youtube.com, There is also a board game available based on this and the first book in the series.

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, abundance/bounty, animals, attentiveness/observation/seeing, awe, babies/children, beauty, care of creation, creation, differences, diversity, Earth/world, the environment/nature, God’s care/providence, moon/space/stars/sun, variety

Scripture Connections: God created every living creature (Genesis 1:21); who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth (Job 35:11); the Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that God has made (Psalm 145:9); whoever is righteous has regard for the life of beasts (Proverbs 12:10)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of young children as described above in my comments emphasizing God’s diverse and ingenious creativity.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 268

Picture Book: Snowflake Bentley

Author: Jacqueline Briggs Martin

Illustrator: Mary Azarian

Summary: In 19^th century Vermont, Wilson Bentley had a passion for snow. When he was given a microscope, Willie began looking at snowflakes and studying the ice crystals. He became fascinated and wished he could save them somehow to show others. He tried drawing their designs, but they always melted too quickly. Despite the high cost, at 17 Willie’s parents gave him a new invention, a microscope with a camera. Painstakingly, Willie was able to successfully photograph the best examples of snowflakes and show them to others, sell them, or give them as gifts. Willie believed his knowledge was a gift to the world, but some neighbors and peers thought his work was a waste of time. Soon he began to understand the influences on and structure of snowflakes; then he realized that no two snowflakes are alike. Artists, designers, and professors began to be interested in his work. For 50 years, Willie shared his knowledge by giving presentations, and eventually, with financial support from scientists, created a book of his best photographs and acquired knowledge. Sadly, “Snowflake Bentley” died soon after the publication of this book, a book that is still read today. A monument and museum were eventually built in his memory.

Hanna’s Comments: I love the passion and perseverance in this story! Wilson Bentley is a quiet hero of science who has truly given the world a beautiful gift. As faith communities nurture their children and youth, it behooves these communities to encourage the discovery of individual passions and explore ways in which each young person can benefit their world with ideas, skills, and enthusiasm. Willie’s faith in his vocation and the beauty and importance of his work, even though it was with a small and fleeting object, is inspiring.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Houghton Mifflin, 1998

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Audio book, There is an amateur video of this book being read on Youtube.com as well as an 8 minute video about Wilson Bentley.

PBT Category: Award Winner (Caldecott Medal), Biography, Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abundance/bounty, action, aspirations/dreams, attentiveness/observation/seeing, awe, beauty, call/calling/vocation, care of creation, challenges, commitment, creation, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, discovery/invention, diversity, the environment/nature, evangelism, gentleness/meekness, gifts/talents, God’s nature, gospel/good news, heroes, individuality/uniqueness, labor/work, mission, obstacles, parents/parental love, passion, patience, perseverance, perspective, pleasing God/the Shema, purpose, questioning/questions, sacrifice, satisfaction, secrets, sharing, snow, steadfastness, treasure, truth, variety, vision, water, weather, wonder

Scripture Connections: the charismatic passions of Elijah, John the Baptist, or Paul 

Idea(s) for Application: In addition to the other ideas that I’ve shared above, this book could be used as an exploration of the concept of contemplation.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 234

Picture Book: A Little Peace

Author & Photographer: Barbara Kerley

Summary: This is a collection of photographs of people from various parts of the globe who are enjoying “a little peace.” Images of peace range widely from two English men in the snow tipping their hats to one another to a group of whirling Buddhist monks worshiping in Bhutan and then to an American military doctor cuddling a child who had been caught up in a battle. In the back you’ll find a world map and an explanation of each photo including details and location. The book ends with a note by Richard H. Solomon, President of the United States Institute of Peace.   

Hanna’s Comments: The concept of “peace” can be quite confusing for children. This book offers a variety of visual contexts so that you can explore the meaning of a word that can mean everything from an “overall sense of quiet satisfaction” to a “short lull in hostilities.” The word is used often in religious communities, especially this time of year in the Christian church as it is connected to Advent and Christmas. Check out the other picture books of photographic essays by Barbara Kerley which were offered on PBT Days 71 and 182.

Publisher & Date of Publication: National Geographic, 2007

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: Non-fiction, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abundance/bounty, attentiveness/observation/seeing, beauty, Earth/world, geography, humanity, pacifism/peace/peacemakers, reverence, satisfaction, security, worship

Scripture Connections: For unto us a child is born… his name shall be called… Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6); Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace among those with whom he is pleased! (Luke 2:14); I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. (John 16:33); Now may the lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. (2 Thessalonians 3:16)

Idea(s) for Application: For the children in your faith community, invest your time in a discussion about the confusing concept of “peace.” It will help ground them in rich meaning, even if they exit the conversation without being able to verbalize an exact definition of peace.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 215

Terrific Trio: Book 2

Picture Book: The Art of Miss Chew

Author & Illustrator: Patricia Polacco

Summary: After spending the summer with her artist grandmother, Patricia wants to be an artist. Back at school she enjoys her new teacher, Mr. Donovan, an immigrant from Ireland who loves to tell family stories. However, Patricia faces two struggles: there is very little opportunity for art at school and she is having trouble taking tests because she reads very slowly. Mr. Donovan gives her more time on tests which helps a great deal. After discovering her art, he refers her to the high school art teacher, Miss Chew, who has classes for younger students. Patricia is thrilled with Miss Chew’s instruction and asks to draw Mr. Donovan’s father, whose photograph is on his desk. A few weeks later, Mr. Donovan learns that his father in Ireland has died. He leaves for the funeral, and the substitute teacher doesn’t continue to give Patricia extra time on tests and insists the art lessons be discontinued. When Patricia tells Miss Chew about her slow reading, Miss Chew refers Patricia to a reading specialist who says that Patricia sees patterns rather than letters. When Mr. Donovan returns from Ireland, all is set right again. Meanwhile, Patricia’s first painting is of Mr. Donovan’s father; it is chosen for the high school art show. Mr. Donovan is brought to tears when he sees it. A defining moment occurs for Patricia as both teachers praise her talent, and she is even more determined to become an artist.

Hanna’s Comments: Be sure to read the blurb in the back where Polacca explains more about the influence of Miss Chew and her sadness that art is underfunded in schools. This is the 2^nd book in a PBT Terrific Trio by Polacco where she again tells the story of teachers’ life-changing influences on her.  

Publisher & Date of Publication: G. P. Putnam’s, 2012

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: Post 2k

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, acceptance, aspirations/dreams, attentiveness/observation/seeing, beginnings/morning, bonds/connections, call/calling/vocation, caring/tending, challenges, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, differences, difficulties, disabilities/handicaps/limitations, education/learning/school, encouragement, gifts/talents, God’s care/providence, gratitude/thanksgiving, heroes, image of God, individuality/uniqueness, intolerance, manna, mentors/teachers, relationships, rescue, respect

Scripture Connections: (See scriptures listed for Day 214); God gives skills to artists who use their skills for God’s purposes (Exodus 28:3; 31:2; 35:25); honor everyone (1 Peter 2:17)

Idea(s) for Application: What strikes me about this book is the way in which Polacca’s two teachers honored her uniqueness, whereas the substitute teacher did not. Read this story to children or youth and engage them in conversation about diversity in skills and people. Help them consider whether they tend to honor and encourage these or whether they criticize when someone is unique.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 180

Picture Book: Leopard & Silkie: One Boy’s Quest to Save the Seal Pups

Author: Brenda Patterson

Photographer: Robin Lindsay

Summary: At the beginning of this book, Leopard is born on the shore of Puget Sound. Miles, a young boy, has been trained to protect this seal pup and others by educating their biggest threat, humans. This is especially needed when a seal pup sleeps alone on the shore for as long as 8 hours. Human curiosity and the dogs they might bring with them are a particular threat. Miles and his family build a floating platform to allow the pups to nap in safety. The pups adapt quickly and many use the platform. Later in the story, Leopard's mother doesn’t return so that he will learn to fish on his own. He grows lean, but thanks to the arrival of an older female seal, Silkie, Leopard improves his fishing and gets fat again.

Hanna’s Comments: This picture book has 2 parallel stories, Miles’ intervention and the seal pups’ story, as well as beautiful, instructive photographs. Other children who have been trained to protect the seal pups are photographed as well. I especially appreciated the photographs of the humans taken from what might be Leopard’s perspective, depicting the threat that well-meaning humans might have on such a vulnerable animal. Before reading this to your audience, be sure to check out the extensive Author’s Note in the back. There is also a bibliography.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Henry Holt & Co., 2012

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet, There is a 23 minute long video on Youtube.com of the author doing a presentation at a library giving more details of this story.

PBT Category: Nonfiction, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with:adaptation/assimilation, animals, attentiveness/observation/seeing, call/calling/vocation, care/tending, commitment, community, cooperation, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, the environment/nature, generosity/giving/offering/stewardship, gifts/talents, goodness, helping, image of God, kindness, labor/work, mission, outreach, pacifism/peace/peacemakers, perspective, safety, safe place/sanctuary, saving/savior, servant/service/serving

Scripture Connections: God created the great sea creatures (Genesis 1:21); who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth? (Job 35:11); the fate of humans and the fate of animals is the same, as one dies so dies the other (Ecclesiastes 3:18-19)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book in a homeschool or private school setting where you can freely talk about God’s creation of all species and our role as caretakers, in partnership with God.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 123

Picture Book: Is This Panama? A Migration Story

Author: Jan Thornhill

Illustrator: Soyeon Kim

Summary: Sammy, a young warbler, has heard wonderful descriptions of Panama from other warblers. He is excited about his first migration from near the Arctic Circle all the way to Panama, but then he discovers the other warblers have migrated without him. Being so young, Sammy doesn’t know the route, but he is determined so he sets off with a willingness to ask for directions from other creatures along the way. Although Sammy enjoys these interactions, the other creatures steer him wrongly. After taking a much longer route and feeling discouraged, Sammy finally makes it to Panama.

Hanna’s Comments: I love it when authors put maps in their books! This book has a great map in the back that shows you Sammy’s route, the route warblers regularly take, and the location of the creatures he meets along the way. You may want to refer to the map as you read. You’ll also find a list of facts about each creature and a section on how animals migrate. Adults joke about women being more willing to ask for directions than men, but truthfully asking for help is not a bad thing, especially if you do so of someone who is invested in your well-being like those in you. If you view this book as a metaphor for personal journeys, spiritual or otherwise, this book offers opportunities to talk about being steadfast, interdependent, and vulnerable, while gleaning wisdom from mentors in your faith community. Consider connecting this book to stories in the Bible with characters who are lost or misguided; thankfully, there are plenty of those very human characters. 

Publisher & Date of Publication:  Owl Kids Books, 2013

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

# of Pages: 40

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, abundance/bounty, action, attentiveness/observation/seeing, call/calling/vocation, commitment, community, companionship, difficulties, dreams/aspirations, encouragement, the environment/nature, gentleness/meekness, geography, gifts/giftedness/talents, God’s care/providence, God’s nature, growing up/growth, heaven/sky, helping, journeys/pilgrimages/migration/quests, kindness, land/mountains/soil, manna, mission, mistakes, patience, perseverance, searching, survival, travel, variety, vision, wisdom, wonder  

Scripture Connections: Fear not, for I am with you (Isaiah 41:10); look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others (Philippians 2:4); do not neglect to do good and to share what you have (Hebrews 13:16)

Idea(s) for Application: Our church sends a mission team to Panama each summer. This book was recently used in a children’s program about the mission team’s impending journey and purposes. Whenever a team from your faith community goes to another part of the world, consider using picture books about the location to teach your children about what your faith community is doing elsewhere and why.