Enough Already!

Picture Book: I Am Enough

Author: Grace Byers

Illustrator: Keturah A. Bobo

Summary: This striking book is a celebration of loving who you are and embracing the many and varied aspects of you. A repeated pattern of similes are used: "Like the ___, I'm ___." Here is a smattering of this book's messages and illustrations.  
Like the sun, I'm here to shine. 

Like the voice, I'm here to sing.

Like the bird, I'm here to fly and soar high over everything. 

There's some paradox in the pairing of similes. 

Like the champ, I'm here to fight. 

AND Like the heart, I'm here to love. 

Learning 

and racing are important pursuits 

as well as supporting those who cry because a race doesn't go well. 

Respecting others' differences, opinions, and gifts is an important message here. 

Differences in appearance are worthy of notice and celebration, but each person's worth comes from much more than that. 

In the end, it is enough to "live a life of love, not fear" 

and know that each of us is enough.

Hanna’s Comments: The similes here are mostly abstract and will require concrete examples and exploration for young audiences. You may know the other work of this author. Grace Byers is an actor on Empire. She wrote this book to tool girls against bullying, but it offers all girls (and boys) an opportunity to be reminded of their resilience, while emphasizing kindness. Yes, there are only girls in this book. Don't let that keep you from sharing it with boys. Girls often experience media with no girls present. It's beneficial for boys to have such experiences. It builds empathy and understanding across gender lines. We all want and need more of that.
Original Publisher & Date: Balzer & Bray, 2018

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

Formats other than Book: Audio CD

Scripture Connections: Scriptures about inner strength or God's presence in us such as Deuteronomy 31:6, Isaiah 4o:31, Isaiah 41:10, or Philippians 4:13; Made in God's image (Genesis 1:27); Let us run with endurance the race set before us (Hebrews 12:1b); Blessed is the one who remains steadfast under trial (James 1:12); Behold what manner of love God has given us that we should be called the children of God. (1 John 3:1)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to an elementary class and talk specifically about how each child present has been blessed with resilient qualities thanks to being a unique child of God, made in God's image, for the betterment of the world. In other words, all are blessed to be a blessing. 

 

An Excellent Family

Picture Book: Excellent Ed

Author: Stacy McAnulty

Illustrator: Julia Sarcone-Roach 

Summary: The Ellis dog, Ed, is convinced that he doesn’t get to sit at the table, ride in the van, sit on the couch, or use the inside bathroom because he isn’t excellent at something, like all the other kids in the family. 

This hilarious book has Ed deciding that he is excellent at something just before one of the children comes home with an announcement that depletes Ed’s idea. For instance, Ed decides he is excellent at breaking stuff. 

Then Elaine announces that she has just broken the record for the most soccer goals in a season. Everyone cheers and Ed believes he is not the one in the family so excellent at breaking stuff. But when Ernie drops his sandwich, Ed is declared excellent at cleaning the floor. Perhaps this is why he isn’t allowed to sit at the table. 

When Emily and Elmer arrive, Ed is declared an excellent welcomer so he figures this is why he doesn’t get to ride in the van. When all the Ellis family pile on the couch, Ed is declared an excellent foot warmer. No wonder Ed isn’t allowed on the couch! 

The story ends with Ed still wondering why he can’t use the indoor bathroom.

Hanna’s Comments: Using words of affirmation is my top language of love so I adore this book! Excellent work, Stacy McAnulty and Julia Sarcone-Roach! Besides the clever way Ed’s desire to be excellent is presented here, this is a (dare I say?) excellent family to share with your children. They get along and affirm each other. They spend time together and are exploring their giftedness. 

Any time you can offer that view of family functioning to children is great. At the heart of this book is a dog who wants to please those who love him most and a family whose love is not conditional. 

Isn’t that the heart of being a child of God, wanting to do what pleases God and do it excellently? Help your children (in your family, faith family, or classroom) see that this kind of excellence is a worthy goal. Help them also remember that being a child of God is often times enough.

Original Publisher & Date: Knopf, 2016 

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: For in Christ Jesus, you are all children of God through faith (Gal. 3:26); It is my prayer that your love may abound more and more… so that you may approve what is excellent (Phil. 1:9-10); if there is any excellence… think about these things (Phil. 4:8b)

Idea(s) for Application: Read Excellent Ed to a group of children and help them explore the way God is pleased with us when we exhibit excellence and how important it is to show our love by affirming excellence in each other. 

Accepting Different Natures

Illustration from Virgil and Owen by Paulette Bogan

As a nationally certified school psychologist, I’m often asked about how to deal with children’s behavior. Sometimes the underlying question is about a child’s temperament. Can it be changed?

Illustration from Hoot and Peep by Lita Judge

Certainly there are practices that do affect children’s behavior. Thank goodness! But I believe that when it comes to a child’s inclinations, there are patterns from that start that are unlikely to change.

Illustration from Virgil and Owen Stick Together by Paulette Bogan

I remember learning years ago that children’s temperaments are largely settled at birth. I can’t back-up this statement with academic references or research, but my many and varied experiences with children, especially the two I gave birth to, confirm this statement.

Illustration from Hoot and Peep by Lita Judge

My children are alike in many ways but on opposite ends of some spectrums. I could have predicted these differences very early in their lives. Accepting who they are has been a delight at times, a struggle at other times, and a spiritual practice always. Why do I say that?

Illustration from Hoot and Peep by Lita Judge

When I’m delighting in their selfhood, I’m grateful to God and accepting of their differences. When I’m frustrated with the ways they are different from me (silly on my part and a waste of time!), I’m trying to practice self-control and patience (two entries in Paul’s list of Fruits of the Spirit – Galatians 5:22-23)

Illustration from Virgil and Owen by Paulette Bogan

I believe that it behooves us to recognize that we are all born precious children of God, beloved in our uniqueness and likely to live out particular patterns (strengths and struggles) all our lives. Sure it’s good to adapt and refine, but the struggles (and strengths) are often a theme throughout our lives.

Illustration from Virgil and Owen Stick Together by Paulette Bogan

The books I’ve selected for this post celebrate the different natures of two characters. Connect these books with the verse in Genesis about us all being created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) or with Bible stories or history that involve very different characters (Jacob & Esau, Martha & Mary, Barnabas & Paul, etc.).

Illustration from Virgil and Owen Stick Together by Paulette Bogan

If you are struggling with division in your family of faith, one of these books might be great for a group of adults to experience. Adults, sadly, are too often the ones who most need to hear the messages of these books and the scriptures you will connect to them.

Illustration from Hoot and Peep by Lita Judge

The first picture book offering is about two owl siblings in Paris. The older owl tries to teach the younger to “hoo” appropriately. The learning doesn’t go as expected. 

Illustration from Hoot and Peep by Lita Judge

The younger owl sings with all sorts of sounds because the Parisian night, particularly the cathedrals, are so gorgeous. Eventually the younger teaches the older to respond to the beauty that surrounds them. 

Illustration from Hoot and Peep by Lita Judge

As I read this book, I couldn’t help but think of the various ways we worship God and how that issue is sometimes quite divisive. 

Picture Book: Hoot and Peep

Author & Illustrator: Lita Judge

Original Publisher & Date: Dial Books, 2016

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

The next two books are part of a series about a couple of very different animals. In the first book, Virgil, a penguin, finds Owen, a polar bear, and claims him as his personal property.  

Illustration from Virgil and Owen by Paulette Bogan

When Owen acts independently, Virgil becomes very upset. Eventually Owen, who is fun-loving and easygoing, responds with a firm, “No!” His limit has been reached. Virgil realizes his mistake and becomes more accepting and a friend rather than an owner.

Picture Book: Virgil and Owen

Author & Illustrator: Paulette Bogan

Original Publisher & Date: Bloomsbury, 2015

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

The second book in this series emphasizes Virgil and Owen’s different natures. The two are on a trip to school. Owen gets sidetracked, and Virgil hurries Owen repeatedly. 

Illustration from Virgil and Owen Stick Together by Paulette Bogan

As in the first book, Owen reaches the limit to his patience and lets out a big roar, sending Virgil toppling into the snow. Apologies follow and the relationship is restored.

Illustration from Virgil and Owen Stick Together by Paulette Bogan

Besides the scripture connections listed above, both of these books would be great to read to a small group of parents or a group of adults who work with young children.

Picture Book: Virgil and Owen Stick Together

Author & Illustrator: Paulette Bogan

Original Publisher & Date: Bloomsbury, 2016

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

The Symbolism of a Box

Several months ago, I ran across Jessica’s Box by Peter Carnavas and loved it immediately, but it wasn’t widely available. I’m pleased to tell you about it now. If your local library doesn’t have it yet, request it. Better yet, purchase a copy for yourself and one for your library. This rich book will have you and your family, classroom, or congregation considering just what is Jessica’s box while delighting in her gumption.

Jessica is nervous because she is about to start school. Her family is supportive and hopes she will make “plenty of friends.” Jessica has a plan to do just that. She brings a box to school, hoping to build curiosity about its contents. When she reveals a teddy bear, her peers are unimpressed and wander away. Jessica is both surprised and disappointed.

That night her mom, while they do yoga (I love this illustration!) advises her to “try something else. Next Jessica makes and brings cupcakes in her box. The goodies are quickly gobbled, but just as quickly, Jessica’s classmates disappear without even a “thank you.”

Jessica decides that her dog should be the next box surprise. Doris will win them over! The children love Doris, but not the school’s groundskeeper who declares that dogs aren’t allowed and takes Doris back home.” That night, Jessica and her father quietly consider possibilities under a full moon, another wonderful illustration!

Finally, Jessica brings nothing in her box; instead she uses it to quietly disappear. A boy assumes she is playing Hide & Seek so he says, “Found you!... Now you have to find me. Count to ten.” Jessica, realizes she has found a friend after all and begins counting.

After reporting that she did make a friend at school, Jessica’s grandpa says, “You must have had something very special in your box today.” Jessica smiles and says, “I did.”

There are many aspects of this book that are especially positive. First of all, Jessica’s wheelchair and the reason she needs it are never mentioned. She is a typical, capable, child. I love this! We’ve come a long way in children’s literature!

I also love some little touches in the illustrations such as a bird that will be fun for children to spot. What I mostly love about this picture book is the potential symbolism of Jessica’s box.

I read this book to my family and some dinner guests one evening. I wasn’t surprised to hear each of them offering different possibilities of what Jessica’s box might represent. Of course, there’s no correct answer. The possibilities are many. If you want to hear some of those possibilities, let me know in a comment and I’ll share my ideas. Meanwhile, consider how you might use this book to talk about secrets, wholeness, generosity, offering, friendship, anxiety, transitions, family, creativity, hope, limits, community, vulnerability, gratitude, resilience, and affirmation. Scripture abounds with connections to these ideas and all that might be symbolic of Jessica’s box.  

Picture Book: Jessica’s Box

Author & Illustrator: Peter Carnavas

Original Publisher & Date: New Frontier, 2008 

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up
Formats other than Book: Not at present

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.