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. 

 

PBT Stories #4: Singing Our Faith

A favorite memory at my church happened when I taught Music Play. It was time to demonstrate what the children were learning in a worship service. I had about 12 children (all post high school now!) standing across the front ready to sing and do their motions with great enthusiasm. 

Suddenly, I felt terribly privileged. I had the opportunity to teach these children songs that could spiritually ground their faith for a lifetime. They sang lyrics like…

My God is so great

So strong and so mighty

There’s nothing my God cannot do.

AND

Be strong and courageous.

Do not be terrified.

Do not be discouraged

For the Lord, your God is with you wherever you go.

AND

O God, you are my God

And I will ever praise you….

I will seek you in the morning

And I will learn to walk in your ways.

And step by step you’ll lead me.

And I will follow you all of my days.

My children still remember many of these song. I hope their memories will serve them well as they face adulthood.

At present, I’m writing a Sunday school curriculum for our children (age 1 through 5). It is called Trinity Treasures and is tied to The Revised Common Lectionary. Lessons use picture books, readings from particular children's Bibles, and activities to learn more about a key idea or story from the Bible. Yesterday I wrote a lesson for October 22. The Trinity Idea for that lesson is

No one is like God. With your special voice, sing praise songs to God. 

Again, I'm privileged to encourage our children to understand the importance of singing praise to God. 

Today's post is pulled from PBT archives of my first year in which I posted about a new PBT book every day. Your children will love this story about an African girl who wants to find out what to do with all of her happiness. After seeing the many ways her family members show joy, she finds her own special way. I be you can guess what she does! 

Picture Book: Anna Hibiscus’ Song

Author: Atinuke

Illustrator: Lauren Tobia

Summary: Anna Hibiscus is an African child who loves to sit in a mango tree and watch her extended family in their daily tasks. She becomes so happy she doesn’t know what to do with her joy. She comes down and begins asking a series of relatives how she might express her happiness. Each of them has a suggestion (counting the reasons why she’s happy, dancing, tumbling, whispering in an ear “I love you”…) all of which she tries, but her happiness only grows. After her mother confesses to sitting quietly when happy, Anna Hibiscus settles into her mango tree again, but she is still about to burst with happiness. Then the birds inspire her to open her mouth wide and sing. Oh how she sings!   

Hanna’s Comments: Besides the overall delight of this picture book, I especially like the way the love of these extended family members shines through. Also, I am always glad to see various skin colors in picture books. Lauren Tobia has chosen to give us a bi-racial Anna Hibiscus. Anna’s mother appears light-skinned. Anytime book illustrators offer non-white characters, especially protagonists, their offerings are especially appreciated by those of us who hope to see more diverse characters in children’s books. Note and Helpful Hint: There are several Anna Hibiscus books. Some are picture books and some are early chapter books. If you are looking on-line, you can usually tell this by the photo of the book. Picture books are usually more square than chapter books.

Original Publisher & Date: Kane Miller, 2011

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 3 and up

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Let us sing to the Lord (Psalm 95:1); O Lord, You are my God. I will exalt you and praise your name. (Isaiah 25:1); Rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 4:4)

Idea(s) for Application: The concept of worship is often difficult for children to understand. This book offers a wonderful demonstration of why and how we worship God in various ways. Sometimes praise and thanksgiving to God is the most natural human response we can make. 

New PBT Series: Picture Book Classics #1

One of the delights of Picture Book Theology is discovering how an old favorite, perhaps a much-loved story from your childhood, can be viewed in a fresh way through spiritual or theological ideals. There are many such classics featured here at PBT. Today I begin a new series highlighting those oldies but goodies, offering again what I gleaned from a silly but compelling read that encourages us to live more fully a life of authenticity and creativity as I believe God intended. Additionally, this little treasure is a model for listening when differences arise in community. Now that’s a topic in which we could all use a little inspiration!

Picture Book: The Big Orange Splot

Author & Illustrator: Daniel Manus Pinkwater

Summary: Mr. Plumbean happily lives on a “neat street” where all the houses look the same. A seagull carrying a can of paint (“no one knows why,” it says) spills paint on his house resulting in a big, orange splot. He delays re-painting his house. When neighbors complain, he paints his home with multiple colors. His neighbors are astounded and fear he’s gone mad. Meanwhile, Mr. Plumbean builds a clock tower, does some tropical landscaping, and adds a hammock. When they complain, he explains, “My house is me and I am it. My house is where I like to be and it looks like all my dreams.” His next door neighbor is sent as a delegate to convince him to conform. Instead, the neighbor too rebels, painting his house like a ship. One by one, the neighbors are converted, and the look of their neighborhood is transformed.

Hanna’s Comments: One of the many aspects of this book that I like is that the conflicts are handled through face to face, civil conversation. Despite some fear and misunderstanding, the neighbor/delegate visits Mr. Plumbean and somehow Mr. Plumbean convinces the neighbor to risk painting his own house to reveal his dreams. The importance of listening while others dream aloud might be a point of conversation after reading this book. More obviously, it is a delightful book about being drawn to express our authentic selves in community. That is a godly pursuit!

Publisher & Date of Publication: Scholastic, 1977

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

Scripture Connections: Do not be conformed to this world (Romans 12:2)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book at a religious community’s arts camp. Tie in the idea of God’s creativity revealed through creation, including our own authenticity.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 353

Dynamic Duo: Book 2

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

Author: Jan Karon

Illustrator: Robert Gantt Steele

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

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

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Viking, 2003

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Audio cassette

PBT Category: God Book, Post 2K

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

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

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

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 327

Picture Book: I Have an Olive Tree

Author: Eve Bunting

Illustrator: Karen Barbour

Summary: Sophia, age 7, is puzzled that her grandfather has given her an olive tree for her birthday. Even more puzzling, the tree is on an island in Greece, where the family lived before coming to California. Her grandfather explains that those who purchased their house let them keep the tree as a symbol of their family’s rootedness to Greece. When Sophia’s grandfather dies, he gives Sophia her grandmother’s string of pearls and asks her to go to Greece and hang the pearls on the olive tree. Upon arrival, they are dazzled by the strangeness of Greece as they wait for the ferry to take them to the island. As they approach the family home and tree, Sophia begins to have strange feelings. The tree was not as Sophia imagined, but it moves her emotionally. She pulls the pearls out of her backpack and her mother lifts her up so that she can hang the beads on a high branch. Sophia realizes that the trip is not just about the beads. It is also about her mother’s memories and Sophia gaining an understanding of her roots. As Sophia considers coming back someday, she says, ”I have an olive tree.”

Hanna’s Comments: This is a rich story of family heritage and origin. Because our Holy Scriptures are often about these same themes, you should have no problem connecting this story to a variety of religious topics such as memory, the power of place, altars, reverence, family bonds, or inheritance. Besides connections to scripture, tie this story and a scripture to an aspect or person in your local family of faith as well. Creating strong connections to the people and place where you worship is invaluable and important for the future of your spiritual community. Another direction you could take is to consider the spiritual symbolism of trees in general. 

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Harper Collins Publishers, 1999

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

# of Pages: 32 

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Audio Cassette

PBT Category:  Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book connects with: acceptance, action, adventure, ancestors/patriarchs & matriarchs, babies/children, belonging, birth/birthday, bonds/connections, change, death/loss/grief, Europe, exile/separation/walls, family, fruit/fruit of the spirit, grandparents, heritage, home, identity/names, journeys/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, land/mountains/soil, love, memories/remembering/ritual/tradition, reverence, self-discovery, travel, worship

Scripture Connections: I am like a green olive tree in the house of God, I trust in the steadfast love of God (Psalm 52:8); your children will be like olive shoots around you (Psalm 128:3b); a good person leaves an inheritance (Proverbs 13:22); the word of God’s grace is able to give you your inheritance (Acts 20:32); so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith – that you may be rooted and grounded in love (Ephesians 3:17); rooted and built up in him and established in the faith (Colossians 2:7); work heartily as for the Lord, knowing that you will receive the inheritance as your reward (Colossians 3:23)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children or teens who are learning about their religious or spiritual heritage or origins. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 280

Dynamic Duo: Book 2

Picture Book: The Missing Piece Meets The Big O

Author & Illustrator: Shel Silverstein

Summary: “The piece sat alone, waiting for someone to come along and take it somewhere.”  Many come along, but they are not the right fit or situation. The simple illustrations make this comically clear. The Missing Piece tries to be more attractive, but those plans fail. Then it meets someone who is different, The Big O, a perfect circle with nothing missing. When asked to roll with The Missing Piece, The Big O explains that there is no place for The Missing Piece to fit, but “perhaps you can roll by yourself.” The Missing Piece argues that it is not shaped for rolling. The Big O says, “Corners wear off… shapes change.” The Missing Piece tries it with a strenuous lift and a flop. Sure enough, it works again and again until its corners do begin to wear and its shape changes. Eventually, The Missing Piece, becomes a circle and rolls right up to the Big O. Then they roll together.

Hanna’s Comments: Please note the comments in the 1^st book in this PBT Dynamic Duo offered yesterday (Day 279). Most suggestions apply here too. Like its predecessor, this book can be interpreted in many ways. The pair of these books also offer a good opportunity to consider empathy and perspective taking. In the reading of The Missing Piece, did your listener’s consider the perspectives of the pieces that were rejected and accepted? This second book offers one possibility. In The Missing Piece Meets The Big O, encourage your audience to empathize with the circles too, especially The Big O.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Harper Collins, 1981

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

# of Pages: 104

Available in Spanish? Amazon.com did not have it available in Spanish though it may be available somewhere. It is available in Chinese and Korean on Amazon.com.

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

PBT Category: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, acceptance, action, adventure, aspirations/dreams, bravery/courage, brokenness, challenges, change, companionship, dependence/interdependence, differences, difficulties, disabilities/handicaps/limitations, disappointment, diversity, encouragement, freedom, free will, growing up/growth, insecurity, journeys/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, loneliness, mentors/teachers, patience, perseverance, power, problems/problem solving, risking, satisfaction, self-control, self-discovery, transformation, travel, waiting, wisdom, wishes

Scripture Connections: Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17); you were called to freedom (Galatians 5:13); live as people who are free (1 Peter 2:16)

Idea(s) for Application: Consider using this book and The Missing Piece (Day 279), in a marriage or pre-marital therapy context or at a marriage retreat for your faith community.

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 276

Picture Book: Goin’ Someplace Special

Author: Patricia McKissack

Illustrator: Jerry Pinkney

Summary: In a southern American town in the 1950’s, Tricia Ann is being allowed to go to “Someplace Special” alone for the first time. She called it this because it was her favorite place in the world. “Be particular and remember everything I told you,” her grandmother says. Then she adds, “And no matter what, hold yo’ head up and act like you b’long to somebody.” On the bus she sits in the back in the “colored section.” She goes to Peace Fountain and dances around. She tumbles onto a nearby bench, but then she notices it is marked, “For Whites Only.” Outside a fancy hotel, she gets swept inside by a crowd greeting a star. As she gets her first glimpse of the grand lobby, she is shooed away by someone saying, “No colored people are allowed!” This is all so upsetting that she runs to the ruins at the Mission Church to cry, missing her grandmother and thinking of turning back. Instead she meets Blooming Mary, who takes care of the gardens and encourages Tricia Ann to think of what her grandmother would want her to do. She knows her grandmother would want her to go on to “Someplace Special.” She has one last difficult encounter with a white girl her age before arriving at “Someplace Special,” a place her grandmother calls “a doorway to freedom.” As she enters, she sees chiseled in stone at the top of the building, “PUBLIC LIBRARY: ALL ARE WELCOME.”  

Hanna’s Comments: The Author’s Note in the back explains that this is a fictionalized version of events in her childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. Here she personalizes the racism that she faced, and explains that her parents had fortified her with enough love, respect, and pride that she was able to face these situations. She explains that the treacherous journey to the library was worth the effort for there she felt welcome and able to read and check out many books, learning that “reading is the doorway to freedom.”

Publisher & Date of Publication: Atheneum Books, 2001

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: Non-fiction, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, action, adaptation/assimilation, 

America, anger, armor, belonging, bravery/courage, bullying/martyrs/persecution/oppression, challenges, civil rights, confidence, conformity, difficulties, disabilities/handicaps/limitations, emotions/feelings, encouragement, equality/inequality, evil, exclusion/inclusion, fear, freedom, golden rule, grandparents, gratitude/thanksgiving, injustice, insecurity, integration, intolerance, journeys/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, justice, language/literacy/reading, the law/rules/10 commandments, North America, obstacles, perseverance, prejudice, pride, race relations/racism, risking, satisfaction, segregation, self-control, self-discovery, sin, victims

Scripture Connections: You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32); For you were called to freedom (Galatians 5:13)

Idea(s) for Application:  Use this book when teaching children in your faith community a lesson on the importance of freedom and its relationship to knowledge. Also, this is a journey story with obstacles, suffering, and doubts. In spite of these, Tricia Ann perseveres. There are many journey stories in the Holy Scriptures that could be connected to this story.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 233

Picture Book: Giraffes Can’t Dance

Author: Giles Andreae

Illustrator: Guy Parker-Rees

Summary: Gerald, a giraffe, wants nothing more than to join in the dancing at the annual Jungle Dance, but his knees are crooked and his legs are thin, both of which make his dancing clumsy and awkward. He approaches the dance floor anyway, but he is quickly teased so he slinks off, ashamed. Along the way home, Gerald is encouraged by a cricket who says, “Sometimes when you’re different you just need a different song.” Then he tells him to imagine the moon is playing just for Gerald because everything makes music. Gerald begins to shuffle, sway, and swish. His dancing becomes glorious. Soon the animals from the party arrive and become entranced by Gerald’s moves. They declare Gerald the best dancer ever! When asked to explain his sudden grace, Gerald says that we all can dance when we find music that we love.

Hanna’s Comments: This is such great book about encouraging others and finding your bliss! Many of Gerald’s admirable attributes could be talked about with children in your faith community such as his ability to persevere, be authentic, and listen. The cricket would be a great character to explore in a children’s discussion too. Both of these characters can be connected to characters in the scriptures who acted in similar ways such as Barnabus, Paul’s encourager, and Paul himself, who was an outsider among Christians until he proved himself a valuable preacher of the Gospel.  

Publisher & Date of Publication: Orchard Books, 1999

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: Video, Audio download/CD

PBT Category: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, action, Africa, aspirations/dreams, authenticity, celebration/party, choir/music/singing/songs, dance/dancing, diversity, doubt, encouragement, exclusion/inclusion, gifts/talents, gladness/happiness, God’s presence, goodness, helping, individuality/uniqueness, joy, judgment/judges/judging, listening, loss of faith, mentors/teachers, moon/space/stars/sun, participation, prejudice, reassurance, response to God, self-discovery, underdogs

Scripture Connections: Then Miriam took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines and dancing. (Exodus 15:20); You have turned my mourning into dancing (Psalm 30:11); let them praise his name with dancing (Psalm 149:3)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book to talk with children about different styles of worship and the purposes of worship including to authentically praise God. Or Connect these main characters to Bible characters with similar attributes.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 226

Picture Book: A Perfect Pet for Peyton:                                                                    A Five Love Languages Discovery Book        

Author: Rick Osborne & Gary Chapman

Illustrator: Wilson Williams. Jr.

Summary: This informative picture book is based on Gary Chapman’s adult books The 5 Languages of Love and The 5 Love Languages of Children. The context is the birthday of young twins who are hoping to get a pet. Peyton and Penny are delighted when taken to Mr. Chapman’s Perfect Pet Emporium. They meet 3 friends there. All 5 children will be receiving a pet that will be just right for each of them. After some fun interactions with animals, “Mr. Chapman” describes The 5 Languages of Love. He explains that everyone prefers to be loved in 1 or 2 ways. Because animals relate to humans in particular ways, specific pets are best for certain people depending on their preferred language of love. As the story wraps up, the children are each matched with a pet as Mr. Chapman offers an explanation as to how each child’s ways of showing love since their arrival at the emporium have informed Mr. Chapman about which pet would be perfect for each of them.

Hanna’s Comments: The 5 Languages of Love are (in no particular order): Physical Touch, Quality Time, Words of Affirmation, Gifts, and Acts of Service. I have seen awareness of these languages transform marriages and help parents better understand their children. Additionally, you’ll find in this book animal seek & find lists and a quiz that will help children determine their preferred languages of love. Note the length of the book (64 pgs.). You may want to read only a portion at a time and spread your PBT lesson across several sessions. The book, Hugs and Kisses by Christophe Loupy, could be used for preschoolers to introduce the idea of different kinds of loving. It is about how a puppy discovers that kisses from various animals are very different. It is not about the 5 love languages but could serve as a good introduction.                                               Original Publisher & Date: Northfield Publishing, 2012

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

Formats other than Book: A free app to enhance the reading of the book can be downloaded onto an iPhone. This is explained and Chapman is interviewed about the book on Youtube.com. There are other videos there that explain The 5 Languages of Love for Children.

Scripture Connections: For the body (of Christ) does not consist of one member but of many (1 Corinthians 12:14); let all you do be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:14); above all these, put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony (Colossians 3:14)

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 224

Picture Book: Basket Moon

Author: Mary Lyn Ray

Illustrator: Barbara Cooney

Summary: This is a beautiful picture book about the tradition of basket-making in the highlands of upstate New York. It is from the point of view of a young son who longs to walk into Hudson, the closest town, with his father to sell baskets and purchase supplies. This happens every full moon, a “basket moon” so they call it. Meanwhile, the son watches the craft of basket-making that is particular to this part of the world. Eventually he is allowed to go into town with his father, each carrying a long pole across their back full of hanging baskets of all sizes. The son is captivated by the sights and sounds of Hudson, but he overhears a group of adult men, taunting his father, calling him a “bushwhacker”. Once home, he becomes ashamed of his father’s work until a basket-maker friend helps him understand the privilege and artistry in basket-making. He begins to practice the skills and eventually acknowledges that the trees surrounding his home are making the material for baskets he will one day create.

Hanna’s Comments: Skilled handwork of all kinds is becoming a rare commodity in modernity. This is a great loss of beauty and heritage for all of us. The Author’s Note explains that the last living basket-maker of Taconic/Taghkanic (Bushwhacker) baskets died in 1996. These baskets are now found in museums and prized in the homes of collectors. Our faith communities are one place where we can explore and share our God-given gifts and artistic endeavors, knowing that tapping into our own creativity is a fine and meaningful way to give tribute to our Creator God.  

Publisher & Date of Publication: Little Brown, 1999

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: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, acceptance, action, adaptation/assimilation, affirmation, America, art, artifacts, attentiveness/observation/seeing, authenticity, beauty, belonging, bonds/connections, bullying/martyrs/persecution/oppression, call/calling/vocation, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, culture, differences, education/learning, family, fathers, gifts/talents, God’s will, heritage, hiding/isolation, image of God, journeys/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, labor/work, listening, moon/space/stars/sun, North America, purpose, self-discovery

Scripture Connections: So God created humankind in God’s own image (Genesis 1:27); God has filled them with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs (Exodus 35:31-32); Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30); every good and perfect gift is from above (James 1:17); as each has received a gift, use it to serve one another (1 Peter 4:10)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of adults who are engaged in spiritually-based artistic endeavors, such as an Artist Way group (seeThe Artist Way by Julia Cameron), a knitting ministry, or a group of carpenters who design and make ramps for elderly or handicapped individuals. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 214

Terrific Trio: Book 1

Picture Book: Mr. Wayne’s Masterpiece                           

Author & Illustrator: Patricia Polacco

Summary: This is the true story of the author’s entrance into a drama class in school because of her paralyzing fear of speaking in front of her classes. Patricia loved to read and write, but she couldn’t orally share her wonderful writing. Mr. Wayne, the drama teacher, cleverly gave Patricia a backstage role so that she could use her art skills to paint backdrops. As Patricia painted, she heard the rehearsals and learned all the lines so Mr. Wayne asked her to be the prompter. When a key actor dropped out, Patricia was convinced to take the role. More importantly, Mr. Wayne understood her fears and worked with her to overcome them and build skills and confidence. Patricia learned to "let the play take her". As she spoke her first few lines the night of the public performance, the audience disappeared in her mind and she became the role. Afterwards, Mr. Wayne told Patricia, “Tonight, you’re my masterpiece.”

Hanna’s Comments: This book begins a PBT Terrific Trio in which this author and illustrator offers 3 tributes to specific teachers who made a fundamental difference in her life and helped her discover her gifts and her vocation. Consider these 3 books encouragement for you to consider who has inspired and helped you in your journey of discovery and exploration of your gifts. Be grateful and tell them so if you are able.

Publisher & Date of Publication: G. P. Putnam’s, 2014

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press, Biography

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, action, adaptation/assimilation, affirmation, anxiety/worry, art, bravery/courage, challenges, chosen, communication, confidence, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, disabilities/handicaps/limitations, doubt, education/learning/school, emotions/feelings, encouragement, fear, gifts/talents, gratitude/thanksgiving, mentors/teachers, participation, partners/teamwork, risking, self-discovery, shyness, transformation, trust/trustworthiness

Scripture Connections: Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30); every good and perfect gift is from above (James 1:17); as each has received a gift, use it to serve one another (1 Peter 4:10)

Idea(s) for Application: Consider using this book with a confirmation class and talk to your children about discovering their gifts and using loving adults as resources and encouragers. Also, emphasize the importance of gratitude in these situations, gratitude to God for the gifts and gratitude to the loving adults for their support and encouragement.