4 Snow Books

It’s a tricky matter to feature books about snow, but such stories are often fun and illustrations are usually striking. Thus is the case for the 4 books featured below. You may not be experiencing snow or even the winter season right now, but it was time for me to spend a little time connecting the joys of snow to faith. Have these books in your wheelhouse for when the flakes fall or when it’s hot outside and thoughts of snow would be particularly refreshing to your faith family. The first book is the story of a child's prayer. The next two books share the title Snow, with one being about patience and the other about snow's variety, beauty, and fun. The last book is about perseverance. All are full of sacred themes. But first, [here's] a PBT post about a "snowy" book that you all know already. 

Picture Book: Before Morning

Author: Joyce Sidman

Illustrator: Beth Krommes

Summary: Upon arriving home, a young girl realizes her airline pilot mom will be leaving soon. She is not happy about this. As she prepares for sleep, she offers an invocation, a prayer of sorts, for a snow day to keep her family together. She gets her wish and love abounds! The joys of a snow day are abundant.

Hanna’s Comments: The text in this book doesn’t occur for several pages so this is a quiet book that demands attention to the illustrations. Be sure to offer it in small groups and explain the illustrations when they are hard to follow. The time and effort are worth it for this gorgeous book is all about familial love and a desire to be present. This would be a great choice for a conversation in your faith family about prayers of petition that are purely selfish. Does God mind them when they are motivated purely by love? Then spend some time talking about the joy of snow days and how they are blessings for some and hardships for others.

Original Publisher & Date: HMH, 2016

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: The psalms are full of petitionary prayers. Some are less selfish than others. 

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children or adults and embark on a discussion about the appropriateness of prayers founded on selfish desires. 

Picture Book: Snow

Author & Illustrator: Sam Usher

Summary: Sam awakes to a blanket of snow, but he must wait for his grandfather to step outside. Eager to be the first to make footprints, he's stands at the door calling for Granddad, but Granddad is slow. Then Sam watches as another child has that privilege. He keeps waiting and waiting, watching more folks and creatures (some ridiculous - the result of Sam’s imagination) walk about having glorious fun. After an agonizing wait, the two step out and join the fun. 

Hanna’s Comments: This book is part of a series called Seasons with Granddad. Other titles are Sun, Rain, and Storm. This would be a perfect book to share with children in a church family that wants to increase and improve  multi-generational interaction. Let it be a catalyst for a discussion about The Fruits of the Spirit (particularly patience, joy, and love) and how these might be needed on both sides of the age spectrum. Recognizing and exploring differences are the best way to eventually celebrate them and reap the benefits of all being respected and affirmed for their part of The Body of Christ.

Original Publisher & Date: Templar, 2015

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: The Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children and talk realistically about how patience is required when interacting with people who are elderly. Then spend time talking about the gifts the older generations have given your church. Have some important stories to share about individuals your children know.

Picture Book: Snow

Author: Cynthia Rylant

Illustrator: Lauren Stringer

Summary: In this beautiful book of rhythmic prose, this prize-winning writer evokes all sorts of feelings from a variety of snow experiences thanks to a young girl who greets snow like a friend. She tells us that snow is best enjoyed WITH a friend too. Snow gives us permission to be happy! Delicate snow is lightly described, but sometimes snow is a heavy burden. This entire book is a child’s wisdom (they do experience snow better than us adults!) to savor snow and the experiences it offers for “nothing lasts forever except memories.”

Hanna’s Comments: Anytime you earnestly consider the beauty and treasure of one of God’s gifts in nature, you are engaged in contemplative prayer. This is certainly something children do already so label it as a spiritual practice and encourage more of it. Because this book is full of gratitude, you could read it in a lesson on the spiritual practice of gratitude. Share some scientific findings about how this orientation inclines us toward health and joy. Then encourage a gratitude journal. [Here] at PBT, I featured Cynthia Rylant and mentioned a few of her many books. She is a treasure that I am grateful for!

Original Publisher & Date: Harcourt, 2008

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: In the perfection of beauty, God shines forth (Psalm 50:2); To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1); God has made everything beautiful in its time. (Ecclesiastes 3:11); How great is God’s goodness and how great is God’s beauty! (Zachariah 9:17)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children who are learning about how to pray contemplatively or who are writing gratitude journals.  

Picture Book: Blizzard

Author & Illustrator: John Rocco

Summary: The author shares a story from his Rhode Island childhood about the blizzard of 1978. From the first flakes to the first snowplow many days later, Rocco’s family rises to the challenges of the deep snow. On day 6, their food has run out. Hot cocoa made from water has its limits. John is the lightest (and he’s the only one who has read a survival guide), so he sets out on top of the deep snow trudging toward the neighborhood store. Comically, he meets and helps neighbors along the way while taking their requests from the store. Finally, he arrives at the store and piles the supplies onto his sled. Racing against the sun, he delivers the requests to his grateful neighbors and returns home with groceries – a hero to all.

Hanna’s Comments: The themes of this fun story are hard work, kindness, perseverance, and being oriented to the needs of the community as a whole. Kids become heroes with such biblical values and such stories help them see the connections between real life and scripture, faith and action, love and work, service and joy.

Original Publisher & Date: Hyperion, 2014

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Scriptures about heroes such as Young David in 1 Samuel 17 and the boy who shares his lunch in John 6.

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children and talk about attributes of heroes and what motivates them to do good.

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.

Who (and Whose) Will You Be in 2018?

Picture Book: Winter Dance

Author: Marion Dane Bauer

Illustrator: Richard Jones

Summary: This beautiful picture book begins with a fox wondering what he should do after a snowflake falls. 

He seeks advice from his neighbors. When a caterpillar suggests building a cocoon so he can later fly, the fox says, "I'm not meant to fly." 

A turtle suggests that he go for a swim, 

and a bat suggests he check out a cave, but the fox isn't interested. 

When he is interrupted by an acorn, he finds a squirrel who strongly suggests some acorn gathering, 

but when you don't even like acorns, that doesn't make sense. 

This pattern continues with geese, 

a snowshoe hare, 

and a black bear.

The fox doesn't like any of their suggestions. 

When the wind hushes him, he settles in and listens. Snowflakes tickle his nose. Eventually he hears a whistle 

- a new friend with golden eyes. She knows just what he can do! 

When the world is full of falling snowflakes, 

a fox must join their tumbling and turning. Our fox agrees and dances with his new companion. 

Then they settle in together for some warm cuddling and sleep. 

Hanna’s Comments: At its center, this book is about discerning how to praise God authentically. Worship can be a very personal act, and here you have two foxes responding authentically to celebrate the beauty of the snow. In the author's byline, it explains that she was inspired to write this tale when she learned that foxes dance in the winter time. What fun! This book is also about finding a partner, someone who can help you discover who you are and what is yours to do, in essence how to respond to the world. Themes of change and the coming of a new year are here as well. A few weeks ago, I posted about a Christmas book with a lot of connections to this one. Check out that post [here].

Original Publisher & Date: HMH, 2017

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Miriam and other women dancing after the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 15: 20); Let them praise God with dancing (Psalm 149:3); A time to weep… and a time to dance (Ecclesiastes 3:4); Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind (Romans 12:2a)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children, teens or adults during a lesson about worship, discernment, or authenticity. 

Peter’s Snowy Book and Poem

 

Picture Book: The Snowy Day

Author & Illustrator: Ezra Jack Keats

Summary: This picture book classic and Caldecott Medal winner captures delight in God’s creation. 

In its day, this book was particularly significant because Peter is an urban child and a non-white child, both were rare in picture books. 

Little Peter’s first experience with snow is exploratory and abundant. His urban community has been transformed into white wonder. 

He hopes to have a souvenir from his adventure, 

but alas, snowballs, like ethereal moments, don't last.

Hanna’s Comments: In The Snowy Day publication I have (published exclusively for the Dolly Pardon Imagination Library program), I find Tips for Reading with Preschoolers. I would add to those recommendations that you simply talk about God as the provider of the beautiful snow and how pleased God must be that Peter is enjoying God’s gift of snow. Then go for an exploratory nature walk, whether you have snow or not, and be grateful for God's creation.

On NPR, I heard an interview that I want to recommend to those of you who enjoy the history of picture books and value having children of color as main characters. 

Andrea Davis Pinkney, an author of books for children and young adults, has written a stunning poetic tribute to Ezra Jack Keats and his most popular book. A Poem for Peter: The Story of Ezra Jack Keats and the Creation of The Snowy Day is beautiful and informative. 

The poem and the illustrations vividly tell Keats’ story. He was a child of Polish immigrants who fled antisemitism. From an early age, he was destined to become an artist. 

How The Snowy Day came to be was fascinating! Pinkney was the perfect author for this tribute. “As an African-American child growing up in the 1960s, at a time when I didn’t see others like me in picture books, I was profoundly affected by the expressiveness of Keats’ illustrations.” 

Illustrators Lou Fancher and Steve Johnson perfectly echo Keats' style from the 1962 book. 

For me, the most powerful part of  A Poem for Peter was the photos from a Life magazine article that Keats had above his desk for 20 years before they inspired the character of Peter in The Snowy Day. 

You’ll find the NPR story [here].

This poem is too long to be read for a Picture Book Theology experience, but you could bring the book along wherever you read The Snowy Day, share some of its illustrations, and tell your audience the history and significance of this delightful classic.

Original Publisher & Date: Viking Press, 1962

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet, video, audio

Scripture Connections: Delight yourself in the Lord… But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace. (Psalm 37: 4 & 11); Wonderful are your works (Psalm 139:14b)

Idea(s) for Application: For very young children, see my comments above. For older children and adults, read this book as an example of a contemplative prayer experience in which a child delights in God’s creation. 

PBT Redux Series #6 - One Winter's Day

Today I feature a former post that is one of the newly published treasures of PBT’s 500 plus books. It is for young children, but the themes of generosity and hope are for lifelong learning. Consider this a perfect book for encouraging a lifetime of giving.

Picture Book: One Winter’s Day

Author: M. Christina Butler

Illustrator: Tina Macnaughton

Summary: The wind is blowing hard so that Little Hedgehog’s nest is toppled. He puts on all his winter clothes and heads to Badger’s warm home. Along the way, he meets other animal friends who are shivering in the terribly frigid wind. In his generosity, Little Hedgehog gives his mittens, hat, and scarf to his cold friends. When he reaches Badger’s place, he is covered in ice. Badger greets him, warms him, and listens to his story. After the storm, Little Hedgehog is restored, but he returns home with little hope for his home's restoration. He is surprised to find his home rebuilt, stronger and cozier than ever, by the friends who benefited from his generosity.

Hanna’s Comments: Sometimes PBT stories, like this one for the youngest children, have such mature meaning and relate directly to the scriptures. This is not just a story of generosity and the payback that sometimes comes. It is also a story of the great gift of hospitality in times of need and about a community coming together to help others endure and then recover after a tragedy. The underlying theme is the value of a comfortable home. Young children, more than most, understand the importance of home. They can be encouraged to thank God for their home and their loving generous community. This book can also be viewed as early seeds planted for generosity to come in the young children who hear it.

Want a similar but more comical story for older children? Check out The Spiffiest Giant in Town by Donaldson & Scheffler. In this book, a giant buys new clothes and then begins giving them away.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Good Books, 2006

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

Formats other than Book: Audio CD, there are amateur videos on Youtube.com

Scripture Connections: If anyone wants your coat, give your cloak as well (Matthew 5:40); just as you did it to one of the least of these… (Matthew 25:40)

Idea(s) for Application: Besides encouraging a conversation about generosity and outreach, this book could serve as a useful tool for children who are recuperating from a disaster. After a disaster, talking about what has happened to your family, members of your family of faith, or others in your community can be very healing and motivating. This book also gives hope that homes and lives will be restored.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 271

Picture Book: One Winter’s Day

Author: M. Christina Butler

Illustrator: Tina Macnaughton

Summary: The wind is blowing hard so that Little Hedgehog’s nest is toppled. He puts on all his winter clothes and heads to Badger’s warmer home. Along the way, he meets other animal friends who are shivering in the terribly frigid wind. In his generosity, Little Hedgehog gives his mittens, hat, and scarf to his cold friends. When he reaches Badger’s place, he is covered in ice. Badger greets him, warms him, and listens to his story. After the storm, Little Hedgehog returns to his home with little hope for recovering it. He is surprised to find his home rebuilt, stronger and cozier than ever, by the friends who benefited from his generosity.

Hanna’s Comments: Sometimes stories for the youngest children have such mature meaning and relate directly to the scriptures. This is not just a story of generosity and the payback that sometimes comes. It is also about a community coming together to help others endure and then recover after a storm.

Want a similar but more comical story for older children? Check out The Spiffiest Giant in Town by Donaldson & Scheffler. In this book, a giant buys new clothes and then begins giving them away.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Good Books, 2006

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

# of Pages: 28

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Audio CD, There are amateur videos on Youtube.com.

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: body of Christ, caring/tending, clothes/shoes, comfort, community, difficulties, fruit/fruit of the Spirit, generosity/giving/offering/stewardship, God’s care/providence, God’s nature, goodness, gratitude/thanksgiving, helping, heroes, home, homelessness, humility, image of God, intercession, journeys/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, kindness, kingdom of God/reign of God, love, manna, neighbors, neighborhood, nurturing, outreach, perseverance, possessions, poverty, righteousness, risking, sacrifice, safe place/sanctuary, security, sharing, snow, storms, tragedy, unity, weather

Scripture Connections: If anyone wants your coat, give your cloak as well (Matthew 5:40); just as you did it to one of the least of these (Matthew 25:40)

Idea(s) for Application: Besides encouraging a conversation about generosity and outreach, this book could serve as a useful tool for children who are recuperating from a disaster. After a disaster, talking about what has happened to your family, members of your family of faith, or others in your community can be very healing and motivating.

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 239

Picture Book: Winter Moon Song

Author: Martha Brooks

Illustrator: Leticia Ruifernandez

Summary: An author’s note explains that this story is based on a Lakota elder’s version of a Moon Rabbit creation myth. Many cultures have a comparable myth. Here a young rabbit asks for the story that explains the rabbit image on the moon. He’s been practicing for the choir concert featuring the Winter Moon Song. His mother tells him of the Great Mother Creator Rabbit who came down to Earth. Cold and hungry, she built a fire and placed a stewpot of snow on top. Another rabbit tried to sacrifice himself for her, but she flung him to the moon instead. Later at the concert, rabbit is disappointed that the performance didn’t seem magical. As they travel home, the young rabbit is moved by the moon and begins singing the song with encouragement from the elder rabbit. His peers join in and together their collective song, in praise to the Great Mother Creator Rabbit, reminds them that they are part of one great rabbit family.    

Hanna’s Comments: One of the great human joys this time of year is singing, whether at a choir concert or in the car while stuck in traffic. What is it about singing that feeds our souls, no matter our culture or religion? I believe it has to do with a call to inner joy, human connection, and true worship. This book celebrates the longing in all of us, whether we can carry a tune or not, to beautifully sing our praise to the Holy and Mysterious One. The metaphorical context in this book may be child-like, but the message I read is very mature. Spontaneous, exultant singing gives pleasure and connects us to God and to one another. So make a joyful noise!

Publisher & Date of Publication: Groundwood Books, 2014

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre 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: adoration, awe, bonds/connections, choir/music/singing/songs, community, darkness/evening/night, Earth/world, gratitude/thanksgiving, heaven/sky, legends/myths, moon/space/stars/sun, mothers, mystery, response to God, reverence, snow, unity, wonder, worship

Scripture Connections: Oh come let us sing to the Lord (Psalm 95:1); make a joyful noise to the Lord (Psalm 98:4 & 100:1);

Idea(s) for Application: Too often children in faith communities are left to just figure out what worship is all about. Instead, consider it an honor to help your children understand that worship is a gift from God, one that can feed them the rest of their lives. This picture book offers a meaningful fable to help children understand the beauty and privilege of this gift of worship.