Mr. Panda for the Holidays!

 

If you like quirky books, this PBT post is for you! From the Mr. Panda series by author/illustrator Steve Antony, I found a book for Thanksgiving, a book for Advent, and a book for celebrating love. That last book could be for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or anytime you are anticipating a loving ritual. Because these humorous books have little text but complicated social situations, they would be great for any age! For older children, move quickly to more complicated life applications before they are turned off by the simple characters. Don't let Mr. Panda's gruff face fool you! He is all about generous servanthood! Be sure to help children read his facial expressions. They are important and not obvious. Older kids might even talk about the complex skill of reading another's emotions as an aspect of empathy (tie this to The Great Commandment). Here's Mr. Panda really happy!

Many versions of these books have parallel Spanish text. There are other books in this series. I don’t recommend those here, but they would be fun additions to any family’s reading time. 

Please Mr. Panda is about the power of the word “please.” 

Good Night, Mr. Panda is about bedtime rituals. 

All these Mr. Panda books are structured similarly. Their illustrations are clever and funny, and they may need to be explained. They are quick reads with simple but subtle messages. Mr. Panda is a generous (though seemingly unenthusiastic) giver who receives inappropriate responses from an early cast of characters. Once Mr. Panda gets the response he expects (in these books from Lemur or Penguin), he responds generously. He is quite a behavior-oriented teacher! These fun books are truly quirky. Your kids will love them! And you might too.

 For Thanksgiving:

Picture Book: Thank You, Mr. Panda

Summary: This book begins with Lemur asking Mr. Panda about the large stack of wrapped presents he is carrying. Mr. Panda explains that the gifts are for his friends. Lemur follows. Throughout the pages, Mr. Panda gives a gift to a character who responds with a complaint or other lack of appreciation. Lemur reminds all, "It's the thought that counts." The last gift is for Lemur who enthusiastically says thank you. Mr. Panda says, "You're welcome. Remember, it's the thought that counts." Lemur opens the gift and is surprised!

Hanna’s Comments: This book gives you the opportunity to talk about all God's gifts - those we enjoy and understand as well as those we suffer through or are puzzled by. Talk about how we would have nothing if it were not for God. OR Discuss how less than perfect gifts (bad weather, getting sick, etc.) help us be thankful for God's perfect gifts (good weather, feeling healthy, etc.). For more pragmatic application, talk about gifts from humans that we may not appreciate but should still be grateful for. Ask why that is and build some empathy among your audience!

Original Publisher: Scholastic, 2017

Age Appropriateness: 3 and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Connect this book to scriptures involving saying thank you to God or being thankful for all the good that God gives us.

PBT Applications: Read this book to a group of young children who are first learning about the important spiritual practice of saying thank you to God. Talk about why God wants us to say thank you and practice being thankful together. Other life applications would be anticipating Thanksgiving prep and work afterwards. Have them promise to notice and say thanks to the cooks and those who clean before and after.

 

For Advent:

Picture Book: I’ll Wait, Mr. Panda

Summary: This story begins with Llama asking Mr. Panda what he is making in the mixing bowl he is holding. In his usual gruff but intriguing manner, Mr. Panda says, "Wait and see. It's a surprise." But Llama will not wait! Penguin declares a willingness to wait on every page.  The rest of the cast of characters ask about the treat to come but are not patient. Some exit, saying waiting is too hard. 

Some just simply refuse to wait. Finally Penguin yells, "I'll wait, Mr. Panda!" Penguin's waiting and Mr. Panda's good work leads to a HUGE DOUGHNUT with sprinkles! Penguin ends by saying thank you to Mr. Panda and adds, "It was worth the wait!" 

Hanna’s Comments: The primary themes & scriptures of Advent involve hopeful waiting. There are many examples of waiting in the scriptures, but this time of year we focus on waiting for the promised Messiah. If I was using this book in a lesson, I would have the children repeat Penguin's last words throughout your lessons. Remind your audience of some of the extraordinary events of Decembers in their past. Talk about how those events were like Mr. Panda's doughnut gift. (Extraordinary! Miraculous! Big love! WonderFUL! etc.) Consider having donuts with sprinkles!

Original Publisher: Scholastic, 2016

Age Appropriateness: 3 and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Connect this book to scriptures involving waiting or preparing for God’s goodness, such as Advent scriptures or scriptures of longing found in the Wilderness stories in Exodus.

PBT Applications: Read this book to a group of young children who are anticipating (with patience or not) all that their Decembers will bring. Help them anticipate the distractions of the busy season and the benefits of waiting for the beauty and joy of the birth of the Christ Child. 

 

For Any Holiday Involving Love:

Picture Book: We Love You, Mr. Panda

Summary: Skunk says he needs a hug. Mr. Panda, wearing a Free Hugs tee and holding a heart balloon, responds, "OK, Skunk. Let's have a hug." BUT Skunk was talking to another animal. They hug, and Mr. Panda is left out. Thus begins a short series of animals asking for hugs from other animals, not Mr. Panda, even when he offers a hug. 

Mr. Panda decides, "Nobody wants my hugs," forgetting that his 2 companions (Lemur and Penguin - heroes of the 2 books above) are available for hugs. Eventually, those 3 characters hug and an avalanche of other animals join in. Mr. Panda responds while squeezed, "I love you, too."

Hanna’s Comments: This book gives you the opportunity to talk about how we treat those closest to us versus how we treat acquaintances and even strangers. Consider how love shows up differently in families, at church, in the classroom, in public spaces like shopping centers & parks. Ask this not so simple question: Does love = kindness? Always? Talk about how some families are affectionate and some are not. Have children focus on 1 John 4:8b: "God is love." Wow! There is so much in those 3 words! Be thankful to God that love abounds in many ways. 

Ask your children for some quick reminders of Bible stories showing different ways of loving. If they don't remember specifics, describe a Bible story scenario and let them finish it. Wrap-up by having them tell you favorite ways to show love and to be loved. Point out the variety among your audience. If your kids are old enough, teach them the 5 Languages of Love made popular by Gary Chapman: Words of Affirmation, Physical Touch, Quality Time, Gift Giving, and Acts of Service. You'll find a PBT picture book about that HERE

Original Publisher: Scholastic, 2019

Age Appropriateness: 3 and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Connect this book to any scripture about love.

PBT Applications: Read this book to a group of young children who are about to visit a home for elders. Talk about how love might be best shown in this context.

What Birds Teach Us

Picture Book: Ruby’s Birds

Author: Mya Thompson

Illustrator: Claudia Davila

Summary: This beautiful book is from the point of view of Ruby, a girl who is 6 or so. She is about to discover the wild side of NYC! Her neighbor, Eva, offers to take Ruby to the park. Ruby assumes they are going to her play place in Central Park, but instead they are going into the forest there. On their way they sing (Ruby loves to sing – this is important!). She’s not sure what to do when they sit quietly so she bursts into song again. 

Eva gets a bit upset because she had just spied a golden-winged warbler, a bird species that Eva saw often in her home country of Costa Rica. Eva explains that Central Park is an excellent place to birdwatch. The birdwatching continues, more quietly. They don't again see the warbler that day, but Eva insists that Ruby now knows what to do to spy another one: Pay attention, move carefully, and be quiet. Ruby is already hooked! She dreams of birds after singing herself to sleep. She teaches her family about birds and birdwatching. Birdwatching becomes her very own practice.

Hanna’s Comments: Birdwatching is a lot like prayer. With a particular orientation, it can be a contemplative practice that calms, grounds, and leads us to praise. In recent years, I have discovered the contemplative and emotionally grounding aspects of birdwatching. The many birds in my feeders have helped me tremendously during the anxious days of the pandemic! I even laugh aloud sometime! Truly they are some of God's most extraordinary gifts. They are delightful to watch, but there can also be stark reminders of wild living that I don’t like to see, like violence, flying into windows & doors, and deaths that sometimes occur. Although such experiences are harder to witness, I know they are a part of creation so they should not be avoided topics of conversation should children mention them.

Because birds, like Ruby, sing so much, spend some time talking about the worship aspects of singing, particularly with concepts such as praise, awe, and gratitude. Ask children a wonder question about why they think birds sing. 

This book has an amazing number of resources in the back! First, the context of the story and some info. about warbler migration are given. Next you’ll find information about 2 key birds in the story. There is a chart listing the 14 bird species found in the illustrations. Last you have Ruby's Tips for Taking a Nature Walk. This page could be used independently on a guided nature walk later. 

Jesus tells us not to worry and references sparrows in Matthew 6:26. The concept of worrying is so important now thanks to the pandemic that I plan to do a PBT post soon that will feature several books about worrying. If you want to know now which books I plan to feature, contact me.

Original Publisher: Scholastic & The Cornell Lab Publishing Group (It is through Cornell that much excellent bird research is funded!)

Age Appropriateness: 4 and up

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: You may think of a couple of commonly known biblical references to birds such as, “Look at the birds of the air, they neither sew nor reap...” (Matthew 6:26) and Jesus' longing to gather his people like a hen gathers her chicks (Matthew 23:37), but there are many scriptures that reference birds! A general search engine will help you find more. Here's one I just found: Ask the birds of the sky and they will tell you. (Job 12:7)

Connections to The Revised Common Lectionary: I listed this book along with several others about birds in my Trinity Treasures Preschool Curriculum. It’s 3 years of lessons based on the lectionary. Each lesson features a list of recommended picture books. This book is for the lesson in Year B. The theme is God’s Goodness. God’s gifts of birds, flowers, and fruit are the focus. They are all mentioned in Song of Solomon 2:8-13.

PBT Applications: A couple of weeks ago I featured a book about listening. Today's book (and any book about birdwatching or nature walks) would connect with the spiritual practice of listening. However, you can also celebrate God’s diverse plan for our world by reading this book and focusing on the incredible diversity of birds in the world. I suspect you could easily create a game or art project that celebrated God’s feathered gifts. For adults or teens, ask them to tell you a parable or personal story in which a bird's presence or behavior was an important lesson.

Links to other PBT books about birds: 

How to Heal a Broken Wing

Bear and Bird

Sing...Sing a Song!

Froodle

Washing the Willow Tree Loon

Albert

Mama Outside, Mama Inside

The Birds of Bethlehem

Is This Panama?

Baby Wren and the Great Gift

Listen! It Might Be Joshua Bell!

Picture Book: The Man with the Violin

Author: Kathy Stinson

Illustrator: Dusan Petricic

Summary: Dylan and his mom hurry to the subway station. He is someone who notices things, but she does not. As they navigate the crowds, Dylan is struck by the sounds of a violinist. The music seems to be telling an exciting story! Then he hears “the saddest sound he has ever heard.” Dylan begs his mom to stop and listen, but she will not. He stretches their arms as long as possible to listen before they ride down the escalator. 

All day Dylan hears the music in his head! When he asks to return to the station, hoping the man will still be playing, Dylan’s mom asks, “What man?” That night, Dylan hears on the radio that the violinist he experienced is “one of the finest musicians in the world,” Joshua Bell, who played on “one of the most valuable violins ever made.” But still few people stopped to listen. Dylan now understands his strong response. He is swept up again, this time by the radio's recording of that morning’s music. AND this time, his mother listens and dances with him!

Hanna’s Comments: This book is a fictional story surrounding an actual event. Here is a link to a video of Joshua Bell’s performance in the Washington DC metro station on January 12, 2007. The book's last few pages have a bit about this event and Joshua Bell. The music Bell played that morning was a godly sound that Dylan couldn't forget. Talk about other kinds of godly sounds including other kinds of music and singing. Here are some possibilities: nature sounds, words of love, words that compel loving action, sounds that evoke positive memories, etc. Beforehand, contemplate godly sounds for yourself generally. Then you'll know what specific questions to prompt answers. 

Original Publisher: Annick Press, 2013

Age Appropriateness: 3 and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Eli told Samuel to return to bed and say, "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening. (1 Samuel 3:9); Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10); To answer before listening, that is folly and shame. (Proverbs 18:13); Jesus' transfiguration story in the 3 synoptic gospels (see next note);  Martha had a sister called Mary who sat at the Lord's feet listening. (Luke 10:39); Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. (James 1:19)

Connections to The Revised Common Lectionary: I listed this book in Trinity Treasures (my preschool curriculum based on the RCL & picture books) for 1 of the Transfiguration lessons. In that particular lesson, I focused on listening, because the disciples are instructed by God to listen to Jesus. 

PBT Applications: Read this book to tweens or teens and talk about godly sounds. If they will not respond well to a picture book, begin a story this way: Once there was a student who had to rush to school each morning.... They will all relate! Do give the author credit for the story. Show the video and then begin a discussion as described above in my comments.

If you are interested in learning more about my Trinity Treasures, a scripture based preschool Sunday school curriculum that features picture books & children’s Bibles, contact me at hannaschock@bellsouth.net. Right now, free lessons are emailed if you agree to fill out the monthly feedback form.

The Spiritual Lives of Elephant & Piggie

 

A Sampling of Picture Book in This Series and Possible Godly Themes: 

A Big Guy Took My Ball! - Justice & Fear

Are You Ready to Play Outside? - Disappointment & Compassion

I Broke My Trunk! - Compassionate Listening

Can I Play Too? - Hospitality

Waiting Is Not Easy! - Advent Waiting

Should I Share My Ice Cream? - Generosity

My Friend Is Sad - Compassion

Author/Illustrator: Mo Willems 

Hanna’s Comments: Few series delight children and adults as much as Willems' books about Elephant & Piggie's friendship. Their love and devotion to each other are truly inspiring. What Willems can do with a  simple line for facial expressions astounds me. These books are both wise, funny, and heartrending. Often times, their problem-solving is very clever. It is always inspired by their love, particularly for each other, but sometimes for another character. There are usually many pages, but page texts are brief and the illustrations will even keep most toddlers engaged!

My favorite is such a pure example of creative and compassionate hospitality that it would benefit any church community, including adults! That book is above and featured in this PBT post. Below I have given you links to all Mo Willems books here at PBT and mentioned some others I have used in my PBT work. 

I also recommend his Pigeon (& Duckling) series for similar reasons. They are less about friendship and more about appropriate & inappropriate behavior. I believe religious settings are a perfect place for such lessons to be explored. There's a great deal in our scriptures about how to behave. You'll see scriptural connections to a couple of  books in this series below. 

Age Appropriateness: 3 and up

Formats other than Book: There will be many read-alouds on YouTube for Willems' books. Review before you use. Sometimes the quality is surprisingly bad! You may also find a video of the book in your library system or on-line.

Scripture Connections: I have connected these scriptural themes to Willems' books: (those with PBT Posts links listed first) Keep in mind that most of them connect to the Great Commandment.

Hospitality    Can I Play Too?

Waiting         Waiting Is Not Easy!

Feelings & Godly Compassion (2 Willems bks)  

        The Pigeon Has Feelings, Too    My Friend is Sad

Faith Questioning     Edwina 

Loss/Grief (The Pascal Mystery)    Knuffle Bunny 

Love    Leonardo the Terrible Monster

In my Trinity Treasures preschool lectionary-based curriculum, I've recommended the books above AND these:

I Love My New Toy!  

    I connected this to forgiving many times (Matt. 18)  

The Duckling Gets a Cookie!?

     This is listed in 3 lessons:

            10 Rules ( Exodus 20 - the Commandments)

            Mine! Mine! Mine! (James 3 & 4 about coveting)

            Zacchaeus' (Luke 19:1-10 about his greed)

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! 

    This is recommended in 2 lessons:

            Good & Bad Choices (Genesis 3)

            10 Rules (Exodus 20 - the Commandments)

If you are interested in participating in a pilot study of Trinity Treasures, contact me. You will receive the lessons for free as long as you give me feedback.

A Favorite PBT Post: Thanksgiving Books

The Thanksgiving holiday is my favorite holiday! Here are the best PBT books about gratitude. Use them to emphasize how gratitude to God & other people are important spiritual practices. Access info. about these books in 2 ways: 

For the 1st group, each title is a link that takes you to the original PBT post.

THEN

Click on the words "This Post" for 1 PBT post detailing a group of books.

Give Thanks to the Lord by Wilson & Bates

    Thank You, God by Wigger & Jago 

Thanksgiving in the Woods by Alsdurf & Lovlie

Circle of Thanks by Fower & Catalanotto

Bear Says Thanks by Wilson & Chapman

The Secret of Saying Thanks by Wood & Shed

Gracias Thanks by Mora & Parra

This post lists several books at the end about giving thanks. Here are some of their covers.

Again, click on the words "This Post" found above for more info. on this group of books. May the spiritual practice of gratitude bless you today!

Be Still... & Other Favorite Scriptures

 

Picture Book: Be Still

Author: Kathryn O’Brien

Illustrator: Gillian Flint

Summary: Designed to help a child memorize Psalm 46:10, this book reveals the words of this beloved scripture 1 word per double page spread. 

After each word is revealed, the concept is built like this:

Be kind. Be silly! Be a friend. Be yourself.

In the images, young children are enjoying being mindful of God’s presence and the beauty of God’s creation. Here are the next 2 images so you can see how the pages reveal the scripture and build the meaning:

Shhhh. Slow down. 

Take a breath. 

No hurrying or scurrying or worrying. 

No wanting or whining. 

No fussing. No rushing.

Safe and still.

Don’t let this limited purpose distract you from seeing other obvious applications beyond memorization! Because each word is explored in the pages, each page can be discussed. There is a note at the beginning of the book urging parents to teach scripture to their children. This can be a very meaningful practice, but exploring what memorized scripture means is crucial so that it grows in meaning with age and experience. This book and others in the series (see my comments below) offer opportunities for meaningful prayer which is what the children are doing on these pages! They are oriented to and communicating with God. 

Hanna’s Comments: This PBT post is really about 3 books in a series. They are all structured as described above. Confusingly, the books seem to be in 2 named series: Sit for a Bit or My First Bible Memory Book.

The other 2 books in the series are…

    I Can – highlighting Philippians 4:13

I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

    

    Give Thanks – highlighting Psalm 136:1

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

Hopefully, other books based on other important and easy to memorize scriptures will be added.

Original Publisher: Tyndale, 2016

Age Appropriateness: Preschool & up

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: See above. Each of the 3 books mentioned are focused on a particular scripture. More may be published!

Connections to The Revised Common Lectionary: I have recommended each of these 3 books in my Trinity Treasures curriculum for preschoolers based on the the RCL. 

PBT Applications: Read these books to preschoolers or elementary-aged children.

For Be Still, have them experience a Christian-based mindfulness practice, while focusing on their breath and God's presence.

For I Can, have them watch a superhero movie together. Talk about how God is the source of your strength and give examples of when you relied on God’s strength to be resilient. Invite your children to do the same. End with talking about the importance of learning scripture as a way to gain strength and perseverance.

For Give Thanks, have them go outside and secretly draw 1 aspect of creation that they are thankful for. Then have them come inside to play a game of charades so others can guess what they have drawn. To end, together create a litany of thanks or a collage of gratitude. 

If you are interested in learning about Trinity Treasures, a scripture-based preschool Sunday school curriculum that features picture books & children’s Bibles, contact me at hannaschock@bellsouth.net. Right now, free lessons are emailed if you fill out the monthly feedback form.