Iowa Presentation: Book #4

At the Iowa CEF conference, I shared one of my favorite picture books. I love it because it's both ridiculous and full of scripture connections! Share it with your faith family.

Picture Book: The Bear and the Piano

Author & Illustrator: David Litchfield 

Summary: This beautiful picture book involves a bear cub discovering a piano in a forest. 

He is intrigued by the sound the pressed keys make and experiments. Years later, he plays beautifully and a forest audience forms. The bear is happy and dreams of “strange and wonderful lands.”  

When a young girl and her father, hear the music and discover the artist, they lure him to the city to experience and play music . There he can perform for bigger crowds!

He is a great success, winning fame and awards. He realizes all he had hoped for in the city, but he misses the forest and his friends. 

He returns to the forest and anxiously looks for friends to tell of his success. When the piano is not where he expects, he worries that his friends have forgotten him or were hurt that he left. After encountering another bear who runs away, he follows while apologizing for leaving. Then he finds the piano. 

Behind it is an altar of sorts, with memorabilia of his musical success. The bear realizes that his earliest audience members were watching from afar and hoping for him to have success and fulfill his dreams.

Hanna’s Comments: I love this beautifully absurd book! There is so much here about the God-given desire we have to explore, create, and experience art & beauty. When you discuss this book with children or adults, don’t just focus on the bear character. Have your audience consider the perspectives of the forest audience, the daughter, and others who encourage the bear’s success in the city. Might you consider the piano similar to the burning bush? This book also relates to the homecoming of The Prodigal Son. He doesn't have to be presented as a negative character. All of us go away from our home in one way or another. Also, there's Abraham & Sarah's journey away from home and God's promise that they will be blessed to be a blessing. In a discussion with adults, end with the question, "What's your piano?"

Original Publisher & Date: Clarion, 2015

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up
Formats other than Book: Tablet
Scripture Connections: Made in God's image (Genesis 1:27); Abraham & Sarah leave home - blessed to be a blessing (Genesis 12:1-5); Jacob leaves home and then returns unsure (Genesis 33:1-17); The Great Commandment  (Deuteronomy 6:5, Mark 12:31); Make a joyful noise (Psalm 100:1); Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25: 14-30); the homecoming of The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32); As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace (1 Peter 4:10)
Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of elementary students or confirmands who are learning about how human artistry is the result of God’s image in us so that we may create for joy and problem solving. You can also explore the importance of a supportive community to help us realize who we are supposed to be. Adults would enjoy this book in a small group or team who is considering ways to contribute to the Kingdom of God through artistry or support of the arts. 

PBT God Book #10 - God's Paintbrush x 2

Picture Book: God’s Paintbrush

Author: Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso

Illustrator: Annette Compton

Summary: This book is designed to evoke conversation between adults and children about what God is like and how individuals might make their beliefs more meaningful. Through the imagination of the child characters, God’s nature and design for our world are considered via everyday images and experiences that children often encounter. Each page or double page spread has 1 or 2 questions that will likely lead to meaningful conversations.

Hanna’s Comments: This is one of the most popular books for children about God’s nature. Although it is written by a rabbi, she has written it in a way that is non-sectarian and very open-ended. It's very inviting and non-threatening. Parents, grandparents, teachers, and ministers will all see it as a valuable tool. The 10^th Anniversary edition has a message from the author and ideas for encouraging even more conversation about God. Also available is God’s Paintbrush Celebration Kit, a curriculum that offers materials on 5 topics: What is God Like?, Seeing, Hearing & Speaking, Touching, and Doing. These are the Biblical texts explored in this curriculum: portions of Genesis 1, Deuteronomy 6, 1 Kings 19, Psalms 29, 34, 100, & 150 and Isaiah 66. For very young children, look for I am God's Paintbrush, a board book version of this book. 

Original Publisher & Date: Jewish Lights, 1992

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: O Lord, how manifold are Your works (Psalm 104:24); for we are God's workmanship (Ephesians 2:10); work heartily as for the Lord (Colossians 3:23)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book as part of a discussion with children on what God is like. Be sure to take advantage of all the questions provided in the book for an easy and meaningful lesson for many age groups.

Singing Praise is for the Birds

Picture Book: Sing…Sing a Song

Lyrics: Joe Raposa

Illustrator: Tom Lichtenheld 

Summary: Today’s PBT book is an illustrated version of a song first sung on Sesame Street and made popular by The Carpenters. 

Three tiny birds are happy in a nest. 

Green Bird sings (green notes) 

and flies away. 

Orange Bird does the same (with orange notes). 

But when Purple Bird tries…

And tries again.

The disappointment is too much, 

it stays put and falls asleep.

Later a boy with his guitar 

joins the sleeping Purple Bird and begins singing, 

singing out loud 

and strong! 

The nest is lifted by the forceful song, 

Purple Bird gets awakened, surprised, displaced and inspired. 

It's birdsong comes spontaneously 

and Purple Bird is off to find it’s companions. 

Once reunited, 

all sing together (green, orange, AND purple notes)! 

Hanna’s Comments: This is a perfect book to explore with young children the spiritual practice of praising God. During or after your reading, talk about how God is always pleased whenever we sing, no matter how well we sing. Point out that singing is a common way to praise God, not just in a place of worship but anywhere and anytime. Teach your children this simple song. The lyrics (in English and Spanish) are in the back and you could have your children sing along with some professionals.  [Here] you’ll find a video of the song being sung by Nathan Lane and friends on Sesame Street. Don’t like this video? You’ll find many others online. You'll also find a page about the history of this song. Here at PBT, I have featured several “song books,” picture books that are simply illustrated lyrics to a familiar song. To find other song books, simply click on the word “songs” which you’ll find in the search engine at the bottom of the screen on the web version. You’ll be taken to those books as well as a few others that are about singing. You can do the same with the word "praise" to find several other PBT books that connect to that worship practice. 

Original Publisher & Date: Henry Holt & Co., 2013

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! (Psalm 100:1); how good it is to sing praises to our God (Psalm 147:1); Do not worry about your life…look at the birds of the air (Matthew 6:25-26)

Idea(s) for Application: Feature this book in a lesson about singing as praise to God. Talk about how such an act pleases God and can sustain us and affirm our abilities even when they seem lacking. Also, explore Purple Bird’s struggle for this is also a book about perseverance, self-expression, and the power of music to heal.

PBT Redux Series #7 - When Marian Sang

Today I feature a beautiful story about an important moment in American history. This book is the 7^th in my PBT Redux series in which I again offer a gem from my previous postings. A treasure that no one should miss, this version of Marian Anderson's story offers much potential for ministry and conversation in homes and schools where spiritual values can be tied to important historical achievements.

Picture Book: When Marian Sang

Author: Pam Munoz Ryan

Illustrator: Brian Selznick

Summary: This is the true story of Marian Anderson’s rise to world-wide fame as an opera singer and civil rights symbol. It highlights the events leading to the historic 1939 concert at The Lincoln Memorial where 75,000 people witnessed a glorious act of civil rights. The Daughters of the American Revolution would not allow Anderson to sing in Constitution Hall, despite her success in Europe. Instead she sang My Country, 'Tis of Thee for the world at the feet of the author of the Emancipation Proclamation. The story begins with her childhood in which many are astonished by the 8-year-old's striking contralto voice. As she faces the segregation and prejudice of her time, her talent and determined passion shine through. The book ends, after the famous concert, as Marian realizes her dream of performing on the stage of The Metropolitan Opera. 

Hanna’s Comments: Although racial discrimination is an important part of this story, the book also highlights Marian Anderson's discovery, at an early age, of her God-given talent and her vocation. The author deftly explains the perseverance and courage necessary for Marian to succeed so early, at such a high level, and within a segregated United States. See the author's historical note in the back for more details. The story beautifully connects with the Parable of the Talents in the New Testament. I have written a lesson for elementary-aged children that does just that. Contact me at hannaschock@bellsouth.net if you are interested in purchasing it for $4. A video demonstration of me reading this book to a group of children during Sunday school can be found at Other Resources by Hanna tab above.  

Original Publisher & Date: Scholastic, 2002

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

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Audio CD, A video of the 1939 Lincoln Memorial concert is on the internet.

Scripture Connections: Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30); diversity in the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12); What does God require of you but to do justice... (Micah 6:8)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book in a lesson for children or teens on valuing God-given talents or realizing vocations. OR Use this book to explore how social injustice can prevent God's children from using their talents for good.

PBT Redux - Miss Maple's Seeds

Recently I was looking back at my list of books I’ve featured here at PBT (approaching 500!). I especially want you to be aware of some of the books published in the last decade or so. Therefore, I’m going to re-post them with some new content. I'll be posting my favorites first.

Picture books are getting better and better! Let this PBT Redux series be proof of just that. The many newly published books featured here at PBT are one of the reasons checking out my blog regularly is worth your valuable time.

Picture Book: Miss Maple’s Seeds 

Author & Illustrator: Eliza Wheeler 

Summary: Miss Maple, a finder of orphan seeds that did not find a place to grow, sees potential for a miracle in every guest. She tenderly nurtures each seed through the up-coming seasons, taking them on field trips to consider places to grow in next year’s planting. When she decides it’s time for them to make roots of their own, she sends them off, telling them to take care, for even the smallest seed can become a great tree. Then she’s off to gather orphan seeds again. 

Hanna’s Comments: This is a beautiful book with so much application for our spiritual lives. Whether we see the seeds in this story as children, ideas, projects, or ministries, there are parallels with our meaningful work and God-given talents. I especially loved the page in which the illustrator shows the reader 20 different types of seeds. The illustrations are so clever & fanciful that you may want to have multiple copies of this book as you read it to your audience, child or adult, all will enjoy it. Be sure to encourage your audience to think hard on all the varieties of “seeds” there are. A child audience may be looking to the future; an adult audience may reflect on the past and look to future tending. Either way, this book offers possibilities for much fruit (and other plants!) that might grow in the garden that is your faith community. Don’t forget to turn it around and consider those who have nurtured and encouraged your faith such as God-parents, mentors, ministers, teachers, writers, and scriptural heroes.

Original Publisher & Date: Nancy Paulsen, 2013 

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet 

Scripture Connections: Whoever welcomes a child… (Matthew 18:5); Parable of the Mustard Seed (Mark 4:30-32); Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:18-23) 

Idea(s) for Application: This book would be a great gift for a family who adopts a child or begins foster care, a teacher, or someone doing children’s ministry.

What's Your Piano?

Picture Book: The Bear and the Piano

Author & Illustrator: David Litchfield

Summary: This beautiful picture book involves a bear cub discovering a piano in a forest. 

He is intrigued by the sound the pressed keys make and experiments. Years later, he plays beautifully and a forest audience forms. The bear is happy and dreams of “strange and wonderful lands.”  

When a young girl and her father, hear the music and discover the artist, they lure him to the city to experience and play music . There he can perform for bigger crowds!

He is a great success, winning fame and awards. He realizes all he had hoped for in the city, but he misses the forest and his friends. 

He returns to the forest and anxiously looks for friends to tell of his success. When the piano is not where he expects, he worries that his friends have forgotten him or were hurt that he left. After encountering another bear who runs away, he follows while apologizing for leaving. Then he finds the piano. 

Behind it is an altar of sorts, with memorabilia of his musical success. The bear realizes that his earliest audience members were watching from afar and hoping for him to have success and fulfill his dreams.

Hanna’s Comments: I love this beautifully absurd book! There is so much here about the God-given desire we have to explore, create, and experience art & beauty. When you discuss this book with children or adults, don’t just focus on the bear character. Have your audience consider the perspectives of the forest audience, the daughter, and others who encourage the bear’s success in the city. Might you consider the piano similar to the burning bush? This book also relates to the homecoming of The Prodigal Son. He doesn't have to be presented as a negative character. All of us go away from our home in one way or another. Also, there's Abraham & Sarah's journey away from home and God's promise that they will be blessed to be a blessing. In a discussion with adults, end with the question, "What's your piano?"

Original Publisher & Date: Clarion, 2015

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up
Formats other than Book: Tablet
Scripture Connections: Made in God's image (Genesis 1:27); Abraham & Sarah leave home - blessed to be a blessing (Genesis 12:1-5); Jacob leaves home and then returns unsure (Genesis 33:1-17); The Great Commandment  (Deuteronomy 6:5, Mark 12:31); Make a joyful noise (Psalm 100:1); Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25: 14-30); the homecoming of The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32); As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace (1 Peter 4:10)
Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of elementary students or confirmands who are learning about how human artistry is the result of God’s image in us so that we may create for joy and problem solving. You can also explore the importance of a supportive community to help us realize who we are supposed to be. Adults would enjoy this book in a small group or team who is considering ways to contribute to the Kingdom of God through artistry or support of the arts. 

Stories as Gifts

I believe that God, as the Great Creator, places in each of us a potential for creativity. It is an aspect of the Image of God we read about in Genesis 1. With this potential is a desire to create, skilled artistry, and satisfaction when we do so or others do and we are the beneficiary. These desires come in all sorts of forms. 

Here I celebrate the gift of story, received, inspired, heard, spoken, written, and artfully demonstrated. Just look at the variety of illustrations in these 3 PBT books!

Some of us have been gifted with the ability to write or tell good stories. Certainly the scribes of the Old & New Testaments had these gifts. Their generosity benefits us to this day. 

Writing and telling are two demonstrations of God’s image in us. Our Great Creator delights in our creating in this way.

Some of us have been gifted with the ability to match story to reader. I hope this blog demonstrates that gift in me. Perhaps you know Bible teachers or passionate librarians that gift you in this way. Our Great Creator delights in our connecting stories to the people who need to hear them.

Then there are the listeners. My husband is one of these. He can talk with anyone and manages to ask just the right questions so that stories are told and connections are made. These story encouragers are not determined to tell their own stories so much as to hear others'. Our Creator God delights in our willingness to listen to others. Hearing their stories can offer affirmation and healing to both the teller and the listener. You know ministers and small group facilitators who can do this well. 

In all of these creative tasks, there is generous giving of stories. Here I offer 3 books that demonstrate each of these inclinations. These books contrast well. 

In the first you have a young child who is confident and enthusiastic about the stories he can write and share. 

In the second, you have a bit of a misfit who hides behind her books and has difficulty sharing them. It is only near the end of her life that she realizes that her stories are to be shared so that others can be transformed.

In the third PBT offering, you have one of my favorites. I posted about this picture book initially on June 22, 2014. Here it is in listening to and meeting the needs of others, that Bear's need to tell a story is satisfied and he can say goodbye for the winter.

Use these picture books in your ministry, teaching, or therapy practice to emphasize the importance of sharing stories - our own or someone else’s -  sacred or secular. Stories make connections, transform, teach, and delight. God wants us to engage in all of these creative tasks for the good of God’s kindom and the betterment of God’s world.

On the first page of this book Rufus decides that he isn’t going to have the traditional lemonade stand. Instead he’s going to have a story stand. 

Soon after setting up his station, potential customers come around. Rufus barters stories for special items that his friends bring him from their adventures. 

A sea shell is traded for a story about fish in the ocean. A new kitten is given to Rufus so he in turn gives a story called The Wallet and the Cat. Each time the children return for their stories, they sit down and read them immediately. 

The last story is presented as a birthday gift to Rufus little sister. As he reads it to her, all the children listen.

Picture Book: Rufus the Writer

Author: Elizabeth Bram

Illustrator: Chuck Groenink

Original Publisher & Date: Schwartz & Wade, 2015

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

In clever rhymed verse, the story of Elizabeth Brown - book lover extraordinaire, is told. Her passion for books is told not just through the words, but the captivating illustrations as well. 

Near the end of her life, when her house is so full that she cannot bring in another book, she goes to her town's courthouse and makes a donation: 

"I, E. Brown, give to the town all that was ever mine."

Picture Book: The Library

Author: Sarah Stewart

Illustrator: David Small

Original Publisher & Date: Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 1995

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

Formats other than Book: audio cassette and dvd

As for Bear and his listening skills, his humility and devotion to his animal friends allows him to meet their needs rather than his need to tell a story. This is so hard! Yet we all know how healing it can be to be. And we see how Bear misses his friends when they are gone for the winter. 

When they return, they are finally ready to listen to Bear, but he's forgotten it. Instead, he begins a new story about how Bear had a story to tell. Let Bear inspire you to do more listening and less telling. That too is generous and can lead to relationships being transformed, particularly when vulnerability is present.

Picture Book: Bear Has a Story to Tell

Author: Philip K. Stead

Illustrator: Erin E. Stead

Original Publisher & Date: Roaring Brook Press, 2012

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 2 and up

Formats other than Book: Audible