Goodbye to 2 Giants in Picture Books

Recently, I was sorry to learn of the deaths of 2 beloved picture book author/illustrators. They died within a couple of days of each other: Eric Carle (see some of his books above)

and Lois Ehlert (see some of her books above)

Their books have been part of PBT since the beginning (2014). Check out the PBT links at the end of this post to 8 or so treasured books and their applications!

What was striking to me was the similarity of their work. Both artists were innovative in how they structured some of their books, inserting mechanisms (Carle), using foldouts and cutouts (Ehlert). Both used bold collage and both celebrated nature: Carle’s characters were mostly from the animal kingdom. Ehlert’s books were about plants, animals, and humans. Both wrote simply and empathically to young children, but their books were full of loving wisdom that could be meaningful at any age.

One of my bucket list items is to go to The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. I hope some of you will check it out when you are in or near Amhurst, MA, USA. Here’s the website: https://www.carlemuseum.org/. If you have been already, tell us about it via a comment below.

Before you click on the PBT links below, here is 1 more from each author.

Picture Book: The Very Clumsy Click Beetle

Author & Illustrator: Eric Carle

Summary: A young and inexperienced click beetle jumps from a tree and lands on his back, legs up. Fortunately, wise old click beetle comes along and begins teaching the young bug how to “click and flip through the air and land on your feet.” Young click beetle is not successful at first, but patient teaching continues. Meanwhile, other creatures pass by and encourage the trials. When a human boy approaches, the little click beetle is so afraid that he is finally and dramatically successful! The wise old click beetle watches and affirms.   

Hanna’s Comments: This is a great story about growing up and learning to do new and hard things. Such stories are what children live continually so they will relate! The young beetle’s struggles easily connect to the inconsistent growth of spiritual formation. For a child that might translate to relying on God while afraid or becoming more disciplined in faith habits. An obvious connection to the Bible for me was how Jesus consistently taught the disciples, despite their not seeming to get his teachings until after the resurrection. Another connection is the mentor/mentee relationship of Elijah and Elisha: 2 biblical heroes that children need to know, especially children who share their names.

Original Publisher & Date: Philomel Books, 1999

Age Appropriateness: Preschool & up

Formats other than Book: Audio

Note: Some books come with a mechanism that makes a clicking sound.

Scripture Connections: Elijah mentors Elisha (2^nd Kings); any scripture in which Jesus is teaching his disciples (i.e. Mark 9:14-29)

PBT Applications: Teach connections to this book by having your children learn and do a novel but doable activity, like playing with Tidily Winks, shooting marbles, or going through a challenging obstacle course. Then talk about the importance of striving through difficult lessons.

Picture Book: Hands: Growing Up to Be an Artist

Author & Illustrator: Lois Ehlert

Summary: From the point of view of a child with artistic parents, this book is visually striking. Carpentry (father), various handiworks (mother), and gardening (whole family) are covered here in some nice detail. The illustrations include tools and results of difficult work. The parents include the child in their work. “Extra hands” are needed, they say. They even create a work space for the child so that the child recognizes the importance of work for busy hands.

Hanna’s Comments: This is a fabulous book that few people know! One aspect of this story that I really like is the mystery of the child’s gender. That means all of your children will be able to relate without stereotypical gender boundaries. The range of work for hands is a nice plus and the structure is so colorful and unusual. There are lots of unusual cutouts!

Original Publisher & Date: Harcourt, 1997

Age Appropriateness: Preschool & up

Formats other than Book: none

Scripture Connections: Any scriptures about work, art, tender touching, or busy hands during worship (in praise or via music); For we are what God has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works... (Ephesian 2:10)

Connections to The Revised Common Lectionary: In my Trinity Treasures curriculum, I recommend this book for a lesson based on the Ephesians scripture above (RCL: Year B, Lent 4). The theme of the lesson is Created for Good Work.

PBT Applications: There are many ways to talk about hands in a religious  context. Hands love in many ways. They do good work, give comfort, show tenderness, and are part of The Body of Christ. All are important life applications for a child of faith. 

Links to other Eric Carle’s PBT Books:

The Tiny Seed

Panda Bear, Panda Bear: What Do You See? and 1 more

A House for Hermit Crab

The Very Lonely Firefly

Links to other Lois Ehlert’s PBT Books:

Planting a Rainbow

Waiting for Wings

Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf 

Rain Fish and Leaf Man

PBT Stories #6 Arts Camp & Flight School

Today my urban church, First United Methodist Birmingham, AL, finishes a 10^th Arts Camp in which children from all over our city come together for positive art experiences while learning about being in loving relationship with God. This is the theme and logo:

They have drummed, sung, danced, created visual art, and entered a transformed room where a Bible story or concept came alive for them. My husband Bill writes & plans the Bible Story curricula and is their lead playmate during this time. Ask most kids what their favorite Arts Camp experiences are and they’ll say Bible Story because of the novelty and affirmation received thanks to my husband. This year's theme related to flight so science and history were highlighted as well. 

One day Bill read from a screen the PBT book below and dressed as the penguin in the story. A plush penguin was transformed as well. On that day, they talked about Peter's passionate plea to The Jerusalem Council to include gentiles (read penguins) who wanted to soar with the Christians. You can imagine the delight the children had in hearing and playing this story. Here's my re-post:

Picture Book: Flight School

Author & Illustrator: Lita Judge

Summary: When Little Penguin shows up at flight school, he claims he has the “soul of an eagle” and was “hatched to fly.” 

He is allowed to stay and practice with the other birds. When students attempt their first flight, Penguin’s flight is a disaster. 

He becomes discouraged. This troubles his flight teachers who suddenly have a creative idea. More feathers are attached to Penguin with string and soon he is in flight, soaring with joy, at least for a little while. 

But how did this happen? With help from a friend.

This time Penguin’s eventual fall did not bother him for he had “soared on the wind.” He went home and soon returned with another, even bigger challenge for the flight school teachers.

Hanna’s Comments:  This is a great book for parents and teachers to read for it is a tribute to those who encourage the young and find creative ways to help them be successful. 

How does this inspiring book fit with theology? How about reading this book to children and attaching it to Isaiah 40, a verse often heard by children but rarely explained. You could also focus on the benefits of community and friendship for encouragement and helping us soar into our dreams and vocations. 

Connect with the body of Christ imagery that Paul gives and you’ve got many potential scripture connections.

Original Publisher & Date: Atheneum, 2014

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections:  Those who wait on the Lord shall mount up with wings like eagles (Isaiah 40:31); Body of Christ imagery (in Paul’s letters); look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others (Philippians 2:4); encourage one another and build one another up (1 Thessalonians 5:11); do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God (Hebrews 13:16)
Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of private school or homeschool teachers who you want to encourage to be creative in helping their children succeed. Connect to a scripture choice from above to give it a godly vocational dimension.  

Update: This book now has a sequel that is delightful!

In the new book, Penguin, with the help of his friends, flies home to Antarctica to teach them the magic of flight. However, they're more interested in swimming. Penguin must accept that his penguin friends don't share his desire to fly. They do tell him they are quite proud of him and will be looking up at the sky and thinking of him, their much-loved Penguin with the soul of an eagle.

PBT Series: God Books #7

Here's another PBT God book, the sequel to Old Turtle, featured in Friday's post. Another book in this series will be highlighted on Friday. Enjoy! 

Picture Book: Old Turtle and the Broken Truth 

Author: Douglas Wood
Illustrator: Jon J. Muth
Summary: In this sequel to Old Turtle, a “truth” falls from the sky but breaks apart.  Animals find 1 piece but drop it after realizing it’s a half-truth. Later, a man finds it and reads “You are loved,” an incomplete message. He assumes this truth is especially for him and keeps it with pride, sharing it with his tribe. They treasure the affirming message and soon have little compassion for Earth and its other inhabitants who begin to suffer in the wake of such pride. Other people begin to war over the half-truth and suffering grows. A brave girl finds Old Turtle, the wisdom character in the previous book, who explains that the found truth is only a broken truth and the world needs the missing part. This mending will happen when all know that “every being is important, and the world was made for each of us.” Old Turtle gives her the missing half. Upon her return, she brings together the 2 pieces and see the whole truth: “You are loved...and so are they.”
Hanna’s Comments: This is a long and wordy tale, but it beautifully offers further reflection on humanity’s place on Earth and our limited understanding of the value of other inhabitants, the love of God that we all share, and how we can all live more peacefully. Whenever you offer such a tale, be sure to connect it to real situations and find the instruction in the experience. Don’t settle for simple enjoyment. Make it meaningful.
Original Publisher & Date: Scholastic, 2003
Age and Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up
Formats other than Book: Tablet, dramatic versions on Youtube
Scripture Connections: The story of Jonah (Jonah 1-4); you shall know the truth & the truth shall set you free (John 8:32); God is love (1 John 4:8b)

Idea(s) for Application: With the examples on Youtube, a youth group or older elementary group could also offer dramatic re-tellings of this book and its prequel. Additionally, simply read or tell this story to a group of children or adults who are talking about truth, wisdom, or God's intention for humanity's relationships with other Earth inhabitants.

PBT Series: God Books #6

One of my newest series is to repost about my PBT God books. God books are picture books that explore the nature of God. Some are secular, with allusions to God that are not obvious. Most, like the book below, have God as their subject. When mentioning God books, I use Old Turtle as an example. It’s a very popular book from the 1990s, but many people don’t know about the two other books in the series. I'll post about them next week! Check out all three books. There are many ministry applications for they are rich with provoking ideas about humans, God, and God's intentions for Earth. 

Picture Book: Old Turtle

Author: Douglas Wood

Illustrator: Cheng-Khee Chee

Summary: Long ago the animals & other inhabitants of Earth argue about God. Each attributes to God characteristics like themselves. The wind argues that God is never still. Then the rock insists that God never moves. The lion describes God as a hunter. The robin claims that God is gentle. Eventually, Old Turtle stops the arguing, offering a description of God that incorporates all the previous ideas and ends simply with “God is.” Old Turtle forewarns of a new animal coming who would be even more like God. Humans do come, but they forget to be like God. When the humans argue about God, they use their power to hurt others and the Earth. A new response comes from the other Earth inhabitants who declare God’s presence in a variety of sources. After a lonely and scary time, the people listen and even begin to see God in one another and the beauty that surrounds them. Old Turtle and God smile.

Hanna’s Comments: This is a fabulous fable exploring ecological responsibility, peace, and our human legacy as being made in God’s image. Interconnections with other inhabitants of Earth are emphasized. Look for posts about the other  two books featuring Old Turtle's wisdom to follow on PBT next week! For you music lovers, a choral symphony has been written based on this picture book.  Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso has written a similar book titled In God’s Name. I highly recommend it as well. It is published by Jewish Lights, a publisher of books for “Peoples of all Faiths, All Backgrounds.”

Publisher & Date of Publication: Scholastic, 1991

Age and Grade Appropriateness: 6 and up, 1st and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Youtube video

Scripture Connections: Humans are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27), I am that I am (Exodus 3:14)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book before taking a group of children from your faith community to a zoo or in a lesson exploring ecology or being made in God's image.

Words from MLK, Jr.

Picture Book: Martin’s Big Words

Author: Doreen Rappaport

Illustrator: Bryan Collier

Summary: This big picture book begins explaining the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. by considering his confusion when exposed to “White Only” signs. 

His mother reassures her son with, “You are as good as anyone.” At church, MLK, Jr. is exposed to big words, through his father’s preaching and the Bible. 

Martin hopes to learn these big words when he grows up. Some of his words (and big ideas) are highlighted in this book. As an adult, Martin studies Ghandi’s Indian movement and learns more big words about saying ‘love’ when others say ‘hate.’ 

When Rosa Park’s courage begins the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Martin walks and talks with those who protest. 

He is convinced that “love is the key to the world’s problems” even when he is threatened and his home is bombed. 

Other milestones include his speech at The March on Washington and winning The Nobel Peace Prize. 

The book spans to his death in Memphis.

Hanna’s Comments: I like this biography of MLK, Jr. because it’s big, so it’s easy to share. Many ideas are simple and it emphasizes the influence of church. 

The illustrations are also very striking. Important Dates in MLK’s life are listed in the back as well as Additional Books and Websites. There are many excellent books about Dr. King. Some are for older children, like the one I featured at PBT [here] and in my new eBook, 25 Books about Justice. Access a sample of that eBook via a tab above. Other books focus on specific events in his life such as Kadir Nelson’s illustration of King’s I Have a Dream speech. It’s recommended for age 7 and up. [Here's] Amazon’s page for purchasing that book.

Original Publisher & Date: Hyperion, 2001

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

Formats other than Book: Audio

Scripture Connections: Let justice roll down like waters… (Amos 5:24); …do justice, love kindness… (Micah 6:8); greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13); let all you do be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:14); a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace (James 3:18); or use scriptures that MLK used in his speeches

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children or teens in your faith family or at a private school or homeschool to emphasize how Martin’s faith inspired his courageous work for social justice.  

Music From the Trash Heap

Picture Book: Ada’s Violin:                                                             The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay

Author: Susan Hood

Illustrator: Sally Wern Comport

Summary: Ada lives in a town built on a trash heap. 

When trucks bring in garbage, the gancheros (recyclers) quickly tear through looking for treasure to sell or use. 

Ada is especially drawn to the sounds of violins coming from the radio that her family listens to regularly. When her grandmother learns of free music lessons, she takes her 2 granddaughters. 

They meet their new music teacher, Favio Chavez, but there are only 3 instruments and they are too valuable for the children to take back home for practice. 

Inspired by the gancheros and a band he heard that made their own instruments, Senor Chavez gathers materials from the dump to make his students instruments. 

He and others experiment with different materials until all students have instruments. 

Ada quickly chooses a violin made from a paint can, baking tray, fork, and wooden pieces. The new orchestra practices daily for 3 hours outside in the heat. 

Many children quit, but not Ada and her sister. Soon the children make glorious music together; The Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay is born! 

As her skills progress, Ada imagines a different life of making music and traveling to faraway places. 

With budding confidence, Ada performs solos. Soon she is chosen as First Violinist at age 12. Likewise, The Recycled Orchestra's public performances increase and they are soon traveling all over Paraguay and beyond. 

Delighted by the world they are experiencing, Ada and her friends perform for larger and larger crowds. They even tour internationally with a “world-famous rock band.” 

Although this is overwhelming, the cheering of the crowd gives Ada the courage she needs to step on the huge stage and play the music she was born to play, thanks to her town’s trash heap. 

Hanna’s Comments: This is such an inspirational story. The fact that it's true makes it even more powerful! You won’t have any difficulty encouraging your audience to find connections between this story, the scriptures listed below (or others you provide), and their own faith journeys. Emphasize concepts like vocation, courage, transformation, and worship. Talk about Ada's personal experiences as well as the success of the orchestra as a whole. The idea of coming together for good is biblical too. Have your audience reflect on how the mixed media illustrations continue the themes of the story. Be sure to read the Author’s Note where you’ll learn more, including how the money the orchestra makes benefits the children’s families and their community. You can check out photos and website/videos links too. This book is available in Spanish.

Original Publisher & Date: Simon Schuster, 2016

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Be strong and courageous... for the Lord is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9); make a joyful noise to the Lord (Psalm 100:1); with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26); one who is in Christ is a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17); make melodies to the Lord with your heart (Ephesians 5:19)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children, youth, or adults who are learning about how God can use anything to bring about our transformation and the transformation of the world. 

You Shall Mount Up with Wings

Picture Book: Flight School

Author & Illustrator: Lita Judge

Summary: When Little Penguin shows up at flight school, he claims he has the “soul of an eagle” and was “hatched to fly.” 

He is allowed to stay and practice with the other birds. When students attempt their first flight, Penguin’s flight is a disaster. 

He becomes discouraged. This troubles his flight teachers who suddenly have a creative idea. More feathers are attached to Penguin with string and soon he is in flight, soaring with joy, at least for a little while. 

But how did this happen? With help from a friend. 

This time Penguin’s eventual fall did not bother him for he had “soared on the wind.” He went home and soon returned with another friend who offers an even bigger challenge for the flight school teachers.

Hanna’s Comments:  This is a great book for parents and teachers to read for it is a tribute to those who encourage the young and find creative ways to help them be successful. 

How does this inspiring book fit with theology? How about reading this book to children and attaching it to Isaiah 40:31, a verse often heard by children but rarely explained. You could also focus on the benefits of community and friendship for encouragement and helping us soar into our dreams and vocations. 

Also, connect with the Body of Christ imagery that Paul gives and you’ve got many potential scripture connections.

Original Publisher & Date: Atheneum, 2014

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections:  Those who wait on the Lord shall mount up with wings like eagles (Isaiah 40:31); Body of Christ imagery (in Paul’s letters); look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others (Philippians 2:4); encourage one another and build one another up (1 Thessalonians 5:11); do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God (Hebrews 13:16) 
Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of private school or homeschool teachers who you want to encourage to be creative in helping their children succeed. Connect to a scripture choice from above to give it a godly vocational dimension.  

Update: This book now has a sequel that is delightful!

In the new book, Penguin, with the help of his friends, flies home to Antarctica to teach them the magic of flight. However, they're more interested in swimming. Penguin must accept that his penguin friends don't share his desire to fly. They do tell him they are quite proud of him and will be looking up at the sky and thinking of him, their much-loved Penguin with the soul of an eagle.

Bicycle Generosity & Hospitality

I’m going to step away from the PBT blog series of theological statements for young children and highlight a book for children who are a little older. I’ll get back to the series with my next post. 

I look forward to Alma Fullerton’s new books for she always offers a glimpse into a world far away from me and the children that I work with and yet, she makes obvious connections that all children can enjoy.

In this beautiful book, her main character, Anna, is a young girl in Tanzania who is having difficulty in school because her walk to and from school is so lengthy she has no daylight at home to do homework. 

At school while Anna is studying during lunch break, the bicycle library comes. This is simply a pick-up truck with bikes in it for the children to borrow for a time. 

There are not enough bikes for Anna to have one. Despite her disappointment, her generous heart has her helping her friends learn to ride and encouraging those friends who are having trouble.

Anna’s journey home takes much less time because she runs beside one bike and then rides with other bikers. When the last boy reaches his home, he suggests that she ride on to her home. They make plans for Anna to pick him up in the morning for school.

There are so many important values and concepts that you could emphasize here in a lesson for children in your family of faith: perseverance in difficult circumstances, generosity despite disappointment, hospitality in sharing our gifts, and coming together with friends to make a situation better. In Christianity we like to call that last one The Body of Christ.

The Author’s Note in the back explains about the need for bikes in much of Africa and lists several organizations that distribute bikes to Africa and other countries. If you’re near one of these organizations, you may want to have your children organize a bike drive in your faith community.

Picture Book: In a Cloud of Dust

Author: Alma Fullerton

Illustrator: Brian Deines

Original Publisher & Date: Pajama Press, 2015

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Another one of my favorite Alma Fullerton books is A Good Trade, featured on PBT on 5/7/14. I’ve created a lesson about missions based on it for elementary aged children. I sell that lesson here on PBT for only $5. Just contact me via email to receive it.