PBT God Book #14

Here’s another favorite God Book from PBT’s archives. Most books here are secular, but I include God books because they might be difficult to know about or find. These books are about the general nature of God or our relationship with God. I could have put this book in the PBT Grab & Go series because there is so much intriguing text. Little prep would be necessary for a great lesson; a discussion will naturally follow.

Picture Book: I Wanted to Know All about God

Author: Virginia L. Kroll

Illustrator: Debra Reid Jenkins

Summary: This picture book is designed to encourage children to be attentive to how God’s creation might inform them about God's nature. Various questions and environmental contexts are offered. The sentences have a somewhat repeated pattern: I wanted to know if God… then I …. Here are two examples: 

I wanted to know if God likes music, then I heard a pond on a summer night.

I wanted to know what colors God likes. Then I met several children of other races.

Hanna’s Comments: Two strengths of this book are the diversity of the children and the variety of experiences depicted in the illustrations. A book like this could be interrupted at each double page spread with conversation about whether your audience members have had similar questions or experiences. Help them see how their experiences might give hints to God’s nature. You could end your time together by writing some new pages to the book with the same pattern of words. Talk about what the illustrations might show or have the children create some illustrations if you have time. If you want to share this book with adults but aren't sure how they will respond to having a picture book read to them, simply transfer the text to your notes and read it. BUT do give the author credit at some point during your lesson by showing or explaining that the text came from a book. 

Publisher & Date of Publication: Eerdmans, 1994

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Elijah in the cave encountering God (1 Kings 19); The Lord is my shepherd (Psalm 23); Jesus’ "I am..." statements (John 6-15)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book before going on a nature walk with children. On the walk, invite them to reflect on how God's creation informs them of God’s nature.

Another Todd Parr Book!

Featured below is a quintessential PBT book. It's secular but full of sacred ideas and illustrations your audience will respond to. I've also given you PBT links to several other Todd Parr books which are so easy to use in ministry with young children!

Picture Book: Love the World

Author & Illustrator: Todd Parr

Summary: With simple rhymed verse, Todd Parr explores 2 kinds of love. He reminds us that loving yourself makes loving the world more fun. That's profound! Loving your face is a great way to begin.  

 Then there's loving your space,

  as well as other parts of your body. 

  Don't forget to love your walk 

 and talk. 

And everyone should love the skin they're in!

But then love the world by giving a hand, 

taking a stand, 

or using your mind. 

Every few pages, Parr reminds us that one way of loving leads to the other .... 

There's also a big wide world to love. It has bees 

 and trees,

land 

and seas too. 

 

 There's so much to love out there!

Parr's books usually end with a letter to the kids.

Hanna’s Comments: Here's an easy way to use this book. After reading (the rhymed verse means it's important to read somewhat uninterrupted), show each double page spread again and simply ask questions like... How is this loving the world? OR Does this remind you of a way someone you know loves the world? OR Do we love the world this way in our church? Tie this book to scripture by reading one of the scriptures listed below between these page turnings. Then help your children see Parr's subtle messages of love for diversity and care for nature. Tie these ideas to your theological values as well. Todd Parr has written and illustrated over 40 books. Several are here at PBT already. They are all of a similar style so very easy to teach. Here are the PBT links: 
The Thankful Book
It's Okay to Make Mistakes
The Peace Book
The Feelings Book
Original Publisher & Date: Little Brown, 2017

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections:  Love one another (John 13:34); Love is patient and kind… (1^st Corinthians 13: 4-8); Let all you do be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:14); God is love. (1 John 4:8); Above all these, put on love (Colossians 3:14); Above all, keep loving one another earnestly (1 Peter 4:8)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of young children and talk about what love looks like at your faith family and in their homes. Then discuss how love can change the world for the better!

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.

PBT Series: God Book #5

Here's another entry in the PBT series in which I feature again one of the excellent picture books here that explore the nature of God. I call these God books. Typically I offer secular books, but God books are the exception because they have such great potential for ministry and family conversations. This book is a treasure! I especially love the inter-generational aspect of it.  

Picture Book: Where Does God Live? 

Author: Holly Bea
Illustrator: Kim Howard
Summary: Hope loves to ask questions! When she asks her busy mom about where God lives, her mom gives a simple answer about heaven. Then Hope explores the possibilities on her own as she encounters nature. Later Hope’s wise grandmother, who has lived a long life of faith, clarifies for her God’s presence throughout the world and about how prayer works. Hope goes home and tries out prayer. She finds that prayer is surprisingly satisfying and God is very accessible.
Hanna’s Comments: This book seems quite simple, but it is rich with theology about God’s nature, presence, and accessibility in the world and God’s presence in each of us. Don't assume it is just for children. Hope's questioning nature and the faith presented by her grandmother are fertile ground for rich conversation by people of all ages.
Original Publisher & Date: H. J. Kramer, 1997
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 3 and up, Preschool and up
Formats other than book: Tablet
Scripture connections: My presence will go with you (Exodus 33:14), You will find me if you seek me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:13), I am with you always (Matthew 28:20)
Idea(s) for Application: Read this book for a children’s Sunday School lesson on the importance of asking questions of God or an adult lesson about how a life of faith can involve questions and assurance.

PBT Grab & Go #8 - Just a Dream

Below is a revised post featuring my favorite PBT book about environmental concerns. Tomorrow is Earth Day and here in The States there will be a nation-wide (perhaps world-wide) March for Science. Here are links if you want to know more about [Earth Day] or [The March for Science]. 

Picture Book: Just a Dream 

Author & Illustrator: Chris Van Allsburg 

Summary: Walter is a present-day litterbug with futuristic optimism grounded in his love for science fiction (SF). He doesn’t bother to recycle and sneers at Rose next door who has asked for a tree for her birthday. Then a dream has his bed traveling through a series of scenes in the future. Walter doesn’t find the SF-infused future he longs for but a polluted, ugly, and treeless future instead. Walter wakes converted and immediately begins sorting the trash. He even asks for a tree for his upcoming birthday. Later he has another dream with a revised future in which he and Rose’s 2 trees thrive under a clear sky, thanks to the behavioral changes humans have made to preserve the environment.
Hanna’s Comments: Though this message is heavy-handed, its simplicity will speak to children who, for developmental reasons, tend to view controversial issues such as environmental issues like climate change with black & white tones. As expected from Van Allsburg, the illustrations are striking and offer much potential for conversation about our God-ordained role in environmental concerns and God's hope for our planet and all its creatures. I recently heard an interview with biblical scholar and seminary professor Ellen Davis on On Being, my favorite podcast. Dr. Davis and host Krista Tippett discuss Genesis 1:26, where we read the command God gives humans at their creation. Dr. Davis explains that the verb in the Hebrew language that has traditionally been translated "to have dominion" actually means "to exercise skilled mastery." She describes this act as a sort of craft or art in which we are privileged to have responsibility for our earth. [Here's] the link to that interview entitled The Poetry of Creatures. Fascinating and inspiring because along with it you get to hear some of Wendell Berry's beautiful poetry!

Publisher & Date of Publication: HMH Books, 1990 

Age and Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up 
Formats other than Book: None at present
Scripture Connections: Humankind has been blessed with the role of exercising skilled mastery over creation (Genesis 1:26); God gives…and it was good (Genesis 1:29-31), Zacheaus converts (Luke 19:1-10) 

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children in a private school’s Arbor Day program or at a kickoff for a church’s recycling program.

PBT Series: God Book #3

Rabbi Lawrence Kushner is well known across religious boundaries. His wife, Karen, is a clinical social worker. Together they have written the PBT books featured below.

Picture Book: Because Nothing Looks Like God

Authors: Lawrence & Karen Kushner

Illustrator: Dawn W. Majewski

Summary: In this well-considered picture book, 3 very general questions about God are explored via diverse characters, both human and non-human. The first is “Where is God?” Answers include, “God is in the way people come together” or “In worms turning leaves into earth. God is everywhere if we look.” Next question: “What does God look like? God looks like nothing. And nothing looks like God. But there are many things you cannot see and still we are sure they are there.“ The last question is “How does God make things happen?” After this question, readers are inspired to look at various contexts (family, school, etc.) and notice how people help each other. Then they are encouraged to look in the mirror and consider how they might help someone today. 

Note: The three questions in this book have been used to create 3 separate board books for younger children. Each could be inspiration for a more focused conversation with elementary children, but don’t show those older kids the board book. Here’s an example:

Hanna’s Comments: I’m particularly enthusiastic about this picture book because it says, “God is with us every day, in every way.” In the back is a section for parents and teachers explaining why this book is not comprised of dogmatic answers. Instead, the authors state that their purpose is to help children “lay down the foundation of what will become a mature adult spiritual world-view.” Then they suggest that parents continue the conversations that begin in this book. When conversations like these begin early at home and are continued in the context of a faith family, those foundations become well-grounded and authentic to the child’s experience.  

Original Publisher & Date: Jewish Lights Publishing, 2000

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet, 

3 board books versions:

What Does God Look Like?

Where is God?

How Does God Make Things Happen?

Scripture Connections: I have no good apart from You (Psalm 16:2b); the heavens declare the glory of God (Psalm 19:1); God is love (1 John 4:8)

Idea(s) for Application: I used this book in a class for parents of preschoolers at my church. It's great for parents who are longing for more instruction on how to better spiritually equip their children. 

Tomie dePaola, Picture Book Prophet

Picture Book: Michael Bird-Boy 

Author & Illustrator: Tomie dePaola

Summary:  Michael wears a bird costume every day. This isn’t explained but illustrations show his enthusiasm for birds. A large black cloud appears which is making birds and flowers dirty and blocking Michael’s view of the moon. 

When Michael goes to investigate, he discovers the pollution coming from the Genuine Shoe-Fly Artificial Honey Syrup Factory. The Boss-Lady explains that the melting of the sugar is making the black smoke. 

Michael suggests that they make real honey with real bees and he is willing to provide the bees. Later, the Boss-lady calls Michael, complaining that the bees aren’t making honey. He explains that the bees need flowers and hives. Boss-lady plants lots of flowers and converts the smokestack into a beehive.  

Success comes so Michael gets a thank you letter and a visit from Boss Lady. She brings Michael some honey which he uses to make a cake. They have a party celebrating their success!

Hanna’s Comments:  Leave it to Tomie dePaola to come up with a great book on micro-economics, local agricultural problem-solving, and creation care that anticipates the passions of many who are looking for solutions to the complicated struggles of our Earth! 

Although this book may seem perfect for today’s environmental challenges, I’m holding the 40^th anniversary edition! 

Religious communities are increasingly focusing their attention on God’s call for creation care and discernment over concerns about global climate change. This book is also a great example of creative problem-solving and social-justice work, both of which can be inspired by God.

Original Publisher & Date: Simon & Schuster, 1975

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1); God creates the lights in the skies (Genesis 1:14); the moon and stars which You have set in place… (Psalm 8:3)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children in a homeschool, private school, or church context when considering ideas about God-inspired problem-solving for issues of climate-change or other environmental concerns. 

Two Picture Books of Abraham and Sarah: Stories Crucial to Our Faith Heritage

Picture Book: Abraham’s Search for God

Author: Jacqueline Jules

Illustrator: Natascia Ugliano

Summary: Beautifully presented, this is the story of Abram's (later Abraham’s) certainty that there is something greater than the many idols of clay and stone in his culture. Even as a boy, he questions the assumptions and ways of his elders. A lover of the outdoors, Abram spends one evening absorbed by the beauty of the moon, but when the sun replaces it in the skies, he believes the sun to be the ruler of all. Clouds, thunder, a rainbow, and the sun again come and replace the object of Abram’s worship. After each change, Abram believes dominance is being demonstrated. Eventually he realizes that there is something greater and more beautiful than all of these, a great power that is the force behind these changes. That great power is the one true God whose evidence is everywhere. From then on Abram worships the one true God.

Hanna’s Comments: The last line of this book summarizes why this story is so important to all in the Abrahamic tradition: “Today, we remember Abraham as the father of three great religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.” Explain further this last line to children who are unaware of the connections between these 3 great religions. If age appropriate, spend some time talking about the conflicts these traditions still have with each other and consider how God might view these struggles. Abraham’s story continues in the other book featured below. Additionally, this author/illustrator duo has at least 2 more books in this series: Benjamin and the Silver Goblet and Miriam in the Desert. 

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Kar-Ben, 2007

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

# of Pages: 32 

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: God Book, Biography 

Scripture Connections: Genesis 12

Idea(s) for Application: Read this story to children and explore the importance of Abraham to your faith heritage. Emphasize the worship of the one true God in contrast to the worship of idols of Abraham’s time and today’s idols.  

Picture Book: Sarah Laughs

Author: Jacqueline Jules

Illustrator: Natascia Ugliano

Summary: Beautiful Sarah’s laugh is said to make “the whole world clap hands with joy.” She marries Abraham, who did not pray to idols like others, instead, he prays to the invisible God. When Abraham tells Sarah he hears a voice saying they should move to a new place, she agrees. In Canaan, Abraham tells Sarah that God promised the land to their children. In a dream, God visits Abraham and tells him to count the stars for there will be that many children of their children. When he tells Sarah this, she dances but does not laugh for they have no children and she is old. As their prosperity increases so does Sarah’s sadness. Sarah encourages Abraham to take her servant Hagar as his wife. Hagar has a child, but Sarah is still not happy. When three strangers come, Sarah prepares a fine meal. When they tell of Sarah’s child to come within the year, Sarah declares that she and Abraham are too old. The baby does come despite Sarah’s age. She names him Isaac, meaning laughter and declares, “God has brought me laughter.”

Hanna’s Comments: Abraham’s continuing story is offered beautifully here through the perspective of Sarah. Too often the few stories of women in the Bible are not explored with children. Such perspectives are invaluable to young girls and to young boys. This author and illustrator offer 2 glorious books that easily allow you and your children the privilege of learning about these important spiritual ancestors. Be sure to connect their stories to modern questions and hopes while explaining their crucial importance in your faith heritage.   

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Kar-Ben, 2008

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

# of Pages: 32 

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: God Book, Biography 

Scripture Connections: Genesis 18 and 21

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children who are studying the patriarchs and matriarchs of the Hebrew Scriptures. Make connections to today’s faith struggles, personal and global.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 358

Picture Book: A Single Pearl

Author: Donna Jo Napoli          

Illustrator: Jim LaMarche

Summary: From the point of view of a grain of sand transformed into a highly valued pearl, this story is a hypothetical account of the discovery of the first pearl. The natural process of pearl-making in an oyster is part of the narrative. What once had been an oyster’s irritation caused by the simple grain of sand becomes an object of luminescence and beauty, a treasure to be found. After the pearl is extracted by a diver, it is taken and sold to a Persian prince for a high price. The prince gives it to his wife who later passes it on to her daughter. Each owner prizes the pearl for its rare beauty. It was so admired that pearls became the jewels of the royalty in all of Persia.

Hanna’s Comments: The process of pearl creation is fascinating and so unique. Perhaps that’s why the “pearl of great price” is mentioned in our Holy Scriptures in the book of Matthew 13. There is potential here for conversation about many important concepts such as transformation, God’s creative spirit, beauty, generosity, and treasure.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Disney/Hyperion Books, 2013 

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

# of Pages: 32 

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: Asia, awe, beach/ocean/pond/river/sea/shore, beauty, blessings, consumerism/consumption/riches, creation, difficulties, discovery/invention, the environment/nature, family, found, parables/stories, parents/parental love, possessions, surprise, transformation, treasure, wonder

Scripture Connections: If you search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God (Proverbs 2:4-5); Parable of the pearl merchant (Matthew 13:45-46); for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (Luke 12:34) 

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of tweens and talk about the parable of the pearl merchant in the book of Matthew. Discuss what counts as treasure today and how this can lead to greed or idolatry if not held in check.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 355

Picture Book: Above My Head, Beneath My Feet

Author & Illustrator: K. D. Plum

Summary: This is a cleverly designed book that demonstrates in several situations what can be found above a young boy’s head and beneath his feet. Each page has a flap to flip, revealing the boy’s discoveries. Some are cut-away illustrations and some are wide expanses in space. For example, he awakens and sees curtains, his window, and the sun above his head. His lost slipper and kitty are found underneath his feet in the bed covers. He goes outside and sees the city’s clock tower, flags, and leaves above his head while beneath his feet are sidewalk, grass, dirt, anthills, and ant tunnels.

Hanna’s Comments: There’s some great science in this fun flap book, but even better, you’ll be encouraging young children to be more observant and discover new aspects of God’s creation. While reading this book, be sure to ask them about other discoveries they can make on each page. Help them identify which of those discoveries are made by God and which are human-made. With observation comes wonder, and with wonder comes gratitude to God for making such an amazing world and giving humans the abilities to use our minds to invent things. All are celebrated here! Consider this book an invitation to go out and explore God’s world with a sense of wonder and gratitude.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Price, Stern, Sloan, Inc., 1997

Age & Grade Appropriateness: Toddler and up 

# of Pages: 14

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Rare but Worth the Search, Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book connects with: abundance/bounty, animals, attentiveness/observation/seeing, awe, beauty, blessings, creation, discovery/invention, diversity, Earth/world, the environment/nature, exploration, found, gratitude/thanksgiving, heaven/sky, land/mountains/soil, moon/space/stars/sun, reverence, variety, wonder

Scripture Connections: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1); for by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible (Colossians 1:16); you, Lord, laid the foundations of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands (Hebrews 1:10)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of young children who are learning to explore and be grateful for God’s amazing world. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 350

Picture Book: The World is Waiting for You

Author: Barbara Kerley

Photographers: various 

Summary: Beautiful photos from around the world make connections here between fun children’s activities of exploration, adventure, and discovery to adult passions and professions. The book begins with a promise that right outside a child’s window or around the bend of a path possibilities in the natural world abound. Those experiences might awaken a passion that carries a child into adulthood and beyond. Scanning the night sky might be the first step to becoming an astronaut. Tree climbing could lead to scaling a mountain. Hands in the mud are how many budding archeologists begin. The book ends in this way: “The whole wide world is waiting for you. Ready. Set. Go.”

Hanna’s Comments: True of all of Barbara Kerley’s wonderful National Geographic books for children, end papers detail the photos, giving places, names, and explanations. Along with a Bible, this would be a great book to give children in your faith community who are transitioning to a higher level. The day the books are given, read this one in a lesson that focuses on how exploring the Bible can lead to adventures as well. Give examples such as missionary work, biblical archeology, or inventing green technology.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: National Geographic, 2013

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

# of Pages: 48

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press, Non-fiction

PBT Topics this Book connects with: abundance/bounty, attentiveness/observation/seeing, awe, beauty, blessings, body/body of Christ, creation, culture, diversity, Earth/world, the environment/nature, exploration, geography, gladness/happiness, humanity, joy, legacies, preparation, presence, renewal, restoration, variety, witness, wonder

Scripture Connections: This book connects to Bible stories that involve adventure, discovery, or exploration such as when Jacob left his parents’ home, when Joseph is sold into slavery and then discovers his new life in Egypt, or Paul’s three missionary journeys.  

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children in a lesson on how exploring the Bible can lead to future passions that linger throughout adulthood.