Pointing Fingers & Name Calling

I'm a little late this week. I’ve moved my daughter to Cleveland to join Teach for America. I’ll be visiting her now and then so if your church or your church-based school is in that general area and interested in a PBT workshop, I’d love to come your way. Teaching is one of my joys and strengths. Contact me to the left, and we’ll work out the details. I’m willing to travel outside of Cleveland too if you’re willing to pay my driving expenses. Today’s book is so fun and profound and very human with lots of scripture connections!

Picture Book: You Are (Not) Small

Authors: Anna Kang

Illustrator: Christopher Weyant

Summary: This story begins with a pointed finger and judgement...

that quickly rebounds.

Perhaps there is comfort in a crowd, but peers sometimes encourage more arrogance and ignorance and...

aggression. 

Arrogance, ignorance, and aggression. How these very human inclinations change everything. 

What could have started as loving diverse community  

has to get through some violence     

and surprises 

 before understanding is expanded

 and connections are made. 

But these characters don't learn any quicker 

 than humans do.

Hanna’s Comments:  If you are struggling with name-calling and teasing among the children/youth in your church, here's a book for you! Spend some time on the feelings of all parties and invite some story sharing. Make scriptural connections, in a non-judgmental way of course, and then apply to your community, Christianity in general, and even your present political environment. Remind them of the inherent worth of every individual as a child of God, imaged in the divine. Don't want to talk about the nastiness of politics or racism at church? Your kids may be soaking it up already. If they see such attitudes in the church community or spiritual leaders, their confusion is inevitable and their role models may be scarce. Be careful to talk about aspects of respect and love in diverse community without drawing divisive political lines. This may be the first opportunity children/youth experience this. As for adult programming, here's a quick intro to a conversation on The Fruit of the Spirit when in boundary-crossing dialogue. This book is the first in a series that includes That’s (Not) Mine, I Am (Not) Scared, and We Are (Not) Friends. These you can get separately or in a boxed set. There’s even a growth chart, activity guide, and Common Core guide to go with this title!

Original Publisher & Date: Two Lions, 2014

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: All humans are made in God's image (Genesis 1:27); Do not judge so that you will not be judged (Matthew 7:1; Luke 6:37); ...in passing judgement on another, you condemn yourselves. (Romans 2:1); There is neither Jew nor Greek... (Romans 3:28); The Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23); Do not speak evil against another (James 4:11); ...encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. (1 Thessalonians 5:14b)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to any age. Focus on the judgmental nature of humans and how Jesus and the early Christian community warned us against this. 

PBT Redux #17 A New Year's Hope & Prayer

Picture Book: Let There Be Peace on Earth                                                                  and Let It Begin with Me

Authors: Jill Jackson & Sy Miller

Illustrator: David Diaz

Summary: This picture book’s text is a song familiar to many. Written in 1955, the song has been recorded by many singers throughout the world. It is a clarion call for world peace and interpersonal peace. Besides the song lyrics, you’ll find an audio CD which includes 11 other songs by these writers. The illustrations feature international symbols of peace which are explained in the back of the book. Other features include historical aspects of the song and its writers as well as the musical score.

Hanna’s Comments: If you are bothered by the masculine terminology, particularly “With God as our Father, brothers all are we.” adapt to “With God, our creator, children all are we.” Change “Let me walk with my brother,” to “Let us walk with each other.” Use sticky notes to replace the words on the pages. Simply explain to your audience that the meaning and use of language changes sometimes. Then give your personal reasons for making the changes.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Tricycle Press, 2009

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

Formats other than Book: None at Present, On the internet, there are many videos of this song being performed.

Scripture Connections: Those who plan peace have joy (Proverbs 12:20); live peaceably with all (Romans 12:18); blessed are the peacemakers (Matthew 5:9); strive for peace with everyone (Hebrews 12:14)

Idea(s) for Application: Consider reading this book or singing along with it as a part of a lesson on the beatitudes in the Gospel of Matthew or as part of a lesson on issues of peace, conflict, and reconciliation. 

Welcoming Strangers and Spoilsports

There are picture books that I wish everyone would read. This is one of them. Here you can find a sermon every few pages and illustrations that capture the heart of who we are as fragile, hurtful, but hopeful human beings. If you let the juvenile nature of this book keep you from offering it to teens or adults, you’ll be missing out on an opportunity to slip into some meaningful conversations about difficult relationships and building meaningful community.

The young boy in this book has a tiny elephant for a pet. Life is difficult because no one else has a pet quite like his. But the joy of loving his pet is worth the trouble of “never fitting in.” When they are not allowed to enter Number 17 on Pet Club Day, he meets a friend with a skunk who already knows she would not be welcome either. When they meet more excluded friends with unusual pets, they start a new club. Look at this!

When I see this illustration, I think about my church with pride, the good kind of pride because I believe we are aligning ourselves with God’s values. There are the obvious outsiders that we welcome: those who live on the street, those who “live in sin,” those who live with addiction, etc. But we are also godly when we are determined to be in loving, on-going relationship with those who are strange or spoilsports.

See any strangers (or strange people) or spoilsports in your neighborhood? Your church? Your work? Let’s really talk about how to be more welcoming and loving in their midst and less like Number 17. And remember, in certain crowds we all have the potential to be strangers and spoilsports, longing for welcome and validation, looking for those who will invest in relationship.

Picture Book: Strictly No Elephants

Author: Lisa Mantchev

Illustrator: Taeeun Yoo

Original Publisher & Date: Simon & Schuster, 2015

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 323

Picture Book: And Away We Go

Author & Illustrator: Migy 

Summary:  Mr. Fox receives the hot air balloon he ordered so that he can fly to the moon. Elephant wants to come and suggests they pick-up pizza before leaving. Mr. Fox says, “Sure you can.” Thus begins a series of requests from various animals to ride in the balloon’s small basket up to the moon. Riders are many and often suggest items they should bring for their trip. When asked if they can join the fun, Mr. Fox often replies, “The more the merrier.” Each time a guest gets in, Mr. Fox yells, “Away we go!” Giraffe wants to pick up some milkshakes. Squirrel wants a 4-piece band. A group of rabbits bring some games. The alarmingly tight arrangement of animals and items hysterically defies the odds of gravity, but all seem to be having a grand time oblivious to the fraying ropes. Then a little bird asks to join the fun. The bird is the proverbial straw that snapped the balloon’s ropes. Thanks to more gravity-defying finagling, all animals land on the ground intact. “Away it goes!” Mr. Fox exclaims as his balloon soars to the moon. He is resigned to go to the moon another time. “It’s much more fun to be here with my friends.”

Hanna’s Comments: Be sure to read this book in a way that invites your audience to yell, “And Away We Go!” each time with Mr. Fox. My summary above can’t do justice to the fun of this story and these hilarious illustrations. The children will love the pictures so be sure to have multiple books if you have a big group. Spend time discussing the spiritual practice of hospitality that Mr. Fox demonstrates so well and how different the trip might have been had he gone alone or limited his guests. Yes, he might have arrived on the moon like he planned, but there would not have been near as much fun! Talk about the importance of relationships versus results or efficiency. I recently heard efficiency described as an unhealthy obsession. This book speaks to the joy of the journey. Also, note how diverse the community of travelers is here. You might want your young audience to talk about trips they have been on or celebrations they have been to that have had this kind of hospitable spirit. Those are the best memories. Talk about why this is true. Tie in scripture stories that involve feasts, celebrations or journeys that invoke a spirit of love and hospitality.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Henry Holt & Co., 2014

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish?  Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press

PBT Topics this Book connects with:  acceptance, adaptation/assimilation, adventure, celebration/party, chaos/disorder, communion/Eucharist, community, differences, diversity, feasting/food/hunger/nutrition, gladness/happiness, hospitality, journeys/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, joy, kingdom of God/reign of God, moon/space/stars/sun, openness, sharing, tolerance, travel

Scripture Connections: Scriptures about feasts, celebrations or journeys that involve hospitality such as the Passover, the Wedding at Canaan, the Prodigal Son, Paul’s travels, and the practice of Holy Communion in the early Christian church.  

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book to supplement a lesson for children on the spiritual practice of hospitality or feasting, celebrations or journeys in our Holy Scriptures.   

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 258

Terrific Trio: Book 1

Picture Book: Getting to Know Ruben Plotnik

Author: Roz Rosenbluth

Illustrator: Maurie J. Manning

Summary: According to David the narrator, Ruben Plotnik (upside down on the cover) is the coolest kid in class, very funny, and very smart. David is pleased that Ruben wants to come to his house, but then he remembers his unpredictable Grandma Rosie who lives with him. Sometimes she remembers his name, but sometimes she calls him “little boy” and asks him to waltz with her. David always complies, but he’s not sure how Ruben Plotnik will react. David’s real fear is that Ruben will witness something strange and then make fun of her to their classmates. Once at their home, Ruben’s silly behavior, including sitting in their sink, does catch Grandma’s eye, and she asks him to waltz. Ruben accepts her invitation without hesitation and seems to enjoy the dancing. Fortunately, there is no mention of David’s grandma at school. At the end of the book, Grandma Rosie asks for “the little boy from the sink.” David understands. You get the sense that David will invite Ruben to his house again for both he and his grandma to enjoy.  

Hanna’s Comments: This first book in a PBT Terrific Trio about responding to the changing abilities of elderly family members, is silly in tone, but it could prompt a very serious conversation about changes in your children's families because of aging or disease such as Alzheimer’s. Honor and care of the elderly, especially if they are our ancestors, is an important mandate in our Holy Scriptures. Talk to the children in your faith community about why this is important and how rewarding it can be to hold fast to cross-generational connections, especially their connections with their kin.  

Publisher & Date of Publication: Flashlight Press, 2005

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: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, adaptation/assimilation, aging, ancestors/patriarchs & matriarchs, authenticity, dance/dancing, dependence/interdependence, family, friends/friendship, God’s will, grandparents, presence, respect, tolerance

Scripture Connections: Honor your father and mother (Exodus 20:12); stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man (Leviticus 19:32); do not cast me off in the time of old age (Psalm 71:9); don’t rebuke an older man but encourage him (1 Timothy 5:1)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to children in your faith community when talking about the biblical mandate to honor and care for elders. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 248

Picture Book: May I Bring a Friend

Author: Beatrice Schenk de Regniers

Illustrator: Beni Montresor

Summary: A small boy receives an invitation from the king and queen to come to their castle for Sunday tea. He asks, “May I bring a friend?” Their reply: “My dear, my dear, any friend of our friend is welcome here.” So the boy brings a giraffe. This pattern repeats each day of the week, and each time the boy brings a more outrageous animal. The king and queen are always welcoming and adapt to the strange situation and guests. On Saturday, the boy invites the king and queen to have tea with his friends so all go to the city zoo for tea.

Hanna’s Comments: Do practice reading this silly tale in verse aloud several times before reading it to your children. It has a difficult and unusual rhyme and rhythm. This picture book offers an opportunity to talk about the true nature of hospitality, why it is a spiritual practice, how the king and queen might represent God’s true nature, and funny stories about unusual guests and/or surprised hosts.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Atheneum Books, 1964

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

# of Pages: 48

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Audio download

PBT Category: Award Winner (Caldecott), Classic

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, aliens/immigrants/refugees/strangers, chaos/disorder, differences, diversity, evangelism, exclusion/inclusion, feasting/food/hunger/nutrition, gladness/happiness, God’s nature, God’s will, hospitality, image of God, individuality/uniqueness, integration, reign of God/kingdom of God, openness, outreach, outsiders, participation, play, pleasing God/the Shema, at table, tolerance, variety

Scripture Connections: You shall treat the stranger as the native among you and you shall love him as yourself (Leviticus 19:34); When did we see you a stranger and welcome you… Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are my family, you did it to me. (Matthew 25:35-40)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of young children when talking to them about hospitality at home or at your faith community’s meeting place.  

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 194

Picture Book: The Scarves

Author & Illustrator: Daniela Bunge

Summary: A granddaughter who regularly visits her grandparents is told upon her arrival that they will no longer be living together. When she asks if they don’t like the other, they separately explain that they have different opinions and interests now, but she is confused. As she begins to visit their separate homes, she suspects that they begin missing each other and their love still exists so she devises a plan to bring them back together involving 2 knitted scarves, anonymous notes, and a plan to meet to ice skate which is how they first met.

Hanna’s Comments: This is a picture book about old, forgotten love, newer love for a cherished grandchild, and remembered love. It’s a clever story which demonstrates that love doesn’t have to be about liking the same things. This plot also reveals how change can be thrilling but eventually sad and tiresome. This perceptive grandchild listens and watches with the eyes of one who loves her grandparents desperately. The power of shared memory is another important subject here that has bound together many a faith community. 

Publisher & Date of Publication: Minedition, 2006

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, bonds/connections, commitment, differences, discord, disputes/fighting/opposition, forgiveness/mercy/redemption, grandparents, hiding/isolation, loneliness, love, pacifism/peace/peacemakers, perspective, regret/repentance, relationships, tolerance, transformation

Scripture Connections: Let all you do be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:14); stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught (2Thessalonians 2:15); above all, keep loving one another earnestly (1 Peter 4:8)

Idea(s) for Application: Consider reading this book to adults and children at a community-wide retreat for your family of faith. Then discuss loving bonds you share that encompass the diversity of interests across your population and all that you hold in common and treasure together.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 181

 

Picture Book: The Grudge Keeper

Author: Mara Rockliff

Illustrator: Eliza Wheeler

Summary: In Bonnyripple no one ever kept a grudge because they gave all their grudges (written on bits of paper) to the Grudge Keeper, Cornelius, who tucked them away in his cottage for safekeeping. The grudges piled up, but the system seemed to be working until a severe wind storm came. All were irritated by this inconvenience, new grudges emerged, and together they marched their new grudges up to the Grudge Keeper’s cottage. They were astonished to find their former grudges had been blown into a pile. While arguing over the grudges again, they heard Cornelius moaning from underneath the pile. As they hurried to save him, grudges were read, apologies were made, and the grudges were tossed away. When Cornelius staggered to his feet, he saw that all the grudges were gone. Immediately, another grudge-worthy event occurred, but all was forgiven, even a romance blossomed. No one ever kept a grudge again, not even The Grudge Keeper who had a lot more room in his home for entertaining his now more pleasant friends.

Hanna’s Comments: This book is clever in plot and verbal gymnastics, and it comically demonstrates the way grudges can limit relationships, even if those grudges are kept hidden away. The power of forgiveness is the subtle theme here. The importance of and difficulty achieving forgiveness is a valuable lesson to explore with children and adults. This book is so clever that it would work for both types of audiences.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Peachtree Publisher, 2014

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 5 and up, K 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: acceptance, brokenness, collections, communication, conflict, discord, disputes/fighting/opposition, emotions, feelings, forgiveness/mercy/redemption, friends/friendship, grace, greed/selfishness, humility, intolerance, judgment/judges/judging, mistakes, pacifism/peace/peacemakers, pride, relationships, tolerance

Scripture Connections: Forgive seventy times seven (Matthew 8:21-22); when you pray, forgive if you have anything against anyone (Mark 11:25); the Jesus Prayer (based on Luke 18: 13 & 38); be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving of one another (Ephesians 4:32)

Idea(s) for Application: One aspect of forgiveness is humbly realizing that we are all imperfect sinners. Consider reading this book and then teaching The Jesus Prayer to your participants: “Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” This prayer has been ritually recited since the 5^th century. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 137

Note: This photo shows the board book version. Other versions in book form are available.

Picture Book: I Love You, Stinky Face

Author: Lisa McCourt

Illustrator: Syd Moore

Summary: A young boy and his mother have a conversation which is driven by a series of questions proposed by the child that test the mother’s unconditional love and willingness to care for him. “What if I were a big, scary ape? Would you still love me then?” The mother responds in each case with a description of how she would care for her child despite his non-human status. Then she ends her answer with,” I would tell you, ‘I love you, (my big, scary ape.)’” The title is derived from the question, “…what if I were a super smelly skunk, and I smelled so bad that my name was Stinky Face? She replies, “Then I’d plunk you in a bubble bath! But if you still smelled stinky, I wouldn’t mind. I’d whisper in your ear, ’I love you, Stinky Face.’”

Hanna’s Comments: Besides the delightful illustrations, I love the way the mother’s unconditional love is so creatively demonstrated in the unusual caretaking rituals she devises for each kind of monster her child assumes in their hypothetical world. When I read this book again and again with much hilarity to my children, I didn’t think to talk to them about how the mother in the book is demonstrating God’s unconditional and creative love for God’s children. I missed that opportunity. If you have young children, don’t miss that opportunity. I encourage you to often have these kinds of “God-connecting” conversations whenever you engage in material about unconditional, parental love, especially when the parent is a mother. We have lots of opportunities to think of God like a father. Another popular book that can encourage this kind of conversation is Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney.
  

Publisher & Date of Publication: Scholastic, 1997

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Amateur videos on Youtube.com, audio

PBT Category: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, adaptation/assimilation, affection, affirmation, babies/children, belonging, bonds/connections, caring/tending, challenges, covenant/promises/vows, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, family, God’s nature, grace, identity/names, love, mothers, nurturing, parents/parental love, presence, prevenient grace, questioning/questions, reassurance, relationships, risking, sin, steadfastness, tolerance

Scripture Connections: Can a woman forget her child and have no compassion for him…?... yet I will not forget you (Isaiah 49:15-16); nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39); there is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book with a group of preschoolers when talking about what God is like and how much God loves all of God’s children. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 120

Picture Book: Let There Be Peace on Earth and Let It Begin with Me

Authors: Jill Jackson & Sy Miller

Illustrator: David Diaz

Summary: This picture book’s text is a song familiar to many. Written in 1955, this song has been recorded by many famous singers throughout the world. It is a clarion call for world peace as well as interpersonal peace. Besides the song lyrics, you’ll find an audio CD which includes 11 other songs by these writers. The illustrations feature international symbols of peace which are explained in the back of the book. Other features there include historical aspects of the song and its writers as well as the musical score.

Hanna’s Comments: If you are bothered by the masculine terminology, particularly “With God as our Father, brothers all are we.” Adapt to “With God, our creator, children all are we.” For “Let me walk with my brother,” change to “Let us walk with each other.” Use Post-it notes to replace the words on the pages. Simply explain to your audience that the meaning and use of language changes sometimes and give your reasons for making the changes.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Tricycle Press, 2009

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

# of Pages: 30

Available in Spanish? Not at Present

Formats other than Book: None at Present, On the internet, there are many videos of this song being performed.

PBT Category: Song Book, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: arguing, art, bonds/connections, choices/decisions, choir/music/singing/songs, cooperation, discord, disputes/fighting/opposition, Earth/world, enemies, ethics, God’s will, golden rule/great commandment, hatred, holiness, hope, humanity, intolerance, pacifism/peace/peacemakers, participation, partners/teamwork, power, relationships, religious differences, resisting evil, righteousness, social justice, tolerance, violence

Scripture Connections: Those who plan peace have joy (Proverbs 12:20); live peaceably with all (Romans 12:18); blessed are the peacemakers (Matthew 5:9); strive for peace with everyone (Hebrews 12:14)

Idea(s) for Application: Consider reading this book or singing along with it as a part of a lesson on the Beatitudes in the Gospel of Matthew or as part of a lesson on issues of peace, conflict, and reconciliation. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 101

Picture Book: Ten Things I Love about You

Author & Illustrator: Daniel Kirk

Summary: While Pig is at his desk thinking, Rabbit comes to the door and shows Pig what Rabbit is busy doing: making a list of the ten things Rabbit loves about Pig. Though Pig is flattered, he seems anxious to get back to what he was doing, but Rabbit is desperately stuck at item #2. Each time Pig encourages Rabbit to work on the list independently, Pig thinks of another one of Pig’s attributes. Pig leaves a couple of times, but he quickly returns for more help. Their funny banter continues, but Pig’s patience wears thin. Once Rabbit’s list is almost complete, Pig accidentally reveals that he was trying to finish a list of things he loves about Rabbit.  The story ends with them declaring their friendship in the light of this delightful coincidence. The author cleverly includes the 2 complete lists at the back of the book. In 2014 Daniel Kirk wrote another book featuring this duo:Ten Thank-You Letters.  

Hanna’s Comments: This is such a simple, clever, and joyful celebration of friendship. It’s all about compliments and affirmations which was exactly what I needed for a recent lesson for 1^st graders on the diverse gifts in the Body of Christ. I redesigned the lesson and the children loved this book. If you are interested in the lesson, I’ll send it to you for a small price.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Nancy Paulsen Books, 2013

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: Fresh off the Press

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, affection, affirmation, belonging, body of Christ, bonds/connections, companionship, differences, encouragement, friends/friendship, gifts/giftedness/talents, gratitude/thankfulness/thanksgiving, hospitality, identity/names, individuality/uniqueness, joy, judgment/judges/judging, love, patience, perspective, tolerance

Scripture Connections: Love one another with affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. (Romans 12:10); Diverse gifts in the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12)

Idea(s) for Application: This would also be a great book for private schools to use preceding holidays in which relatives are honored such as Grandparent’s Day. Have the children make a list of things they love about….

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 80

Picture Book: Peace, Baby!

Author: Linda Ashman

Illustrator: Joanne Lew-Vriethoff

Summary: Conflict resolution in verse is the appeal of this delightful picture book. Here young children’s situations of conflict in the home or classroom are used to illustrate more peaceful alternatives than verbal or physical aggression. With each offering is the suggestion to try or say, “Peace Baby.” Eventually the arenas of peacemaking broaden to interactions with all sorts: parents, teachers, strangers, and all of creation.

Hanna’s Comments: This is a fun, clever book aimed at reducing conflict among young children by giving them conflict resolution and peacemaking strategies along with a new, fun phrase. Being able to deal with strong feelings is a crucial skill that will benefit everyone in your religious community.   

Publisher & Date of Publication: Chronicle Books, 2013

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, anger, anxiety/worry, choices/decisions, community, conflict, gentleness/meekness, God's will, mistakes, pacifism/peace/peacemaker, problems/problem solving, resisting evil, self-control, sin, temptations, tolerance

Scripture Connections: Peaceable Kingdom (Isaiah 11:6); blessed are the peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), live peaceably with all (Romans 12:18)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this in a religious childcare center along with a lesson on God’s desire for us to live peacefully.