PBT Redux #22 An Orange in January

I’m ending the PBT series on The Fruit of the Spirit with 3 re-posts. Here and on Friday I feature a secular book about fruit in general. Then I’ll re-post a sacred book about Paul’s Fruits of the Spirit. The book below is from the first year of PBT. To connect it to Galatians, have your audience consider the development of a particular Fruit of the Spirit by finding a living metaphor for each of the stages in the orange's journey. 

Picture Book: An Orange in January

Author: Dianna Hutts Aston

Illustrator: Julie Maren

Summary: This is the story of one orange. It begins as a blossom in a land that glows with warm spring light. It ends across the world, in a young boy’s hands as he shares it with his school friends on a snowy playground. Across the distance, the orange offers its nectar to bees, ripens on a tree, and is picked and placed in a bag, then a basket, then a truck, then a grocery store, then a school lunchbox. At last, several children enjoy the sweet yummy goodness of the orange sections, even in January.

Hanna’s Comments: I am guilty of taking it for granted that an orange is available to me in the middle of winter. Use this book to help a young audience savor the beauty of an orange, appreciate the complexity of its route, and taste one of God’s great gifts. Talk about how an orange used to be a very rare treat and still is for many in our world who don’t have the means or accessibility to exotic or off-season foods. Mention the joy of sharing such delights and consider what other treats are worthy of further attention. Then relate these joys to savoring and praising God’s goodness in worship and all day long.

Original Publisher & Date: Dial Books, 2007

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! (Psalm 34:8); The Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children while sharing sections of oranges. Talk about savoring God’s goodness and the importance of praise and gratitude to God. OR Consider the orange's journey as a metaphor for the development of a particular Fruit of the Spirit.

PBT Redux #19 - Snowflake Bentley

We’ve had more snow than usual here in AL. After our last snow, I regretted not reminding you about this gorgeous book featured in PBT’s first year. I don’t dare wait for more snow here. It’s unlikely to come. Perhaps where you are it’s snowing, and you, like the man featured in this book, will marvel at God’s glory in the wondrous snowflake!

Picture Book: Snowflake Bentley

Author: Jacqueline Briggs Martin

Illustrator: Mary Azarian

Summary: In 19^th century Vermont, Wilson Bentley had a passion for snow. When he was given a microscope, Willie began looking at snowflakes and studying the ice crystals. He became fascinated and wished he could save them somehow to show others. He tried drawing their designs, but they always melted too quickly. Despite the high cost, at 17 Willie’s parents gave him a microscope with a camera. Painstakingly, Willie was able to successfully photograph the best examples of snowflakes and show them to others, sell them, or give them as gifts. 

Willie believed his knowledge was a gift to the world, but some neighbors and peers thought his work was a waste of time. Soon he began to understand the influences on and structure of snowflakes; then he realized that no two snowflakes are alike. Artists, designers, and professors began to be interested in his work. For 50 years, Willie shared his knowledge by giving presentations, and eventually, with financial support from scientists, created a book of his best photographs and acquired knowledge. Sadly, “Snowflake Bentley” died soon after the publication of this book, a book that is still read today. A monument and museum were eventually built in his memory.

Hanna’s Comments: I love the passion and perseverance of this individual! Wilson Bentley is a quiet hero of science who has truly given the world a beautiful gift. As faith communities nurture their children and youth, it behooves these communities to encourage the discovery of individual passions and explore ways in which each young person can benefit their world with ideas, skills, and enthusiasm. Willie’s faith in his vocation and the beauty and importance of his work, even though it was with a small and fleeting object, is inspiring. [Here] you'll find an 8-minute video about Wilson Bentley. You can easily find Bentley’s book on-line. It was reissued in 2000 and may be available in your local library. It would be a nice supplement to a lesson. You'll also find a few details and photos in the back of the book:

   

Original Publisher & Date: Houghton Mifflin, 1998

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

Formats other than Book: Audio

Scripture Connections: the charismatic passions of Elijah, John the Baptist, or Paul 

Idea(s) for Application: In addition to the other ideas that I’ve shared above, this book could be used as an exploration of our sacred individuality or the practice of contemplation.

Stuff and Friendship

Picture Book: More

Author: I. C. Springman

Illustrator: Brian Lies

Summary: The key character in this fable of few words, is a magpie who collects stuff, lots of stuff, nests and nests of stuff! His mice friends give him the first object, a beautiful marble, 

but then they begin to comment on is hoarding. 

What on the surface is a story teaching collective adjectives (less, more, enough…) becomes a lesson in the consequences of having at first, 

"Lots" and then "Plenty,"

“A bit much”  

and then “Way too much.”

Then there's a kind of community intervention. 

After the collapse of a limb under too much weight, 

the mice, and a squirrel friend, take away item after item from the nests 

and help the magpie be contented with a few treasured items. 

The number of words is few. The illustrations are many and detailed. And the messages are clear: Too much is a problem. Friends can help with that.

Hanna’s Comments: I love Springman’s bio in the back in which she describes herself as a “small-house person living in a McMansion-loving world.” She wrote this book for her grandsons hoping that “one day there will be enough for all.” That’s a PBT message for sure! Help your audience see the changes in expressions of the magpie and mice as the amount of stuff changes. Also, help them see the detailed illustrations, but don’t allow them to get too caught up in the treasures. The point of this book is that gluttony is a distraction and a problem. Explain that gluttony, one of the deadly sins according to Roman Catholic tradition, isn’t limited to the realm of food. It is overconsumption of anything. I personally struggle with gluttony and view it as a key issue in my spiritual development. My hunch is that many in your faith community, particularly if you’re American, have similar struggles, even your children. If you struggle with this, pray about sharing your struggles. Friendship is a key part of this story. Considering the amount of stuff (or assets) in our bedrooms/playrooms (for children), homes or places of worship (for adults) as spiritual questions would be valuable conversations to have in a faith context.

Original Publisher & Date: Houghton Mifflin, 2012 

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections:  The wilderness lesson of hoarding manna (Exodus 16); be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters (Proverbs 23:20); where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (Matthew 6:21/Luke 12:34); do not lay up for yourselves treasures on Earth (Matthew 6:19); I will not be enslaved by anything (1 Corinthians 6:12)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children or adults when discussing the spiritual issue of gluttony or the spiritual practice of simplicity.

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 285

Picture Book: An Orange in January

Author: Dianna Hutts Aston

Illustrator: Julie Maren

Summary: This is the story of one orange. It begins as a blossom in a land that glows with warm spring light. It ends across the world, in a young boy’s hands as he shares it with his school friends on a snowy playground. Across the distance, the orange offers its nectar to bees, ripens on a tree, and is picked and placed in a bag, then a basket, then a truck, then a grocery store, then a school lunchbox. At last, the children enjoy the sweet yummy goodness of the orange sections, even in January.

Hanna’s Comments: I am guilty of taking it for granted that an orange is available to me in the middle of winter. Use this book to help a young audience savor the beauty of an orange, appreciate the complexity of its route, and taste one of God’s great gifts. Talk about how an orange used to be a very rare treat and still is for many in our world who don’t have the means or accessibility to exotic or off-season foods. Mention the joy of sharing such delights and consider what other treats are worthy of further attention. Then relate these joys to savoring and praising God’s goodness in worship and all day long.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Dial Books, 2007

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: abundance/bounty, awe, beauty, blessings, consumerism/consumption/riches, dependence/interdependence, the environment/nature, feasting/food/hunger/nutrition, fruit/fruit of the Spirit, gardening/planting/pruning/sowing, geography, goodness, gratitude/thanksgiving, harvest, journeys/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, joy, manna, sharing, treasure

Scripture Connections: Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! (Psalm 34:8); the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children while sharing sections of oranges. Talk about savoring God’s goodness and the importance of praise and gratitude to God. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 277

Picture Book: Sam and Dave Dig a Hole

Author: Mac Barnett

Illustrator: Jon Klassen

Summary: Sam and Dave begin their mission. They won’t stop digging until they find “something spectacular”. They dig straight down, but find nothing. They decide to dig in another direction, to the side. They dig in that direction for a while and then decide to split up and dig in two different directions. Each time, they find nothing so again they start digging together and straight down. Eventually they rest. Meanwhile, the dog, who all along has been giving hints as to what they are missing, begins digging straight down for a bone. All 3 characters fall through air to another home, an alternative reality of sorts. It looks very similar to the home they left. Upon landing, Sam and Dave declare, “That was pretty spectacular.”  Each illustration offers a cutaway view of Sam and Dave’s digging. Every time they change their direction, it is just before they are about to dig up a huge gem! Again and again in comical fashion, they miss a “spectacular something.” However, the characters are wise enough to realize that the journey in itself was spectacular.

Hanna’s Comments: The illustrations in this book are crucial to the enjoyment. I’m not just referring to where the huge gems are located, but also the dog’s behavior and the subtle differences between Sam and Dave’s location at the start and where they land. It will be important for your audience to be able to see these details so consider projecting the book on a screen or having multiple books with designated page turners who turn each page just as you do. Pacing is crucial in the delivery of this story. If you are reading to young children, you’ll need to explain beforehand that this is not a story based in our reality, although it seems to start that way. The ending is mysterious and up to interpretation. Encourage them all to interpret and discuss. There are many possibilities. You may want to read the book again after you have talked about it. If you plan to do this, don’t point out things the first time you read it, but do read slowly so that people have time to notice the details. Encourage them to be silent and attentive. Then the story becomes an individual journey, perhaps even “something spectacular” for each audience member.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Candlewick Press, 2014

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

# of Pages: 40

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: action, adventure, blessings, choices/decisions, commitment, companionship, disappointment, doubt, exploration, friends/friendship, God’s will, grace, gratitude/thanksgiving, humanity, journeys/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, labor/work, land/mountains/soil, life, mission, mistakes, partners/teamwork, patience, perseverance, perspective, pets, purpose, satisfaction, searching, steadfastness, treasure, waiting, wisdom

Scripture Connections: Scripture stories of wandering (i.e. the Israelites in the wilderness), scripture stories of surprisingly good results (i.e. Joseph in Egypt), or scripture stories of realizing your priorities have changed (i.e. Paul on the road to Damascus)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of adults when you are talking about the idea of individual spiritual journeys, particularly the value of process over product.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 268

Picture Book: Snowflake Bentley

Author: Jacqueline Briggs Martin

Illustrator: Mary Azarian

Summary: In 19^th century Vermont, Wilson Bentley had a passion for snow. When he was given a microscope, Willie began looking at snowflakes and studying the ice crystals. He became fascinated and wished he could save them somehow to show others. He tried drawing their designs, but they always melted too quickly. Despite the high cost, at 17 Willie’s parents gave him a new invention, a microscope with a camera. Painstakingly, Willie was able to successfully photograph the best examples of snowflakes and show them to others, sell them, or give them as gifts. Willie believed his knowledge was a gift to the world, but some neighbors and peers thought his work was a waste of time. Soon he began to understand the influences on and structure of snowflakes; then he realized that no two snowflakes are alike. Artists, designers, and professors began to be interested in his work. For 50 years, Willie shared his knowledge by giving presentations, and eventually, with financial support from scientists, created a book of his best photographs and acquired knowledge. Sadly, “Snowflake Bentley” died soon after the publication of this book, a book that is still read today. A monument and museum were eventually built in his memory.

Hanna’s Comments: I love the passion and perseverance in this story! Wilson Bentley is a quiet hero of science who has truly given the world a beautiful gift. As faith communities nurture their children and youth, it behooves these communities to encourage the discovery of individual passions and explore ways in which each young person can benefit their world with ideas, skills, and enthusiasm. Willie’s faith in his vocation and the beauty and importance of his work, even though it was with a small and fleeting object, is inspiring.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Houghton Mifflin, 1998

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Audio book, There is an amateur video of this book being read on Youtube.com as well as an 8 minute video about Wilson Bentley.

PBT Category: Award Winner (Caldecott Medal), Biography, Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abundance/bounty, action, aspirations/dreams, attentiveness/observation/seeing, awe, beauty, call/calling/vocation, care of creation, challenges, commitment, creation, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, discovery/invention, diversity, the environment/nature, evangelism, gentleness/meekness, gifts/talents, God’s nature, gospel/good news, heroes, individuality/uniqueness, labor/work, mission, obstacles, parents/parental love, passion, patience, perseverance, perspective, pleasing God/the Shema, purpose, questioning/questions, sacrifice, satisfaction, secrets, sharing, snow, steadfastness, treasure, truth, variety, vision, water, weather, wonder

Scripture Connections: the charismatic passions of Elijah, John the Baptist, or Paul 

Idea(s) for Application: In addition to the other ideas that I’ve shared above, this book could be used as an exploration of the concept of contemplation.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 240

Picture Book: Shoebox Sam

Author: Mary Brigid Barrett

Illustrator: Frank Morrison

Summary: Delia and Jessie spend their Saturdays with Shoebox Sam at his shoe repair shop. There old shoes become like new and anyone in need finds a warm welcome. On the wall are prized ballet shoes, worn by Lucratia Lavidia and repaired by Shoebox Sam years before. After a typical customer, two separate individuals, likely homeless, come in worn and wet from the rain. They are greeted with food and offered new shoes. The latter one, an older lady, asks for prettier shoes than those first offered. Sam has none so she is fitted with some that are “serviceable and warm.” She puts them on and then sees the beautiful ballet shoes. Sam explains who they belonged to and how they are toe shoes for a dancer. She is lured to them and touches them lovingly. Sam is moved and places the shoes in her hands. She wraps them tenderly and exits after expressing her gratitude.

Hanna’s Comments: The summary above may seem sad and poignant, but this is actually a delightful book. Sam and the children’s enthusiasm for the customers and their delight in sharing the food and shoes allow this book to be a perfect demonstration of godly hospitality and generosity.  

Publisher & Date of Publication: Zonderkidz, 2011

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: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abundance/bounty, acceptance of others, aliens/immigrants/refugees/strangers, blessings, brokenness, call/calling/vocation, choices/decisions, clothes/shoes, comfort, dance/dancing, difficulties, encouragement, fruit/fruit of the Spirit, generosity/giving/offering/stewardship, gifts/talents, God’s nature, God’s will, goodness, helping, homelessness, hospitality, image of God, joy, kindness, nurturing, openness, outreach, passion, pleasing God, possessions, poverty, rain, sacrifice, satisfaction, servant/service/serving, treasure

Scripture Connections: One gives freely, yet grows all the richer (Proverbs 11:24); Jesus washes his disciples’ feet (John 13:3-11); we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)        

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to children in a lesson on Jesus washing his disciples’ feet or how God wants us to delight in hospitality and generosity.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 231

Picture Book: Stars

Author: Mary Lyn Ray

Illustrator: Marla Frazee

Summary: This picture book is a delightful exploration of stars. Not only does it encourage star-gazing, but you can also draw a star on shiny paper and put it in your pocket because you need to know it’s there, especially on those days when you don’t feel shiny. Stars can be given to friends, added to sticks to make wands, and used for wish-making. Find them in all sorts of places besides the night sky, like a strawberry or pumpkin patch or on a button or calendar. The best thing about stars is that even if you can’t see them, they are still there, in the sky, every night and even every day. 

Hanna’s Comments: One of the common themes here at PBT is encouraging children (and their families) to settle into God’s gift of nature. This book encourages that kind of creative contemplation of God’s natural world. Stars offer light, beauty, and symbolic success. There is often religious history attached to them. The act of star-gazing is a perfect kind of simple joy that can be enjoyed alone with wordless praise or in community while loving each other through the experience. I encourage you and your family of faith to do some stargazing soon.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Beach Lane Books, 2011

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abundance/bounty, art, attentiveness/observation/seeing, awe, beauty, blessings, comfort, contemplation, creation, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, darkness/evening/night, emotions/feelings, encouragement, the environment/nature, God’s presence, heaven/sky, humanity, moon/space/stars/sun, mystery, prayer, reassurance, reverence, treasure, wishes, wonder, worship

Scripture Connections: And God said,  “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night (Genesis 1:14); when I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place (Psalm 8:3); the heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork (Psalm 19:1); wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, ”Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star (Matthew 2:2)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this picture book for an opportunity to teach and model contemplative prayer. Read this book to a multi-age group within a family of faith and then go outside into the dark to do some silent stargazing and contemplating of God’s wondrous heavenly creation. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 228

Picture Book: The Rainbow Fish

Author & Illustrator: Marcus Pfister

Translator: J. Alison James

Summary: The title character, with rainbow scales of blue, green, purple, and sparkling silver, is the most beautiful fish in the ocean . Other fish call him Rainbow Fish and want him to play, but he is too proud. When a small fish asks for one shiny scale. Rainbow Fish responds angrily and selfishly. The other fish hear of this rebuke so they begin turning away from Rainbow Fish when he swims near. Lonely and unable to show off to other fish, Rainbow Fish laments to Starfish who sends him to the Wise Octopus who advises him to give a scale to each of his friends. At first, he doesn’t think he can bear to give his scales away until the original small fish returns and asks again for one shiny scale. Rainbow Fish gives in. A good feeling comes upon Rainbow Fish as he sees the joy the gift has given the small fish. Other fish come and ask for a glittering scale. The more scales he gives away, the more delighted he becomes. When the fish around him each have a shimmer, Rainbow Fish feels more at home among the other fish so he joyfully joins their play.

Hanna’s Comments: My children loved this book when they were small. I still like it because it emphasizes sharing, an important issue for children, and it criticizes pride in appearance. Too often children are encouraged to show off their new clothes, shoes, or hairstyles. Our Holy Scriptures and our culture clash when it comes to the concepts of “pride” and “humility.” For this reason our communities of faith have a tendency to avoid these issues. Also, these two issues are confusing. When does confidence become pride? Does humility mean being passive? Children learn these kinds of orientations early and struggle with them throughout their adult years if there is not a balance between pride and humility. Therefore, consider exploring the topics of pride and humility tenderly and honestly in your faith family.

Publisher & Date of Publication: North-South Books, 1992

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: DVD

PBT Category: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: beauty, belonging, call/calling/vocation, choices/decisions, clothes/shoes, equality/inequality, exclusion/inclusion, exile/separation/walls, fish/fishing, generosity/giving/offering/stewardship, gifts/talents, God’s will, greed/selfishness, joy, jubilee, loneliness, mentors/teachers, mission, mistakes, neighbors, neighborhood, pleasing God/the Shema, possessions, poverty, power, pride, rainbows, self-reflection, renewal/restoration, response to God, righteousness, sacrifice, satisfaction, sharing, transformation, treasure, wisdom

Scripture Connections: When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. (Proverbs 11:2); Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips. (Proverbs 27:2); God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. (James 4:6)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children when talking about the importance of sharing or the difficult balance of pride and humility called for in our Holy Scriptures.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 179

Picture Book: The Name Jar

Author & Illustrator: Yangsook Choi

Summary: Unhei, a Korean immigrant, is quite worried about making new friends in her new school. She’s especially worried that her classmates may not like her name because it is hard for English speakers to pronounce. When she introduces herself, Unhei explains that she will choose a name next week. Her classmates decide to help her out and fill a name jar with possible names for her to consider. During the week, Unhei tries different names unsatisfactorily, and Joey, a classmate, happens to meet her in a Korean grocery store and learns her real name and its meaning, “grace”. The day of her name choosing, Unhei can’t find the name jar, but she has already decided to choose her Korean name. She teaches the class how to pronounce it and its special meaning. They tell her about the meanings of their own special names.

Hanna’s Comments: There is much more to this rich story including a beautiful relationship with Unhei’s grandmother who’s still in Korea. Unhei’s classmates are wonderfully encouraging. At one point Unhei shows Joey her name in Korean characters with wooden stamps. He thinks it’s cool and gets his own Korean name and stamp. This kind of stamping activity could easily be a follow-up for your children when you read this book to them.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Alfred A. Knopf, 2001

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet, There are amateur videos on Youtube.com.

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: adaptation/assimilation, affirmation, aliens/immigrants/refuges/strangers, anxiety/worry, Asia, authenticity, belonging, bonds/connections, change, choices/decisions, differences, encouragement, exile/separation/walls, friends/friendship, grace, grandparents, heritage, hospitality, identity/names, insecurity, language/literacy/reading, memories/remembering/ritual/tradition, new home/new location, new school, openness, treasure, waiting

Scripture Connections: Ruth, an immigrant (Book of Ruth); Jesus talks with the Samaritan woman (John 4:4-42)

Idea(s) for Application: What strikes me about this book is the hospitable behavior of Unhei’s classmates. It demonstrates how hospitality and kindness for someone can transform their anxiety into confidence and, in Unhei’s case, pride in her identity. Link this idea with the stories of Ruth or the Samaritan woman who Jesus spoke with at the well. Emphasize how believing that you are a beloved, wonderfully-created child of God can encourage you to embrace your own particular identity.  

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 126

Dynamic Duo: Book 2

Picture Book: The Keeping Quilt                             

Author & Illustrator: Patricia Polacco

Summary: This is another story of the author’s great-grandmother, Anna, that involves her immigration from Russia to America. Highlighted this time in her family’s story is a quilt, created by the neighborhood women when Anna outgrows the one dress she brought from Russia. Her mother says the quilt will remind them of home, “like having the family in backhome Russia dance around us at night.” The trim of this quilt is Anna’s babushka (Russian head covering). Other items of family clothing are cut into animal & flower shapes and scattered on the blessing quilt. The quilt is used throughout the years as a Shabbat (Sabbath) cloth, a wedding canopy, and a blanket for newborns. Like the blessing cup in the previous PBT Dynamic Duo offering, the keeping quilt is passed down from generation to generation via the oldest female, a prize indeed!  

Hanna’s Comments: A 25^th Anniversary Edition is available with 15 bonus pages detailing the quilt’s journey to the museum where it now sits. Offer both of these books in either order to encourage discussion of family heirlooms and the spiritual heirlooms we keep from our familial ancestors and religious ancestors.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Simon & Schuster, 1988

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: Tablet, audio cassette, video

There is also a video of the author reading the book and another of the author showing the actual quilt from the story.

PBT Category: Award Winner, Pre 2K, Non-fiction

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: aliens/immigrants/immigration/refugees/strangers, ancestors/matriarchs & patriarchs, artifacts, babies/children, beauty, blessings, bonds/connections, clothes/shoes, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, family, feasting/food/hunger/nutrition, God’s presence, grandparents, gratitude/thankfulness/thanksgiving, heritage, manna, memories/remembering/ritual/tradition, milestones, nurturing, possessions, presence, relationships, reverence, Sabbath, security, sharing, at table, time/timing/over time, transformation, treasure, unity

Scripture Connections: Rituals for keeping & remembering the Passover (Numbers 9:2-5); as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15)

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book to talk about your religious and familial rituals and how objects and artifacts comprise important parts of those ceremonies.