What Birds Teach Us

Picture Book: Ruby’s Birds

Author: Mya Thompson

Illustrator: Claudia Davila

Summary: This beautiful book is from the point of view of Ruby, a girl who is 6 or so. She is about to discover the wild side of NYC! Her neighbor, Eva, offers to take Ruby to the park. Ruby assumes they are going to her play place in Central Park, but instead they are going into the forest there. On their way they sing (Ruby loves to sing – this is important!). She’s not sure what to do when they sit quietly so she bursts into song again. 

Eva gets a bit upset because she had just spied a golden-winged warbler, a bird species that Eva saw often in her home country of Costa Rica. Eva explains that Central Park is an excellent place to birdwatch. The birdwatching continues, more quietly. They don't again see the warbler that day, but Eva insists that Ruby now knows what to do to spy another one: Pay attention, move carefully, and be quiet. Ruby is already hooked! She dreams of birds after singing herself to sleep. She teaches her family about birds and birdwatching. Birdwatching becomes her very own practice.

Hanna’s Comments: Birdwatching is a lot like prayer. With a particular orientation, it can be a contemplative practice that calms, grounds, and leads us to praise. In recent years, I have discovered the contemplative and emotionally grounding aspects of birdwatching. The many birds in my feeders have helped me tremendously during the anxious days of the pandemic! I even laugh aloud sometime! Truly they are some of God's most extraordinary gifts. They are delightful to watch, but there can also be stark reminders of wild living that I don’t like to see, like violence, flying into windows & doors, and deaths that sometimes occur. Although such experiences are harder to witness, I know they are a part of creation so they should not be avoided topics of conversation should children mention them.

Because birds, like Ruby, sing so much, spend some time talking about the worship aspects of singing, particularly with concepts such as praise, awe, and gratitude. Ask children a wonder question about why they think birds sing. 

This book has an amazing number of resources in the back! First, the context of the story and some info. about warbler migration are given. Next you’ll find information about 2 key birds in the story. There is a chart listing the 14 bird species found in the illustrations. Last you have Ruby's Tips for Taking a Nature Walk. This page could be used independently on a guided nature walk later. 

Jesus tells us not to worry and references sparrows in Matthew 6:26. The concept of worrying is so important now thanks to the pandemic that I plan to do a PBT post soon that will feature several books about worrying. If you want to know now which books I plan to feature, contact me.

Original Publisher: Scholastic & The Cornell Lab Publishing Group (It is through Cornell that much excellent bird research is funded!)

Age Appropriateness: 4 and up

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: You may think of a couple of commonly known biblical references to birds such as, “Look at the birds of the air, they neither sew nor reap...” (Matthew 6:26) and Jesus' longing to gather his people like a hen gathers her chicks (Matthew 23:37), but there are many scriptures that reference birds! A general search engine will help you find more. Here's one I just found: Ask the birds of the sky and they will tell you. (Job 12:7)

Connections to The Revised Common Lectionary: I listed this book along with several others about birds in my Trinity Treasures Preschool Curriculum. It’s 3 years of lessons based on the lectionary. Each lesson features a list of recommended picture books. This book is for the lesson in Year B. The theme is God’s Goodness. God’s gifts of birds, flowers, and fruit are the focus. They are all mentioned in Song of Solomon 2:8-13.

PBT Applications: A couple of weeks ago I featured a book about listening. Today's book (and any book about birdwatching or nature walks) would connect with the spiritual practice of listening. However, you can also celebrate God’s diverse plan for our world by reading this book and focusing on the incredible diversity of birds in the world. I suspect you could easily create a game or art project that celebrated God’s feathered gifts. For adults or teens, ask them to tell you a parable or personal story in which a bird's presence or behavior was an important lesson.

Links to other PBT books about birds: 

How to Heal a Broken Wing

Bear and Bird

Sing...Sing a Song!

Froodle

Washing the Willow Tree Loon

Albert

Mama Outside, Mama Inside

The Birds of Bethlehem

Is This Panama?

Baby Wren and the Great Gift

Connections to Christ

Picture Book: Crazy Horse’s Vision

Author: Joseph Bruchac

Illustrator: S. D. Nelson

Summary: This story focuses on Crazy Horse’s devotion to his Lakota tribe, the threat they faced as settlers moved into their lands, and the guiding vision he received as a young man.

In the 1840s near the Wyoming & South Dakota border, Crazy Horse was born a solemn child with curly hair so they named him Curly.

Strong and wiry, Curly was an early leader who listened carefully and told his peers, "Follow me. If we're brave we can help our people." 

At age 11, Curly surprised everyone by taming a wild pinto so his father gave him the horse.

When hunting buffalo at age 13, he swiftly felled a huge buffalo in the middle of the herd with just one arrow. Then he gave the buffalo to all in his camp who had no one to hunt for them. 

During his childhood, the American army built a fort in Lakota land, declaring it would keep the peace. After a warrior killed a destructive cow that had wandered into the Lakota camp from the fort, the Chief offered a mule and 5 horses to compensate. 

The offer was disregarded, instead the Army killed the chief. 

After witnessing this event, Curly left in haste for a vision quest without the expected preparations from the Holy Man. 

Tying his horse's legs to prevent it from wandering, Curly then climbed into a pit. 

There he "prayed for strength to help his people." After three days, no vision had come. He climbed out of the pit and collapsed near his horse. 

His father found him and scolded him for being unprepared and discounting the wisdom of the elders. 

Meanwhile, Curly saw an eagle but held his vision in secret because of the scolding he received. 

Three years later, Curly had become much quieter, more serious, and more generous. When his father asked about his vision quest, Curly described the eagle. 

His father explained that Curly would become "the first to defend your people" and must "keep nothing for yourself." And he gave Curly his own name, a practice of honoring. Curly would be called Crazy Horse and known for his great bravery and loyalty to his people.

The story of Crazy Horse continues in a lengthy Author’s Note in the back. Here you’ll read about some of his other memorable deeds and his martyrdom. 

Hanna’s Comments: Christians observe Good Friday today. Each year, I struggle with what kind of book to feature at PBT on such an important day. Today I chose a story about a man whose life has obvious connections to Jesus. That’s why I told the summary above in the manner I did, highlighting biographical milestones that had some connection to Jesus life. Direct your audience to look broadly for character traits and aspects of power, not story details. In some cases, encourage your audience to find the differences. I don’t equate Crazy Horse to Jesus, but I do think it’s good to know when humans approach the level of humility, self-giving love, and courage of Jesus. The story of Crazy Horse is not well known. The little I knew of him before reading this book I learned at the monument being built in his memory, an amazing feat in progress that also isn’t well-known. 

If you find yourself in South Dakota, perhaps to see Mt. Rushmore, don’t miss The Crazy Horse Memorial. It’s nearby. Don’t wait for it to be finished; it will likely not be finished in my lifetime. It is astonishing for its size; Mt. Rushmore would fit only in the head of the huge Crazy Horse of this memorial. See it and read about the memorial and why it is being built without government money [here].

Original Publisher & Date: Lee & Low, 2000

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: There are numerous connections to Jesus such as Crazy Horse’s political concerns for his people, his humility, his vision quest, and his martyrdom. You might find connections to other biblical figures such as Moses and John the Baptist.

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book or use Crazy Horse’s story in a lesson or sermon, making connections to Jesus or another man of God. Consider telling about The Crazy Horse Memorial as well.

PBT Stories Series #1: My North Star

Meet Stickeen from the picture book named after him. See details below. 

This is the first of a new PBT Series about stories that have inspired PBT or happened during a PBT lesson. Today I’m going to share the story of how I knew I was supposed to do this work, work I do for you so please show your gratitude by buying me a picture book via a PayPal donation. A typical picture book is $15.  I would love to own more picture books though maybe not as many as Elizabeth Brown whose story I feature [here].

From The Library by Stewart & Small

In 2013-14 I was part of The Academy for Spiritual Formation, an Upper Room program in which about 50 people spend 40 days together over 2 years. It is a program I highly recommend. Learn more about it [here]. Participants are asked to do a 2^nd year service project. I wanted to do something that began a vocational journey using my training as a school psychologist, involving my passion for spirituality, and helping to build the church, though not quite like the mother in this great picture book posted about [here].

I had often mentioned secular picture books to our children’s minister when she asked me about programming ideas so I wondered if there was an untapped treasure for ministry in secular books. I knew of many books that offered potential, but I wasn’t sure how prevalent they were. She had asked me to teach a lesson on friendship and the story of Ruth and Naomi so I decided to give my idea a little test. I went to my library of picture books (relatively small then), thought about Ruth and Naomi’s friendship, and considered each book. I saw a little potential in about 10 of them.

I read 8 books or so and saw no promise, but then I picked up Stickeen. I was startled by a particular sentence which I have in bold below where I offer my initial post. These words directly correspond to Ruth’s words to Naomi, “But Ruth said, ‘Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go;’” (Ruth 1:16). Oh, the goose bumps! The spiritual kind that reminds me that God is in every moment! Suddenly my lesson was planned and 3 days later it was very successful. The beauty of the illustrations in Stickeen even added to the spirituality of the lesson. Often illustrations make PBT lessons even more meaningful and memorable.

First I had the 3^rd & 4^th graders act out the Bible story once I gave them the context. As they moved through the room, we talked about the characters' feelings. Then I sat them in a close circle, reminded them how in school they find connections between stories, and asked them to do just that as I read the picture book. They easily saw the verbal connection and many more. They really enjoyed the story, especially our urban children who had never heard such a story or seen such glorious places. 

Then we talked about how friends are devoted and helpful and tied those ideas to our relationship with God and the relationship between Muir and Stickeen.

Easy peasy! Offering such meaningful connections and rich learning is the heart of PBT. I makes sense that a book about a dog in the arctic could be my north star! I’ve been following it ever since. Here's my initial post.

Picture Book: Stickeen 

Author: John Muir, as retold by Donnell Rubay 
Illustrator: Christopher Canyon 
Summary: John Muir, one of America’s great explorers and environmentalists, tells the story of an arctic adventure he had with a companion's dog, Stickeen, who was determined to go out exploring with him on a treacherous day. By the end of the excursion, both are glad to be together. Muir loved telling this story.
Hanna’s Comments: This book is the perfect example of secular literature connecting with scripture. In the story, John Muir says of Stickeen as he shouts for the dog to go back to camp, “He simply stood in the wind, drenched and blinking as if to say, ‘Where you go, I will go.’” These are words Ruth says to Naomi in the book of Ruth. There are several publications of Muir’s story, so choose this version for the direct connection to Ruth. Additionally, it is a great story of exploration, survival, and the bonds between humans and dogs. 
Publisher & Date of Publication: Dawn Pubris, 1998 
Age and Grade Appropriateness: 6 and up, 1st and up 
Formats other than Book: None at present 
Scripture Connections: Ruth 1 (particularly vs. 16) 
Idea(s) for Application: I recently used this book for a Sunday School lesson on Ruth & Naomi. It was so easy to plan, and the kids loved it. We simply acted out the Bible story. Then I read Stickeen while the children interrupted me with the connections they heard. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 183

Picture Book: A Quiet Place

Author: Douglas Wood

Illustrator: Dan Andreasen

Summary: In this refreshing text, a young boy explores the possibilities, particularly in nature, when you want to find a quiet place to get away from the noise of modern living. Everything from the beach to the desert is considered. Inside experiences are described too such as a museum, library, or book. Each setting offers the boy potential for his vivid imagination.   

Hanna’s Comments: This is another “contemplative book”. I introduced this sub-category of the God books last week on Day 176 with What Does the Sky Say? by Nancy White Carlstrom. These are books about listening and deeply experiencing nature or particular circumstances. God is not mentioned, but God is all over this book and we are more intune with God when we are in quiet places.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Simon & Schuster, 2001

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

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

PBT Category: God book, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abundance/bounty, adoration, adventure, aspirations/dreams, attentiveness/observation/seeing, awe, beauty, blessings, creation, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, Earth/world, the environment/nature, exile/separation, exploration, freedom, God’s care/providence, God’s presence, home, journey/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, listening, perspective, quiet/silence, renewal/restoration, secrets, self-discovery, wilderness, wonder

Scripture Connections: Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10); in quietness and trust shall be your strength (Isaiah 30:15)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book with children when you are teaching them about the potential for and benefits of quiet time with God. Emphasize how worship of God can happen anywhere at any time.  

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 164

Picture Book: The Chiru of High Tibet: A True Story

Author: Jacqueline Briggs Martin

Illustrator: Linda Wingerter

Summary: Chiru, animals that look like small antelope, are found only in the northern part of Tibet, a very cold region called Chang Tang. Having the softest, warmest wool on Earth, these animals are sought. Unlike sheep, they must be killed if their wool is taken. For these reasons, chiru have been victims of poachers and are endangered species. This is the story of George B. Schaller, a conservationist who was determined to protect the chiru. After failing several times himself in the 1990s, he recruited 4 mountain climbers to follow the chiru 200 miles to find their secret calving grounds. This was necessary so that Schaller could lobby the Chinese government to protect the chiru.  Although a very difficult journey, the 4 men were successful, resulting in a large protected area being set aside for the chiru to thrive, The Chang Tang Reserve.

Hanna’s Comments: This beautiful story is told in a compelling narrative and illustrative windows with interesting facts. This is a modern adventure story with 5 heroes, the scientist and the 4 mountain climbers. It is a story of determination and perseverance in a harsh climate for a small, meek animal species. I suspect many faith traditions want to encourage these kinds of selfless, protective acts for our most vulnerable animals who, like us, were created by God for a divine purpose.  Photographs of the men and some chiru are at the end.  

Publisher & Date of Publication: Houghton Mifflin, 2010

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet, There is a great short video on Youtube.com of the author talking about her visit to the Chang Tang Reserve in Tibet. It includes some photographs of the Chiru.

PBT Category:  Non Fiction, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: action, adventure, animals, Asia, aspirations/dreams, attentiveness/observation/seeing, bravery/courage, care of creation, challenges, commitment, creation, cruelty, danger, Earth/world, the environment/nature, exploration, faith/faithfulness, found, gifts/giftedness/talents, heroes, hiding/isolation, intercession, journeys/pilgrimages/migrations/quests, labor/work, mystery, non-violence/peaceful resistance, obstacles, partners/teamwork, passion, patience, perseverance, poaching/stealing/theft, power, protecting/protection, reverence, risking, sacrifice, savior/saving, searching, secrets, servant hood/service/service, shyness, sin, steadfastness, survival, unity, vision, wilderness

Scripture Connections: God made the wild animals of the Earth of every kind… and God saw that it was good (Genesis 1:25); let everything that has breath praise the Lord (Psalm 150:6)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book with teens when talking about their God-given vocations. Emphasize that one of these heroes was particularly strong in mind and the other 4 were strong in body. Together they saved a vulnerable species and blessed the world.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 94

Picture Book: Banjo Granny

Author: Sarah Martin Busse and Jacqueline Briggs Martin

Illustrator: Barry Root

Summary: This picture book is a delightful tall tale. A banjo-playing granny is determined to see her grandbaby, Owen. She has heard he especially wiggles to bluegrass music. Even rivers, mountains, and deserts won’t deter her to play bluegrass for him in person. He hears from the birds that she’s coming so he patiently awaits her while she uses her magical music to overcome the many obstacles and make her way to her youngest fan.  

Hanna’s Comments: This book is a hoot! All children should have a granny who loves them so. See the music and lyrics to Owen’s Song in the front of the book, and in the back find the author’s note about the beginnings of bluegrass music.

Publisher & Date of Publication: HMH, 2006

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: abilities, action, ancestors/patriarchs & matriarchs, art, babies/children, belonging, bonds/connections, call/calling/vocation, challenges, choir/music/singing/songs, commitment, desert, exile/separation, family, gifts/giftedness/talents, grandparents, heroes, journeys/pilgrimages/migration/quests, joy, land/mountains, love, miracles, mission, obstacles, passion, perseverance, presence, problems/problems solving, purpose, sharing, steadfastness, travel, waiting, water, wilderness

Scripture Connections: the Israelites escape Egypt through sea, desert, & mountains (Book of Exodus); nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book in a homeschool/religious school literature lesson on tall tales. Then talk about your religious beliefs regarding the power of love.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 61

Picture Book: Little Oh

Author: Laura Krauss Melmed 

Illustrator: Jim LaMarche

Summary: A lonely Japanese potter makes lovely clay pieces and origami. One evening, she makes a beautiful paper girl who comes to life during the night. When the woman exclaims, “Oh!” the child’s name becomes “Little Oh”. Loving stories and songs follow as the mother and child bond. Despite being very protective of her paper daughter, on their first outing a dog upsets the new mother’s basket, and Little Oh is lost. Thanks to a grieving crane, Little Oh is returned, but by mistake to a nearby home. After watching the loving father and son who live there, Little Oh folds herself into a heart and does some matchmaking. When the father returns the paper heart to the potter, Little Oh takes human form and a new family is born. Even the sad crane has a family at the end of this magical story.

Hanna’s Comments: This is an original fairy tale that will be enjoyed by girls and boys because of its excitement, including a wild river ride aboard a teacup. There is a great potential here for conversations on issues such as what makes a loving family and the difficulty of grieving one who is lost or has died.                  

Publisher & Date of Publication: Harper Collins, 1997                                          

Age and 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: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: adaptation/assimilation, adventure, art, Asia, babies/children, beginnings/morning, belonging, blessings, bravery/courage, challenges, companionship, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, difficulties, family, found, gifts/giftedness/talents, gladness/happiness, God’s care/providence, home, journeys/pilgrimages/migration/quests, kindness, loneliness, lost, love, manna, mothers, obstacles, parables/stories, parents/parental love, perseverance, searching, siblings/sibling rivalry, transformation, unity, wilderness

Scripture Connections: The Book of Ruth; The lost, coin, sheep & particularly the lost Prodigal Son (Luke 15)

Idea(s) for Application: as part of a lesson on how God uses our abilities to help others which also indirectly benefits and even heals us

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 35

Picture Book: The Water Hole

Author & Illustrator: Graeme Base

Summary: This book is a journey across the globe. Various animals from different continents come to 1 water hole which gets smaller & smaller. The tale progresses on many levels. The depiction of the drought is startling, but the image of rain that follows is beautiful. Look for the world map & the fun frogs. Also, the margins have silhouettes of animals which are fun for identifying as you read.

Hanna’s Comments: This is such an interactive & fun book! It’s not just a counting book. Besides the story, it offers a puzzle and some subtle geography lessons. The story also evokes environmental concerns as well as ending with a peaceable kingdom image. Having multiple copies would be beneficial since the illustrations add to the enjoyment of this book.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Harry N. Abrams, 2001

Age and Grade Appropriateness: 7 and up, 2nd 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: Africa, animals, Asia, Australia, bonds/connections/connectedness, care of creation, change, creation, dependence/interdependence, desert, difficulties, diversity, drink/thirst, drought, Earth/world, the environment/nature, Europe, geography, gratitude/thankfulness/thanksgiving, insecurity, North America, rain, renewal/restoration, sharing, survival, time/timing/over time, transformation, variety, water, wilderness

Scripture Connections: God creates animals (Genesis 1:21); the Peaceable Kingdom (Isaiah 65:25)

Idea(s) for Application: a lesson at a homeschool or private school when discussing God’s creation, the animal kingdom, or environmental concerns particularly water conservation

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 29

Picture Book: Stickeen

Author: John Muir, as retold by Donnell Rubay

Illustrator: Christopher Canyon

Summary: John Muir, one of America’s great explorers and environmentalists, tells the story of an artic adventure he had with a dog, Stickeen, who was determined to go out exploring with him on a treacherous day.

Hanna’s Comments: This book is the perfect example of secular literature connecting with scripture. In the story John Muir says of Stickeen as he shouts for the dog to go back to camp, “He simply stood in the wind, drenched and blinking as if to say, ‘Where you go, I will go.’” These are words Ruth says to Naomi in the book of Ruth. There are several versions of this story, so choose this version for the direct connection to Ruth. Additionally, it is a great story of exploration, survival, and the bonds between humans and dogs.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Dawn Pubris, 1998

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Non-fiction

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: animals, Antarctica/arctic, bravery/courage, caring/tending, the environment/nature, exploration, fear, friends/friendship, helping, heroes, journeys/pilgrimages/migration/quests, land/mountains, obstacles, wilderness

Scripture Connections: Ruth 1 (particularly vs. 16) 

Idea(s) for Application: I recently used this book for a Sunday School lesson on Ruth & Naomi. It was so easy to plan, and the kids loved it. We simply acted out the Bible story. Then I read Stickeen while the children interrupted me with the connections they heard.