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

Pancake Generosity & Hospitality

 Picture Book: Mama Panya’s Pancakes:                                                        A Village Tale from Kenya

Author: Mary & Rich Chamberlin

Illustrator: Julia Cairns

Summary: This delightful story of abundance amidst scarcity begins with Mama Panya declaring to Adika that today is market day.  

Adika is "one step ahead of her" ready to go and waiting for her beside the baobab tree. 

Adika asks if Mama is planning to make pancakes. She says she has 2 coins so yes, pancakes tonight! 

Along the way they meet a friend and Adika invites him to come eat pancakes with them. 

Adika also invites 2 of his young friends working in the fields. These 3 guests are the first of many to be invited by Adika, despite Mama's worries. 

Mama fears she does not have enough coin for purchasing enough ingredients for the pancakes, but Adika reassures her saying, "you'll have a little bit and a little bit more. That's enough." 

At market, Adika continues to invite more and more friends. Sometimes the invitation is met with generosity from the seller with a little bit more given.  

Adika understands transactional generosity and keeps reassuring Mama that they will have enough as he invites more friends. 

 As guests arrive, they bring generous contributions to the meal. 

Adika was correct. There is plenty to enjoy at their abundant feast of food, music, and joy!    

Hanna’s Comments: Besides scriptures about generosity and hospitality which are abundant in our scriptures, I see 3 direct connections to Bible stories in this fabulous book (see below). It also connects with Jesus' instruction to not worry. In the back of the book, you'll find several sections of facts about Kenya, including samples of the language with pronunciations, a map, and Mama Panya's pancake recipe. If there is too much text for your audience, simply tell the story while showing the illustrations. Your audience will learn so much about Kenya and perhaps be inspired to be more generous and hospitable.

Original Publisher & Date: Barefoot Books, 2006

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Any scripture about hospitality and table fellowship; Elijah and the Widow (1 Kings 17: 8-16); do not worry (Matthew 6:25-34); loaves and fishes increased (Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6: 1-14); the Widow's Mite (Mark 12:41-44, Luke 21:1-4)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of elementary children and connect with one of the scriptures listed above about the amazing abundance found in being generous and hospitable. 

PBT Series Grab & Go #11 - 14 Cows for America

The anniversary of the tragedy of 9/11/2001 is nearing so I thought I’d offer a repost of an inspirational story resulting from that event.  Today my feature is a part of the PBT Grab & Go Series featuring books that would be easy lessons for faith families. 14 Cows for America quickly inspires thinking and conversation about compassion, generosity, and international relationships. This picture book was offered in a Dynamic Duo during PBT's first year. I paired it with another story in which Africans responded generously to American suffering. Check out that post [here].

Picture Book: 14 Cows for America

Author: Carmen Agra Deedy

Illustrator: Thomas Gonzalez

Collaborator: Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah

Summary: Months after the World Trade Towers were destroyed, a Kenyan student, who was in New York City on that day, returned to his beloved Maasai tribe and shared the story. Greatly affected by the terrible events, Kimeli asked the elders to ceremoniously bless the giving of his only cow, a valuable gift. For the Maasai, the cow is life. This ritual is seen as a way of taking on some of America’s pain. Moved by the story, the elders agreed. When an American diplomat came to the blessing ceremony, his country was given not 1 but 14 cows. This true story of international compassion and generosity has been shared around the globe and continues to inspire. 

Hanna’s Comments: Although this story is about Kenyan Maasai and the USA, it is a story that can bless those in any community in which international connections are valued and compassion ignores borders. Be sure to read Kimeli’s Afterward. This book is the first in a PBT Dynamic Duo. Tomorrow’s PBT offering is another picture book involving an African tribe’s desire to give to a suffering New York City during The Great Depression of the 1930s.  

Original Publisher & Date: Peachtree Publishers, 2009

Age and Grade Appropriateness:  7 and up, 2nd and up

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: Find more information at www.14cowsforamerica.com, including a Teacher’s Guide and news of the flag commemorating this gift.

Scripture Connections: Giving to the poor (Proverbs 19:17, 25:21, 28:27), To the least of these (Matthew 25), the Gentile churches give to the suffering in the Jerusalem church (Romans 15: 22-29, 1 Corinthians 16:1-4, 2 Corinthians 8: 1-15)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book as part of a sermon or lesson about giving across international borders when a community is suffering.

Journeying with a Problem

Picture Book: What Do You Do with a Problem?

Author: Kobi Yamada

Illustrator: Mae Besom

Summary: The same little fellow we enjoyed in What Do You Do with an Idea? (earlier post here) is now struggling with a problem. 

He didn’t ask for it. He didn’t like it at all. At first he ignored it, but the problem followed him. 

He feared it would swallow him up. He worried. A lot. 

Worrying about the problem didn’t make it go away. It made the problem bigger. 

He was afraid it would take away his things? 

Hiding from the problem didn’t work. It always found him. 

He saw the problem everywhere, and thought about it all the time. Eventually he found the courage to face the problem. 

Even though he was afraid, he tackled the problem. 

Then he realized that inside that problem was a beautiful opportunity, 

an opportunity to learn and grow and be brave. 

Now he knows that “every problem has an opportunity for something good. 

You just have to look for it.”

Hanna’s Comments: What I especially enjoy about these 2 books by Yamada & Besom are their illustrations. They are so emotionally powerful that we relate in a way that stirs up vivid memories of how we mishandled ideas and problems in the past. This book gets to the heart of fear. Notice how the community of animals is affected by the character's strategies for dealing with (or not dealing with) the problem. Talk about this and how indecision affects others we love. Teaching about the power of prayer when we are confused or afraid is a privilege. You are offering a skill, a strategy, a practice that can last a lifetime and be transformative. Be sure to offer some personal examples of your prayerful problem solving. Don't be afraid to talk about discernment. Children get that listening to God throughout their day is best and comforting.

Original Publisher & Date: Compendium, 2016

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Do not be anxious about your life… (Matthew 6:25-34); all things work together for good (Romans 8:28); don’t be anxious about anything but in everything let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children, teens, or adults in a lesson on problem solving through prayer or the heavy burden of worry and denial.

PBT Redux #5 Maddi’s Fridge

It’s time for another re-posting of one of my favorite PBT books published in the last decade or so. I chose this one because it delicately handles the issues of hunger and poverty. Many children during the holiday season are confronted with these issues when they observe faith families giving food and gifts. This book gives you the opportunity to talk about their confusion and consider some meaningful acts of service and generosity during the holiday season.

Picture Book: Maddi’s Fridge

Author: Louise Brandt

Illustrator: Vin Vogel 

Summary: Best friends Sophia and Maddi spend each day together, playing outside, attending school, and hanging out at each other’s home. When Sophia accidentally discovers Maddi’s nearly empty fridge and realizes her friend has no access to milk at home, Sophia becomes very worried. Maddi asks her to keep their situation a secret so Sophia struggles for days, worried about her friend but compelled to keep the secret. Often it is when Sophia is eating at her home, where a bounty of nutritious food is prepared, that she asks her mother questions about food. The burden of her promise to keep Maddi’s secret becomes heavier with each meal. Finally, she tells her mother, and they respond by bringing food to Maddi’s home and talking with Maddi’s mother about how they can help. Sophia is relieved, and their relationship is not damaged. Meanwhile, there is an interesting play ritual between the girls that involves competition, strengths, and weaknesses.

Hanna’s Comments: It’s rare to see a book that is so outwardly inviting be about such a profound and stark subject as hunger. Fortunately, the issue of hunger and the broader issue of poverty are handled in a way that is wonderfully appropriate for children, presenting some of the confusion that many children must feel when confronted with this issue. After the story, there is a call to action section which lists six ways children can respond to hunger as well as information on anti-hunger groups.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Flashlight Press, 2014

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press

Scripture Connections: If your kin become poor and cannot maintain, you shall support them (Leviticus 25:35); 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); parable of the great feast (Luke 14: 15-24)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children when studying the complex issue of hunger or poverty. Be sure to help them understand how your faith community responds to hunger and the broader issue of poverty.

A Lesson in Intercessory Prayer

Picture Book: How Do I Pray for Grandpa?

Author: Laura Alary

Illustrator: William Kimber

Summary:  Young Miriam learns that her grandpa has been rushed to the hospital. She prays fervently, but the next day she is confused because Grandpa is still sick. Her brother explains, “God is not like a bubble gum machine.” 

As she begins exploring the question of how to pray for Grandpa, Miriam experiences various methods of prayer. Her sister suggests they blow bubbles and fill them with good thoughts for Grandpa so that the wind (God’s breath) carries “our thoughts where they need to go.” 

Before bed she pictures her nightlight as God who fills the scary places with light for Grandpa. 

While watering flowers, she imagines God as water that Grandpa can “soak up into every part of him and grow strong again.” 

After snuggling with her mom, she imagines her grandpa in God’s arms “surrounded and held by love.” 

When her grandpa is better, Miriam asks her mom if her “prayers made Grandpa better.” Her mother reminds her that many people were praying for Grandpa and helps Miriam see that her prayers were for more than just healing. They were for him to not feel scared or alone. Her mother reassures Miriam that her prayers “made a difference to Grandpa and to all of us.” The book ends with Miriam experiencing God all around her and offering a simple, breath prayer of thanks.

Hanna’s Comments: This thoughtful and sensitive book about how to help children understand intercessory prayer offers fertile ground for rich conversation about God’s nature and prayer in particular. Laura Alary was the first author to do a PBT guest post. You’ll find the fabulous post here. Laura talked particularly about her journey toward writing picture books and what aspects of her faith inspired each book. Since that post Laura has written with Ann Boyajian Make Room: A Child’s Guide to Lent and Easter. Laura is a Canadian author so I’ve not been able to find her books in my library system. However, they are available on the internet. You might need to purchase a used one, but your children won’t mind and you will be pleased with the thoughtfulness of her stories and the ideas she explores.

Original Publisher & Date: Woodlake Publishing, 2014

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: …let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6); …if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. (1 John 5:14)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to children in your faith family or family of origin when teaching about intercessory prayer.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 342

Picture Book: The Whispering Town

Author: Jennifer Elvgren 

Illustrator: Fabio Santomauro

Summary: In their basement, Anett and her parents are hiding two Jews from the Nazis in 1943 Denmark. When Anett brings their breakfast down, she relies on their whispers in the dark to guide and comfort her. As she desires items for them from the town’s merchants, she whispers, “We have new friends. Then the merchants give a few items. Each time Anett ventures outside, she sees Nazi soldiers looking for hidden Jews. The Nazis threaten to arrest anyone who is hiding Jews. Because the Nazi presence is increasing, the Jews must leave at night with no local escort to the harbor where a boat will be waiting for their escape. How will they find their way? Anett remembers how the whispers guide her to the basement and suggests that the townspeople, along the desired route, stand at their doorways and use whispered voices to guide the Jews to the harbor. This plan works. “This way,” is repeatedly whispered and guides the Jews as they walk to the harbor.

Hanna’s Comments: The Author’s Note in the back of the book gives the historical context of this story and explains that it is based on true events in the small fishing village of Gilleleje, Denmark. I have considered featuring a book on Anne Frank this month because it is the 70^th anniversary of her death. However, I couldn’t find a picture book that balanced her heartbreaking story with her own statements of hope and faith in people. I encourage you to continue to look for that kind of book in your local library or simply tell Anne Frank’s story as a supplement and contrast to the book featured here. Anne Frank hid in an upper set of rooms in Amsterdam, Holland. Tweens and teens easily identify with Anne Frank’s story. There are reference books about her that will help you tell her story and show pictures. Also, there are many videos including the only known video of Anne Frank. She is looking out a window. Find it on Youtube.com. It is quite moving. Miep Gies, one of the protectors of Anne Frank and her family, has been interviewed many times. You'll find her story on Youtube as well. It is one of courage, humility, and sacrifice.   

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Kar-Ben Publishing, 2014

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Audio CD 

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press, Non-fiction

PBT Topics this Book connects with: abuse/abuse of power, action, adaptation/assimilation, aliens/immigrants/refugees/strangers, anxiety/worry, body/body of Christ, bravery/courage, bullying/martyrs/persecution/oppression, caring/tending, challenges, commitment, communication, community, cooperation, cruelty, danger, darkness/evening/night, dependence, difficulties, encouragement, enemies, ethics, Europe, evil, exile/separation/walls, fear, goodness, helping, hiding/isolation, homelessness, hospitality, listening, neighbors, partners/teamwork, presence, prisons/prisoners, problems/problem solving, protecting/protection, rebellion, resisting evil, risking, safe place/sanctuary, secrets, sharing, unity   

Scripture Connections: I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more (Psalm 71:14); abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good (Romans 12:9); welcome one another… for the glory of God (Romans 15:7); if one member suffers, all suffer together (1 Corinthians 12:26a); now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book and consider telling the story of Anne Frank to older elementary or youth who are learning about concepts of faith, hope, and reliance on others in difficult times. This book also easily connects with spiritual concepts such as discernment, particularly discernment through the guidance of others, and the power of community.   

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 341

Picture Book: Nana in the City

Author & Illustrator: Lauren Castillo

Summary: A young grandson goes to stay with his Nana in the city. He loves his Nana, but not her city. It is too loud, busy, and therefore scary. He is worried that Nana should not be living in such a place, but Nana loves the city. She says it is the perfect place for her to live because it is so extraordinary. During the night when he can’t sleep because of the city noises, Nana promises to show him the wonders of her city. Nana doesn’t go to bed. She knits instead. When her grandson wakes, she has made a red cape for him to wear as they explore the city. Once she places the cape on him, he feels brave. As they tour the city, it is still loud and busy, but it is not filled with scary things after all. It is filled with extraordinary things! A few days later as he prepares to leave, he drapes the cape onto his Nana and says, “This will keep you brave,” knowing that even though the city is loud and busy, it is the perfect place for Nana.

Hanna’s Comments: Besides the sweet story this book offers your audience, it also offers you the opportunity to talk about what children must be equipped with to face the world and what your faith community offers your children to insulate them from the damage stresses and fears can do. This book could be read to children and followed with a discussion about what the cape symbolizes in the story. Then have them share what they do to dispel their fears. Be sure to mention memorizing and reciting scripture, prayer, being in community, and religious beliefs that bring comfort in fearful times such as a belief in God’s constant presence. You could also use this book in a parenting class and have a similar discussion. What should parents do to equip their children for fearful or stressful times? How does being a person of faith influence these strategies? A key aspect of this for parents will be modeling faithful courage. Discuss how parents might do this? Talk about how resilience can be grounded in community, faith, and hope.  

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Clarion Books, 2014

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Audio

PBT Category: Award Winner, Fresh off the Press 

PBT Topics this Book connects with: abundance/bounty, adaptation/assimilation, anxiety/worry, armor, babies/children, Bible/scripture, bravery/courage, comfort, community, companionship, confidence, danger, differences, encouragement, exploration, family, faith, fear, God’s presence, grandparents, hope, insecurity, noise/sounds/voice, nurturing, prayer, reassurance, risking, safety, security, strength in God

Scripture Connections: Even though I walk through dark valleys, I fear no evil for You are with me (Psalm 23:4); God comforts us in our affliction so that we may comfort those in any affliction (2^nd Corinthians 1:4); put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18); I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this to a group of children or parents. Then follow with a discussion as described above in my comments. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 338

Picture Book: Owl Babies

Author: Martin Waddell

Illustrator: Patrick Benson

Summary: Three baby owls wake up one night and are surprised that Mama Owl is gone. As the night continues and their fears grow, they huddle together to wait, and a pattern emerges in their thoughts and words because, “Owls think a lot”. Sarah, the largest and always the first to speak tries to be reassuring. Percy, the older brother, agrees with his sister. But baby owl Bill simply says, “I want my mommy!” Finally, when Mommy comes back, she reminds the three that she always returns. Sarah and Percy say they knew she was coming back. Bill ends the book with, “I love my Mommy.”  

Hanna’s Comments: I like this simple tale because it comically offers a very real problem for young children and considers their fears of abandonment tenderly and deliberately. At first the two older owls engage in encouragement, hope, and positive self-talk which are smart emotional approaches when afraid. Each of these represent faith in their Mommy. Then they huddle together which helps too, especially when you are imagining terrible possibilities. When their fears are expressed, their fears grow. Lastly, they close their eyes and wish their mother present. This is a sort of prayer. When Mama Owl arrives, there is much flapping and dancing in relief, a celebration. She offers reassurance. Sarah and Percy become a little self-defensive about their doubts. However, little Bill offers authentic and loving affirmation. Be sure to allow your audience to talk about how they respond to fear and what strategies are most reassuring for them. Tie in concepts of faith and prayer when you can. 

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Candlewick Press, 1992

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Audio Cassette, Video

PBT Category: Pre 2K 

PBT Topics this Book connects with:  affirmation, anxiety/worry, authenticity, babies/children, belonging, bonds/connections, bravery/courage, commitment, companionship, darkness/evening/night, dependence/interdependence, doubt, emotions/feelings, encouragement, family, fear, hope, love, mothers, parents/parental love, perspective, prayer, presence, reassurance, security, unity, waiting  

Scripture Connections: Be strong and courageous; do not be terrified (Joshua 1:9); oh most high, when I am afraid, I put my trust in you… (Psalm 56:2b-4); the Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. (Hebrews 13:6)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this picture book to a group of young children in a lesson on fear and how to rely on God through faithful, positive self-talk and prayer.   

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 330

Picture Book: It Takes a Village

Author & Illustrator: Jane Cowen-Fletcher

Summary: It is market day in Yemi’s African village. Yemi’s mother, who will be busy selling mangos, has asked Yemi to look after Kokou, her little brother. Feeling very grown up, Yemi proclaims that she will look after Kokou “all by herself.” Her mother knows better as do the women of the market when this situation is explained to them. Kokou wanders off the first chance he gets. As she frantically searches for him, Yemi imagines the specific difficulties Kokou is having, but each time the reader sees that he is actually being tended to by various villagers at the market and having a great time. Finally Yemi yells out that Kokou is lost. Nearby a stranger asks, “Is this your Kokou?” Yemi thanks him, and he explains that others took care of Kokou while pointing to where Kokou came from. Yemi and Kokou retrace his steps and thank all the new friends in their village who helped Yemi take care of Kokou. Hurrying back to their mother, Yemi is anxious, for they have been gone a long time, but their mother hasn’t worried. She explains, “You weren’t alone today, Yemi. We don’t raise our children by ourselves. It takes a village to raise a child.”

Hanna’s Comments: The words of Yemi’s mother are a well-known African proverb that has seemed very true to me since long before I had my children. I think I agree with it so whole-heartedly because I had the privilege of growing up in a large extended family and a small church that was like family. Other important individuals in children’s lives make up their village: teachers, coaches, school counselors, neighbors, etc. Encourage this kind of investment in all the children in your faith community so that parents of young children can feel a little less daunted by the crucial and taxing task of raising children. Once grown, the children will look back on the many nurturing relationships they were blessed to have and just might be the adults your community needs to lead the next generation.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Scholastic, 1994

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: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book connects with: abundance/bounty, affection, Africa, anxiety/worry, babies/children, belonging, body/body of Christ, caring/tending, community, dependence/interdependence, found, goodness, gratitude/thanksgiving, growing up/growth, helping, lost, love, mentors/teachers, mothers, neighbors, nurturing, parents/parental love, protecting/protection, relationships, safety, wisdom 

Scripture Connections: Bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2); let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book at a parenting class in your religious community or when training a team of those who will care for children while parents are away.