PBT God Book #12

Picture Book: What Does the Sky Say?

Author: Nancy White Carlstrom

Illustrator: Tim Ladwig

Summary: “What does the sky say on a winter day when snow is falling and a mother is calling her little girl to dinner?” Thus begins this lovely book. The question is answered, “Remember. Go in and be fed and loved, but don’t forget to look out the window.” Other questions follow, asking what the sky says in different weather and seasons. Each time a possible answer is offered that encourages the young girl to embrace the joy and learning that each day can bring. Between the lines is a subtle message that God is the provider of these varied and beautiful sky messages.

Hanna’s Comments: This is what I call a contemplative book which encourages readers (children & adults) to attend to and consider the beauty and life-giving messages of God’s creation. God is not mentioned in this text, but the possibility of God as the creator of the skies and the encourager of the young girl's contemplation is throughout. The questions, tone, and affirming answers celebrate God’s presence and our potential to discern meaning and joy from what we may experience. You’ll find Psalm 19:1-4 (The heavens are telling the glory of God…) in the back of the book.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Eerdmans Books, 2001

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: In the beginning, God created the heavens (Genesis 1:1); when I look at Your heavens, the work of Your fingers (Psalm 8:3); the heavens are telling the glory of God (Psalm 19:1-4)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book at a church family retreat while you are gathered outside. If possible, have a couple of young girls dramatically represent the ideas in the book. Then encourage your audience to offer their own meanings to each kind of sky.

Looking for a Family

Picture Book: Can I Be Your Dog?

Author & Illustrator: Troy Cummings

Summary: This clever picture book is about Arfy who is desperate for a better home on Butternut Street. He writes a variety of unsealed letters to home owners touting his positive traits and willingness to adapt. 

They are all delivered by Mitzi, a curious letter carrier. First to receive is the yellow house. 

 For this family, Arfy addresses the issue of the cat! 

But in a reply, the family explains that the cat is "allergic" to dogs. 

The Butcher Lady has had some unpleasant dog experience so she's not interested in having Arfy, even though he explains he would keep the floor clean.  

 She does give him some treats though. 

The fire station already has filled their important position of  fire dog. 

Arfy is disappointed. 

The letters and rejections continue.  Arfy is even so desperate he sends a letter to the man at the junkyard, whose reply is quite rude. 

 Arfy's last resort is to the occupants of this house.

With each rejection, Arfy gets more and more despondent 

and returns alone to his unpleasant home. 

A surprise comes his way in the form of a letter of invitation! It asks if Arfy might be willing to be a friend and partner. 

If Arfy is willing, it is suggested that they meet at the big blue mailbox. Arfy's response? 

 When they meet, its love all around! 

 Arfy delivers a last letter.

Hanna’s Comments: This is so much more than an adoption story. Here you have a story full of sincere longing, faith, hope, vulnerability, hospitality, perseverance, and resilience. And it ends with a big burst of love and belonging. Also, the word play is so smart! Your audience will love it! Don't assume this book is just for kiddos. See my application below for an important possibility for adult conversation. At the end of the book, there is a "letter" to the reader listing the benefits of pet adoption or volunteering at an animal facility.

Original Publisher & Date: Random House, 2018

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet 

Scripture Connections: Any scripture or Bible story on longing and hope such as the Israelites' wanderings in the wilderness or any scripture about God's love such as "Behold what love God has given us that we should be called the children of God." (1 John 3:1); Whoever receives one child in my name, receives me. (Matthew 18:5); Paul writes about receiving adoption from God (Galatians 4:5 & Ephesians 1:5)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of adults in your church and talk about the desperation that might be present in those visiting your church looking for a faith home and family. 

Froodle, Tiffle, and Wuppy

Picture Book: Froodle

Author & Illustrator: Antoinette Portis

Summary: This story of authenticity, silliness, and word play begins with a variety of birds singing their usual songs. 

Then Little Brown Bird decides not to peep. She suddenly lets out an usual sound. It gets everyone's attention. 

The other birds are surprised but not too displeased, except for Crow. 

Her friends remind Little Brown Bird of their usual songs.

Disheartened, Little Brown Bird peeps as she is supposed to, but it can't last. A tiffle, biffle, and a little miffle slip out. 

Then Cardinal decides to sing her special silly song - Ickle, zickle, pickle, trickle! 

Dove, who wants to be a peacemaker at first, tries out a new song too - Oobly, snoobly. 

Crow is encouraged by Cardinal to try to be silly too, but Crow rejects such a ridiculous idea and flies off. 

Little Brown Bird wants very much for Crow to enjoy the silliness and wonders. She and some friends approach Crow with caution and many demonstrations.  

 Finally...  

everything changes. 

Even other species join in with new sounds and therefore new possibilities.

Their world was never the same. 

Hanna’s Comments: This book is very fun! You can encourage your audience to emit some silly sounds themselves. There are several connections to scripture. Paul encourages us not to be conformed to the world. Both Psalm 33 and Revelation mention a new song. Isaiah speaks of doing a new thing. Whether discussing a new song, a new thing, or (for adults) True Self versus False Self (see Thomas Merton's writings), emphasize the spiritual practice of authenticity and the courage it takes to transform. Do explore together how monotony and mindless routine can become lifeless and inauthentic. Then consider when it might be a good idea to break the rules. Because of all the nonsense words in this story, you’ll want to do a thorough practice read. The message of this book is similar to the classic The Big Orange Splot. Check out that post [here].

Original Publisher & Date: Roaring Brook, 2014

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Sing to the Lord a new song (Psalm 33:3); Behold, I am doing a new thing (Isaiah 43:19); Do not be conformed to this world (Romans 12:12); One who is in Christ is a new creation (2nd Corinthians 5:17); 

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of teens. Then talk about how God calls us into authentic transformation for the sake of the world.