Maundy Thursday Table Hospitality

 

In honor of today’s liturgical holiday, Maundy Thursday, I give you wise words from theologian & church historian Diana Butler Bass about Jesus' inclination to offer table hospitality.

Also, I post again a picture book that expresses extravagant hospitality (for a party). It’s the latest PBT Grab & Go book (Xander’s Panda Party)! These  you can literally grab & go, trusting there are many theological connections.

At the end of this post, I give a shortcut for finding more books about table hospitality at PBT! 

Here is a key paragraph from Butler Bass’ post, but if you want to read her entire post, click here.

Jesus loved meals. They (those with him at his last supper) knew that. They’d had so many together. Go back through the gospels and see how many of the stories take place at tables, distributing food, or inviting people to supper. Indeed, some have suggested that Jesus primary work was organizing suppers as a way to embody the coming kingdom of God. Throughout his ministry, Jesus welcomed everyone — to the point of contention with his critics — to the table. Tax collectors, sinners, women, Gentiles, the poor, faithful Jews, and ones less so. Jesus was sloppy with supper invitations. He never thought about who would be seated next to whom. He made the disciples crazy with his lax ideas about dinner parties. All he wanted was for everybody to come, to be at the table, and share food and conversation. 

PBT Grab & Go #20

Picture Book: Xander’s Panda Party

Author: Linda Sue Park

Illustrator: Matt Phelan

Summary: In very clever verse, Park captures the frustrations of planning a party. Xander wants to have a party. He carefully creates his invitation, menu, and guest list. As he invites various species of animals at the zoo, he realizes important species are being left out. For instance, Xander begins by inviting other bears. The koala "bear" protests, complaining that being a marsupial, not a bear, means she's not invited. So Xander expands his guest list to include all mammals. At other times, animals who are invited complain, that their cross-species friends can't come. Rhinoceros says, 
"It may sound a bit absurd, 
but I won't come without my bird." 
Similar guest list conundrums arise, but Xander's hospitable nature has him expanding the species of animals he will invite. Eventually, all creatures are invited to Xander's party, even the humans at the zoo.

Hanna’s Comments: Animal taxonomy (how species are organized) is explored throughout this delightful story so your children might learn a little science while hearing about being more inclusive and hospitable. The author also offers a note at the end with some history about animal taxonomies. For these reasons, this book would be a wonderful part of an elementary science lesson on animal classification. Homeschools or private schools could connect this story to The Parable of the Banquet Guests or the spiritual practice of hospitality. It would be an excellent read-aloud in a worship service, especially when hospitality is the theme. Point out how Panda is also using his empathy skills, an important part of loving neighbors as directed in the scriptures. 

Publisher & Date of Publication: Clarion Books, 2013 

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

Available in Spanish? Not at present 

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Treat the stranger as a native (Leviticus 19:34); Love your neighbor (Mark 12:31); Parable of the Banquet Guests (Luke 14:15-24); show hospitality to one another without grumbling (1 Peter 4:9)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book in a lesson or as part of a sermon on the importance of inclusion, avoiding exclusive practices, and practicing hospitality.

From The Doorbell Rang by Hutchins

For more picture books about table hospitality, go to the search box and type in  "table hospitality."

                        From Bear Says Thanks by Wilson & Chapman

Redux Series #10 - Xander's Panda Party

Picture Book: Xander’s Panda Party 

Author: Linda Sue Park 
Illustrator: Matt Phelan 
Summary: In very clever verse, Park captures the frustrations of planning a party. Xander carefully creates his party invitation, menu, and guest list. As he invites various species of animals at the zoo, he realizes important species are being left out. For instance, Xander begins by inviting other bears. The koala "bear" protests, complaining that being a marsupial, not a bear, means she's not invited. So Xander expands his guest list to include all mammals. At other times, animals who are invited complain, that their cross-species friends can't come. Rhionceros says:

"It may sound 

a bit absurd, 

but I won't come 

without my bird." 

Similar guest list conundrums arise, but Xander's hospitable nature has him expanding the categories of species he will invite. Eventually, all creatures are invited to Xander's party, even the humans at the zoo. 
Hanna’s Comments: Animal taxonomy (how species are organized) is explored throughout this delightful story so your children might learn a little science while hearing about being more inclusive and hospitable. The author also offers a note at the end with some history about animal taxonomies. For these reasons, this book would be a wonderful part of an elementary science lesson on animal classification. Homeschools or private schools could connect this story to The Parable of the Banquet Guests or the spiritual practice of hospitality. It would be an excellent read-aloud in a worship service, especially when hospitality is the theme. Point out how Panda is also using his empathy skills, an important part of loving neighbors as directed in the scriptures. 

Original Publisher & Date: Clarion Books, 2013 

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet
Scripture Connections: Treat the stranger as a native (Leviticus 19:34); Love your neighbor (Mark 12:31); Parable of the Banquet Guests (Luke 14:15-24); show hospitality to one another without grumbling (1 Peter 4:9)
Idea(s) for Application: Read this book in a lesson or as part of a sermon on the importance of inclusion, avoiding exclusive practices, and practicing hospitality.

Two Picture Books of Abraham and Sarah: Stories Crucial to Our Faith Heritage

Picture Book: Abraham’s Search for God

Author: Jacqueline Jules

Illustrator: Natascia Ugliano

Summary: Beautifully presented, this is the story of Abram's (later Abraham’s) certainty that there is something greater than the many idols of clay and stone in his culture. Even as a boy, he questions the assumptions and ways of his elders. A lover of the outdoors, Abram spends one evening absorbed by the beauty of the moon, but when the sun replaces it in the skies, he believes the sun to be the ruler of all. Clouds, thunder, a rainbow, and the sun again come and replace the object of Abram’s worship. After each change, Abram believes dominance is being demonstrated. Eventually he realizes that there is something greater and more beautiful than all of these, a great power that is the force behind these changes. That great power is the one true God whose evidence is everywhere. From then on Abram worships the one true God.

Hanna’s Comments: The last line of this book summarizes why this story is so important to all in the Abrahamic tradition: “Today, we remember Abraham as the father of three great religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.” Explain further this last line to children who are unaware of the connections between these 3 great religions. If age appropriate, spend some time talking about the conflicts these traditions still have with each other and consider how God might view these struggles. Abraham’s story continues in the other book featured below. Additionally, this author/illustrator duo has at least 2 more books in this series: Benjamin and the Silver Goblet and Miriam in the Desert. 

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Kar-Ben, 2007

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: God Book, Biography 

Scripture Connections: Genesis 12

Idea(s) for Application: Read this story to children and explore the importance of Abraham to your faith heritage. Emphasize the worship of the one true God in contrast to the worship of idols of Abraham’s time and today’s idols.  

Picture Book: Sarah Laughs

Author: Jacqueline Jules

Illustrator: Natascia Ugliano

Summary: Beautiful Sarah’s laugh is said to make “the whole world clap hands with joy.” She marries Abraham, who did not pray to idols like others, instead, he prays to the invisible God. When Abraham tells Sarah he hears a voice saying they should move to a new place, she agrees. In Canaan, Abraham tells Sarah that God promised the land to their children. In a dream, God visits Abraham and tells him to count the stars for there will be that many children of their children. When he tells Sarah this, she dances but does not laugh for they have no children and she is old. As their prosperity increases so does Sarah’s sadness. Sarah encourages Abraham to take her servant Hagar as his wife. Hagar has a child, but Sarah is still not happy. When three strangers come, Sarah prepares a fine meal. When they tell of Sarah’s child to come within the year, Sarah declares that she and Abraham are too old. The baby does come despite Sarah’s age. She names him Isaac, meaning laughter and declares, “God has brought me laughter.”

Hanna’s Comments: Abraham’s continuing story is offered beautifully here through the perspective of Sarah. Too often the few stories of women in the Bible are not explored with children. Such perspectives are invaluable to young girls and to young boys. This author and illustrator offer 2 glorious books that easily allow you and your children the privilege of learning about these important spiritual ancestors. Be sure to connect their stories to modern questions and hopes while explaining their crucial importance in your faith heritage.   

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Kar-Ben, 2008

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

# of Pages: 32 

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: God Book, Biography 

Scripture Connections: Genesis 18 and 21

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children who are studying the patriarchs and matriarchs of the Hebrew Scriptures. Make connections to today’s faith struggles, personal and global.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 348

Picture Book: Albert

Author: Donna Jo Napoli

Illustrator: Jim LaMarche

Summary: Albert lives in a city apartment building. Each morning, he reaches out through the grill work of his window to feel the weather. Then he decides whether to venture out. More likely, he finds reasons to stay home. One morning, as Albert’s arm is beyond the grill, a cardinal places a twig in his hand. More twigs are added by the bird’s partner, and soon one of the birds is snuggled into a nest on Albert’s hand! There she lays 4 small eggs. Albert doesn’t want to bring in his hand. The result would be a tilt to the nest, and it would fall, eggs and all. Albert talks to the birds, but they are busy and ignore him. Days go by! Albert manages to sleep while standing, and eventually the birds begin feeding him berries. From his “perch” at the window, Albert discovers the city is not so threatening. Stories emerge as people pass by. He especially enjoys the day when he sees the cracks in the eggs and the baby birds emerge. He affirms their work in being born and welcomes them. Albert watches as the adult birds teach their fledglings new skills including flight. Ironically, one baby is reluctant, and must be encouraged by Albert to leave the nest. Once the nest is empty of eggs, Albert brings in his arm though the nest falls. Then Albert decides it is a perfect day to go for a walk.

Hanna’s Comments: While reading this book, I was struck by Albert’s gentle spirit. This would be a story to help the children in your faith community decipher the words “meek” and “humble.” If you were to read this story to a group of adults, you could guide them in a conversation about how our trials often teach us exactly what we need to learn. Any age group could talk about the contrast between being a watcher of the world’s stories and a participant who goes out to make the story their own, ready to face fear and failure. You’ll also find most of the fruits of the Spirit in this book. 

Update: While recently studying Celtic Spirituality, a passion of mine for decades, I learned of a Celtic myth similar to this book’s story. Perhaps the author knows it. Saint Kevin of Glendalough, Ireland is said to have supported a blackbird’s nest with his hand when a nest was begun while he extended his arms as on a cross.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Harcourt, 2011 

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present 

Formats other than Book: None at present 

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book connects with: acceptance, adaptation/assimilation, affection, animals, anxiety/worry, attentiveness/observation/seeing, awe, babies/children, bonds/connections, caring/tending, care of creation, challenges, chosen, commitment, dependence/interdependence, difficulties, eggs/seeds, encouragement, fear, freedom, fruit of the Spirit, gentleness/meekness, God’s nature, goodness, grace, heroes, hiding/isolation, home, hospitality, humility, life, loneliness, nurturing, openness, patience, perseverance, sacrifice, steadfastness, transformation, treasure, waiting, witness, wonder   

Scripture Connections: Even the sparrow finds a home… (Psalm 84:3); blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the Earth (Matthew 5:5); …look at the birds in the air, they neither sow nor reap… (Matthew 6:25-34); rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer (Romans 12:12); the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23); put on then…compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience… (Colossians 3:12)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children or adults and consider having participants hold out their arms, feel the pain in their arms, imagine holding an animal, and talk about God’s high value for all creatures and endurance. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 245

Dynamic Duo: Book 2

Picture Book: Say Hello

Authors & Illustrators: Jack Foreman & Michael Foreman

Summary: This story in verse begins with a dog who is apparently feeling lonely. Then he spies a group of children playing and easily joins the fun. Meanwhile, a shy child off to the side asks, “Why am I the only one? (the only one who is left out).” The other children don’t seem to notice him. The dog does though and offers him a ball with an unspoken message to, ”Come join the fun. No need to be the lonely one.” All the other children then notice. Together they shout one simple word, “Hello!” and welcome him to play.

Hanna’s Comments: This simple, but poignant picture book offers a direct challenge to readers, particularly children. When you are caught up in your fun activities, take time to notice who is feeling left out. Then be more welcoming to them. I know some adults who would benefit from this reminder. There are times, you could argue, when the behavior of shy people, like the child in the story, encourages being excluded. You could argue that it’s their own fault. However, I believe the children of God are called to pay attention and be especially welcoming to the outsiders, the on-lookers, the shy ones, the least. Help the children in your faith community be more sensitive and welcoming to those who might be shy or feel left out. Overtly teach them skills such as how to carry a conversation by asking questions and searching for common interests. Talk about the difference between being encouraging and pushy. Remind them to respect those who don’t want to participate. Like yesterday’s PBT Dynamic Duo entry book with the same title, this book includes the word “hello” in various languages. You’ll find these on the back end pages, not in the narrative.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Candlewick, 2008

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, aliens/immigrants/refugees/strangers, animals, attentiveness/observation/seeing, belonging, chosen, communication, community, exclusion/inclusion, golden rule, hiding/isolation, hospitality, insecurity, loneliness, outsiders, participation, perspective, relationships, risking, shyness, waiting

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

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book in a lesson for children on hospitality. See details in my comments above. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 223

Picture Book: Nelson Mandela
Author & Illustrator: Kadir Nelson
Summary: From his beginnings as a young son of an African chief through his leadership in the anti-Apartheid movement and 27 years of imprisonment, to his inauguration as the first African president of South Africa, most of Nelson Mandela’s life is beautifully captured here. President Mandela died in December of 2013 so this book was published early in the year of his death.
Hanna’s Comments: There is another picture book biography of Mandela that I recommend except that its text is quite long. Mandela: From the Life of the South African Statesman by Floyd Cooper, published in 1996 by Philomel. If you are doing an in-depth study of Mandela over several days, I recommend using both of these books and perhaps comparing and contrasting them. Neither book covers Mandela’s last few years and the world’s response to his death, particularly his retirement years spent as a world leader and symbol of reconciliation. You may want to supplement your lesson with internet material to give appropriate closure to the life of this global icon and inspirational hero of faith-based social justice and reconciliation. 
Original Publisher & Date: Katherine Tegen Books, 2013
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up
# of Pages: 40
Available in Spanish? Yes
Formats other than Book: Tablet, video, audio download
PBT Category: Fresh off the Press, Biography
PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abuse/abuse of power, action, Africa, ancestors/patriarchs & matriarchs, anger, aspirations/dreams, bravery/courage, brokenness, bullying/martyrs/persecution/oppression, call/calling/vocation, challenges, change, chosen, civil rights, commitment, conflict, consequences/punishment, cruelty, discord, disputes/fighting/opposition, equality/inequality, ethics, evil, exile/separation/walls, forgiveness/mercy/redemption, freedom, golden rule, hatred, heroes, hope, injustice, intolerance, justice, leadership/servant leadership, mission, non-violence/peaceful resistance, passion, patience, perseverance, prejudice, prisons/prisoners, purpose, race relations/racism, rebellion, segregation, social justice, steadfastness, transformation, victims, vision, waiting, wisdom
Scripture Connections: Stories of Moses leading his people out of slavery in Exodus
Idea(s) for Application: If you are a homeschool/private school teacher, consider doing a study on the life of Nelson Mandela, while comparing and contrasting his life and work to Moses, and talking about how faith grounded each figure.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 203

Picture Book: Corduroy

Author & Illustrator: Don Freeman

Summary: Corduroy is a teddy bear who is waiting in a large department store’s toy area, hoping for a child to claim him and take him home. A little girl does want him, but her mother comments on the missing button for his overalls and says no. Corduroy overhears this conversation so during closing hours he goes looking for a button. He manages to get on the elevator. Then he goes to the furniture department. While trying to pull the button off a mattress, he knocks over some furniture and is heard by the night watchman who finds Corduroy and takes him back to his place on the toy shelf. The next day, the little girl arrives with her own money to buy her beloved bear. She takes him home and sews a button on his overalls.   

Hanna’s Comments: This picture book classic is loved by many, but what can it offer a faith community? How about an illustration of unconditional love, grace, and compassion? There is also the concept of adoption that is an aspect of the Christian scriptures. Consider reading this warm and fuzzy (ha!) classic to the children in your faith community or classroom and exploring God's amazing love for us all, no matter whether we have all our buttons or not!

Publisher & Date of Publication: Viking Press, 1968

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Video, Audio CD

PBT Category: Classic, Award Winner

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, adoption, affection, affirmation, anxiety/worry, belonging, brokenness, caring/tending, chosen, disappointment, found, gentleness/meekness, God’s nature, grace, home, journeys/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, love, money, new home/location, nurturing, orphans, possessions, wisdom

Scripture Connections: Love bears (I couldn’t resist - sorry!) all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. (1 Corinthians 13:7-8a)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this to a group of young children who are exploring the idea of unconditional love and compare the little girl's love to God’s loving nature. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 178

Picture Book: The Stray Dog

Author & Illustrator: Marc Simont from a true story by Reiko Sassa

Summary: On a family picnic, 2 children discover a stray dog and play with him. They name him Willy. When it is time to go, the children want to take him home, but the parents fear Willy belongs to someone nearby. All week each family member misses Willy. On Saturday they return to the park hoping to meet Willy again. Willy does come, but he runs quickly past their picnic table because he is being chased by a dog catcher. Willy is caught. When the dog catcher declares that Willy has no collar or leash, the children take off their belts and declare that his name is Willy. They take Willy home, clean him up, and introduce him to their neighborhood’s dogs. Willy easily settles into his new home.

Hanna’s Comments: Books about adoption, both pet adoptions and adoptions of children, relate easily to the heart of the Abrahamic faiths in which caring for orphans is not only a mandate but an extension of the hospitable love we see affirmed in our scriptures. This book speaks specifically to our human desire to help and even rescue those who are in dire circumstances. This is the best human beings can give one another, and this book offers a fun way to talk about such an important subject.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Harper Collins, 2001

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: Audio CD, There is an amateur video on Youtube.com.

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, adoption, affection, animals, choices/decisions, chosen, emotions/feelings, exclusion/inclusion, family, found, gladness/happiness, grace, guilt, homelessness, hospitality, image of God, kingdom of God/reign of God, mistakes, orphans, pets, play, pleasing God/the Shema, prevenient grace, regret/repentance,  rescue, safe place/sanctuary

Scripture Connections: Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression (Isaiah 1:17); whoever welcomes a little child welcomes me (Matthew 18:5); adoption through Jesus (Galatians 4:5 & Ephesians 1:5)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to children when talking about Jesus’ inclinations to include or heal those who were powerless, weak or outsiders such as children, women, the sick or handicapped, and Gentiles.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 173

Picture Book: Swim! Swim!

Author: Lerch (with help from James Proimos)

Illustrator: James Proimos

Summary: Lurch, an outgoing but lonely goldfish, is looking for a friend in his fishbowl. He tries to start a conversation with pebbles, the lonely looking aqua man, and some bubbles, but they either ignore him or seem to speak another language, “blub” blub,” in the case of the bubbles. Then Lurch sees a cat spying him through the glass while licking his lips. The cat calls Lurch “Lunch” instead, picks him up out of the fish bowl (you’re certain Lurch is about to be eaten), plops him in another bowl, and introduces him to Dinner. The other goldfish quickly responds, “My name is Dinah!” Friendship and true love are found in that 2nd fishbowl and all ends well.

Hanna’s Comments: This comical tale will delight children. It is one of many children’s books I have offered on this blog about the skills of making friends and the practice of hospitality. There’s also a great deal of misunderstanding going on in these fishbowls. Misunderstanding is a problem for all humans and can lead to all sorts of problems including prejudice and dysfunctional relationships. Use this book to talk with children about the importance in your faith community of really listening to one another, not judging too early, and the concept of empathy.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Scholastic, 2010

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

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

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: change, chosen, communication, companionship, danger, difficulties, disappointment, friends/friendship, God’s care/providence, God’s nature, God’s presence, God’s will, hope, loneliness, patience, perseverance, prayer, searching, surprise, vision, waiting

Scripture Connections: The whole law is fulfilled by, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:14); do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers (Hebrews 13:2)

Idea(s) for Application: We welcome a number of homeless people into our church each Sunday morning. This would be a good book to use in a lighthearted way to help children in churches like mine not judge or be afraid of these strangers who are sometimes unkempt or behaving strangely.

A Picture a Day for a Year: Day 159

Picture Book: Amazing Grace

Author: Mary Hoffman

Illustrator: Caroline Binch

Summary: Grace is an imaginative girl who loves drama, stories, and pretending. When she gets her heart set on the role of Peter Pan in a musical at school, she is told by one classmate that she can’t be Peter Pan because she is a girl. Another classmate says she can’t be Peter Pan because she is black. Grace becomes determined especially when her Nana and mother lovingly remind her that she can do anything. Nana then takes her to see a professional prima ballerina from Trinidad, their home country. Grace is inspired to reach for her dreams despite what her classmates say. Grace blows away the competition in the audition and proudly becomes Peter Pan.

Hanna’s Comments: This wonderful book was read to me and a group of women in my church many years ago. We were delighted that its protagonist defied the prejudices in her classroom. We were also delighted that such high quality children’s literature was being published. The title of this book is the title of a popular Christian hymn, but this is not a Christian story. However, it is a story rich with possibilities for conversation in a religious context. You have the topics of defying social barriers (think the Canaanite woman begging Jesus to heal her daughter), embracing creative expression (think Tabitha/Dorcas or Priscilla), and confident determination and pride in your ethnic group (think Esther). 

Publisher & Date of Publication: Dial, 1991

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Yes and a Spanish video version is in the collection below, other translations are available such as the one pictured above which is in Arabic and English

Formats other than Book: Audio CD & cassette, In the video collection: Shrinking Violet & More Stories for Young Performers

PBT Category: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, affirmation, art, aspiration/dreams, chosen, competition, confidence, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, encouragement, exclusion/inclusion, freedom, grace, grandparents, individuality/uniqueness, judgment/judges/judging, justice, mothers, parents/parental love, participation, passion, play, prejudice, race relations/racism, social justice

Scripture Connections: Esther approaches the King (Esther 5); the Canaanite woman who begs Jesus to heal her daughter (Matthew 15:21-28); Tabitha/Dorcas’ good works & acts of charity (Acts 9:36); Priscilla re-teaches a man who was preaching inaccurately (Acts 18:26)

Idea(s) for Application: As mentioned above, this story is rich with possibilities for discussion with adults and children about overcoming prejudices, the importance of creative expression, and the value of celebrating your ethnic characteristics and individual talents. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 99

Note: The photograph above is the Braille version of this book.

Picture Book: The Empty Pot

Author & Illustrator: Demi

Summary: Ping is a young boy who, like many in China at the time of this traditional tale, has a passion for growing flowers. What he grows bursts into bloom. When the Emperor needs a successor, he decides to “let the flowers choose.” The Emperor orders all the young children to come to his palace to receive flower seeds. Whoever shows the Emperor “their best in a year’s time” will succeed him. Ping receives the flower seeds but has no success; nothing grows. When the year ends, Ping fearfully brings an empty pot to the Emperor. The other children bring brilliant blooms. When the Emperor asks for Ping’s explanation, Ping describes the different methods he tried for growing the seeds, and then Ping says “Nothing grew. It was the best I could do.” The Emperor smiles and proclaims that Ping will be his successor. All the seeds had been cooked, making them impossible to grow. Only Ping has been honest and courageous.

Hanna’s Comments: Like so many traditional tales, this has a clever twist and an honorable hero. Consider using this book when talking about the importance of honesty or courage. Emphasize that the beauty in this story is not only in the flowers but also in the characters of Ping and the Emperor. 

Publisher & Date of Publication: Square Fish, 1990

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Video on Youtube.com

PBT Category: Traditional

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, anxiety/worry, Asia, authenticity, babies/children, bravery/courage, challenges, choices/decisions, chosen, competition, confession, consequences/punishment, disappointment, deception/dishonesty/lies/lying, eggs/seeds, ethics, flowers/leaves/trees, gardening/planting/pruning/sowing, gifts/giftedness/talents, goodness, honesty, humility, labor/work, the Law/rules/10 commandments, legends/myths, resisting evil, respect, righteousness, risking, temptations, truth

Scripture Connections: The story of Joseph interpreting dreams for Pharaoh (Genesis 41); Be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9); For we aim at what is honorable (2 Corinthians 8:21)

Idea(s) for Application: This book would work well with a lesson on Joseph when he chooses to tell the Pharaoh dire dream interpretations. This telling took a great deal of courage and led to Joseph becoming an Egyptian leader who saves many during the terrible famine his dreams predicted.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 91

Picture Book: A House for Hermit Crab

Author & Illustrator: Eric Carle

Summary: Hermit Crab must abandon his shell for he’s grown too big for it. Feeling vulnerable, he quickly finds a nice big shell, but it looks plain. As he meets animals with the potential to improve his home, he invites them to move in. Just when his shell seems to have all the animal amenities it needs, he has grown out of it. He is particularly regretful because his guests have become like family. As a smaller crab looking for a new shell passes by, Hermit Crab invites the smaller crab to have his home, “but you must promise to be good to my friends.” Not so afraid this time, Hermit Crab finds an even bigger shell and is excited about the decorative friends he might invite to live with him.  

Hanna’s Comments: This is a story about the anxiety and vulnerability of change and how making community eases that process. I’ve done some reading on resilience in children. Hermit Crab demonstrates many resilient qualities including positive, creative, and hospitable inclinations. In addition to a wonderful story, Carle offers the months of the year as a plot device. The last page has a listing of facts about the sea creatures in the story.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Simon and Schuster, 1987

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: Audio Cassette, Amateur videos are on Youtube; one is Claymation.

PBT Category: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abundance/bounty, acceptance, adaptation/assimilation, animals, armor, art, attentiveness/observation/seeing, awe, beauty,  belonging, body of Christ, bonds/connections, chosen, collections, comfort, companionship, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, dependence/interdependence, the environment/nature, evangelism, exploration, family, found, friends/friendship, gifts/giftedness/talents, goodness, gospel/good news, growing up/growth, helping, home, hospitality, immigration, individuality/uniqueness, insecurity, integration, journeys/pilgrimages/migration/quests, kindness, kingdom of God/reign of God, openness, partners/teamwork, perseverance, possessions, presence, problems/problem solving, risking, safety, safe place/sanctuary, searching, security, sharing, survival, time/timing/over time, transformation, unity, variety, wilderness

Scripture Connections: Old Testament scriptures about God being like a rock; build your house on rock (Matthew 7:24-27); put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18); scriptures about hospitality

Idea(s) for Application: This would be a great book to read to a group of children in your religious community when they have just moved to a new classroom or building. Be sure to focus on how faith and trust in God and others in your community inform your perspective of change.