Beautiful Praise

Here's a book similar in theme to last week's repost of a favorite PBT God Book. This book is for audiences who are a little older. There are many other books at PBT about praise and thanksgiving. Simply type those words into the search engine or click on those particular search words at the bottom of the page. If you're on your phone, you'll need to click on the "web version." 

Picture Book: Sing Praise

Authors: Rhonda Gowler Greene

Illustrator: Janet Broxton

Summary: In this gorgeous book, rhyming verse encourages songs of thanksgiving and praise to God as demonstrated by all sorts of God's creatures and even celestial beings. Singing and ...

dancing are given priority as these pages remind us that God wants to be worshiped by all that God has created. 

Our beauty and worthiness lie in the simple fact that we are creatures of God giving voice (and dance) to the glory of our uniqueness and diversity. 

Our various abilities, beautiful faces, and playful natures are celebrated here. 

From jungles to oceans, 

bird-filled skies to farmland, 

creatures great and small are shown delighting in their createdness and praising the One who is responsible for their joy. 

The variety of song and movement is celebrated 

and will surely delight God as it should delight and inspire us humans. 

Our world, which I have lately heard is the first of God's scriptures, is the backdrop of this book's lesson in two of the easiest spiritual practices to learn.    

Praise and thanksgiving are natural expressions of our humanness and should be encouraged, expected, and never judged in our places of worship. 

Seasons are celebrated here 

as are the collective ways we praise God in community. 

One benefit of these pages is the way in which they offer hope and courage to us all to do that which we were meant to do: Be who you were created to be 

while giving back the praise and gratitude that is due our Creator.

Hanna’s Comments: This book is sure to be a future entry in the PBT Grab & Go list. Simply read it and have your audience engage in some silly imitating of various creatures in these pages who scripture says are offering praise and gratitude to God simply by being who and what God created them to be. You might want to have some nature sounds playing as folks enter and play a guessing game about what they are hearing. What a great lesson for all those who doubt their worthiness! Children (and adults) need to be reminded that God mostly wants to be worshiped, not feared, and certainly not ignored. 

Original Publisher & Date: Augsburg Fortress, 2005

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: The Psalms have many examples of praise to God and exhortations to do so. This book is primarily inspired by Psalms 140 and 150.

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of elementary aged children who are learning about how all of nature, alongside human beings, can and do worship God through praise and thanksgiving. 

This author has another beautiful book (illustrated by Anne Wilson this time). It's about the story of creation in Genesis. Both man and woman are made in God’s image. It uses a repeated rhyme form like The House the Jack Built but does not build too much text so preschoolers can be attentive. The days are not numbered but the Genesis sequence is there. It is a big book with bold illustrations that reflect the spherical nature of Earth. 

PBT Series: God Book #13

This is a repeat of a post from the first year of PBT when I offered 1 picture book a day for a year. Spring has sprung here in Alabama so animals and plants are singing God’s praise all about me! Most of the 700 or so books at PBT are secular, but I have over 80 God books! This series has the best of them. I include God Books because they are treasures that would be hard for you to find if you didn’t know about them already. They are generally about the nature of God so applications in ministry are obvious. This one is particularly beautiful and perfect for young children. Enjoy!

Picture Book: Let the Whole Earth Sing Praise

Author & Illustrator: Tomie de Paola

Summary: Here is the text of this beautiful book:

Sun and Moon, Stars and Comets in the Heavens.

Praise God.

Light and Darkness, Day and Night, 

Showers and Frost, Ice and snow.

Bless God.

Fire, Heat, Lightning and Clouds, 

Mountains, Hills, Seas, Rivers, and Fountains,

Praise God.

Fruitful Trees, Cedars, and all that Sprout upon the Earth,

Whales, Fish, and all Creatures that Move in the Waters,

Bless God.

Birds, Everything that Flies in the Air,

Dogs, Cats, All Animals and Creeping Things on Earth,

Praise God.

All People, Young and Old, Let Everything in Heaven and on Earth

Bless and Praise God.

Hanna’s Comments: In the Authors Note, de Paola explains that his book was inspired by two pieces of Old Testament scripture: The Canticle of the Three Young Men from the Book of Daniel and Psalm 148. He has purposefully made it like a children’s song. The illustrations are inspired by folk art designs of the Otomi people of Puebla, Mexico. When presenting this book, consider the question of non-human entities being able to praise God. Have fun with the movement and sounds in nature. Delight in all the diversity God displays on our great Earth. Most importantly, have your kiddos engage in lots of praising of God during your lesson. 

Original Publisher & Date: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2011

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Praise the Lord…Praise him, sun and moon… (Psalm 148); let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name (Hebrews 13:15)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to children when teaching them about worship and praise to God. Consider presenting the ideas of this book to older children to consider in a lesson on praise in nature.

Epiphany

Each December I choose a new song to orient me. This year that song is My Lord Has Come by Will Todd. I love the performance by Lux. Here are some lyrics; consider them a wish for your 2019 journey to be led by love: 

Sages, searching for stars, 

searching for love in heaven. 

No place for them but a stable. 

My Lord has come. 

His love will hold me, 

his love will cherish me. 

Love will cradle me. 

Lead me, lead me to see him.

Epiphany, that time in the Christian year when we tell the story of the Magi, is January 6. Below I have featured 2 books that tell that story. One by my favorite preacher, Barbara Brown Taylor. The second is cleverly designed for very young children.

Picture Book: Home by Another Way: A Christmas Story

Author: Barbara Brown Taylor

Illustrator: Melanie Cataldo

Summary:  Three men, in three different countries, see a star. Not sure if the star is above them or imagined, they are wise enough to know this doesn't matter. "Something was calling them...something was missing." They meet on the way to Jerusalem to meet a king. They realize the star has brought them together. Their interactions with a conniving Herod are a familiar part of the story dramatically told. When they reach the star, it is surprisingly above a small house with a decidedly homey atmosphere. They find the babe with that same star shining in his eye and fall down to worship, offering their expensive gifts. To say thanks, Mary hands over Jesus for all to hold. Then all bed down for the night. Once awake, the stars are gone, but the three don't need them anymore. They have found what they came for. Having all dreamed to steer clear of Herod, these wise wanderers leave transformed, their old maps no longer useful. They have been gifted by the presence of Immanuel and a new way home. 

Hanna’s Comments: The illustrations and words in this well-known story are very human, humorous, and rich with meaning. Barbara Brown Taylor is a gifted storyteller! A very popular preacher and spiritual writer for adults, to have her words in picture book form is a treat that I hope will be repeated. Be aware that she has a collection of sermons of the same name. You might want to order it for yourself. It parallels the Christian year which just started with Advent. You can treat yourself to BBT sermons all year long!

Original Publisher & Date: Flyaway Books, 2018                                            (I love what this publishing company is doing!)

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Matthew 2:1-12

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children, teens, or adults and ask what they are searching for and who are they are to search with. Then consider how their searching can be wise and led by God, especially when "another way" is better.

Picture Book: Follow the Star
Author: Make Believe Ideas
Illustrator: Lara Ede
Summary: A die-cut window throughout the pages of this shiny board book will encourage your little ones to follow the star like the wise men did. The overall story of Christmas concludes with an emphasis on the journey of the magi, their gifts, and their worship of the new little king. 

Hanna’s Comments: Christmas wasn't until December 25th, despite popular media and our consumer industry, so reading this book to children now and on into January is exactly right. Little ones can begin to understand the concept of worship with this beautiful little book. The wise men are great role models in this way. Talk with them about giving gifts and following directions, both important spiritual practices for little ones to develop.
Original Publisher & Date: Thomas Nelson, 2018
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up
Formats other than Book: None at present
Scripture Connections: Matthew 2:1-12
Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to very young children to introduce them to this magical and profound story of God’s guidance and the longing to worship a true king. 

December Holiday Books 5, 6 & 7

Today’s Christmas books are board books for very young children. They are also available in traditional sizes. The first is an advent book that moves into the nativity. The other two contain the nativity story. These stories are simple enough for very little ones to understand and preschoolers will enjoy them as well. Their illustrations are perfect for young eyes. 

Picture Book: Who’s Coming to Our House?

Author: Joseph Slate

Illustrator: Ashley Wolff

Summary: This rhyming story begins with the question in the title. The answer: Someone, someone. A close animal community knows that someone special is coming so they must prepare. Each animal has a job to do to make sure the place is ready.  

They must make room. 

 A little cleaning is in order. 

 Meanwhile, the question and rhyme repeats 

 while the preparations continue. 

The place the honored guest will sleep gets special attention. 

 They watch for the guests

 and open the door. 

 One is worried. 

 One is doubtful. 

 But Mary and Joseph do come, weary and expectant!  

The animals gather around the babe, the most important guest, and bid him welcome. 

Hanna’s Comments: The rhyming verse adds to the delight of this story which is a perfect book for explaining to young children the importance of the Advent season. Talk about how your household and church community are getting ready for Jesus to be born.

Original Publisher & Date: G. P. Putnam’s, 1988

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 1 and up, Toddler and up

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Components of Jesus' nativity story are found in the gospels of Matthew and Luke.

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to young children during the Advent season and relate it to their understanding of the concepts of preparation, hospitality, and hope.

 

Picture Book: The Song of the Stars

Author: Sally Lloyd-Jones

Illustrator: Allison Jay

Summary: This book has a unique look, not quite realistic and very beautiful. It  also has a more cosmic point of view. It emphasizes that the whole world is about to change. 

As in the previous book, the animals know something extraordinary is about to happen. 

It's time! It's time! they exclaim. Even the flowers lift their heads to watch 

and the whales sing a song of anticipation.

Otters clap and salmon leap.

Mice, insects, birds and even blades of grass squeak, hum, and sing their joy. 

A lion raises his voice to proclaim, "The Mighty King! The Prince of Peace!" 

Even the stars gather to announce "The bright and morning star!"  

while sheep nuzzle in with their lambs telling them of "the good shepherd to come." 

Then angels appear and sing that the time of God's glory has come to a little town in a little shed. 

 A cry is heard and a single star comes forth. 

Some fortunate animals gather to see this child the world has welcomed. They know, "The one who made us has come to live with us!" 

 They hear the young mother call the babe "our rescuer" 

so they come in closer to see this amazing gift to the world, 

 heaven's own son under stars that he made.

Hanna’s Comments: This is certainly a more ethereal view of Jesus' coming. Notice how names for Jesus are integrated into the story. If you like the look and tone of this book, check out two other books from this author and publisher: The Jesus Storybook Bible emphasizes Jesus in the Old and New Testaments. Found is a young child's version of the 23rd Psalm featured [here] at PBT.

Original Publisher & Date: Candlewick, 2010

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Components of Jesus' nativity story are found in the gospels of Matthew and Luke.

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children in a church-based day school and talk about why Jesus is special, even for animals.

Picture Book: The Story of Christmas

Author: Vivian French
Illustrator: Jane Chapman

Summary: This story is unique from the 2 others because it begins with the angel coming to Mary 

 and Joseph. 

 They travel to Bethlehem 

 and find themselves in a crowd. 

 There is no place to stay until they are offered a stable. 

 Jesus is born while the animals look on. 

Nearby, angels tell of the birth of a savior to some shepherds who are thrilled to hear the news and want to see this baby. 

 They found him lying in a manger. 

Meanwhile, 3 wise men follow a star so they can see what amazing thing has happened. They arrive to find a young family and a babe who needs some precious gifts. 

This book ends with the angels singing above the stable about the son of God being born. 

Hanna’s Comments: I love the more realistic figures in this book. The expressions on their faces are fabulous. The warmth of these illustrations are perfect for little ones eager to hear the Christmas story. This is definitely the more traditional wording of Jesus' birth narrative. The simple paraphrase seems to come straight from the gospel texts. 

Original Publisher & Date: Zonderkidz, 2011

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Portions of the Nativity story are in Matthew and Luke's gospels.

Idea(s) for Application: Read this story to children in your nursery or preschool areas during worship just prior to or soon after Christmas day.