At Your Baptism

Title: At Your Baptism

Author: Carrie Steenwyk and John D. Witvliet

Illustrator: Linda Saport

Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young

ISBN: 978-0-8028-5381-3

Audience: All ages

Summary: At Your Baptism is a book which uses the words from the French Reformed liturgy for baptism to remind us how much God loves us all.  It does this by telling the story of God’s greatest gift –  the birth, life, death and resurrection of his son and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Literary Elements at Work: This book looks and feels like children’s picture book with thick board pages and few words on the pages but it has a profound message to all readers.  The illustrator assist the authors with colorful pictures that help tell the story of God’s love for us.  The story begins with God’s promises.  He sent his son Jesus into the world as fully human but without sin.  It then shows Jesus as a healer, teacher, and friend and then he dies on the cross for us all.  But that was not the end.  Jesus rose from the dead was seen by many and then he rises to reign in heaven at God’s right hand.  Jesus showed us how to love each other and God.

(How) does the perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability make a difference to the story?  The authors and the illustrator set the tone for this book concerning gender, race, culture and economics on the first page as they show a gathering of people of all colors for the baby’s baptism.  The book then shows Jesus teaching a woman and children.  It later shows two children of different races embracing each other and it closes with a picture of all the children playing in a field.

Theology: This book reveals God’s promises for us all.  God loves us so much that he sent his only Son Jesus Christ to earth.  Jesus came to earth not to be served but to be a servant.  And we are called to do the same. We were taught true love and obedience by Jesus, to love God and our neighbors.  “We love because God loved us first.”

Faith Talk Questions:

1. What lesson can be learned from this child’s book as an adult?  Or is there one?
2. What lesson can be learned as a child?
3. Do you think God loves us all the same or does he have a favorite?  If so who is it?
4. Do the illustrations help tell the story? Why or Why not?
5. Would you change anything in the story? Why or Why not?
6. Can you earn God’s love? Why or Why not?
7. Does this story help you understand the importance of your baptism?  If so how?

This book review was written by Union Presbyterian Student Bob Martin

Click, Clack, Moo Cows That Type

Title: Click, Clack Moo Cows that Type

Author: Betsy Lewin

Illustrator: Doreen Cronin

Publisher: Simon and Schuster Book for Young Readers

Publication date: 2000

ISBN number: 0-689-83213-3

Audience :  Intended by publisher: 3- 7; Possibilities:  all ages

Summary: Farmer Brown has unusual cows.  The cows found an old type writer, practiced typing, and typed him a request for electric blankets.  Farmer Brown refused and got really angry.  The next day the cows refused to give Farmer Brown milk.  Farmer Brown was angry.  The day after that the chickens were also requesting electric blankets.  Farmer Brown refused and the next day there was no milk and no eggs for Farmer Brown.  Farmer Brown was irate and sent an ultimatum to the cows through Duck.  He demanded milk and eggs.  The cows agreed to a compromise, they would surrender the typewriter for the electric blankets.  The blankets were left outside the barn door, but Duck hijacked the typewriter and the ducks requested a diving board for the pond. 

Literary elements at work in the story: One of the strengths of the book is the repeated refrain Click, Clack, Moo.              The illustrations are lovable and add a lot to the story. This is a plot driven story that is easy to read and to the point.

How does the perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability make a difference to the story?  Farmer Brown is an older white guy that works hard for his living.  There are no other human characters in the book, so there is not a variety of gender, race, culture, economic status, abilities/disabilities, or age.

Theological conversation partners:  Proverbs 16:7 “When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him”.  Proverbs 16:32 “Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.”

Faith Talk Questions:

1. Why do you think Farmer Brown was angry at the cows?
2. Give examples of what happened when Farmer Brown got angry.
3. The cows engaged in peaceful resistance.  What are some other examples of peaceful resistance?
4. How did the cows return peace to the farm?
5. How does compromise work in a situation?
6. What do the Bible passages tell us about peace?

This review was prepared by Union Presbyterian Seminary – Charlotte student Jessie Smith.

The Nativity

Even after all these years, my favorite Christmas book is still The Nativity by illustrator Julie Vivas. I remember clearly picking it up for the first time in Narnia Bookstore in Richmond while I was working on my Masters degrees. The illustrations captivated me as I stood in the small Carytown store in Richmond, VA and through the years I must have given this simple yet profound book as a gift well over a hundred times. The text is straight biblical narrative beginning with the familiar, “In the days of Herod the King, the Angel Gabriel was sent from God to the city of Nazareth…”

While the words evoke memories of story told in worship, church school and around family suppers it is the illustrations, in this case, that open possibilities of new insights for young and old alike. You know immediately that something is different as the first page introduces you to a Gabriel you may not have considered before – an angel wearing combat boots. It makes sense, really.  They are quite busy in the infancy narrative, appearing to Mary, the shepherds and singing with the choir of heavenly hosts, and though they bring “good tidings” they find themselves in uncharted territory announcing the birth of the Messiah.

Vivas continues to fascinate –  tattered wings, angels in trees, an unsuspecting Mary hanging laundry and an annunciation over a cup of tea at the kitchen table. Many pages have no words but the message is quite clear as she shares the news with Joseph and grows great with child. This Mary is real, and really pregnant, as she and her betrothed figure out how to get her up on the donkey to head to Bethlehem, join those who head home for census and encounter “no room in the inn.” Each page is a delight to the eye but I think my favorite is the one where Joseph is holding the “new born babe” while he provides back support for an exhausted Mary.

There are so ways in which this book can be used beyond a simple and straightforward reading. Readers and non-readers alike can “tell the story” in their own words using only the illustrations as prompts. This can be done in small groups with the book or in large groups projected on a screen. Music, from the “Messiah” to “Mary, Did You Know?” can be added to a timed projection or reflection questions created for each illustration that probes the deeper meaning and personal engagement….Why do you think the angel wore combat boots? What do you think about tattered wings on angels? Why would they be tattered? Why do we rarely see Joseph holding the baby? In what ways might your own expression been similar or dissimilar to those of the shepherds? In what ways do these illustrations help you think differently about the Christmas story?

However you choose to use it, I commend its use to you. It is a beautiful and startling rendering of the coming of Jesus.

Dr. Rebecca Davis, who was part of the original teaching team for the course that was the impetus for this blog, offers this summary of one of her favorite Christmas books.  Becky is a graduate of the Seminary and now teaches at Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC.

Heartsongs

Name of Book: Heartsongs

Author: Mattie J.T. Stepanek

Illustrator: Mattie J.T. Stepanek

Publisher: Hyperion

ISBN: 786990915119

Audience: Ages 3 – adult. This book is for anyone who wants to share in the appreciation of God’s creation.

Summary: Although the 20 poems are separated into sections marked: Senses, Seasons, and Celebrations, the overall theme of creation and hope is interwoven throughout the book. The title, Heartsongs, has heart strings attached to it, as the words gently pull at the readers’ hearts. As one reads, they are reminded of the simple joys and blessings of life.

Literary elements at work in the story: Poetic, philosophical, inspirational.

Although some poems end with “Amen,” each one could be read as a prayer.

The imaginative quality of word usage makes each poem a masterpiece.

Creative, descriptive word play will bring ones senses to life, as the author connects to the simple joys that so many of us take for granted.

Theme: Spiritual, hopeful, joyful.

The author offers the reader hope and a purpose for living. His messages of peace serve well to inspire and educate all who want to celebrate life and make choices based on the special gifts God gave to each unique individual.

Perspective: Spiritually encouraging for all levels of Christian belief. It is for those who want to be reminded of God’s love and for those who are seeking God’s love.

Theology: Not only will these poems and prayers bring comfort and faith to someone who may be suffering and/or recovering from illness or tragedy, bit it will enlighten caregivers too. It can remind an individual or congregation who they are in Christ and the role(s) they play in the Body of Christ. It may also help trigger ideas of who they want to be and what gifts they can share.

For a communicant’s class, this book answers several theological questions. Can’t think of a joy or concern? Read this book!

Scripture: See Matthew 10:13; Luke 14:32; and Mark 9:50 about peace.

On finding one’s purpose for living: Psalm 139:23-24; 1 John 1:9 Psalm 119:18; see also John 16:13. 

Faith Talk Questions:

1.  Besides being an absence of war, what other examples of peace can you think of?
2. What is the most powerful thing you can do as an individual or team member to bring peace to the world?
3. If you were on a Peacemaker’s Team, what planet-saving ideas would you bring to the table?

This review was written by Union Presbyterian Seminary student Gina Craft.

Bless This Mouse

Title:  Bless This Mouse

Author:  Lois Lowry

Illustrator: Eric Rohmann

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

ISBN: 9780547390093

Audience: Reading level 9 years

Summary: Hildegard, the mouse mistress of the community of mice (219 members) at St. Bartholomew’s, has important responsibilities: counseling mice on the size of their families, leading them in the hymns and prayers from the Book of Common Worship, protecting them from danger, particularly the danger of cats in the sanctuary if the Blessing of the Animals on St. Francis’s feast day is held indoors due to inclement weather.  Hildegard knows the church, its staff, and the members, including where Father Murphy stores his gumdrops and his practice of playing an occasional game of solitaire in the afternoon.  The safety of her mice in the church depends on the adult members of the church thinking that any mouse they see is the same mouse.  When they see three different mice at once it is time to call in A Great X.  These literate mice discover, when Father Murphy calls, that exterminator begins with EX, not X.  Now Hildegard must lead the community in an Exodus to the outdoors when the exterminator comes and then must train them to avoid poisons and the dreaded glue traps. (Father Murphy’s cards disable the glue traps.)  Safely back in the church after the Exodus, the  mice now face the danger of cats indoors at the Blessing of the Animal service.  As the service progresses, Hildegard feels that it is only right that a mouse should also be blessed and acts accordingly.

Literary elements at work in the story: Lois Lowry, two time Newbery winner, saw a mouse in her room that inspired this story.  Anthropomorphic mice bring a different perspective on church life that can enlarge human understanding.  The mice have distinct personalities-aggressive Lucretia, wise Ignatius with library experience, foolish Roderick-and recognizable community problems.  Rohman’s pencil drawings are appropriately quiet and gentle. The whimsical story is billed for “Reading Level 9 years,” however younger children will enjoy hearing it and so will any adult readers.

How does the perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability make a difference to the story? These perspectives are not significant in the lives of church mice.

Theological Conversation Partners: This book is saturated with ecclesiastical language, prayers from the book of common worship, hymns, even a floor plan of St. Bartholomew’s.  The church is either Episcopal or Roman Catholic and the book will be a good opportunity for children of another tradition to gain some vocabulary.  The only two theological hooks in the book are the idea of sainthood and respect for all animals that God has created.  Genesis 1:27-31; Psalm 8:3-9, Psalm 104 give background on the relation of humans to creation.  1 Corinthians 1:1,2 is one of many NT passages where Paul uses the term saints.  It differs from the definition given by Ignatius (The library mouse, not the church father.) but the two can profitably be compared.

Faith Talk Questions:

1. Have you ever taken part in a service of blessing the animals?  Where was it held?  Why was it held? How is it connected with the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi?
2. There may be some new words in this book.  See if you know::sacristy, surplice, cincture, chrism, chasuble.  What other new words did you wonder about?
3. Hildegard saves Lucretia by using chrism.  Was this an appropriate use of the holy oil?  How was it used that morning in the service?
4. What animals did Father Murphy give thanks for during the Blessing service? Should mice have been included?
5. Two statements are made about saints: A saint is a person who is especially blessed; Saints take risks for others all the time.  What is a saint according to the New Testament.  Do you think these two statements are true. Do they contradict Paul’s definition?
6. Father Murphy prays “keep us mindful that we are all Thy creation” and “that man and Thy creatures can live in peace with one another.”  Can you think of ways that we can respect and treat animals as our fellow creatures?

This review was written by regular contributor Virginia Thomas.

Stories from A to Z – 26 Brief Reviews

Union Presbyterian Seminary student Beth Lyon-Suhring has written brief reviews of 26 children’s books, along with suggestions for ways to use these books as a ‘springboard for faith talk’.  This delightful resource is yours to download and use by clicking on Stories from A to Z.

  by  Jim Davies 

Parables: Stories Jesus Told

Name of Book:  Parables: Stories Jesus Told

Author:  Mary Hoffman

Illustrator:  Jackie Morris

Publisher:  Phyllis Fogelman Books

ISBN:  0803725604

Audience:  Age 4 and up

Summary:  This is an illustrated collection of eight of Jesus’ parables: The House on the Rocks, The Good Samaritan, The Lost Sheep, The Workers in the Vineyard, The Prodigal Son, The Sower and the Seed, The Rich Man’s Feast, and The Unforgiving Servant.  The author introduces each story with a question to set the stage:  “Do you like building sandcastles?” or “Have you ever lost something precious?”  She goes on to tell each parable in short clear sentences, often inserting dialogue when appropriate and emphasizing characters’ joy or indignation or relief.  These are characters with whom the reader can identify emotionally.  Hoffman then ends each parable with a simple explanation of Jesus’ meaning.  Usually, these interpretations come from scripture itself, although sometimes the author inserts her own analysis, suitable to a child’s understanding.

Literary elements at work in the story:  Parables by their nature are simple tales with few characterizations.  Plot drives everything.  In this book, as with the original biblical tales, the stories sometimes end with mystifying plot turns, and the reader is left to puzzle out the meaning.  Morris’ beautiful paintings expand on the simple plots, showing us the overwhelming joy of the father as he cradles the head of his errant son against his shoulder, or the patient kindness of the Samaritan holding a bleeding stranger on his donkey.

How does the perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability make a difference to the story?  First-centuryPalestine was a patriarchal society, and the author and the illustrator reflect this male-centered social order in both word and picture.  All eight of these stories have male protagonists, and only two even show women in subordinate roles in the illustrations.  The characters are portrayed as Middle-Eastern in both facial features and clothing.  No attempt has been made to modernize the tales at all.

Theological conversation partners:  Several of these stories focus on the fact that God’s law is often contrary to human notions of justice. God rejoices always when one who has been lost is found, no matter how good the other sheep, sons, or workers have been nor how unfair the gift of God’s embrace seems to be.  Other parables in this collection concentrate on what it means to respond to God’s teaching.  Hearing is not enough.  Those who truly follow God must work at it, or they will lose everything – house built on sand, seed sown on rocky soil, or fantastic wedding banquet.  These stories would be good to use with discussions about what the Christian life looks like

Faith Talk Questions:

1. Jesus told a lot of stories.  I wonder why?
2. How did you feel about the story called “Fair Pay”?  If you were the vineyard owner, how would you have paid your workers?
3. Why do think Jesus told the story in the way he did?
4. How would you have reacted if you were the older brother in the story called “The Jealous Brother”?
5. Why do you think that the father was so glad to see his younger son again?
6. The Samaritan in the story called “Neighbors” would have been somebody that none of Jesus’ listeners liked.  If we told the story substituting people in our day and time, who would be a good person to play the role of the Samaritan?
7. What can we find out about God by reading the stories of the lost sheep, the prodigal son, and the workers in the vineyard?

This review was written by Union Presbyterian Seminary student Beth Lyon-Suhring.

Walking Home to Rosie Lee

Title:  Walking Home to Rosie Lee

Author:  A. LaFaye

Illustrator: Keith D. Shepherd

Publisher: Cinco Puntos Press

ISBN:  9781933693972

Audience: First grade and up, parents and children

Summary: Slavery separated many African American families as parents and children were sold and sent to different plantations. At the close of the Civil War these people were at last free to search for their loved ones. Freedmen’s Bureaus were established as clearing houses of information for people who were looking for their families. This poignant chapter in our history comes to life through Gabe, a boy searching for his mama, Rosie Lee. He joins the folks on the road who have freedom on their minds looking for work, dreaming dreams around night time camp fires, “all hope and hurry on.” Gabe’s memories of Rosie Lee-her sweet smell of jasmine, her good cooking, the yellow scarf around her neck, her sweet smile- keep him going month after month, town after town, until one day… The story ends with thanksgiving to God.

Literary elements at work in the story: This is a little known story in our tragic history of slavery that the author has researched through newspapers, diaries, articles and interviews. The story is told in Gabe’s voice that has a poetic, rhythmic quality.  The illustrations complement this voice with strength and feeling.

How does the perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability make a difference to the story? This is a story about poverty, prejudice, injustice, cruelty, sorrow that affects whole families but  it is not a story about passive or helpless people.

Theological Conversation Partners: The story of Gabe and Rosie Lee can engage us on two levels.  The first is the sad chapter of slavery in our nation’s history.  Adults and children of any race benefit from knowing this and giving thanks for changes.  The point is not to burden children with guilt but to help them see that such injustice can exist in our own society.  The lost boys of Sudan, refugee families, families separated by war and poverty are reminders that this tragedy exists today.  It’s a good plan to introduce children to something they can do when faced with wrong and the refugees of Sudan and now of Syria, offer an opportunity for prayer and gifts through denominational programs.  The second level is found in the yearning of Gabe and his mother for each other.  Psalm 90 begins, “Lord, you have always been our home. (TEV)” and home is not a place but a Person. The heart yearns for God as Gabe yearned for his mother. Jesus captured this in the story of the Prodigal Son. Luke 15.  Psalm 42:1,  63:1 are further statements of this yearning. For both Gabe and his mother, their relationship comes from God and rests in God. Parents and caring adults are a sign of God’s love and we can help children be aware of the Giver.

Faith Talk Questions:

1. Try to imagine what it would be like to have one of your parents taken to live in another town or place because they had been sold.  This was once a practice in our country.
2. Do you know of families that suffer separation today?
3. Have you ever been homesick?  Have you been homesick even if you were at home? Why?
4. Who helped Gabe as he was searching for Rosie Lee?
5. Are there adults as well as your parents who help you?
6. Why do we love our parents and adults who help us?
7. Jesus tells us that God is like a heavenly parent, father or mother, who wants to give us better gifts than even our real parents (Luke 11)

This review was written by regular contributor Virginia Thomas.

Joseph Had a Little Overcoat

Title:  Joseph Had a Little Overcoat

Author: Simms Taback

Illustrator: Simms Taback

Publisher: Viking

ISBN: 0670878553

Audience: ages 3 and up

Summary: Joseph had a little overcoat that was worn and full of holes so he made it into a jacket.  As the jacket continues to wear out it becomes in turn a vest, a scarf, a necktie, a handkerchief, and a button.  Each coat transformation is accompanied by some joyful experience depicted in vibrant colors.  The jacket is worn to a fair, the vest to a wedding, the scarf to a men’s chorus, the necktie to a family visit.  When Joseph loses the button he has nothing left except a story to tell. And that’s the moral: you can always make something out of nothing. This slight story is based on an old Yiddish folk song that is included at the back of the book.

Literary elements at work in the story: This Caldecott Medal book is a marvelous wedding of story and picture.  As each page is turned the reader can look at the next die cut hole and guess what Joseph’s coat will become.  The pages are filled with color and details: cloth, buttons, scissors, thread, people, animals, pictures, and such things as a news paper headline: Fiddler falls off roof.  When Joseph is left with nothing the room is empty and even the animals slip away; when he begins to write the room becomes crowded again.  A story for all ages.

How does the perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability make a difference to the story? Joseph lives in an unspecified time and place so the only perspective affecting the story is the richness and vitality of the Yiddish culture, the source of the song.

Theological Conversation Partners: Joseph is a wonderful example of good stewardship; nothing is wasted, possibilities are seen in worn and damaged goods, and everything is enjoyed.  In our society of over consumption and planned obsolescence, Joseph is a model who creatively uses and re-uses.  Remarkably, as the material of the overcoat diminishes, Joseph finds continued occasions for joy. Compare Joseph with Paul. Philippians 4: 6,-13. Joseph demonstrates how to use what we have, not simply clothing but also the world’s resource responsibly and joyfully. And though Joseph says nothing about the source of his coat, we have ample reminders in the Bible about the source of our good gifts.

Genesis 1: Psalm 24:1, James 1:17, 1 Peter 4:10.  Joseph is a good companion in studies of stewardship, of care of the earth, in learning to praise and give thanks.

Faith Talk Questions:

1. Do you have any clothes that are worn out?  What do you do with them?
2. What did Joseph do with his? Did he continue to enjoy what was left?
3. Can you think of things you do that waste what you have-clothes, toys, school supplies, food? What changes could you make?
4. How does your community try to save and recycle?  Do you know what happens to these things?  How could you find out?
5. Joy is an important part of Joseph’s stewardship.  How do you express your joy for the many gifts God gives you?
6. Why is Paul content in every circumstance? What is contentment?
7. It’s easy to understand making a vest from material.  Joseph seems to think non-material things can be made into something.  Can you think of something you can make using just your mind or voice?
8. The Bible tells us that God made us stewards of the earth.   How can you be a good steward?  Do you think Joseph was a good steward?

This post was written by regular contributor Virginia Thomas.

One City, Two Brothers

Name of Book:  One City, Two Brothers

Author:  Chris Smith

Publisher:  Barefoot Books;

ISBN: 978-1846860423

Audience:  Ages 6-adult

Summary: Two brothers farm together. Years go by and the elder brother marries while the other does not. When hard times come, the elder brother thinks of his younger brother all alone. So under cover of night, he secretly delivers a bundle of wheat to his barn. That same night the younger brother thinks of his older brother and his family, and secretly delivers wheat to his barn. This happens several times until one night they meet half way between their barns. They hug and without speaking, each understood why they were there. Legend says that the spot where the brothers met  became the site of the temple of Jerusalem.

Literary elements at work in the story: Using an anonymous narrator, the story reads as if being told which makes it a great choice for using with a group.

How do the perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability make a difference to the story: This legend is sacred to Jews and Arabs alike and this telling stays true to both cultures. The folk-style artwork adds an air of peace and hope which will resonate with children and adults alike.

Scripture:  James 1: 22-25

Theology: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”  The two brothers in the story know what James is taking about. They live their life according to the Word. They live with love and think more of the others than themselves. This is not always easy. However it is the only way to live if we have any hope of living as God would have us live. In the end, you may not build a sacred city, but you will build sacred souls.

Faith Talk Questions:

1. What would you have said to the two brothers who came before Solomon? They both had good reasons for being given their fathers land.
2. Have you ever had a dispute or argument with someone?
3. How did you resolve it?
4. James tells his listeners to do what the word says. What word is he talking about?
5. How do you think God wants us to resolve our differences?
6. If you don’t know what God wants, where would you go to find out?
7. (If they say the Bible, randomly open the Bible and read a passage and ask them if that helped.) How do we know where in the Bible to find the Word James is talking about?

Review prepared by regular contributor Janet Lloyd.