Mouse Tales, Things Hoped For

Title:  Mouse Tales, Things Hoped For

Author: Ruth L. Boling

Illustrator:  Tracey Dahle Carrier

Publisher:  Westminster John Knox

ISBN:  13-978-0-664-22705-0

Audience:  4-6 years

Summary:  This book is broken into 14 chapters to be used as curriculum during Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, and into a few weeks of Ordinary Time.  Each chapter is very topical and revolves around the lives and characters of The Church of The Least of These, with all the characters being church mice.  Each chapter is brilliantly written to portray the personalities of the church members and the interactions between them.  There are examples of jealousy, power-struggles, aged, newborns, sick and healthy.  The underlying characteristic of all the characters is one of love and interest in working together for the common good.  The book is clever in style and reformed in theology.  This book is an excellent resource.

Literary elements at work in the story:  This story is in a narrative form and tells a story of The Church of the Least of These.  The book begins as a pictorial directory of the church, showing a group photo of all the members, followed by individual pictures and a short biography of the twelve main characters.  The story begins on the first Sunday of Advent and is a serial, continuing in character and plot from chapter to chapter, or from week to week.

How does the perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability make a difference to the story?  The book is all inclusive, showing different shades of color, gender, economic status and church mice from different societal points of view.  The book is written in a manner that one never thinks of the differences in gender, race, culture or economics as the stories unfold.   The underlying theme of the entire book is God’s promises for “the least of these” from Jeremiah, Luke and Matthew.

Theological Conversation Partners:    As we participate in this book, we are shown how the beautifully illustrated mice live in community, both within and outside the church.  The love and concern displayed for all the characters comes through the story over and over – while displaying the diversity and variety of personalities.  Our communities and our communities of faith are displayed beautifully in these stories that take us through the beginning of the Church calendar for 14 weeks.

Faith Talk Questions:

1. What is the importance of the Clothing Exchange mentioned in the first chapter of the book?
2. Why is it important to Max that Papa Jordan light the Advent candle successfully?
3. What emotions are displayed when Rose Noel falls on the ice and fractures her ankle?
4. What emotions are displayed when Ernest admitted throwing the rocks and causing Rose Noel to fall on the ice?
5. Amber is new to the church family – describe her personality traits and characteristics throughout the book.
6. Discuss the importance of Amber refusing to participate in the play reading the Beatitudes.

This review was written by Union Prebyterian Seminary student Becky Albright.

Night Tree

Name of Book:  Night Tree

Author:  Eve Bunting

Illustrator: Ted Rand

Publisher: Voyager Books Harcourt Brace & Company

ISBN: 978-0152001216

Audience:  Ages4-8

Summary:  On Christmas Eve, a family treks into the woods to trim an evergreen with edible decorations for the forest animals.

Literary elements at work in the story:  A fictional telling of a family Christmas Eve ritual told from the point of view of the about 10 year old son. The text has a quiet, reverential tone and the illustrations are in Ted Rand’s characteristic glowing style. Father, Mother, son and young daughter smile, sing and take care of the natural world and each other in this sweet picture book.

Theological conversation partners:  The endearing text and beautiful illustrations are reason enough to have this book in a family library but its link to the observance of Advent makes it a faithful choice as well. Anticipating the yearly event, preparing (“For weeks we’ve been making balls of sunflower seeds and pressed millet and honey.”) and showing light in the dark night are qualities of the Advent season. There is a contemplative feel of the next to last page’s wording and painting of the boy tucked in bed looking out the window. The boy’s face turned to and illuminated by the full moon conveys peace and wondering.

Faith Talk Questions: 

1. What rituals do you remember from your childhood Advent seasons?  
2. What rituals are a part of your family’s Advent observance?
3. How is light portrayed in Night Tree?
4. What was the boy thinking about in bed after the family’s pilgrimage to the woods? When you are feeling reflective, to where do you “let your mind go back”?
5. The family extends generosity to each other in their interactions and to the woodland animals in their tree decorating. What are examples of generous acts given during holiday celebrations?

This faith review was prepared by Union Presbyterian Seminary student Robin Crawford.

Approaching Advent

In slightly more than two weeks, the season of Advent begins.  As we wait for the gift of God’s love entering the world, we want to use the next several weeks to share reviews, educational events and some favorite Christmas books by some of our readers and regular writers.

Our first gift to you is an intergenerational educational and worship event prepared by students Cyndi Beerbower and Robin Crawford.  It is based on Maya Angelou’s beautiful book Amazing Peace.  Click HERE to open the pdf file that contains the plans for the session.

What’s Your Favorite Christmas Book?

Dr. Pamela Mitchell-Legg, professor at Union Presbyterian Seminary in Charlotte, teaches a course on using children’s and adolescent literature in the church.  (It was her students’ work that provided the push to get this blog going!)  She offers a gift of a bibliography of her favorite Christmas and Advent books.  Click on the link below to download it and head to your favorite bookstore or library!

Christmas and Advent Favorites

You’re Finally Here

Title: You’re Finally Here

Author: Melanie Watt

Illustrator: Melanie Watt

Publisher: Hyperion Books

ISBN:9781423134862

Audience: 4-8 years

Summary: “You’re finally here,” shouts the rabbit in an excited welcome.”  “But where were you?”  And the rabbit turns from excitement to irritation as he recounts with analogies how long he has waited and how bored he has been. Realizing he may have overdone the complaints, he turns once more to a warm welcome with cake, signs, and music. With another change in mood he points out how unfair, how annoying, and how rude it is to have kept him waiting.  After a semi-apology he says, “Stay!” followed by extravagant promises of his undivided attention.  He presents a contract, which we now recognize is for the reader for whom he has been waiting. (You)  The contract is a guarantee that you, the reader, will never keep the bunny waiting, give him/her (it’s uncertain) all of your attention, and carrot treats. While the bunny is exulting in this agreement, a phone rings and claims his attention.  He describes the reader that has turned up to the second caller, “No fleas and a good steady page turner.” You , the reader, close the book as the bunny is left saying, ”Where are you going? Was it something I said?”

Literary elements at work in the story: Is this literature?  It has a plot, of sorts; it has a one sided conversation stacked with analogies about waiting, boredom, unfairness and it has an ending.  The print for these statements ranges from large to enormous, depending on the vehemence with which the bunny is speaking; this is the most important visual element in this picture book. Children will enjoy the analogies: Waiting is as unfair as eating Brussels sprout, as annoying as wearing an itchy sweater, as rude as sticking gum under the couch. The age of the bunny is not stated but he seems young to be getting so many cell phone calls.

How does the perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability make a difference to the story? None of these perspectives figure in the story.

Theological Conversation Partners: Children spend a great deal of time waiting – for adults, for Christmas and other important days, for events that are planned and controlled by others.  It is not a desirable experience for them, as the young bunny illustrates.  Yet “wait on the Lord” is a common biblical imperative.  Waiting attentively and creatively is a spiritual discipline that allows us to be ready to hear God. We wait for the return of the Lord, the establishment of the Kingdom.  Advent is a season when we focus on this aspect of waiting. This book could be a useful stimulus to talking about waiting, waiting patiently, waiting watchfully, waiting obediently, waiting confidently.  The second layer of this story is how we feel when all this anger and complaining is actually directed toward us and when we take second place to a cell phone call. The Golden Rule may help us think about this.

Faith Talk Questions

1.  Think about a time you have had to wait.  Why were you waiting?
2. What was your reaction toward waiting if another person caused it?
3. We can’t make time go faster but we can make it seem shorter?  How?
4. Have you ever kept anyone waiting?  How did they feel?
5. How did you feel when you realized that the bunny was mad at you?
6. Advent is a season of expectant waiting.  What are some things we do in Advent?
7. The Bible says a lot about waiting because God is not operating on our calendars and time schedules.  Here are a few verses about waiting: Ps. 27:14; Hab. 2:3, Mic 7:7, Rom. 8:23, 25, 2 Pet. 3:13.
8. All Christians are waiting on God daily and finally.  Jesus tells a story about waiting for the return of the master.  Mark 13:32-37.
9. Does waiting mean doing nothing?

Review prepared by regular contributor Virginia Thomas

Note:  If you’re interested in other books that help children think about waiting – especially during the Advent season of anticipation and preparation – check out Who is Coming to Our House? or What’s Coming for Christmas?.

Lectionary Links: Sunday, December 12

(3^rd Sunday of Advent)

Year A: December 12

First Reading: Isaiah 35:1-10

The Return of the Buffaloes by Paul Goble (Written for Grades K-3)

Comment: “For waters shall break forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert…” This text is a promise of renewal and restoration in the midst of desolation and despair. People of all times have experienced the effects of depression, war, famine, or grief. At Advent we wait for the birth of Jesus and the return of joy to the world. There is hope in the promise of Immanuel’s return. Hope for restoration of our homes, our bodies, our relationships. In Goble’s book, a mysterious woman promises a return of the buffaloes to a people who are starving and barely strong enough to survive. When the buffaloes return, it is both frightening and wonderful. People laugh, give thanks, and once again there is enough for everyone.

Second Reading: James 5:7-10

Christmas Farm by Mary Lyn Ray (Written for Grades K-3)

Comment: In James we are told to be patient as we wait for Christ’s coming. This patience is compared to that of a farmer who waits for the crop. Christmas Farm gives an excellent snapshot of patience to children and adults alike. Wilma and Parker care for Balsam trees for five years before they are ready to be sold as Christmas trees.It seems like the trees will never be ready, but in the end, they are and with much joy and accomplishment. After most of the trees have been harvested, Wilma and Parker sit down to plan another five year venture growing Christmas trees!

Third Reading: Matthew 11:2-11

Messenger, Messenger by Robert Burleigh (Written for Grades K-3)

Comment: Jesus refers to John as the messenger sent to prepare the way for his coming. In a world of emails and text messages, the concept of a messenger becomes trickier to grasp. Electronically, braving the wilderness or even a couple of blocks seems easy. Of course in the past messages weren’t so easily shared. Even today postal workers and other messengers work hard to deliver goods and information—not everything can be done with the click of a mouse! John did not have an easy life, wearing soft robes, but went wherever the message needed to be shared. Messenger, Messenger shares a day in the life of a bicycle messenger. Calvin’s job takes him to scary parts of the city, “but messenger man’s gotta answer each call.” Like John, Calvin goes wherever his messages need to be shared.

Lectionary Links: Sunday, December 5

(2^nd Sunday of Advent)

Year A: December 5

First Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10

The Mitten by Jan Brett (Written for Grades K-3)

Comment: “The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together…” The Mitten is an Ukranian Folk Tale that describes the experience a wide variety of woodland animals sharing a lost mitten for warmth. Brett’s illustration of a variety of animals sharing a tight space without harming one another pairs nicely with Isaiah’s description of God’s holy mountain. Sadly, the mitten has limits and eventually is unable to hold all the animals. This leads to an interesting reflection: How is the mitten like God’s holy mountain? How is it different?

Second Reading: Romans 15:4-13

Stone Soup by Jon J. Muth (Written for Grades K-3)

Comment: “May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another…” Paul’s text is as relevant for our communities as it was for the Romans. People have a hard time living together in harmony; life happens and often makes us wary and distrustful of others. This was the way it was for the villagers in Stone Soup. Though they shared a village, they did not share lives. Through the act of making stone soup, the villagers learn of the richness and joy that comes from sharing our resources and our lives. Something similar happens to us when we gather to share communion. In the breaking of the bread and the sharing of the cup, we are invited to lay aside fear, anger, and prejudice so that we might see Christ within our neighbors. In many ways, this is the experience of welcome and harmony described by Paul. Like the villagers, we find richness and joy in this shared meal, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Third Reading: Matthew 3:1-12

Mama’s Coming Home by Kate Banks (Written for Grades PreK-1)

Comment: “Prepare the way of the Lord…” When we meet John the Baptist, he is preparing people for the coming of Christ through baptism. This text brings to mind the Advent themes of anticipation and preparation. We spend the season anticipating the coming of Christ, and we prepare our homes and our hearts for that coming. In Mama’s Coming Home, father and sons clean the house and make dinner to prepare for Mama’s return home. Children will connect with Advent themes through the association of the anticipation of and preparation for a caregiver’s daily return home.

Selecting Children’s Christmas Books

I recently did a search on a large, online shopping website for “children’s Christmas books”.  What resulted was a list of 12,658 said books, but as I started to sift through them I quickly realized just how few actually deserve to be in this category.  The vast majority should really be classified as “holiday” books as they have little to do with a Christ-centered, hope and joy-filled Advent and Christmas season.  With so many hundreds of choices, how do you find the kinds of Christmas books you want to share with children of all ages…the kinds of stories that become as traditional as a candlelight worship service on Christmas Eve, a favorite holiday movie, hot chocolate by the fire, or family dinner on Christmas Day?  Click on the article below to see some suggestions for how to evaluate Christmas books to read during the upcoming Advent season and beyond.

Selecting Christmas Books for Children

Prepared by Erin Mills, MACE, Entering Cohort Fall 2007

Who is Coming to Our House?

Name of Book: Who Is Coming to Our House?

Author: Joseph Slate

Illustrator: Ashley Wolff

Publisher: Puffin Book

Publisher’s Intended Audience: Ages 3-8.  The simple, rhyming text would certainly be most appealing for this age group.

Summary: This book tells in rhyming verse how the animals in the stable prepared for the birth of the Baby Jesus.  The animals make room, clean, “decorate”, and create a warm and welcoming place for Jesus to sleep.

Literary elements at work in the story (Genre, setting, characterization, plot, theme, point of view, style): This story is set in the stable where Jesus is born.  It is told in very simple, rhyming verse through dialogue between the animals (“Who is coming to our house? ‘Someone, someone,’ says Mouse.”).  Quickly, they work hard to prepare a welcome and happy place for their guests.  Every animal in the stable has an important role to play and is excited to be a part of the celebration of the first Christmas.

Perspective on gender/race/culture/economic/ability: Usually when we read about the first Christmas we hear about Mary and Joseph’s long journey, an inn too full to house them, and the stable where the Baby Jesus was born.  In this sweet story, we see how excitedly the animals prepared for their guests and we are reminded that everyone, regardless of their status, is an equal and very important part of the Christmas story.  All share in the joy and hope of that miraculous night.

Scripture: Matthew 1:18 -2:12; Luke 1:26-38 and 2:1-21; Psalm 150:6; Hebrews 13:2

Theology: This sweet and simple story reveals the joy and hope that was present that night.  The animals in the stable did not know who was coming.  They simply knew that guests were on the way and any guests, no matter who they were, were important.  They prepared the stable for very special visitors and ended up welcoming the most special visitor of all.

Faith Talk Questions (Intended for use with preschoolers):

1. What do the animals in the stable do when they find out guests are coming?
2. They did not know that Mary and Joseph would be their guests so why do you think they worked so hard to prepare the stable?
3. Do you think they would have behaved differently if they had known the Baby Jesus would be born in the stable that night?
4. How do you think the animals felt when they discovered Mary and Joseph were their guests?

Review prepared by Erin Mills, MACE, Entering cohort – 2007.