A Story for Hippo

Title of Book: A Story for Hippo

Author: Simon Puttock

Illustrator: Alison Bartlett

Publisher: Scholastic Press (September 1, 2001)

ISBN:  978-0439262194

Audience: Ages 4 – 9

Summary of Book: This book is a story of two friends, Hippo and Monkey.  Hippo and Monkey share in daily storytelling.  Hippo tells Monkey that she is getting old and that she will die.  When this time is upon them, it leaves Monkey grieving and wondering who would tell him stories and laugh at his jokes.

Central Literary Elements: The text of this book presents itself in a simple format.  A Story for Hippo answers difficult questions in a way that children of all ages can understand and shows us how to keep the spirit of a person alive forever.The illustrations are bold and colorful although they have a chalky feel.  They effectively communicate the emotions of the story.

Perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/abilities: This book does not raise any concerns in respect to any type of status.

Theologica Conversation Partners:  Psalms 30:5, Jeremiah 31:13, 1 Thessalonians 3:7

Faith Talk Questions:

1. How does our faith help fill the void created by a loss?
2. Hippo tried to prepare Monkey for her death.  Hhow do we as humans prepare ourselves for the loss of loved one?
3. Is an unexpected death of a loved one less difficult emotionally? Why or why not?
4. What memories do you cherish of loved ones that have died?

Old Pig

Title:  Old Pig

Author:  Margaret Wild

Illustrator:  Ron Brooks

Publisher:   Allen & Unwin (February 23, 2010)

ISBN:  978-1741757064

Audience:  Ages 4 – 8

Summary:  Old Pig is a book on how to help cope with a loss of a loved one.  In the story there are two pigs, Old Pig the grandmother and Granddaughter.  The Granddaughter knows that Old Pig will soon be gone, but her memory will live on.  This story will help readers see the meaning of living, loving, giving, and receiving in the midst of a loss of a loved one.

Central Literary Elements at work in the story: The plot of the story is about a granddaughter preparing herself for the loss of her grandmother.  This softly illustrated picture book also celebrates life as well.  Each day Old Pig and Granddaughter enjoyed the beauties of life and the world around them.  The story is told by a narrator describing how Old Pig helped the granddaughter cope with dying.  The author uses our senses of looking, listening, smelling, and tasting in the process of sharing each wonder of nature with Granddaughter.  The final illustration of Granddaughter feasting on nature by herself brings chills to the skin and tears to the eyes of young and old alike. Pencil sketches with detail provided by soft pastel water colors successfully extend the unspoken portions of the story.  In the end, as Granddaughter prepared for the death of Old Pig, she now has a different perspective on life.

Perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/abilities:  This story was told from the perspective of a grandmother and granddaughter.  Although the story was told from this perspective I do not see any conflicts of any reader being able to learn from the story.

Theological Conversation Partners:  Ecclesiastes 3:1-4, Hebrews 13:5, Matthew 5:4

Faith Talk Questions:

1. Do we as individual take life for granted?  Why or why not?
2. Why is it when tragedies happen we seem to get closer to Christ?
3. Why should we live each day like it is our last?
4. Does it become difficult to serve God when dealing with a loss? What emotions are exhibited?
5. How do you trust and believe through all things that Christ loves you will be with you through trails?

This review was written by Union Presbyterian Seminary student Tim Tate

Everett Anderson’s Goodbye

Name of Book:  Everett Anderson’s Goodbye

Author:  Lucille Clifton

Illustrator:  Ann Grifalconi

Publisher:  The Trumpet Club

ISBN:  0-440-84950-0

Audience:  6-10 years

Summary:  Everett Anderson’s father has died. Everett, who is an African American boy, appears to be five or six years old. He is experiencing the five stages of grief as described by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross. He experiences denial of the death, anger about the death, bargaining, depression, and finally after an undisclosed period of time—a kind of acceptance that his father has died. Everett’s mother quietly supports him, and lovingly holds him when he cries. She understands the strong emotions Everett is having in the midst of mourning the loss of his father. At the end of the story,Everett Anderson says, “I knew my daddy loved me through and through, and whatever happens when people die, love doesn’t stop, and neither will I.”

Literary elements at work in the story:  Ann Grifalconi’s beautiful drawings show us Everett’s grief. Everett Anderson’s Goodbye is a Reading Rainbow Book, a 1984 Coretta Scott King Award winner, and a 1984 NCTE Teacher’s Choice. It is illustrated with chalk sketches using only the colors of black, gray, and white. This simple and small picture book of 17 pages opens the door for discussion about the grief and loss experienced by all children who have lost a parent, or beloved caregiver, whether they are African American or not.

How does the perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability make difference to the story?  The story is specific in telling a story of an African American child. It was published in 1983, and recognized as an outstanding book when books were just beginning to be published about African American families in the United States.

Theological conversation partners:  Everett says, “I knew my daddy loved me through and through…” We know that God loves us “through and through….”  The words:  “Love doesn’t stop” remind us of the everlasting love and power of God that never “stops.”

 Faith Talk Questions:

1. How does this story end?
2. Have you ever been angry at someone who died?
3. Do you know someone who has lost their father?
4. What stories from the Bible show us that God’s love for us never stops?

This review was written by Union Presbyterian Seminary student Chris Feno.

Badger’s Parting Gifts

Name of Book:  Badger’s Parting Gifts

Author:  Susan Varley

Illustrator:  Susan Varley

Publisher:  Mulberry Books

ISBN:  0-688-11518-7

Audience:  Ages 4 and up

Summary:  It was winter. Badger was old and knew that he would die soon. “His body did not work as well as it had in days gone by.” He wished he could prepare his friends for the time when he would not be live with them. But because he knew his time was coming soon, Badger wrote a letter to his friends saying good bye. All the animals were very sad when they learned that Badger had died. Before he died, Badger told his friends not to be sad, but it was hard for the animals not to be sad. They missed Badger. In the spring the animals got together to talk about Badger. They discovered that each animal had received a gift from him. In remembering Badger’s gifts, each animal is heartened and encouraged.

Literary elements at work in the story: This is an uplifting story which can help children who are grieving the loss of a grandparent. It is a story of loss which can help children and people of all ages, but it is particularly suited to those persons who are grieving the loss of someone who has been having problems with poor health due to age.

How does the perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability make a difference to the story? The fact that the story is told with animals instead of people gives it a universal theme for every child and person. The story would not be helpful for people in a culture that does not value animal stories.

Theological conversation partners:  Badger left “gifts” to his friends. He is remembered by how he acted towards his friends, and what he did—in life. He taught Mole how to cut out a special chain of paper moles; he taught Frog how to ice skate; he taught Fox how to knot a tie; and he taught Mrs. Rabbit how to bake wonderful gingerbread cookies. Not only was Badger a teacher, he was “dependable, reliable, and always ready to help when help was needed.” Badgers’ gifts to his friends were a legacy, and invaluable. When his friends remember each gift they received from Badger, they are comforted. Jesus left his teachings to his friends and to the world—gifts which are revered and treasured. The New Testament scriptures of the Bible record Jesus’ teachings to his first disciples, and to us in the world today.

Faith Talk Question: 

1. Do you understand how the animals felt after Badger died?
2. Have you lost someone who was very special to you?
3. If so, can you remember any gifts that person left you?
4. How does remembering the gifts someone left you–comfort you, now that person is no longer here?
5. Can you think of any gifts that you might “give” to others someday?

This reviewed was written by Union Presbyterian Seminary student Chris Feno.

A Monster Calls

Title:  A Monster Calls

Author: Patrick Ness

Illustrator:  Jim Kay

Publisher:  Candlewick, 2011

ISBN:  9780763655594

Audience:  Ages 12 and up

Summary:  Conor O’Malley’s mother is dying of cancer.  The treatments aren’t working but the adults around Conor-his mother, his grandmother, his visiting father from America, his teachers-allow his hopes to live.  Each day he struggles in school against persecution by Harry, the bully, condescending pity from teachers and isolation from classmates.  He tries to ignore the reality that he will probably have to go live with his brisk, no-nonsense grandmother in her spotlessly perfect house, that his divorced father will not take him.  And every night he is awakened by a nightmare too horrible to remember.  Then one night the old yew tree by the church in back of his house appears as a monster because, he says, Conor has called him.  Conor wants the monster to heal his mother; the monster says he is here to heal Conor.  And so he tells him three stories and says that Conor must tell the fourth.  It is the scariest, most difficult challenge that Conor faces: he must speak the truth.

Literary elements at work in the story: This is a work of art, an adaptation of an idea suggested by young adult author, Siobhan Dowd, before her early death.  The yew tree is an ancient symbol of death and is part of both Druid and Celtic myth. It is extremely poisonous but its bark is the source of taxol, an experimental treatment for cancer. Patrick Ness takes Dowd’s idea and weaves it into a painful, sad, funny, wise tale told in spare, eloquent sentences and with brooding pen and ink drawings to bring an elemental monster to life.  The monster says “Stories are the wildest things of all.  Stories chase and bite and hunt.”  It’s difficult to distinguish between Conor’s and the monster’s action. This story will linger long after the book is closed.

How does the perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability make a difference to the story? This is an English family.  The parents are divorced and the father lives with his new wife in America.  Grief and death are universal and none of the factors suggested shape the story

Theological Conversation Partners: Guilt, anger, grief, death, punishment, forgiveness, truth-this novel, without referring specifically to theology at all, touches on almost every facet of the Christian life. A powerful monster outside of Conor is needed to enable him to face himself and his mother’s death. The Christian faith offers answers, resources, ministry for each of these needs and conditions which the story so poignantly presents. And it offers power and strength beyond ourselves. John 1:8-9, for example, speaks of the need for confession and truth, of the promise of forgiveness and restoration.   See Psalm 32 as an example of a prayer of confession.  The strength Conor needs is ours in Christ’s promise to be with us always (Matt. 26:20b) or in the 23^rd Psalm.  The Psalms offer eloquent words to express grief and the joy of restoration (Psa.m 22:1,Psalm 86:1-7) .

Faith Talk Questions:

1. Has someone that you love died?  Do you recognize any of Conor’s feelings and experiences?
2. Is this a good description of the experience of grief?
3. The monster compels Conor to tell the truth about his nightmare, implying that there are serious consequences if he refuses.  What is difficult about telling the truth-about events, feelings, ideas?  And why is it so important?
4. Most Christian churches have a prayer of confession in their worship and we are called to confess out sins to God.  How is confession like telling the truth? What is the relation between the truth we tell and Christ who is the Truth?
5. Why does Conor feel the need for punishment?  What is the Christian answer to this feeling?
6. In 1 Corinthians 15:20-26 Paul affirms the resurrection and Christ’s victory over death.  How does this change the Christian experience of death?
7. The monster says that stories “chase and bite and hunt.”  Jesus frequently used stories to teach.  Recall some parables Jesus told that would have made his hearers uncomfortable, puzzled, or even angry.

This review was written by regular contributor Virginia Thomas.

Big Cat Pepper

Name of Book:  Big Cat Pepper

Author:  Elizabeth Partridge

Illustrator:  Lauren Castillo

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books

Audience: Ages 5-13

Summary: Big Cat Pepper belongs to a loving family. Pepper grows old and dies.  During his burial the little boy  worries if Pepper will be afraid in the deep soil but his Mama tells him that Pepper’s Spirit is forever—it can fly, fly, fly. The little boy deals with the sadness and loneliness caused by the loss of his cat. As time passes the little boy comes to the understanding that although Pepper is gone the memories live on in his heart.

Literary elements at work in the story:

Genre: Fiction-Cat; Fiction-Death

Setting: Pepper—a cat belongs to a loving family and the little boy has to deal with the issue of his beloved cat dying.

Characterization: The little boy struggles to deal with the issue of death and what it means for the Spirit of his cat to live on in his heart.

Plot:  As Pepper grows old and dies, the tragedy of death is experienced through the eyes of a little boy.  The little boy is grieved but is reassured by his Mama that Pepper’s Spirit is forever. The little boy comes to the realization of what this means.

Theme:  The loss of a loved one causes sadness and loneliness. As he is flooded with the memories of Pepper, he knows that Pepper lives in his heart.

Point of View: This narrative is told in the first person from the perspective of a little boy whose cat has died.

Style: The story is told in rhyme. The last word that ends each sentence rhymes.

Perspective on:

Gender: No gender stereotyping although the story is about the experience of a little boy.

Race: Illustrations portrays a non-specific brown skinned family but the experience of death is universal across all races.

Culture:  Story is culturally non-specific—a universal theme

Ability:  A little boy (not handicapped) has to overcome the grief of losing his cat and finding comfort in knowing that the cat lives on in his memories.

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Theology talk: Death as a natural part of the human life cycle. We have the promise of hope that we will see our loved ones again.

Faith Talk Questions:

1)      Where do we go when we die?

2)      What does it mean—“the Spirit lives forever”?

3)      Is death something that we should be fearful of?

Review prepared by Union Presbyterian Seminary student Dee Osbourne-Smart

Grandpa’s Soup

Name of Book:  Grandpa’s Soup

Author:  Eiko Kadona

Illustrator:  Satomi Ichikawa

Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

Audience: Ages 5-14

Summary: After the death of his wife, Grandpa finds himself day after day alone and sad. One day, he has a sudden urge for his beloved wife’s meatball soup and he gets up and goes to the store and sets about the task of making this soup.  Shortly after making the soup, he has a company of mice arrives and he shares his soup with them. Each day Grandpa continues to make soup which gets better as he recalls more of the ingredients and the pots become bigger and bigger as the number of his guests continue to grow. Grandpa looks forward to the next day when he will make more soup than the day before with the hope of having more company.

Literary elements at work in the story:

Genre: Fiction that could deal with grief, loneliness and sharing

Setting: This widower who lives alone experiences the joy of sharing his wife’s soup with others.

Characterization: The author develops the character of the widower as one who was deeply grieved and sad over the loss of his wife. In finding something that he loved about his wife he was able to share this with others and in sharing her soup he found joy and purpose.

Plot:  Grandpa is sad and lonely over the loss of his wife.  He remembers how much he loved her meatball soup, so he decides to make this soup.  The first day Grandpa makes the soup he uses the smallest pot in the kitchen and he shares it with his first guest who happens to be three mice. As each day passes by Grandpa makes a larger pot of soup in order to accommodate all of his guests. Grandpa eats with his guests. Grandpa enjoys this new found purpose in his life.

Theme:  The loss of a loved one can cause loneliness and depression.  Sharing one of the things he loved about his wife—her soup, eventually leads him to developing a community of animals and friends.

Point of View: This narrative is told in the third person about the main character– Grandpa. Grandpa is shown to overcome his loneliness and grief and is able to develop a community around himself by sharing his wife’s soup which was something that he loved when she was alive.

Style: As the author moves through the story he uses a “song” for the recipe of the soup. Each day as Grandpa makes his soup this song becomes longer as he remembers more of the ingredients that goes into the soup.  As the soup gets better, the song becomes longer and longer, the number of guests knocking at the door is also growing.  As each guest eats the author likes to highlight the sounds that they make, sip, sip, lap, gulp, slurp…

Perspective on:

Gender: No gender stereotyping. Grandpa could easily have been Grandma in any culture.

Race: Grandpa is here represented as a Caucasian male but he could just as easy be any ethnicity.

Culture:  The author does a great job of capturing diversity and multiculturalism in his illustrations—all were welcomed to the table even the mice, the cat and the dog.

Ability:  The story begins with grandpa suffering from grief and loneliness which at times can be debilitating for many people.  Grandpa was able to overcome his grief and loneliness.  There is no physical representation of a handicapped person or an overweight person.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:7-8; Matthew 13:52

Theology talk #1: Grandpa’s gives freely of himself even in his grieved and lonely state and he is blessed with joy in return.

Theology talk #2: The reign of God’s kingdom shows everybody getting along.  The mice who are usually not friends with a cat are seen at the same table supping together. There is peace and harmony. All are welcomed at God’s table

Faith Talk Questions:

1)      Which sacrament in the church reminds us of the table in grandpa’s kitchen?

2)      Looking at the table in grandpa’s kitchen, how would you describe God’s kingdom.

3)      Has your giving of yourself ever impacted or helped someone feel better?

4)      If you have lost a pet or a loved one what are some of the things you have done to get over missing that person or animal?

Review prepared by Union Presbyterian Seminary student Dee Osbourne-Smart

The Tiger Rising

Name of Book:   The Tiger Rising

Author: Kate DiCamillo

Cover Illustrator:  Chris Sheban

Publisher:   Candlewick Press

Audience:   Ages 9-12

Summary:  Twelve-year-old Rob Horton has recently moved with his father to a seedy motel in Lister, Florida.  Ever since his mother’s death, Rob has shut up his feelings in a big “suitcase” and clamped it down tight.  He is determined that nothing will make him cry again – not the bullies who torment him at his new school, not the ugly rash on his legs, and especially not missing his mother, whom he is very skilled at not thinking about.

But then two extraordinary things happen:  Rob discovers a real-life tiger in a cage near the motel where he lives.  On that same day, he meets Sistine Bailey, a feisty, independent-minded girl who lets out her feelings as readily as he holds his in.  As Rob and Sistine learn to trust each other and, ultimately, to be friends, they prove that some things – like memories and heartache and tigers – can’t be locked up forever.

Literary elements at work in the story:  Fiction novel set in an apparently small – even “backwoods” – town in Florida.  It’s hard to tell by the story when it takes place…sometime after the invention of automobiles and vacuum cleaners is about the only hint we get.

Perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability:  The main characters are quite diverse.  Sistine is apparently the daughter of well-to-do (and recently divorced) parents:  she dresses in fancy clothes that cause her to be teased at school and her grammar is better than anyone’s in the story.  Rob’s dad comes across as being uneducated by using poor grammar but that could be simply a colloquialism – I grew up with many people in the deep South who spoke in a similar manner though they knew better.  The wisest person in the story, the one Sistine refers to as a “prophetess,” is a black woman named Willie May who has befriended the motherless boy.

Scripture:  John 15:12-14

Theology:  This is a poignant story of loss and redemption and the part that friendship and love play in the healing process.

Faith Talk Questions:

1. Throughout most of the story, how does Rob cope with things he can’t change?  Why do you think the Threemonger brothers bully him and how does he deal with their threats and abuse?
2. Sistine and Rob handle problems and situations in opposite ways.  Which way do you believe is better?
3. What is the rash on Rob’s legs?  What do you think the cure for his rash might be?
4. What is the significance of the tiger’s cage for Sistine?  For Rob?
5. What are some of Rob’s feelings that begin to surface with Sistine’s help and friendship?  What occurs at the end of the story that allows Rob to “open the suitcase”?  What happens to his relationship with his father then?

Review prepared by Union Presbyterian Seminary student Kelly Hames

Don’t Laugh at Me

Name of Book: Don’t Laugh at Me

Author: Steve Seskin & Allen Shamblin

Illustrator: Glin Dibley

Publisher: Tricycle Press

Audience: All ages

Summary: Don’t Laugh at Me is the poignant tale of children and adults who wear braces, are chosen last for teams, beg on street corners and yet plead for acceptance and understanding.  The story gives voice to our human condition: the desire to know that we belong, no matter how small, slow, sick, different, or poor we are.

Literary Elements at Work: There are two important literary elements at work in this story: artistry and the driving undergirding plea: don’t laugh at me. The illustrations depict the differences that these younger and older persons feel set them apart—glasses, braces, size, mental and physical coordination, wheel chair, race, etc.  A child could easily retell the tale by following the artistry.  The illustrator tells us that he himself wanted to be a basketball player but was too short.  The storytellers introduce each character and spotlight a stigma or stereotype—nerd, geek, slow, glasses.  This is followed by the refrain, “Don’t laugh at me.  Don’t call me names.  Don’t get your pleasure from my pain.  In God’s eyes we’re all the same.  Someday we’ll all have perfect wings.  Don’t laugh at me.”  Additionally, this is a song and the book comes with a CD.

Scripture: Isaiah 43 selected verses: “Thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine…Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you.”  (NRSV)

Theology: God creates us, forms us, redeems us, calls us by name, honors us, and loves us.  Why?  Because we are precious in God’s sight.  This good news seems too good to be true.  Thus, we need constant reassurance.  That may be one of the reasons why the Bible says so many times, “Do not be afraid.”

Faith Talk Questions:

Sit down beside your child, let him hold the book and turn the pages.  Ask him to point to the characters as you read.  Repeat this process on each page, considering the following:  In the story, the boys and girls and men and women notice their differences.  Other people notice their differences as well.  These differences make the boys and girls and men and women sad and feel left out.  Sometimes people laugh at others who are different.  BUT, are not we all different?  And the same?  Talk about differences.  Some people are big; some people are little.  Some people walk on two legs; some people ride in wheelchairs.  Some people wear glasses; some people wear freckles.  Some people like to read, some people like to jump.  Talk about sameness.  Short people and tall people are still people.  Everyone has a mom and a dad.  Everyone was created by God and in God’s image.  Ask your child, “Who loves girls with glasses?  Who loves girls with freckles?  Who loves boys who walk on two feet?  Who loves boys who ride in wheelchairs” Wait for responses.  Ask follow up questions, “Does God love people who are fast?  Does God love people who are last?  Does God love people who are poor?  Does God love people who are rich?”  Say, “God loves you when you’re slow AND God loves you when you’re fast.  God loves you when you walk on two legs AND God loves you when ride in wheelchairs.  Why?  Say, “God loves all people all the time.”    Because you and we and they are precious in God’s sight!”  End with a prayer thanking God for all short, tall, black, white, rich and poor boys and girls that God forms and loves.

Review prepared by Union Presbyterian Seminary student Kim Lee

UP

Name of Book: UP

Author:  Adapted by Lisa Marsoli

Illustrator:  The Disney Storybook Artists

Publisher:   Random House Children’s Books

Audience: All Ages

Summary:  By tying thousands of balloons to his home, 78-year-old widower Carl Fredricksen sets out to fulfill his lifelong dream to see the wilds of South America. Right after lifting off, however, he learns he isn’t alone on his journey, since Russell, a wilderness explorer 70 years his junior, has inadvertently become a stowaway on the trip.

Literary elements at work in the story:  A read-aloud adventure storybook based on the Oscar-winning Disney-Pixar film of the same name.  At first glance, the plot is the familiar theme of “grumpy” older person softened by a child.  In fact, though, Carl isn’t so much grumpy as he is an emotional wreck after the death of his wife – and childhood sweetheart – Ellie.  The traditional theme (which I never tire of) is taken to new heights with the comical illustrations and Dug the Dog with whom you can’t help but fall in love.

Perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability:      The intergenerational story in UP is full of heart.  Add to that the bond between Russell and the bird, Kevin, and Dug and you have a delightful story for all ages with plenty of emotion.

Theology:  A sweet story about keeping promises and making sacrifices and love.

Faith Talk Questions:

1. Why do you think Carl finally decided to travel to South America?
2. What did Russell give up to make friends with the giant bird, Kevin?  What did Carl have to give up to save Russell, Kevin, and Dug?  Why do you think he did this?
3. Have you ever given up something special for someone you care about?

Review prepared by Kelly Hames, MACE, Entering cohort Fall 2008