The Curious Garden

Title: The Curious Garden

Author: Peter Brown

Illustrator: Peter Brown

Publisher: Little, Brown, 2009

ISBN: 9780316015479

Audience: 4-8 years

Summary:  There was once a city without gardens or trees or greenery, a dull and dreary city where everyone stayed inside.  Except young, red-headed Liam who, while splashing in the rain one day, discovered a few wildflowers on an elevated railroad track.  The plants needed a gardener and Liam set to work with pail and pruning shears and song. And then, page by page, season by season, the garden grew and the city blossomed with both plants and gardeners.

Literary elements at work in the story: A 32 page picture book of a few choice words and delightful, whimsical illustrations.  Brown has used acrylic and gouache to create fanciful plant life that changes the city and the community.  Children will enjoy spotting Liam in each picture and adults and children alike will “read” these pictures again and again.

How does the perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability make a difference to the story? A young boy who loves the outdoors makes the difference.  The need to appreciate and care for the plant world around us transcends race, gender and culture.

Theological Conversation Partners: Genesis 1 and 2 remind us that God’s created world is good and that we are stewards of it.  Paul reminds us (Romans 8) that creation is caught up in our sin.  Psalm 104 describes some of God’s plan for the natural world.  Psalm 65:9 (JB) speaks of God as a gardener who visits the earth and waters it. This is a natural for study units about nature and God’s providence, for families that plant gardens with children.  (But don’t expect Liam’s results.)

Faith Talk Questions:

1. How did the city look without plants?
2. Where did the plants Peter discovered come from?
3. What did Peter do to make the garden grow?
4. What other living things came with the gardens?
5. What signs do you see that caring for nature is good for the people around you.
6. What does it take for us to make a garden?
7. In what ways is God a gardener?
8. Plant some seeds and watch them grow.  It’s a miracle.

Review prepared by Union Presbyterian Seminary alumna Virginia Thomas

I Hate Roland Roberts

Name of Book:  I Hate Roland Roberts

Author:  Martina Selway

Illustrator:  Martina Selway

Publisher: Ideals Children’s Books

Audience: Ages 5-12

Summary: Rosie writes to her Granddad about her new school which she does not like because of her classmate Roland Roberts. Rosie has to sit next to Roland in class and Roland has been assigned to look after Rosie. Their relationship begins with Rosie hating  Roland because of his rude comments and uncaring actions towards her. As their friendship develops they find that they have many interests in common and they begin to like and appreciate each other.

Literary elements at work in the story:

Genre: Friendship-Fiction; School-Fiction

Setting: Rosie finds herself having to adjust to a new school and making new friends

Characterization: Rosie enters a new school and because of the way her classmate Roland Roberts treats her she comes to the conclusion that “she hates Roland Roberts.”  The author develops Rosie’s and Roland’s character as they develop a personal relationship.

Plot:  Rosie forms an initial opinion—“I hate Roland Roberts” -  based on first impressions but as their friendship develops over time she comes to the realization that “I really like Roland Roberts”.

Theme:  There are challenges that one faces in new situations and in meeting new people but always keep an open mind and do not be too quick to judge a person.

Point of View: Written in first person through the eyes of Rosie who finds herself in a new school and having to deal with making new friends.

Style: Author uses a letter style to tell the story. Each page has an illustration on the left with the content of Rosie’s letter on the right.

Perspective on:

Gender: Roland claims certain gender specific stereotype such as “girls are stupid and they are cry babies.” Rosie quickly dispels those thoughts.

Race: The story is specifically about Rosie who is a Caucasian female but the illustrations shows a wide cross-section of people.

Culture:  Culturally generic. This could be any class room or new school situation in the world.

Ability:  Rosie is just like any new student who has to deal with transitioning to a new school and making new friends.  She is reluctant at first to be open to a friendship with Roland but as they spend time together she realizes that there are characteristics about him that she likes.

Scripture: Romans 12:9-10, 13

Theology: The Christian life calls us to embrace the stranger and to show them hospitality and love.

Faith Talk Questions:

1. What can we learn about judging others? How do we embrace someone who is different from us?
2. What are some of the ways we can embody loving our neighbor?

Review prepared by Union Presbyterian Seminary student Dee Osbourne-Smart

The Baronet’s Song

Name of Book:   The Baronet’s Song

Author:  George McDonald, edited by Michael R. Phillips

Illustrator:  Cover Art by Dan Thornberg

Publisher:  Bethany House Publishers

Audience:   Ages 12 and up

Summary:  This is the story of a young boy, Gibbie Galbraith, unable to speak but who lived a life of innocent love, goodness, and truth.  After his titled but penniless father’s death, “wee Sir Gibbie” witnesses a violent murder and flees the city. Gibbie, an orphan now with nowhere to go remembers his father’s many drunken mumblings of “up Daurside” and so heads up the River Daur to the Scottish Highlands.  Here he manages to find friendship and love in the midst of a simple country family. Eventually his life leads him back to the city and to places he never could have imagined.

We read as Gibbie – a young boy with no advantages as this world counts them – grows to manhood.  Yet in seeking goodness, Gibbie discovers that doing right, as God counts right, is the best reward of all.

Literary elements at work in the story:  This is a tender love story (on many levels) from one of Scotland’s best storytellers.  George MacDonald is the master when it comes to communicating the all-present love of God through the beauty and power of Nature. Because MacDonald firmly believed that life’s deepest insights were found in everyday relationships and ordinary contacts with the world, this book is filled with commonplace lives in a simple agrarian world.

Perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability:  Gibbie is not your typical lead character in a novel.  We first meet him as a scrawny child of eight, the city’s urchin. What’s more he’s a mute.  Even orphaned, homeless and penniless, his greatest joy lies in helping others.  As he grows to manhood and comes into an unexpected inheritance, Sir Gibbie remains untouched by greed and lust for power.

Scripture:  Micah 6:8; Psalm 34:13-14

Theology:  The Baronet’s Song shows us that the salvific work of Christ is available to all, even those ignorant of the notion of salvation.  God loves us just as He finds us, but God loves us too much to leave us that way.

Faith Talk Questions:

1. Do you think it’s possible for a person to be as good and kind as Gibbie?  Do you know anyone who puts your happiness and wellbeing above their own?  Someone who makes sacrifices for your sake?  How does this reflect a Christ-like love?
2. Gibbie is a loving and giving person even without the benefit of a “conversion experience.”  What does this say to you about the way God acts in our lives?  How did God use the events of Gibbie’s life to draw him into relationship with Christ?
3. Life in the Scottish Highlands at the turn of the 20^th century was not an easy one.  Traveling to church regularly from the untamed mountain of Glashgar would have been impossible.  Given that, in what ways to do you see a worshipping community of faith portrayed by these simple shepherding folk?

Review prepared by Union Presbyterian Seminary student Kelly Hames

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

First the Egg

Name of Book: First the Egg

Author: Laura Vaccaro Seeger

Illustrator: Laura Vaccaro Seeger

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Audience: Preschool through elementary

Summary: Laura Vaccaro Seeger’s First the Egg tells the story of how things grow and change. There is also an element in the story that suggests to young children that something is not always what it first appears to be according to their own perceptions. Laura Seeger uses elements in nature like an egg, a tadpole, and a seed to show how these objects grow and change into a chicken, a frog, and a flower.

First the Egg is a very good teaching tool that is simple and direct. First the Egg helps children understand that the objects they perceive in nature are not necessarily the final form of creation. Perceptions young child and even older adults make about an object tend to be different; sometimes the perceptions are right other times they are wrong. The way the book is designed allows for the readers to anticipate about what they perceive an egg, a tadpole, a seed etc. will turn into which is then conveyed on the next page. The book adds an element of surprise with each page turn as young children learn what these elements of nature, depicted in this book, will reveal as their final form.

Literary elements at work in the story: First the Egg is a concept book meaning that the author has a particular idea she wants to convey in the book.  In this book that concept is change and/or perception. Laura Vaccaro Seeger uses creation to convey this concept of change and perception. Nature is an element that young children can easily encounter in their everyday life. Each page in her book provides a theme of surprise as children guess what they think the element of nature will be in its final form.

How does the perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability make a difference to the story?

There is no major perspective that would make a difference to the story. The only minor perspective that would make a difference to this book would be that different cultural contexts may not understand or come into contact with elements in nature that this book uses.

Scripture: Genesis 1:1 and following; Acts 11:1-18

Theology: Change occurs in everyday life. Some changes are simple others are more difficult. Things, people, and places grow and change and sometimes the outcome of this change is very different from what we first perceive. God created the world in such a manner that things will grow and flourish. Humans are limited in their ability to always understand why certain things change or flourish into something unexpected. The good news is that God is in control, knows our human limitations, and teaches/surprises us with knowledge that is true and correct.

Faith Talk Questions

1)    What things in nature have you seen change?

2)    Tell of a time when you thought an object was one thing, but it turned out to another.

3)    How do you grow and change?

4)    Have you ever been surprised to learn that a person, thing, or event changed into something that you were not expecting?

5)    How could you help someone understand change? How could you help someone understand that there are different perceptions of people, places, and items around the world that differ from their own?

6)    Does change bring feelings of sadness, happiness, or surprise?

Review prepared by Jen Mitchell, 2010 graduate of Union-PSCE

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Name of Book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Author: Eric Carle

Illustrator: Eric Carle

Publisher: Scholastic

Audience: Ages 2 and up

Summary: This is a story of a caterpillar’s life. The caterpillar hatches from an egg, grows through eating, and then builds a cocoon for himself. After a bit of time, he emerges as a beautiful butterfly.

Literary elements at work in the story: This is a short informational, picture book that works through the life cycle of one character, a caterpillar. It is told from the third person perspective by an omniscient narrator. It is a relatively accurate portrayal of the brief life cycle of a caterpillar, despite also being a picture book.

How does the perspective on gender/race/culture/economic/ability make a difference to the story? This is a fictional story about a male caterpillar. None of the other perspectives really pertain to this book.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17

Theology: Because of the life, death and resurrection of Christ Jesus, we have a new life and a new relationship with God. We are also promised that physical death is not the end of our life. We will continue to live in and have relationship with God.

Faith Talk Questions:

1. What happened to the caterpillar after he went into the cocoon?
2. Did the caterpillar change or stay the same?
3. When we have Jesus in our hearts, do we change or stay the same?
4. Who made the caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly?
5. Does God make us beautiful?
6. How? (for older children/adolescents only)

Review prepared by Katie Todd, MDiv/MACE, Entering Cohort Fall 2005

Mama Says: A Book of Love for Mothers and Sons

Name of Book:  Mama Says- A Book of Love for Mothers and Sons

Author:  Rob D. Walker

Illustrator:  Leo and Diane Dillon

Publisher:  The Blue Sky Press

Audience:  All ages, most suitable for boys. It could also be used in a parenting conference, and would be a good resource for mothers.

Summary: This book is a compilation of sayings a mother (“mama”) would say to her son. Focusing on 12 different countries this book highlights all mothers’ desire for their sons to help those in need, work hard, stand for what he believes in, and wonder at the world and nature. This book focuses on what unites humankind: love for one another, compassion for one another, and faith in one another, and does so by highlighting one of the strongest bonds, mother and son. The book concludes with a powerful statement, “I listened to what my mama said, and now I am man.”

Literary elements at work in the story:  The book is poetic by nature and has a sing song quality. It also uses repetition. The phrase “Mama says…” starts every page and helps unite the different cultures represented. It would be a fabulous book to use with readers theatre or mini monologues. I imagine how powerful it would be for mothers (and fathers) to see their own sons speaking these words. You could find a similar book for girls (or write the text yourself) and have your Sunday school class put on a readers theatre for the parents (possibly a tribute on mothers day). They could create the costumes and study the culture surrounding their “saying”. This could be a wonderful opportunity to learn about other cultures, and talk about God’s children, as well as, teach the parents about other customs and traditions (while highlighting the importance of parenting).

Perspective on gender/ race/ culture/ economic/ ability:    The book is extremely multi-cultural, each page focuses on a different race, religious, and ethnic community. It is a beautiful depiction of God’s community, God’s people. Each page also bares the imprint of that community’s written language, for example, on the page representing a Jewish mother and son the words are written in Hebrew (as well as English). Each page also has a distinct pattern that represents the culture, itself. The pictures provide as much to the reader as the text, for they truly bring the culture alive. The pictures are such vivid images, that if you were to use this as a reader’s theatre you would want the children dressed like the characters.

Scripture:. Proverbs 22: 6

Theology:  Different Themes (geared towards 5^th graders)

1. What it means to grow in life and faith (what does it mean to be a “man”/ “woman” of God)?
2. What is the relationship between mother and son? Or more importantly, parent and child (this entire book could be changed to be directed at both parents and include girls, which is necessary if you do not know the children in your Sunday school well or if a child is without a mother)?

Faith Talk Questions for boys and girls:

1. What is the most important thing your mother (father, grandparents, or caregiver) has ever taught you?
2. What do you think it means to be a man/ woman? Or, what will it take to become a man/ woman?
3. What do you think you can learn from your mother (father, grandparents, and caregivers)?

Faith Talk Questions for mothers/ fathers/ caregivers: (I believe this book is more geared to parents/ caregivers than anything else, and would a wonderful teaching tool for them.)  For example, at a parenting conference discussing boys starting with this book (acted out by some children) would be a wonderful lead in to the following topics/ questions for discussion.

1. How are you shaping your sons understanding of God and the world?
2. What are you teaching him that will stay with him forever? What do you want your son to remember about you and your teachings when he is a “man”?
3. Are you okay with letting your son become a man? (a question I feel mostly mother must come to grips with and which, I believe, is surprisingly hard for most mothers).

Review prepared by Ashley Cheek, MDiv/MACE, Entering cohort Fall 2007

Olive’s Ocean

Name of Book: Olive’s Ocean

Author: Kevin Henkes

Illustrator: None

Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers

Publisher’s Intended Audience: Grades 5-8

Summary: As Martha Boyle is getting ready to go to her grandmother’s house on the ocean, she receives a visit from the mother of a classmate named Olive who was recently killed in a car accident.  Olive’s mother gives Martha a page from Olive’s journal and leaves. Although Martha was not friends with Olive, the journal entry suggests that Olive really wanted to be her friend.  Martha reflects on this as she and her family spend time with her grandmother. Many things happen on the summer trip to Martha: Martha falls in love and is humiliated, shares deep thoughts with her grandmother, sees her family in a new light, and contemplates her own mortality as she seeks to remember and grieve for Olive Barstow.

Literary elements at work in the story: The genre of this story is contemporary realistic fiction. The setting for the majority of the story is the beach where Martha’s grandmother has her home.  The plot is centered on Martha and her discoveries about life and about herself.  The author’s characterization of Martha is typical of what many 12 year old girls may experience and feel as they grow and change. This book would be very appropriate for tweens in a middle school youth group.

Perspective on gender/race/culture/economic ability: No particular perspective is highlighted in this book although it is evident that Martha’s family is upper middle class. Mom has her own show at a radio station and dad is a lawyer who decides to return to his firm after taking time off to be a stay at home dad.

Scripture/Theme: This book has an overall theme of growing up and highlights the experiences that happen to a girl who is almost a teenager. Although the book is a fictional piece, the events described in it are realistic and ones that middle school girls could relate to as they grow and change in their own lives

Theology:

1. Although our thoughts, feelings, and bodies change as we grow, the unconditional love of God for all of God’s children remains constant.
2. The Christian life is a journey on which we meet people and have experiences that mold and shape us as we walk the path toward sanctification.

Faith Talk Questions (Intended for use with Grades 5-8/ages 10-12):

1. Why is Martha surprised by the visit from Olive’s mother?
2. What does Martha realize when she is talking about Olive for Jimmy’s video?
3. What do you as the reader learn as Martha writes “Olive’s” story?
4. Why does Martha feel solidarity with Olive?
5. What is the significance of the ocean and the beach setting to this story?
6. How does Martha change from the beginning to the end of the story?
7. Do you think that Martha will view people who cross her path differently in the future?  Why or why not?

Review prepared by Marcia A. Rauch, MA in Christian Education (MACE), Entering cohort – 2006.