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.

Island of the Skog

Name of Book:  Island of the Skog

Author:  Steven Kellogg

Illustrator:  Steven Kellogg

Publisher:  Dial

ISBN:  978-0803738423  (HBK)/978-0140546491   (PBK)

Audience:  Ages 4-8

Summary:  Jenny and her mouse friends take to the seas in search of a more peaceful place to live. But when they arrive what at first seems the island of their dreams, turns out to be an island is inhabited by the Skog.  This funny and exciting story is a perfect introduction to peace for young children.

Literary elements at work in the story:  Steven Kellogg’s use of comical illustrations and cute characters helps soften some of the harsher realities of this story.  His text gives voice to the need to find a new home.

How does the perspective on gender/race/culture/economics/ability make a difference to the story:  The mice live in a dangerous inner city environment.  The skog live alone on an island.  Neither is happy with the society in which they live.  The mice think taking over someone else’s world is the way to a better place to live.  The skog thinks fear will save his world.  Neither is right and conflict develops.  A good starting place for a discussion on what  society is, this book will also show children and how to bring peace instead of conflict.

Scripture:  Matthew 5: 9

Theology:  “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the children of God.”  What does it mean to be a peacemaker?  That is a question that has confounded many.  For some peace is going away from harm like the mice.  For others peace is saving yourself from those that will destroy your way of living.  However, true peacemakers find a way to do what the mice and skog eventually did.  Peacemakers learn to talk through a conflict and find a solution good for both sides.  Being a peacemaker is not easy.  It is only with God’s blessing that we can even hope to have the wisdom and strength to be peacemakers.  Next time someone speaks in anger or you speak in anger towards someone else, stop, pray, and think about how to turn your anger and fear into peace.  The mice and skog did.  You can too.

Faith Questions:

1.         Why did the mice sail off?

2.         Did everyone on the ship want to blaze their way and take over the island?

3.         How did the skog deal with the intruders?

4.         Which character in the book is most like you?

5.         What would you have done in Bouncer’s position?

6.         Who agreed to build a village and live together?

7.         How can we become peacemakers?

8.         What are some things that you can do to be a peacemaker?

Review prepared by guest blogger Janet Lloyd.