Picture Book: Peach
and Blue
Author: Sarah S. Kilborne
Illustrator: Steve
Johnson with Lou Fancher
Idea(s) for Application: Use this book as an illustration of the power of empathy when relating to those with illness or disabilities and how those we care for can often teach us to view our world differently.
Summary: Blue is a blue-bellied
toad. On a cloudless day, he is surprised to feel raindrops. He looks up to
find a crying Peach. Peach explains that she is ripe and about to fall or be
picked. Instead she yearns for adventure, longing especially to see the beauty
of the world. Blue gathers his many siblings and creates a tower to free her.
Then they bring her a bowl to float in so that she will be comfortable while
they explore the pond. Blue thoughtfully cares for Peach, and thanks to Peach,
Blue sees more clearly the beauty of the world. The 2 friends commit to staying together,
despite Peach admitting, “I don’t think I’ll last forever.” Blue responds, “That’s
okay. Not many folks do. But until then, you have me and I have you.”
Hanna’s Comments: The
illustrations in this book are lush and unusual, as is the idea of 2 very
different characters from nature having such a loving relationship and human-like
features, feelings, and responses. This book will grow on you, offering striking images of loving-kindness, empathy, and attention.
Publisher & Date of Publication: Knopf, 1994
Age Grade Appropriateness: 3 and up, Pre and up
# of Pages: 32
Available in Spanish? Not at present
Formats other
than Book: None at present
PBT Category: Pre 2K
PBT Topics this Book Connects with: attentiveness/observation/seeing,
beauty, body of Christ, caring/tending, commitment, community, cooperation,
differences, disabilities/handicaps/limitations, encouragement, exploration,
fear, friends/friendship, generosity/giving/offering/stewardship,
gentleness/meekness, God’s care/providence, goodness, helping,
journeys/pilgrimages/migration/quests, kindness, leadership/servant leadership,
listening, loneliness, love, mission, obstacles, outreach, outsiders,
partners/teamwork, patience, rescue, respect, savior/saving, servant hood/service/serving,
steadfastness, vision, wonder
Scripture Connections: Blessed
are the meek (Matthew 5:5); Paralyzed friend lowered through the roof to be healed (Luke
5:18-26)
Idea(s) for Application: Use this book as an illustration of the power of empathy when relating to those with illness or disabilities and how those we care for can often teach us to view our world differently.
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