A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 101

Picture Book: Ten Things I Love about You

Author & Illustrator: Daniel Kirk

Summary: While Pig is at his desk thinking, Rabbit comes to the door and shows Pig what Rabbit is busy doing: making a list of the ten things Rabbit loves about Pig. Though Pig is flattered, he seems anxious to get back to what he was doing, but Rabbit is desperately stuck at item #2. Each time Pig encourages Rabbit to work on the list independently, Pig thinks of another one of Pig’s attributes. Pig leaves a couple of times, but he quickly returns for more help. Their funny banter continues, but Pig’s patience wears thin. Once Rabbit’s list is almost complete, Pig accidentally reveals that he was trying to finish a list of things he loves about Rabbit.  The story ends with them declaring their friendship in the light of this delightful coincidence. The author cleverly includes the 2 complete lists at the back of the book. In 2014 Daniel Kirk wrote another book featuring this duo:Ten Thank-You Letters.  

Hanna’s Comments: This is such a simple, clever, and joyful celebration of friendship. It’s all about compliments and affirmations which was exactly what I needed for a recent lesson for 1^st graders on the diverse gifts in the Body of Christ. I redesigned the lesson and the children loved this book. If you are interested in the lesson, I’ll send it to you for a small price.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Nancy Paulsen Books, 2013

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 5 and up, K and up

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, affection, affirmation, belonging, body of Christ, bonds/connections, companionship, differences, encouragement, friends/friendship, gifts/giftedness/talents, gratitude/thankfulness/thanksgiving, hospitality, identity/names, individuality/uniqueness, joy, judgment/judges/judging, love, patience, perspective, tolerance

Scripture Connections: Love one another with affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. (Romans 12:10); Diverse gifts in the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12)

Idea(s) for Application: This would also be a great book for private schools to use preceding holidays in which relatives are honored such as Grandparent’s Day. Have the children make a list of things they love about….