A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 138

Picture Book: Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s My Favorite Things

Lyrics: Oscar Hammerstein II 

Music (scores are found as end papers): Richard Rodgers

Illustrator: Renee Graef (top photo); James Warhola (bottom photo)

Summary: These are picture books of the song made famous by the movie, The Sound of Music, sung in Maria's (Julie Andrew’s character) bedroom while the children were afraid of a thunderstorm. It encourages the listing of favorite things when feeling bad.

Hanna’s Comments: I love this song! I’ve never understood why it is considered by some as a Christmas song. The Graef illustrations are of human characters primarily and the Warhola illustrations are of animal characters with no Christmas references. 

Publisher & Date of Publication: Harper Collins, 2005 (top photo);
Simon & Schuster, 1994 (bottom photo)

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 3 and up, Pre and up

# of Pages: 14

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet ( For the version illustrated by Renee Graef)

PBT Category: Song Book

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: anxiety/worry, blessings, bravery/courage, choir/music/singing/songs, comfort, confidence, danger, difficulties, emotions/feelings, encouragement, fear, reassurance, safety, self-control, strength/strength in God

Scripture Connections: Be strong and courageous… the Lord is with you (Joshua 1:9)

Idea(s) for Application: I think it is important in our faith communities to talk about our fears and what strategies we use to deal with them. This song offers one strategy that could easily encompass religious ideas such as listing spiritual practices that help you deal with fears. Sharing these kinds of vulnerable moments with children and adults allows us to connect because many of our fears are the same. Also, these kinds of conversations will help us equip one another with important coping mechanisms that are grounded in our faith.