A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 195

                        

Picture Book: Have You Filled a Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids

Author: Carol McCloud

Illustrator: David Messing

Summary: Based on the adult book, How Full is Your Bucket? by Tom Rath and Donald O. Clifton, this picture book puts those authors’ ideas in an inviting format for children. The guiding metaphor here is that each of us has been carrying an invisible bucket since birth. The purpose of the bucket is to hold good thoughts and feelings about yourself. You need others to fill your bucket by being loving to you, and they need you to fill their bucket by being loving to them. What’s wonderful is that the act of filling someone else’s bucket fills your bucket as well. You feel good when you help others feel good. However, you might sometimes be a “bucket dipper.” Bucket dipping occurs when you take away someone’s good feelings by saying or doing mean things to them.

Hanna’s Comments: There are numerous resources, including other picture books, about this concept of bucket filling as a metaphor for the importance of loving attention. I chose this book because it teaches children how to fill others’ buckets and focuses on how our actions influence others’ well-being, important aspects of any faith community. Another strength of this book is the way in which it teaches empathy, an important skill for personal resilience and functional community. Find an introduction by the author. For more information and resources including free downloads, visit www.bucketfillers101.com.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Ferne Press, 2006

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Amateur videos on Youtube.com where there is also a song about being bucket fillers.

PBT Category: Award Winner, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: affection, affirmation, body of Christ, brokenness, caring/tending, choices/decisions, dependence/interdependence, emotions/feelings, encouragement, gladness/happiness, golden rule, goodness, joy, kindness, love, nurturing, perspective, power, relationships, satisfaction, self-acceptance/self-image/self-esteem

Scripture Connections: This is my commandment that you love one another (John 15:12); rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15); be kind to one another (Ephesians 4:32); all of you have unity of mind, sympathy, love, a tender heart and a humble mind

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book when doing a lesson for children on your faith community’s loving interdependence and God's call to live in this way.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 194

Picture Book: The Scarves

Author & Illustrator: Daniela Bunge

Summary: A granddaughter who regularly visits her grandparents is told upon her arrival that they will no longer be living together. When she asks if they don’t like the other, they separately explain that they have different opinions and interests now, but she is confused. As she begins to visit their separate homes, she suspects that they begin missing each other and their love still exists so she devises a plan to bring them back together involving 2 knitted scarves, anonymous notes, and a plan to meet to ice skate which is how they first met.

Hanna’s Comments: This is a picture book about old, forgotten love, newer love for a cherished grandchild, and remembered love. It’s a clever story which demonstrates that love doesn’t have to be about liking the same things. This plot also reveals how change can be thrilling but eventually sad and tiresome. This perceptive grandchild listens and watches with the eyes of one who loves her grandparents desperately. The power of shared memory is another important subject here that has bound together many a faith community. 

Publisher & Date of Publication: Minedition, 2006

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: acceptance, bonds/connections, commitment, differences, discord, disputes/fighting/opposition, forgiveness/mercy/redemption, grandparents, hiding/isolation, loneliness, love, pacifism/peace/peacemakers, perspective, regret/repentance, relationships, tolerance, transformation

Scripture Connections: Let all you do be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:14); stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught (2Thessalonians 2:15); above all, keep loving one another earnestly (1 Peter 4:8)

Idea(s) for Application: Consider reading this book to adults and children at a community-wide retreat for your family of faith. Then discuss loving bonds you share that encompass the diversity of interests across your population and all that you hold in common and treasure together.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 193

Picture Book: Singing Away the Dark

Author: Caroline Woodward

Illustrator: Julie Morstad

Summary: This exquisite picture book in verse is about a 6 year old girl who has to walk a mile in the snow before the sun comes up in order to meet her school bus. Along the way, she deals with shadows, scary sounds, the movement of various animals, and wire fencing. To combat her fears, she takes a deep breath and sings until the darkness disappears. She sings softly to “calm myself and plan the safest way.” She refers to a line of trees as her “Silent Soldiers” as she compels them to protect her and “stand beside her tall and strong.” This book is based on the author’s own experiences as a child walking to school.

Hanna’s Comments: As a nationally certified school psychologist, one of my goals is for children to become resilient under difficult circumstances. This book beautifully demonstrates how a young child handles her own fears with smart coping skills. The most obvious is her singing, but she also directs her attention in positive ways and imagines supports to help her on her journey. When you share this book with children, talk about how you cope with fearful tasks now and when you were young. Mention in particular how your faith gives you courage and strength to endure in difficult circumstances with God as your companion.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Simply Read Books, 2010

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up

# of Pages: 36

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, acceptance, action, adaptation/assimilation, anxiety/worry, armor, beginnings/morning, bravery/courage, challenges, choir/music/singing/songs, comfort, commitment, confidence, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, danger, darkness/evening/night, difficulties, emotions/feelings, fear, God’s presence, journeys/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, perseverance, safety, security, wisdom, worship

Scripture Connections: Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified. Do not be discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9); for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7)

Idea(s) for Application: This would be a wonderful book in a children or adult’s lesson about dealing with fears or how praising God with song can be a comfort and a coping tool. Also mention our confidence in knowing of God’s presence with us wherever we go.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 192

Dynamic Duo: Book 2

Picture Book: Koala Lou            

Author: Mem Fox

Illustrator: Pamela Lofts

Summary: Koala Lou is wonderfully loved by her community of Australian animal friends and especially by her mother who many times a day will say, “Koala Lou, I DO love you!” However, other koala babies have come, and Koala Lou’s mother has less time for declaring her love. Koala Lou begins to doubt this love so she prepares to enter and win the Bush Olympics so that her mother will again declare, “Koala Lou, I DO love you!” Koala Lou trains with passion, but she comes in second in her event. Disappointed, she goes away to cry. After dark, Koala Lou returns home and is enthusiastically greeted by her mother who says, “Koala Lou, I DO love you! I always have, and I always will.” Then she hugs her for a really long time.   

Hanna’s Comments: Like yesterday’s PBT Dynamic Duo offering, this book is all about the unconditional love of parents. However, these 2 books are quite different. Here you have a determined oldest child who misses the attention of her mother so she works hard to achieve success. She learns that her mother’s love is already present and not reliant on her success. This would be a good book to read to children if you have a need to explain the grace vs. works issue in Christianity or the ever-present love and mercy of God in the Old Testament.  

Publisher & Date of Publication: Gulliver Books, 1988

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: There are some videos on Youtube.com including one of Wally Amos, Famous Amos cookie entrepreneur, reading this book on stage.

PBT Category: Pre 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: coveting/envy/jealousy, disappointment, family, God’s nature, grace, image of God, labor/work, loss of faith, love, mothers, parents/parental love, pleasing God/the Shema, relationships, self-acceptance/self-image/self-esteem, siblings

Scripture Connections: Can a woman forget her child? Yet, I will not forget you. (Isaiah 49:15); By grace you have been saved through faith. This is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book when presenting a lesson to children on how God’s love is not conditional and does not have to be earned. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 191

Dynamic Duo: Book 1

Picture Book: You’re All My Favorites            

Author: Sam McBratney

Illustrator: Anita Jeram

Summary: The subject of this picture book, a bear family, has 3 cubs. Each cub has been told that he or she is the best baby bear in the world. As they mature, the bears begin to wonder how this is possible. How can each of them be the best bear in the world? Each cub has a reason to doubt that perhaps he or she is not really the best. When together the cubs demand to know which of them is truly their parents’ favorite, the bear parents answer with reassurance and loving affirmation of their uniqueness. 

Hanna’s Comments: This is the first book of a PBT Dynamic Duo offering both of which are all about the unconditional love of parents.When I read this book, I thought of how we are told in Psalm 139 that God knit us in our mother’s womb. God knows that like the 3 favorite cubs, each of us is the most perfect version of ourselves there will ever be. What wondrous love is this! 

Publisher & Date of Publication: Candlewick Press, 2004

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 2 and up, Toddler and up

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Amateur videos on Youtube.com

PBT Category: Award Winner, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: babies/children, belonging, bonds/connections, differences, disabilities/handicaps/limitations, diversity, family, God’s nature, grace, image of God, individuality/uniqueness, love, nurturing, parents/parental love, reassurance, relationships, siblings, variety

Scripture Connections: You knit me together in my mother’s womb… I am wonderfully made (Psalm 139:13-14); put on love which binds everything together in perfect harmony (Colossians 3:14)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book in a lesson for children on God’s wondrous love and how it is even much more than our parents’ love, for God creates us, knows us, and understands us.   

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 190

Picture Book: Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave

Author: Laban Carrick Hill

Illustrator: Bryan Collier

Summary: This is a beautiful story of an actual American slave, known only because of his beautiful poetry carved onto his equally exquisite pottery which is now prized and in art museums. The text details Dave’s artistry with clay and wheel, pots and words.  His poetry is brief but striking, like Haiku. Within this book are also stunning depictions of the phases of throwing a pot on a wheel. The book ends with more information about Dave, a photograph of 5 of his pots, and his poems as they appear on the pots. An Author’s Note, Illustrator’s Note, Bibliography, and list of websites are also included.

Hanna’s Comments: This is a very moving book because of the oppression Dave endured and the artistry he shared despite his circumstances. It’s a powerful book for it demonstrates the creative drive of this man who, unlike so many slaves who had comparable creative drive, is able to receive some credit for his highly skilled work. Too many slaves did inspired work that was never attributed to them. I use the word “inspired” purposely for I believe all humans are called by God to be artists and creators. Perhaps this creative instinct is an aspect of the “Image of God” we hear of in Genesis 1:27.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Little, Brown, & Co., 2010

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Audio download, There is a short informative video on Youtube.com about Dave the Potter.

PBT Category: Biography, Award Winner, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, abuse/abuse of power, America, art, artifacts, beauty, call/calling/vocation, communication, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, freedom, gifts/talents, heritage, identity/names, individuality/uniqueness, labor/work, land/mountains/soil, language/literacy/reading, mystery, North America, power, preparation, purpose, race relations/racism, slavery/slaves, social justice, strength/strength in God, time/timing/over time, treasure, wisdom

Scripture Connections: Made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27); blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled (Matthew 5:6)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book in a homeschool, private school, or church arts camp where you can talk about being made in God’s image and inspired to create even under difficult circumstances. Use this also in a lesson on American slavery or African-American artistry/history.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 189

Dynamic Duo: Book 2

Picture Book: Do Unto Otters: A Book about Manners

Author and Illustrator: Laurie Keller

Summary: A wise owl gives Mr. Rabbit some advice about getting along with new otter neighbors. “Just treat otters the same way you’d like them to treat you.” Then there are lots of comical details about how Mr. Rabbit would like to be treated. The otters help out with the explanations as various scenarios are considered in hilarious ways.

Hanna’s Comments: Social skills instruction and clever puns abound in this entertaining picture book. Like yesterday’s PBT offering, this book is about The Golden Rule, but today’s offering is less historical and more hysterical.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Henry Holt, & Co., 2007

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Audio download, Video

PBT Category: Post-2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: action, choices/decisions, communication, community, cooperation, emotions/feelings, ethics, golden rule/great commandment, goodness, kindness, the law/rules/10 commandments, neighbors, relationships, wisdom

Scripture Connections: The Golden Rule (Leviticus 19:18 and Matthew 19:19)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book in a lesson for kids on The Golden Rule. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 188

Dynamic Duo: Book 1

Picture Book: The Golden Rule

Author: Ilene Cooper

Illustrator: Gabi Swiatowska

Summary: In this beautiful picture book, a grandchild sees a billboard with The Golden Rule written on it. He asks his grandfather about the rule and its meaning. Thus begins a lengthy conversation between the two about the rule’s history and meaning, including an explanation that many of the world’s major religions have this rule in their moral code. In the back you’ll find the original forms of The Golden Rule and their sources in the various holy books.

Hanna’s Comments: This is the first of a PBT Dynamic Duo about The Golden Rule. I especially like the Grandfather’s explanation when his grandson asks what the rule means and why it’s golden. The wise grandfather answers, “It means this: Treat people the way you would like to be treated. It’s golden because it’s so valuable, and a way of living your life that’s so simple, it shines.” When the boy considers how wonderful the world would be if everyone lived by The Golden Rule, his grandfather explains, ”It begins with you.”

Publisher & Date of Publication: Abrams Books, 2007

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present but there is a Berenstain Bears book about The Golden Rule that is in Spanish.

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: action, choices/decisions, communication, community, cooperation, emotions/feelings, ethics, golden rule/great commandment, goodness, kindness, the law/rules/10 commandments, neighbors, relationships, wisdom

Scripture Connections: The Golden Rule (Leviticus 19:18 and Matthew 19:19)

Idea(s) for Application: This book would be a great source for a homeschool or private school lesson on The Golden Rule or Comparative Religion. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 187

Picture Book: Strega Nona

Author & Illustrator: Tomie dePaola

Summary: Everyone goes to Strega Nona for cures and magic. She is getting old enough to need some help to keep her house and yard so she hires Big Anthony and warns him to never touch her magic pasta pot. He overhears her spell song that gets the pot producing pasta, but he doesn’t notice the 3 kisses necessary to stop the pot. When Strega Nona is away, Big Anthony can’t resist the temptation and sings the pasta pot spell. He invites the townspeople to come join him for pasta. They do, and when all have eaten, Big Anthony tries to stop the pot to no avail. Just as the town is about to drown in pasta, Strega Nona comes back. She blows the 3 kisses, the pot stops making pasta, and punishes Big Anthony by telling him to start eating.  

Hanna’s Comments: “Strega Nona” means Grandma Witch, but this witch isn’t a bit evil. In fact, she’s pretty merciful to Big Anthony and gives him a punishment that fits the crime. This is a funny tale all about temptation and gluttony which is a wonderful book to read to children in faith communities where good behavior is important.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Simon & Schuster, 1975

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

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Yes and there is a video of this version in the collection below

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Audio CD, Videos, both the English and Spanish versions, are in the collection: Strega Nona & More Stories about Magic.

PBT Category: Award Winner, Classic

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: consequences/punishment, disaster, deception/dishonesty/lies, disobedience/obedience, evil, feasting/food/hunger/nutrition, greed/selfishness, listening, mistakes, rescue, resisting evil, saving/savior, secrets, self-control, sin, temptations, trust

Scripture Connections: Be not among gluttonous eaters (Proverbs 23: 20-21); watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation (Matthew 26:41); their god is their belly and they glory in their shame (Philippians 3:19); the testing of your faith produces steadfastness (James 1:3)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to children when talking about the difficulties of temptation and/or gluttony.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 186

Picture Book: Spoon

Author: Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Illustrator: Scott Magoon

Summary: Spoon is, as you might have guessed, a utensil, with a wonderfully rounded shape, perfect for certain kinds of eating. However, Spoon is jealous of the unique things that Fork, Knife, and The Chopsticks can do. Meanwhile, the other utensils are sure that Spoon’s life is lucky. Spoon’s mother helps him appreciate his unique life. The book ends with the entire family snuggling in bed together as they, you guessed it, spoon each other.

Hanna’s Comments: This clever book will tickle the children in your faith community. Be sure your audience gets all the puns. You might need to explain them. Then engage them in a conversation about jealousy and coveting. Encourage them to be real while helping them view their own unique and blessed lives. Share your own struggles with jealousy. We all battle that green monster sometimes!

Publisher & Date of Publication: Hyperion Books, 2009

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 2 and up, Toddler and up

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: audio, There is a video version in the collection: Spoon and More Stories about Friendship.

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, affection, affirmation, authenticity, body of Christ, call/calling/vocation, coveting/jealousy, difference, diversity, feasting/food/hunger/nutrition, gifts/talents, gratitude/thankfulness/thanksgiving, individuality/uniqueness, labor/work, the Law/rules/10 commandments, mothers, parents/parental love, perspective, purpose, reassurance, self-acceptance/self-image/self-esteem, sin, (at) table

Scripture Connections: Do not covet (Exodus 20:17); present your bodies as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1); there are varieties of gifts (1 Corinthians 12)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book in a lesson for children on the 10 Commandments or more specifically, jealousy and coveting. Be sure to talk about how jealousy can squelch thanksgiving and joy. 

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 185

Picture Book: My Mouth is a Volcano

Author: Julia Cook

Illustrator: Carrie Hartman

Summary: Louis has a lot to say. People say he erupts (interrupts) a lot, but all of his words are very important to him. Louis’ explains: as other people are talking, his words pop into his head and slide down his tongue. His tongue pushes those words up against his teeth, and he erupts! He blames it on the volcano in his mouth. He gets timed out, but it doesn’t help. Eventually the tables turn. It’s Louis’ day for sharing his poster of favorite things. When his classmates interrupt him, he can’t believe how rude they are being. He talks with his mom, and she helps him see that others feel the same when he interrupts. His mom tells Louis to bite down on his pushy words and take a deep breath to push his words out through his nose instead.  Then he can breathe the words back in when it is his turn to talk. Louis tries it at dinner and it works!

Hanna’s Comments: Yay Louis’ mom! Any book that can give such a practical and concrete strategy to a common, social problem deserves your attention. When reading this to children in your faith community, tie in the Latin word “pneuma” which means both breath and spirit. Talk about how the Holy Spirit is our counselor and sometimes the best counsel is to listen rather than speak.

Publisher & Date of Publication: National Center for Youth Issues, 2005

Age & Grade Appropriateness:  4 and up, Pre and up

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: There is an activity and idea book that goes with this picture book.

PBT Category: Award Winner, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: breath/breathing/wind, choices/decisions, education/learning/school, God’s presence, greed/selfishness, Holy Spirit/spirit, humility, listening, mothers, noise/sounds/voice, parents/parental love, perspective, quiet/silence, resisting evil, respect, self-control, sin

Scripture Connections: A babbling fool will come to ruin (Proverbs 10:8); I will ask the Father to give you another counselor (John 14:16); aspire to live quietly and to mind your own affairs (1 Thessalonians 4:11)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book in a lesson for children on the benefits of breathing deeply to be more centered in the Holy Spirit. Tie in the loving response and value of listening to others as opposed to talking at others.  

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 184

Picture Book: The Happy Owls

Author & Illustrator: Celestino Piatti

Summary: A pair of owls lives happily all year long. Their neighbors, barnyard fowl, are constantly eating, drinking, and fighting. The preening peacock wants to know why the owls seem to always be content. The other birds suggest that the peacock visit the owls and ask. When the peacock asks why they are always happy, the owls suggest he bring all his feathered friends to hear the reason for their happiness. Once the birds arrive, the owls explain their attentiveness to and gratitude for the details of nature season by season. These practices leads to their happiness. They find joy and revel in the beauty of each season. What is the response of the barnyard animals? “What nonsense!’ and “Do you call that happiness?”  Then the fowl go back to their farmyard life as before. The owls snuggle in for winter, looking into one another’s wise owl eyes.

Hanna’s Comments: My library system has only one copy of this book, a 1964 publication. However, this classic has been reissued and can be purchased on-line. The price varies a lot so you may want to watch it for a while. I did not know of this classic which was initially published in Switzerland. When I saw the video version in the collection mentioned below, I knew it must be one of my PBT daily offerings. What a treasure! What a beautiful message of contentment as a result of attention and gratitude, what we would call “mindfulness” today. If you like old books and styles of art, then you’ll especially like this picture book. Find a blog post about it on The Art of Children's Picture Books, which I've added to My Blog List to the right.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Artemis Verlag, 1963

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Audible, A video version is in the collection Corduroy & More Stories about Caring

PBT Category: Classic

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abundance/bounty, adoration, arguing, attentiveness/observation/seeing, awe, beauty, blessings, companionship, conflict, creation, discord, disputes/fighting/opposition, emotions/feelings, the environment/nature, gladness/happiness, gratitude/thankfulness/thanksgiving, greed/selfishness, joy, neighbors, openness, pacifism/peace/peacemakers, perspective, prayer, resisting evil, reverence, satisfaction, security, sin, unity, wisdom, wonder, worship

Scripture Connections: This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be thankful (Psalm 118:24); let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken and let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe (Hebrews 12:28)

Idea(s) for Application: Reverence is a difficult but important concept to teach children in a worshiping community. Use this book to help your children understand the benefits of being mindful of God’s generosity and reverent when worshiping.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 183

Picture Book: A Quiet Place

Author: Douglas Wood

Illustrator: Dan Andreasen

Summary: In this refreshing text, a young boy explores the possibilities, particularly in nature, when you want to find a quiet place to get away from the noise of modern living. Everything from the beach to the desert is considered. Inside experiences are described too such as a museum, library, or book. Each setting offers the boy potential for his vivid imagination.   

Hanna’s Comments: This is another “contemplative book”. I introduced this sub-category of the God books last week on Day 176 with What Does the Sky Say? by Nancy White Carlstrom. These are books about listening and deeply experiencing nature or particular circumstances. God is not mentioned, but God is all over this book and we are more intune with God when we are in quiet places.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Simon & Schuster, 2001

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

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet, amateur videos are on Youtube.com

PBT Category: God book, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abundance/bounty, adoration, adventure, aspirations/dreams, attentiveness/observation/seeing, awe, beauty, blessings, creation, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, Earth/world, the environment/nature, exile/separation, exploration, freedom, God’s care/providence, God’s presence, home, journey/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, listening, perspective, quiet/silence, renewal/restoration, secrets, self-discovery, wilderness, wonder

Scripture Connections: Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10); in quietness and trust shall be your strength (Isaiah 30:15)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book with children when you are teaching them about the potential for and benefits of quiet time with God. Emphasize how worship of God can happen anywhere at any time.