Picture Book:
What Does the Sky Say?
Author: Nancy
White Carlstrom
Illustrator: Tim
Ladwig
Summary:
“What does the sky say on a winter day when snow is falling and a mother is
calling her little girl to dinner?” Thus begins this lovely book. The question
is answered, “Remember. Go in and be fed and loved, but don’t forget to look out
the window.” Other questions follow, asking what the sky says in different
weather and seasons. Each time a possible answer is offered that
encourages the young girl to embrace the joy and learning that each day can
bring. Between the lines is a subtle message that God is the provider of these varied and beautiful sky messages.
Hanna’s Comments: This is what I call a contemplative book which encourages
readers, children and adults, to attend to and consider the beauty and life-giving
messages of God’s creation. God is not mentioned in this text, but the possibility of God is all over this writing, in the questions and tone and in the affirming answers. God’s creative nature is celebrated in here as is our potential to discern meaning and joy from what we may experience.
Publisher & Date of Publication: Eerdmans Books, 2001
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:
God Book, Post 2K
PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abundance/bounty, awe, beauty,
creativity/imagination/ingenuity, the environment/nature, heaven/sky, moon/space/stars/sun,
pacifism/peace/peacemakers, wonder
Scripture Connections: In the beginning, God created the heavens
(Genesis 1:1); when I look at Your heavens, the work of Your fingers (Psalm
8:3); the heavens are telling the glory of God (Psalm 19:1-4)
Idea(s) for Application: Use this book at a church family retreat while you
are gathered outside. If possible, have a couple of young girls dramatically
represent the ideas in the book. Then encourage your audience to offer their
own meanings to each kind of sky.
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