A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 226

Picture Book: A Perfect Pet for Peyton:                                                                    A Five Love Languages Discovery Book        

Author: Rick Osborne & Gary Chapman

Illustrator: Wilson Williams. Jr.

Summary: This informative picture book is based on Gary Chapman’s adult books The 5 Languages of Love and The 5 Love Languages of Children. The context is the birthday of young twins who are hoping to get a pet. Peyton and Penny are delighted when taken to Mr. Chapman’s Perfect Pet Emporium. They meet 3 friends there. All 5 children will be receiving a pet that will be just right for each of them. After some fun interactions with animals, “Mr. Chapman” describes The 5 Languages of Love. He explains that everyone prefers to be loved in 1 or 2 ways. Because animals relate to humans in particular ways, specific pets are best for certain people depending on their preferred language of love. As the story wraps up, the children are each matched with a pet as Mr. Chapman offers an explanation as to how each child’s ways of showing love since their arrival at the emporium have informed Mr. Chapman about which pet would be perfect for each of them.

Hanna’s Comments: The 5 Languages of Love are (in no particular order): Physical Touch, Quality Time, Words of Affirmation, Gifts, and Acts of Service. I have seen awareness of these languages transform marriages and help parents better understand their children. Additionally, you’ll find in this book animal seek & find lists and a quiz that will help children determine their preferred languages of love. Note the length of the book (64 pgs.). You may want to read only a portion at a time and spread your PBT lesson across several sessions. The book, Hugs and Kisses by Christophe Loupy, could be used for preschoolers to introduce the idea of different kinds of loving. It is about how a puppy discovers that kisses from various animals are very different. It is not about the 5 love languages but could serve as a good introduction.                                               Original Publisher & Date: Northfield Publishing, 2012

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

Formats other than Book: A free app to enhance the reading of the book can be downloaded onto an iPhone. This is explained and Chapman is interviewed about the book on Youtube.com. There are other videos there that explain The 5 Languages of Love for Children.

Scripture Connections: For the body (of Christ) does not consist of one member but of many (1 Corinthians 12:14); let all you do be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:14); above all these, put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony (Colossians 3:14)