Picture Book: Nana in the City
Author & Illustrator: Lauren Castillo
Summary: A
young grandson goes to stay with his Nana in the city. He loves his Nana, but not
her city. It is too loud, busy, and therefore scary. He is worried that Nana
should not be living in such a place, but Nana loves the city. She says it is
the perfect place for her to live because it is so extraordinary. During the
night when he can’t sleep because of the city noises, Nana promises to show him
the wonders of her city. Nana doesn’t go to bed. She knits instead. When her
grandson wakes, she has made a red cape for him to wear as they explore the
city. Once she places the cape on him, he feels brave. As they tour the city,
it is still loud and busy, but it is not filled with scary things after all. It
is filled with extraordinary things! A few days later as he prepares to leave,
he drapes the cape onto his Nana and says, “This will keep you brave,” knowing
that even though the city is loud and busy, it is the perfect place for Nana.
Hanna’s Comments: Besides the sweet story this book offers your audience, it
also offers you the opportunity to talk about what children must be equipped
with to face the world and what your faith community offers your children to
insulate them from the damage stresses and fears can do. This book could be
read to children and followed with a discussion about what the cape symbolizes
in the story. Then have them share what they do to dispel their fears. Be sure
to mention memorizing and reciting scripture, prayer, being in community, and religious
beliefs that bring comfort in fearful times such as a belief in God’s constant
presence. You could also use this book in a parenting class and have a similar discussion.
What should parents do to equip their children for fearful or stressful times?
How does being a person of faith influence these strategies? A key aspect of
this for parents will be modeling faithful courage. Discuss how parents might do
this? Talk about how resilience can be grounded in community, faith, and hope.
Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Clarion Books, 2014
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 3 and up, Pre and up
# of Pages: 40
Available in Spanish? Not at present
Formats other than Book: Tablet, Audio
PBT Category:
Award Winner, Fresh off the Press
PBT Topics this Book connects with: abundance/bounty,
adaptation/assimilation, anxiety/worry, armor, babies/children,
Bible/scripture, bravery/courage, comfort, community, companionship,
confidence, danger, differences, encouragement, exploration, family, faith, fear,
God’s presence, grandparents, hope, insecurity, noise/sounds/voice, nurturing,
prayer, reassurance, risking, safety, security, strength in God
Scripture Connections: Even though I walk through dark valleys, I
fear no evil for You are with me (Psalm 23:4); God comforts us in our
affliction so that we may comfort those in any affliction (2nd
Corinthians 1:4); put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18); I can do
all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)
Idea(s) for Application: Read this to a group of children or parents.
Then follow with a discussion as described above in my comments.
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