PBT Redux Series #6 - One Winter's Day

Today I feature a former post that is one of the newly published treasures of PBT’s 500 plus books. It is for young children, but the themes of generosity and hope are for lifelong learning. Consider this a perfect book for encouraging a lifetime of giving.

Picture Book: One Winter’s Day

Author: M. Christina Butler

Illustrator: Tina Macnaughton

Summary: The wind is blowing hard so that Little Hedgehog’s nest is toppled. He puts on all his winter clothes and heads to Badger’s warm home. Along the way, he meets other animal friends who are shivering in the terribly frigid wind. In his generosity, Little Hedgehog gives his mittens, hat, and scarf to his cold friends. When he reaches Badger’s place, he is covered in ice. Badger greets him, warms him, and listens to his story. After the storm, Little Hedgehog is restored, but he returns home with little hope for his home's restoration. He is surprised to find his home rebuilt, stronger and cozier than ever, by the friends who benefited from his generosity.

Hanna’s Comments: Sometimes PBT stories, like this one for the youngest children, have such mature meaning and relate directly to the scriptures. This is not just a story of generosity and the payback that sometimes comes. It is also a story of the great gift of hospitality in times of need and about a community coming together to help others endure and then recover after a tragedy. The underlying theme is the value of a comfortable home. Young children, more than most, understand the importance of home. They can be encouraged to thank God for their home and their loving generous community. This book can also be viewed as early seeds planted for generosity to come in the young children who hear it.

Want a similar but more comical story for older children? Check out The Spiffiest Giant in Town by Donaldson & Scheffler. In this book, a giant buys new clothes and then begins giving them away.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Good Books, 2006

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

Formats other than Book: Audio CD, there are amateur videos on Youtube.com

Scripture Connections: If anyone wants your coat, give your cloak as well (Matthew 5:40); just as you did it to one of the least of these… (Matthew 25:40)

Idea(s) for Application: Besides encouraging a conversation about generosity and outreach, this book could serve as a useful tool for children who are recuperating from a disaster. After a disaster, talking about what has happened to your family, members of your family of faith, or others in your community can be very healing and motivating. This book also gives hope that homes and lives will be restored.