Good Friday Peace

I recently heard a podcast about the symbolism of the cross. It challenged me to see the cross as a question: Is there a better way to be human? I now realize the cross can serve as a reminder of Jesus’ refusal to perpetuate the myth of redemptive violence. A cross, an instrument of torture, surprisingly is a symbol of peace! 

[Here’s] the podcast if you’re interested and 2 new PBT picture books about peace to consider for your ministry, your classroom, or your family. I end the post with links to 5 other PBT books about peace. 

I hope this weekend, no matter your relationship to Christianity or the symbolism of the cross, finds you contemplating our great need for peace and how you and your faith community might play your part in meeting that need.

Picture Book: The Peace Book

Author & Illustrator: Todd Parr

Hanna’s Comments: For thoughts about peace with elementary or preschool children, consider Todd Parr's fun exploration of what peace looks like. 

He also offers a global and even ecological perspective,

 often with a bit of humor...  

and some meaningful situations for young children. 

His books often connect directly to scripture,... 

 sometimes with a little twist. 

These peaceful acts can lead to life-long changes to self... 

and aspirations for world change.

Parr finds peace in simple, fun gestures... 

and big, hard work. 

His characters are sometimes surprising, 

often human and animal, 

but very relatable. 

Your children will love his whimsy...

 and his heart.

As usual, Parr ends this book with a letter to his readers.

Original Publisher & Date: Little, Brown & Co., 2004

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Any scripture that encourages peaceful acts such as If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. (Romans 12:11) OR ...seek peace and pursue it. 1 Peter: 3:11)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of preschoolers who are having lots of conflict in their classroom.

Picture Book: Can You Say Peace?

Author & Illustrator: Karen Katz

Hanna’s Comments: For a truly global perspective, consider this book as a start to a series of lessons about peace. 

Even young children pick up on international news events so it's important for faith families to humanize all persons, 

even those who might be demonized in mass media. 

This book is published with International Day of Peace in mind.  

That's September 21, but you can use it (and particularly it's verbal content) anytime you are providing an experience about world peace. The structure is simple. Most double-page spreads highlight one child from a particular country. That child's way of saying peace (the word and the pronunciation) are given. Given recent headlines here are a few timely examples: Hana in Iran... 

Stephan in Russia,... 

 and May in China. 

Resource material in the back shows a map and a list of even more ways to say "peace."

Original Publisher & Date: Henry Holt & Co., 2006

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Any scripture that explores the concept of peace such as Strive for peace with everyone (Hebrews 12:14)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book as a resource when wanting to introduce various ways of saying "peace" during a faith family lesson or sermon about peace for any age. 

I have several others books about peace here at PBT where I'm about to celebrate my 4th anniversary on Sunday! Yay! Here are those links:

Peace, Baby!

A Little Peace

Let There Be Peace on Earth

Peace is an Offering

Growing Peace