One Song Picture Book (and more)

Below I feature a song picture book. The words of this book are Raffi’s lyrics. At the end of this post, I give you several links to other song picture books at PBT. Many, like this book, have the song scores in the back. The benefit of such a book is that after you’ve read the book, you have the option of singing it together (with or without recorded or played music).  

Picture Book: One Light, One Sun

Lyrics: Raffi

Illustrator: Eugenie Fernandes

Summary: Three families live side by side as one sun beams down on all of them.     

The beautiful moments of life are celebrated and shared 

 

as well as the ordinary and mundane. 

One moon and many stars take their turns too.

There's a nice bit of diversity 

and gender role swapping 

as each family member does their part to contribute to the one family, 

 one neighborhood,

 and one world. 

Here are the lyrics, simple but profound and read easily on the pages. 

One light, one sun,

One sun lighting everyone.

One world turning,

One world turning everyone.

One world, one home,

One world home for everyone.

One dream, one song.

One song heard by everyone.

One love, one heart,

One heart warming everyone.

One hope, one joy,

One love filling everyone.

Hanna’s Comments: The lyrics to this song are from the title song of this Raffi album. You'll likely find other songs in this collection that you'll want to teach your children.

So many aspects of our world are meant to be shared. These "real-life" moments connect all of humanity and encourage us to live better together. I can't hear this song without thinking of God as the One who connects us all, present in every ordinary moment! This is the kind of theological grounding children need so they may feel less alone and less anxious. You can explore the benefits and complexities of "oneness" in theological concepts such as The Trinity, The Body of Christ, Ecological Justice, and The Great Commandment "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself."

Original Publisher & Date: Crown, 1988

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 2 and up, Toddler and Up

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Where there are 2 or 3 gathered in my name, I am with them (Matthew 18:20); I am with you always (Matthew 28:20); The great commandment as written above is in Mark 12:28-34. The Body of Christ is in 1 Corinthians 12. 

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of young children and teach them the song. Then sing together! After singing, talk about how God is the One who connects all of humanity.

Here are some links to other PBT song books:
This Little Light of Mine
He's Got the Whole World in His Hands
One Love
What a Wonderful World
Let There Be Peace
My Favorite Things
If You're Happy and You Know It
Let it Shine
You Are My Sunshine