Pancake Generosity & Hospitality

 Picture Book: Mama Panya’s Pancakes:                                                        A Village Tale from Kenya

Author: Mary & Rich Chamberlin

Illustrator: Julia Cairns

Summary: This delightful story of abundance amidst scarcity begins with Mama Panya declaring to Adika that today is market day.  

Adika is "one step ahead of her" ready to go and waiting for her beside the baobab tree. 

Adika asks if Mama is planning to make pancakes. She says she has 2 coins so yes, pancakes tonight! 

Along the way they meet a friend and Adika invites him to come eat pancakes with them. 

Adika also invites 2 of his young friends working in the fields. These 3 guests are the first of many to be invited by Adika, despite Mama's worries. 

Mama fears she does not have enough coin for purchasing enough ingredients for the pancakes, but Adika reassures her saying, "you'll have a little bit and a little bit more. That's enough." 

At market, Adika continues to invite more and more friends. Sometimes the invitation is met with generosity from the seller with a little bit more given.  

Adika understands transactional generosity and keeps reassuring Mama that they will have enough as he invites more friends. 

 As guests arrive, they bring generous contributions to the meal. 

Adika was correct. There is plenty to enjoy at their abundant feast of food, music, and joy!    

Hanna’s Comments: Besides scriptures about generosity and hospitality which are abundant in our scriptures, I see 3 direct connections to Bible stories in this fabulous book (see below). It also connects with Jesus' instruction to not worry. In the back of the book, you'll find several sections of facts about Kenya, including samples of the language with pronunciations, a map, and Mama Panya's pancake recipe. If there is too much text for your audience, simply tell the story while showing the illustrations. Your audience will learn so much about Kenya and perhaps be inspired to be more generous and hospitable.

Original Publisher & Date: Barefoot Books, 2006

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

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Any scripture about hospitality and table fellowship; Elijah and the Widow (1 Kings 17: 8-16); do not worry (Matthew 6:25-34); loaves and fishes increased (Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6: 1-14); the Widow's Mite (Mark 12:41-44, Luke 21:1-4)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of elementary children and connect with one of the scriptures listed above about the amazing abundance found in being generous and hospitable.