PBT Series: God Book #13

This is a repeat of a post from the first year of PBT when I offered 1 picture book a day for a year. Spring has sprung here in Alabama so animals and plants are singing God’s praise all about me! Most of the 700 or so books at PBT are secular, but I have over 80 God books! This series has the best of them. I include God Books because they are treasures that would be hard for you to find if you didn’t know about them already. They are generally about the nature of God so applications in ministry are obvious. This one is particularly beautiful and perfect for young children. Enjoy!

Picture Book: Let the Whole Earth Sing Praise

Author & Illustrator: Tomie de Paola

Summary: Here is the text of this beautiful book:

Sun and Moon, Stars and Comets in the Heavens.

Praise God.

Light and Darkness, Day and Night, 

Showers and Frost, Ice and snow.

Bless God.

Fire, Heat, Lightning and Clouds, 

Mountains, Hills, Seas, Rivers, and Fountains,

Praise God.

Fruitful Trees, Cedars, and all that Sprout upon the Earth,

Whales, Fish, and all Creatures that Move in the Waters,

Bless God.

Birds, Everything that Flies in the Air,

Dogs, Cats, All Animals and Creeping Things on Earth,

Praise God.

All People, Young and Old, Let Everything in Heaven and on Earth

Bless and Praise God.

Hanna’s Comments: In the Authors Note, de Paola explains that his book was inspired by two pieces of Old Testament scripture: The Canticle of the Three Young Men from the Book of Daniel and Psalm 148. He has purposefully made it like a children’s song. The illustrations are inspired by folk art designs of the Otomi people of Puebla, Mexico. When presenting this book, consider the question of non-human entities being able to praise God. Have fun with the movement and sounds in nature. Delight in all the diversity God displays on our great Earth. Most importantly, have your kiddos engage in lots of praising of God during your lesson. 

Original Publisher & Date: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2011

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Praise the Lord…Praise him, sun and moon… (Psalm 148); let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name (Hebrews 13:15)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to children when teaching them about worship and praise to God. Consider presenting the ideas of this book to older children to consider in a lesson on praise in nature.