PBT Grab & Go #16 - Extra Yarn

Here’s another gem in the PBT series I call Grab & Go in which I feature again secular books that are extremely easy to use in sacred settings. I don’t recommend this, but you could literally grab one of these books and go to your audience. The rich sacred connections will easily rise to the surface. Your job is simply to encourage your listeners as they find a godly character, spiritual practice, holy idea, or scripture connection. The book below is a favorite! In fact, I sell a lesson for elementary-aged kiddos connecting this book to the story in Acts of Dorcas/Tabitha’s resurrection. Contact me (see left column) if you’re interested in purchasing for just $4!

Picture Book: Extra Yarn

Author: Mac Barnett

Illustrator: Jon Klassen

Summary: In a colorless world, Annabelle finds a box filled with multi-colored yarn and begins knitting for herself and others. Miraculously, the yarn never runs out. As Annabelle faces criticism for her knitted pieces, she knits for the one who is criticizing and all are converted to the beauty and transformational nature of her work. When a rich archduke wants to purchase the extraordinary yarn and Annabelle refuses, he steals the box. Once in his castle, he opens the box to find it empty. Angrily he throws the box out into the ocean where it floats back to Annabelle so that she can continue her knitting.

Hanna’s Comments: This metaphor of how a young girl’s loving creativity can transform a community is beautifully intriguing. I especially like the way the illustrator shows yarn attaching a character to another character, demonstrating the loving bonds Annabelle is creating with her generosity.

Original Publisher & Date: Balzer + Bray, 2012

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

Available in Spanish? Yes

Scripture Connections: Jesus’ healing power, Tabitha’s good works (Acts 9:36-42), Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12); Gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8-10)

Idea(s) for Application: This book offers a beautiful metaphor for spreading love with your giftedness. Use it with a lesson on the transformational & healing power of generosity and good works. Tie it to the work of knitting or sewing ministries.