Below I feature 10 or so Flyaway books! Go to www.flyawaybooks.com for more information & listings. Go to their excellent resources page for lots of goodies to encourage appropriate conversations. One of the things they insert in many books is supplementary content, including discussion guides, background info., & further resources.
I have already posted about 3 “Flyaways” and will continue to do so. In the future, search “Flyaway” in the upper right corner to access this and other posts featuring Flyaway books. Here's the 1st for today, a big beautiful book!
Picture Book: For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World
Author: Michael
W. Waters
Illustrator: Keisha Morris
Summary: Jeremiah
is a teen thrilled about his new locs, but soon after he learns of Trevon Martin’s murder. This
discovery begins complicated & difficult conversations between Jeremiah and
his parents as he learns more about similar deaths from gun violence and his own
family is threatened by gun violence in their neighborhood.
Hanna’s Comments: This book focuses on a family's direct experiences with racism and gun violence in America. As Jeremiah and his parents struggle with events in the news, their points of view are poignant and heartbreaking. Spend time talking about how Jeremiah is struggling not only with his very real fears but his identity and difficulties understanding how such events make sense in modern America. The book includes an excellent discussion guide by the Muhammad Ali Center.
Original Publisher: Flyaway Books
Age Appropriateness: mature tweens and teens and up
Scripture Connections: Any scripture about justice
connects to this book!
PBT Applications: I can see this book being read to a group of teens
in a diverse youth group or a small group of parents who are wanting to breach these
subjects with sensitivity and faith. In either case, be prepared to balance the
negatives of this difficult issue with hope for a better world and affirmation
of beautiful black boys.
Author: Elizabeth
F. Caldwell & Theodore Hiebert
Illustrator: Katie Yamasaki
Summary: This
is a clever retelling of the biblical story of the Tower of Babel. It
celebrates diversity as God’s intention for our world. There is a note for parents and educators
that gives some excellent context to that story. This book also comes in board
book form for your youngest children.
Original Publisher: Flyaway Books
Age Appropriateness: preschoolers and up
Scripture Connections: Genesis 11:1-9, I used this book in my Trinity Treasures preschool curriculum. See how below.
Connections to The Revised Common Lectionary: I connected this book to Psalm 148 (Year C, Easter 5) which encourages all sorts of diversity (mountains & sea monsters even) to praise God.
PBT Applications: I’ve always found this Bible story to be
confusing. This book offers some clarity to any age group. I could
see a great conversation coming from an adult Bible study group. Depending on
your toddlers, they might be attentive during a reading of the board book.
Author: Sandy
Eisenberg Sasso
Illustrator: Joani Keller Rothenberg
Lyricist: Carrie Newcomer
Summary: Here
a personified word “And” comes to the rescue of some of some opinionated
shapes. Thanks to And, the shapes overcome their prejudices and assumptions and
team up to create new possibilities. For instance, a circle and a squiggly line
are encouraged by And to join and become a balloon! Inside are instructions for
downloading an original song written for this book by Carrie Newcomer. If you don't know Carrie's music, which is not ordinarily for children, I highly recommend her thoughtful spiritual songs.
Hanna’s Comments: A fun activity would be to have children
play with some shapes by way of various media so they can make some original creations
of their own. See if you can recruit a singer to learn the song that can be downloaded for free from Flyaway's resources page.
Original Publisher: Flyaway Books
Age Appropriateness: preschoolers and up
Scripture Connections: There are many Bible stories where people
of different backgrounds overcome their prejudices and work together for good.
Think Rahab and the Israelites, Ruth & Naomi, Jesus’ disciples, and the
early church.
PBT Applications: The heart of this story is God’s desire for us to
be hospitable and even inclusive to what/who is new and different. These issues
deserve attention in all sorts of sacred and secular contexts.
Picture Book: Brian the Brave
Author: Paul
Stewart
Illustrator: Jane Porter
Summary: Poor
Brian! He learns that some sheep will only play with sheep that look like themselves. Sometimes Brian is left out and sad. Sometimes others are not allowed to play. When a wolf comes, Brian’s courage and instruction helps the
sheep overcome their divisions and work together to defeat the wolf.
Hanna’s Comments: I wish this story for young children didn’t
have so much application in the adult world!
Original Publisher: Flyaway Books
Age Appropriateness: preschoolers through early elementary
Scripture Connections: scriptures about overcoming division such as when Jesus crossed cultural & religious boundaries to heal the bent over woman; other scriptures about courage and God’s presence
in adversity such as Joshua 1:9: Be strong & courageous....
PBT Applications: Little kiddos need to be reminded of God’s presence when struggling with fear and new possibilities. Read this book to children about to go to “big school” and remind them God goes with them and God is with every child in their classroom, no matter what that child looks like.
Author: Kathleen
Krull
Illustrator: Annie Bowler
Summary: Peace
Pilgrim is an actual person (1908-1981) who gave up her name and all her
possessions to make the world better, more peaceful. Being weary of war after WWII, she had a dramatic idea for a
more meaningful life. She would walk the United States from coast to coast, as
a pilgrim for peace. This book is about her preparation, her first walk in
1958, and her many experiences as an ambassador praying with her whole body for
peace. For 28 years she crisscrossed the USA!
Hanna’s Comments: I knew nothing about this American hero! Throughout her many journeys, Peace Pilgrim thought of walking as a prayer. This book has more about her in the back pages and some resources, including references to a biography and a website: www.peacepilgrim.org.
Original Publisher: Flyaway Books
Age Appropriateness: Tweens and up
Scripture Connections: Any scripture about peace and
refraining from violence or hatred
PBT Applications: Do your children need to learn about the kind of
heroes who creatively use mind & body to faithfully demonstrate their convictions?
Read this book to them. Check out the resources for ideas to supplement the reading.
Picture Book: Where is Home, Daddy Bear?
Author & Illustrator: Nicola O’Byrne
Summary: Evie is a young bear moving with her father to a new house. She wonders if that place will be home. Daddy Bear explains that home is more than a place. It’s a feeling, a cuddle, or space to be yourself. Possessions are packed up, and they say goodbye to their former home. Good conversation, games, singing, and comfort food along the car trip helps alleviate Evie’s anxiety. Evie's dad gets a bit lost on the way, but he explains he is never lost when he is with Evie. When they arrive, Evie is less anxious and mostly excited. She declares to Dad: Home is me and you!
Hanna’s Comments: This is such a relevant subject for many
children in your churches! Even children who don’t move from childhood homes
move to new schools. Help your kiddos apply these ideas broadly. You and your children will likely wonder about Evie’s mom. Her framed image is in the last illustration, but there is no explanation for her absence. See this as an invitation for your
children to think of many possibilities. Be sensitive to any children who have
no mothers at home. Parental conversations and verbal permission may be necessary before reading to your children.
Original Publisher: Flyaway Books
Age Appropriateness: Preschool through early elementary
Scripture Connections: There are many scriptures about a longing for home. The Israelites wandered for 40 years, anticipating a land of milk and honey. Ruth & Naomi had to leave and establish a new home. Those sent away during the Babylonian exile longed for their Jerusalem home.
PBT Applications: Consider connecting Matthew 7, where Jesus
contrasts a home build on sand to a home built on rock. Decide together what
makes for a home’s rock foundation.
Picture Book: Crocodile’s Crossing: A Search for Home
Author & Illustrator: Yoeri Slegers
Summary: Like
Evie Bear above, Crocodile needs a new home, but he is an adult driven by hope
for a better life. When “the trouble started" home was no longer safe. He goes
from place to place, surprised by the differences in houses, food, clothes, and
words. He plans to search until a place "feels like home." But the people he meets are not welcoming. They tell him to go
away. Crocodile gets hungry and thirsty, but mostly he is confused and tired. Then,
like Gulliver for you literary folks, Crocodile makes friends with a community of mice
who share resources and accept his differences. With time he becomes an important member
of the community. Eventually, Crocodile’s family arrives so that his new community certainly feels like home!
Hanna’s Comments: This is an immigrant story designed with young children in mind. I love the maps in this book! Some map activities might be fun to supplement your reading. Perhaps some of your children are immigrants or have had immigrant-like experiences. If so, this book would be very meaningful! Build empathy for these stories and affirm resilience in children who adapt to new cultures, places, and homes.
Original Publisher: Flyaway Books
Age Appropriateness: Preschool and up
Scripture Connections: Calls for hospitality to strangers and
immigrants abound in the scriptures.
PBT Applications: This book offers a story that preschoolers can enjoy and consider with new insights into God’s call for hospitality and community building. But it can also, in a non-threatening way, offer an entry into a meaningful conversation about current immigration issues with older children.
Here are a couple of books about how words can hurt and then heal. Your kids know all about that!
Picture Book: Bruno’s Hat
Author & Illustrator: Canizales
Summary: Peter
and Bruno were best friends but Peter almost damaged their relationship forever
when a bully said mean words about Bruno’s hat and Peter doesn’t defend
Bruno. Peter learns to speak up to the bully and even includes him in their
play.
Hanna’s Comments: In a note in the back of this book, it explains that the publishers of all Flyaway Books hope to “help readers see the world from a new perspective” including (with this book in mind) those who witness bullying. There is a downloadable guide to this book here: https://www.flyawaybooks.com/resources
Original Publisher: Flyaway Books
Age Appropriateness: Preschool and early elementary
Scripture Connections: Scriptures about the power of words apply, such
as many in Proverbs, some are about hurtful words (11:9) and some are about healing
words (16:24).
PBT Applications: Read this book to a group of early elementary children who are struggling with including everyone in church play. The practice of hospitality can begin at church!
Picture Book: What in the World is Wrong with Gisbert?
Author: Jochen
Weeber
Illustrator: Fariba Gholizadeh
Summary: Gisbert, a giraffe, has confidence until he is teased as he enters kindergarten. He begins
to shrink! No one can see him shrinking, but Gisbert can feel it. What his
friends and family do notice, as Gisbert shrinks from mistakes and criticisms, is that he seems upset. They ask how to help, but Gisbert says he’s fine. This pattern
continues until Gisbert stays home from school a whole week. When he receives a
note from friends who are clearly missing him, Gisbert confides in his parents. They
counsel him to speak up when his feelings are hurt and talk to him when he is
hurting. You can likely guess the result of Gisbert’s fond and affirming reunion
with his school friends. He grows and grows!
Hanna’s Comments: This book has more text so is more
appropriate for older children than the one above, unless you have some attentive and mature preschoolers.
Original Publisher: Flyaway Books
Age Appropriateness: Elementary
Scripture Connections: This character reminds me indirectly of Zacchaeus and the woman who touched Jesus' garment for healing. Another connection is with scriptures like Psalm 139 that affirm that everyone is a precious child of God, born to be loved and loving. Also, consider scriptures about words that hurt and heal (see examples in the above book).
PBT Applications: Consider which children in your church program might be shy and unwilling to seek help from you should problems arise. This book might empower them.
Picture Book: God’s Coming to Visit
Author: Franz Huber
Illustrator: Angela Glokler and Rea Grit Zielinski
Summary: There’s a rumor running rampant among the animals: God’s coming to visit. Exciting! But scary too. They suspect lots of prep is needed so they can impress God. What is special enough? They primp and practice amazing tricks until they become impatient. It’s dark and God has not come! A voice in the darkness explains. “God is already here.” Then owl explains God's constant presence and unconditional love. There’s no need to do anything to impress God. What’s to be done? Be still. Feel God’s love. Share your worries. Ask for help. Love God and each another. They do just that. God is with them to stay.
Hanna’s Comments: Here’s another great PBT God Book, but it’s not published yet. I was able to get my hands on a proof and loved it! Look for it in October!
Original Publisher: Flyaway Books, will be published in October 2021
Age Appropriateness: Elementary and up
Scripture Connections: Any scripture about the presence of God or a scripture about Owl’s instructions, such as Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.”
PBT Applications: This book speaks to all of us so it would be appropriate for any age above elementary age. Read it to a group about to study new mediation practices. We humans have a tendency to think a prayer practice must be perfect to be acceptable to God. This book counteracts that human tendency.
Here are other PBT posts featuring Flyaway Books:
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