Dorena
Williamson
is on a mission to write picture books for children that celebrate differences.
Her books are God Books. Here are PBT that means they are not secular. In this case, they mention God. Note
the extra L in the key word in the titles and her use of masculine language for
God in some of her books. You can make adaptations to her words if you choose.
Sticky notes are helpful for this!
Dorena Williamson has written other wonderful books! Here’s another treasure about diversity. This one describes her diverse and open church.
The books below are my favorites! They embrace diversity in church and school settings,
including differences in race, culture, socioeconomic status, abilities, and gifts. The situations will be relatable and the illustrations will appeal to your children! Celebrating the Colors God Gave Us
Author: Dorena
Williamson
Illustrator: Cornelius Van Wright & Ying-Hwa Hu
Summary: One
summer, Granny Mac encourages the elementary-aged children playing in her yard
to celebrate the rainbow of colors they see in bubbles, flowers, butterflies,
and animals.
Granny Mac gives credit to God for “His” multi-colored creation
in the yard and on their skin & hair, even the
shapes of their eyes.
Granny Mac pushes against the idea of being “color-blind,” instead
we should be colorFULL. Being colorFULL means our eyes and hearts are Full of the colors God made. While eating colorful ice cream, Granny Mac ends the story by declaring, “Being
colorFULL is one of God’s sweetest gifts.
Hanna’s Comments: An art activity would be an easy addition to this lesson. Also, you may want to end with some ice cream cones with many colorful choices! In the back, you’ll find a Parent
Connection page that has a verse to remember, a summary paragraph to read
about other scriptures, and several thoughtful questions.
Original Publisher: B & H, 2018
Age Appropriateness: 5 and Up
Formats other than Book: Tablet
Scripture Connections: I will praise you because I
have been remarkably & wondrously made… (Psalm 139:14) is listed on the
Parent Connection page. Also, detailed there is Peter’s growing faith
via these verses: The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), Pentecost (Acts 2),
Peter’s inclination to divide (Acts 10), and at Cornelius’ home where Peter receives an inclusive view of God (Acts 10:24-28).
PBT Applications: Read this book to a group of kindergarteners who
are learning to notice God’s diverse creation.
Picture Book: ThoughtFull:
Discovering the Unique Gifts in Each of Us
Author: Dorena
Williamson
Illustrator: Robert Dunn
Summary: At
an elementary school, it is time for the HEART Awards. These 5 awards celebrate
children who are - Hard working, engaged in Excellence, Adventurous, Respectful,
and Thoughtful. Ahanu is a 2nd grader who receives the Thoughtful
award.
Joshua congratulates his friend Ahanu on the way to the bus, but then Joshua overhears other boys talk mean about Ahanu’s “weird” name and behavior. Joshua’s
heart sinks. His sadness is apparent to his father that afternoon. After Joshua explains, his
father wisely says:
If
we only spend time around people who are like us, we miss out on discovering the unique things about people who are different from us. The truth is, we’re all
gifted by God’s design.
Joshua’s dad asks to hear about the ways Ahanu is
thoughtful. Joshua offers many examples, and his father affirms how Joshua too is
thoughtful. The
next day at school, Joshua makes a point of telling the “mean” boys about some
of Ahanu’s positive attributes. He ends by saying, “We could all learn a lot
from him.”
Hanna’s Comments: Late in the story it is explained that Ahanu
has Down’s syndrome so you may want to be prepared to talk about children with
genetic differences and Down Syndrome in particular. In the back, you’ll find a
Parent Connection page that has a verse to remember, a summary paragraph
to read about another scripture, and several thoughtful questions.
Original Publisher: B & H, 2018
Age Appropriateness: 5 and Up
Formats other than Book: Tablet
Scripture Connections: Any scripture about being
thoughtful such as Paul’s listing of the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians
5:16-26). Now, there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:4) is listed on the Parent Connection page. Also, detailed
there are the verses about body parts being metaphors for various parts of the Body of
Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-31).
PBT Applications: Read this book to a group of elementary children
who are learning to appreciate the differences in the people who are their
faith family.
Picture Book: GraceFull:
Growing a Heart that Cares for Our Neighbors
Author: Dorena
Williamson
Illustrator: Geneva B
Summary: On
a Sunday morning at church, Hope and her family are in worship. The pastor welcomes
all and prompts the monthly grace offering.
He explains that it will help the
Habib family who are staying at the Chen House where church members are
volunteering. Hope tells her parents about Anna Habib who she met at church. They
are from Syria. Her parents explain that the Habib family are homeless but are
living at the Chen House – a shelter. Hope goes with her family to work at Chen
House and sees her new friend Anna and her school friend Ahanu (see previous bk).
The children go to the garden on the roof. The benefits of the
garden are explained to the children while they work. Later Hope talks with her
mother about the unfairness of being homeless. Her mother agrees and explains her
gratitude that their church can help show God’s grace. Hope asks what grace
looks like. Her mother compares it to rain, showering on us all and helping us
grow. The book ends with the Habib family moving into their own home. Hope’s
family brings them a rosebush. Anna tells Hope that her Mama says God’s grace
just keeps falling on us. Then the girls go out to play in the rain.
Hanna’s Comments: This book is inspired by the author’s home
church, Strong Tower Bible Church, a multicultural faith community in
Nashville, TN. You might want to invite a gardener to come talk to your children about how to tend a garden (esp. roses) and the importance of rain. In the back, you’ll find a Parent Connection page that
has a verse to remember, a summary paragraph to read about another scripture,
and several thoughtful questions.
Original Publisher: B & H, 2019
Age Appropriateness: 5 and Up
Formats other than Book: Tablet
Scripture Connections: Any scripture about God’s grace
and being full of grace. May the Lord bless you and protect you…
(Numbers 6:24-26) is listed on the Parent Connection page. Also, detailed is 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 about the
Corinthian church’s struggles and generosity to others.
PBT Applications: Read this book to a group of elementary-aged
children who are exploring about God’s grace.
