Annotated Bibliography for Faith in
Children
Picture Books and Music for use with children and families
To inspire congregations and educators
By Joyce Ruppell
[see her chapter in Children’s Spirituality: Christian Perspectives, Research, and Applications, to be released September, 2004, by Cascade Books (a division of Wipf and Stock Publishers, Eugene, Oregon]
A CHILD’S BOOK OF
PRAYER IN ART
Sister Wendy Beckett
DK Publishing Inc, 1995
Sister Wendy Beckett believes that prayer is a dialogue with God, and that listening is as important as talking to God. In this her first book for children, Sister Wendy has selected beautiful paintings that can speak to children while illustrating the important values of life, such as love, respect, and forgiveness. This book will help children to look and listen, as well as gain an insight into art while developing a greater understanding of their own spirituality.
ALABASTER’S SONG
Max Lucado
Illustrated by Michael Garland
WORD Publishing 1996
Alabaster is a little angel on the top of a Christmas tree. Through a boy’s imagination Alabaster shares the story of what is was like to see Bethlehem. He sings of that night long ago in a heaven sent voice that helps the characters to remember the real meaning of Christmas.
ALEXANDER AND THE
TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD VERY BAD DAY
Judith Viorst
Illustrated by Ray Cruz
Scholastic, Inc. 1972
We all have bad days when nothing goes right. In this book, children can learn that even though some days are like that, we don’t have to be discouraged, for with God’s help we can overcome our disappointments and failures.
ALL THE COLORS OF
THE EARTH
Sheila Hamanaka
A Mulberry Book 1994
This book celebrates the colors of children and the colors of love, not red, yellow, black or white, but roaring brown, whispering gold, tinkling pink, and more. It is truly a celebration of children – our hope for the future. Christian educators can use this book to emphasize the rich variety of God’s creation and the unique qualities of each person.
BE NICE TO SPIDERS
Margaret Bloy Graham
Harper and Row 1967
The story and service that a small creature performs come alive for children as they read about Helen the spider. Children also can gain an understanding of how God has planned even the smallest details in nature that make an orderly universe.
BRUNDIBAR
Tony Kushner
Illustrated by Maurice Sendak
Michael di Capua/Hyperion 2003
This is the retelling of a Czech opera that was performed by the children of Terezin, a Nazi concentration camp. Hoping to buy milk for their sick mother, a boy and a girl try to earn money by singing. But Brundibar, a nasty organ grinder, drowns out their voices until the rest of the children join them in song.
THE CARROT SEED
Ruth Krauss
Illustrated by Crockett Johnson
Harper Collins 1973
A little boy plants a carrot seed. His family all agree “it won’t come up.” But the little boy knows better and does not give up. This story is a concrete illustration of “faith in action,” and perseverance, for the little boy carefully nurtures the seed until something very special happens.
THE DOORBELL RANG
Pat Hutchins
Scholastic 1988
Ma has made a dozen delicious
cookies. It should be plenty for her two children. But then the doorbell
rings--and rings and rings. Each ring of the doorbell brings more friends to
share the delicious cookies Ma has made. The
final ring of the doorbell, however, brings good news.
This book is good for children that are learning how to add and subtract. For
example in the book the mom made 12 cookies and they had to spit them in half
and then two more people came and then 4 more people came until every one only
had gotten one cookie. Also this book teaches that it is important to share.
EMMA AND MOMMY TALK
TO GOD
Marianne Williamson
Illustrated by Julia Noonan
Harper Collins 1996
A mother and daughter share their experiences talking about God in this beautifully illustrated picture book. Emma isn’t quite sure who God is and what it means to believe in Him, but her loving talks with her mother help her to realize that God is always with her. Emma also comes to understand that God wants her to love others – even Peter, who teases her. This book is especially appropriate for parents, as it is an excellent reminder that they are the primary spiritual teachers of our children. The author has provided an affirming letter to grown ups of the important gift of the knowledge of God we can give to children.
THE STORY OF
FERDINAND
Munro Leaf
Illustrated by Robert Lawson
New York: Viking Press, 1987
This classic tale presents Ferdinand, a young bull who
prefers smelling flowers to butting heads. A wonderful way to teach children
about the importance of peace in our lives.
THE GIVING TREE
Shel Silverstein
Harper Collins 1964
This is a touching story marked by sadness and love. It provides an important way for children to understand the value of giving. This book may also be used as an introduction to parables. Christian educators can use this story to draw a comparison of how much God gave for us – even His own son who was sacrificed to die on a tree for our sakes.
HORTON HATCHES THE
EGG
Dr. Seuss
Random House 1940
This story is one of Dr. Seuss’ originals. It is the story of Horton, an elephant who takes over nest sitting for a very lazy bird. Horton is faithful and perseverant through “thick and thin.” He overcomes many challenges and adversity as he perseveres in meeting his obligation. This book emphasizes the important values of keeping promises and being true to our word. In the end Horton is wonderfully rewarded for his faithfulness.
I KISSED THE BABY
Mary Murphy
Candlewick Press, Cambridge MA 2003
Murphy has created a wonderful story about the excitement and affection that an animal community lavishes on a new baby duck. Everyone is excited with the news of having fed, kissed, tickled, or sung to the infant. The mother duck, of course, is happiest about kissing her child. When she does, the baby duck’s reaction speaks volumes about the bond between mother and child. This book is a great choice to share with young children who are just beginning to understand the concept of unconditional love.
I LOVE YOU LITTLE
ONE
Nancy Tafuri
Scholastic Inc. 1998
Very young children especially enjoy this book that illustrates animal mothers and their babies. Each page is a reminder of how much they are loved no matter what. The last page features a mother and child, with the mother assuring the child of her love forever. This book can be a wonderful reminder of how much God loves us and that He will always love and care for us.
THE KISSING HAND
Audrey Penn
Scholastic Inc. 1993
This book is for any child who confronts a difficult situation, being without mom and dad, and going to school for the first time, or being treated in the hospital. It is useful in helping children to face challenges that come their way and in finding ways to cope. Most of all it provides adults with a way of clearly communicating to children that “they are loved!”
THE LITTLE ENGINE
THAT COULD
Watty Piper
Platt and Munk Publishers 1976
Not only is this well-known story a great illustration of perseverance, but it is also helpful in enabling children to understand that even the smallest of us can be useful. Another important theme is giving and caring for the needs of others as the dolls and toys want so very badly to bring good things to the children who live on “the other side.”
THE LITTLE MATCH
GIRL
Hans Christian Anderson
WORD 1987
Hans Christian Anderson’s stories entail rich outstanding characteristics. The Little Match Girl is one of them. This story is full of values and hope. The particular version from WORD press is valuable in that the publisher provides a Study Key of how parents and educators can use the story to explain universal concepts such as: 1) everyone has needs; 2) ideas of how those needs should be met; and 3) what will make us truly happy. The Little Match Girl is an example of what is poor, helpless, and hungry within each one of us. This story not only challenges us to reach out to others who are in need, but to remember that there are great blessings for those who are gentle and true to what they believe.
THE LIVING NATIVITY: The Story of Saint Francis and the Christmas Manger
David and Helen Haidle
Honor Books Tulsa, OK 1998
The Living Nativity is the inspiring story of how Saint Francis of Assisi helps the peasants in his small community celebrate the birth of Christ in a way that lives on today. The monk shares the message of Christmas: “God loves you even when everything seems hopeless.” The authors give ideas for parents and educators in planning their own nativity and celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.
MAMA DO YOU LOVE ME?
Barbara M. Joose
Illustrated by Barbara Lavallee
Chronicle Books 1991
The universal theme of love is presented in this book. This story also carefully introduces the readers to a distinctively different culture – the Inuit. It has beautifully painted illustrations. Christian educators can use this book as a reassuring reminder that God’s love is unconditional and forever.
MOUSEKIN’S
CHRISTMAS EVE
Edna Miller
Prentice-Hall Inc. 1965
Also MOUSEKIN FINDS A FRIEND, MOUSEKIN’S FAMILY AND MOUSEKIN’S GOLDEN HOUSE
Children love this series with Mousekin and following all his adventures. In this story Mousekin ventures out of his “comfort zone,” and enters a dangerous world to find a new home. Once inside his new home, Mousekin explores and finds a source of comfort and peace in the crèche under the Christmas tree.
OWL BABIES
Martin Waddell
Illustrated Patrick Benson
Candlewick Press 1975
Three baby owls are missing their mommy and fearful she will not return. It is a fine depiction of family life and helps address deep feelings and insecurities that all children have.
OWL MOON
Jane Yolen
Illustrated by John Schoenherr
Philomel Books, NY 1987
A Caldecott medal winner, OWL MOON tells the tale of a young girl and her father going owling. When you go owling you don’t need anything but hope.
SANTA’S FAVORITE
STORY
Hisako Aoki & Ivan Gantschev
Neugebauer Press USA 1982
When Santa Claus tells the animals that he is not looking forward to delivering all those packages, the animal are worried that there won’t be a Christmas this year. To help them understand, Santa tells the story of the first Christmas. An important lesson is learned by all. This book is illustrated with lovely watercolors.
THE SELFISH GIANT
Oscar Wilde
Illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger
Picture Book Studio, Natick, MA 1984
The selfish giant forbids the town’s children from playing in his garden. As a result, spring refuses to come as well. One day the children sneak back into the garden and the giant’s heart is melted when he helps a small boy climb a tree and receives a hug and a kiss in return. The selfish giant is transformed by this single act of kindness. In this particular version the boy is represented as a Christ figure and the giant realizes that when we hurt others whether knowingly or not we are wounding Christ.
THE STEADFAST TIN
SOLDIER
Hans Christian Anderson
Illustrated by Fred Marcellino
Harper Collins Publishers 1992
This story is one of Hans Christian Anderson’s original tales that appeared at Christmastime 1838. This imaginative story has been widely admired since then. It tells the story of a one-legged tin soldier and the paper ballerina he admires from afar. Throughout each of his adventures he remains steadfast: “Brave soldier never fear, Even though your death is near. “ Christian educators may use this story to reinforce the importance of understanding those who are different as well as being faithful even when it is difficult.
THE TALE of THE TWO
TREES
Angela Ewell Hunt
Illustrated by Tim Jonke
Chariot Victor Publishers 2001
This fable begins with three trees on a hill top sharing their dreams. One desires to become a treasure chest, another great sailing ship, and the third wishes to remain on the top of the hill to point the way to God. All three trees are felled for their lumber. The first becomes a feedbox in a stable, the second becomes a small fishing boat, and the third is cut into timbers and left in a pile. Time goes by until one day a baby is laid in the feed box, some years later the fishing boat is being thrown about during a terrible storm and its sleeping passenger awakens and calms the storm with a word, the timbers are pulled from the wood pile and become the cross on which Christ is crucified. While none of three trees got exactly what they wished for, God had a plan for each of them, which exceeded their own expectations.
TEN GOOD RULES
Susan Remick Topek
Illustrated by Rosalyn Schanzer
Kar Bben Copies, Inc
Rockville, MD 1991
This imaginative book illustrates the Ten Commandments in a way children are sure to remember. It also reinforces numeracy skills. Children will come to understand the importance of these rules for us today.
THANKSGIVING AT THE
TAPPLETONS’
Eileen Spinelli
Illustrated by Maryann Cocca-Leffler
Harper Collins 1982
Thanksgiving is such an important time of celebration for families, but this year at the Tappleton’s nothing seems to go right. First the turkey slides down the icy hill and into the pond. Then the bakery sells out of pies. It looks like it is going to be a pretty sad holiday until Grandma reminds everyone that there’s more to Thanksgiving than a turkey and all the trimmings. The Tappleton’s discover they can have Thanksgiving after all because they have each other!
THE TWO OF THEM
Aliki
Mulberry Books 1979
This is story of love between a grandfather and his grandchild. Through the years the little girl and her grandfather share so many happy times – playing by the sea, walking in the mountains, and working in his store. And when he grows sick, she cares for him with as much love as he always showed her. It describes the coping process of how the child comes to understand death. A timeless story of caring for one another.
WHAT IS GOD?
Etan Boritzer
Illustrated by Robbie Marantz
Firefly Books 1990
What is GOD? Is a very BIG question as this book describes. This book presents a wide variety of ways we come to know God, but in a simple manner even very young children can understand. Different beliefs are presented including differences among holy books. Children are led to believe that people of every religion understand God in their own different ways. It also discusses the way religions are the same. There is much food for discussion in the words concepts and illustrations. The value of personal prayer is also emphasized.
TWO BAD ANTS
Chris Van Allsburg
Houghton Mifflin Company 1988
This story is a tale of choices made by two ants. Eager to please their queen, a group of ants sets out to bring back the most delicious substance they have ever seen. When the two ants stay behind they experience a terrible ordeal that finally leads them to understand the value of family and home.
WHISPER FROM THE
WOODS
Victoria Wirth
Green Tiger 1990
The endless cycle of life and death in the forest is featured in this book. The illustrations are enhanced by vibrant depictions of trees with human faces.
Other Resources
Ward, H. (1988) My friends beliefs. New York: Walker and Co.
Music
Room in this World by Song Sisters “Love Grows” 1990
Walter the Waltzing Worm by Hap Palmer Educational Activities Inc. P.O. Box 392 Freeport, NY 11520 1992. “What a Miracle”
Teaching Peace, Red Grammer, Red Note Records 5049 Orangeport Rd. Brewerton, NY 13029 Smilin Atcha Music, Inc. 1986 “I Think You’re Wonderful” & “Teaching Peace”