tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51978087597223811982026-04-11T17:19:49.669-05:00Connecting Scripture to Story with Picture Books Picture Book Theologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16078065225530829061noreply@blogger.comBlogger783125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197808759722381198.post-89497685819049950722024-03-04T13:01:00.004-06:002024-03-04T13:05:20.477-06:00

Link: LATEST PBT WEBINARClick on the link above to see me presenting the benefits of PBT with seminary students and others at Knox College, a Canadian institution of higher education. This 1-hour webinar was hosted by picture book author Laura Alary. Additionally, because it was recorded in October, I briefly offer some book  recommendations for the fall & winter holidays

Picture Book Theologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16078065225530829061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197808759722381198.post-46622617424246149032023-01-09T16:46:00.011-06:002023-10-18T04:39:02.541-05:00

I’m celebrating my feat of writing 800 PBT posts by taking a little time off from PBT and discerning its direction. I've earned it since there are about 900 picture books here that are connected to scriptures. I’d love to hear from you and how you use PBT! Got any wishes or preferences? Tell me in a comment or email. If you’re wanting a book to read for Epiphany, simply go to the

Picture Book Theologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16078065225530829061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197808759722381198.post-8894166405761632062023-01-09T16:27:00.032-06:002023-02-08T12:24:54.499-06:00

Picture Book: A World of Praise Author: Deborah Lock Illustrator: Helen Cann Summary: This book begins and ends with psalms! Between those pages, experience simple poetic verses integrated with beautiful scenes of diverse children enjoying the glories of God’s creation all over the world! You’ll see mountains & flatlands, cityscapes & rural spaces, contemplative children &amp

Picture Book Theologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16078065225530829061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197808759722381198.post-19563015176514449952022-12-21T14:42:00.015-06:002023-08-05T18:43:57.844-05:00

Some churches are having Winter Solstice or Longest Night worship services. They view this as an opportunity to acknowledge the darkness of the season, particularly for those who have experienced loss or those who don’t find the hope of Advent as easily as our culture expects. Below I give you links to a couple of PBT books that could inform your worship planning. Also, these books could be

Picture Book Theologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16078065225530829061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197808759722381198.post-21764997547325417462022-12-10T07:14:00.003-06:002022-12-12T07:13:37.486-06:00

You may know Ellie Holcomb as an award-winning Christian singer/songwriter, a solo artist and a member of her husband Drew Holcomb's band. Her books share several attributes: They are large board books. I’ve written that too many abstract or lengthy books are being made in board book form, which will turn off a child beyond the need for those kinds of books. All are available in tablet

Picture Book Theologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16078065225530829061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197808759722381198.post-74320940017245815322022-12-07T17:16:00.006-06:002022-12-12T07:30:10.158-06:00

A while back, I enthusiastically told you about 9 of Emma Dodd’s books. Find that post HERE . She’s an author/illustrator of simple but profound books for young children. These larger than usual board books have a particular look. They are grounded in loving relationships. In fact, these books are in her series called “Love You Books.” This year she’s come out with a book about

Picture Book Theologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16078065225530829061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197808759722381198.post-82033565641947347992022-11-19T00:30:00.027-06:002022-11-19T09:35:30.445-06:00

 If you like quirky books, this PBT post is for you! From the Mr. Panda series by author/illustrator Steve Antony, I found a book for Thanksgiving, a book for Advent, and a book for celebrating love. That last book could be for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or anytime you are anticipating a loving ritual. Because these humorous books have little text but complicated social situations, they

Picture Book Theologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16078065225530829061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197808759722381198.post-72880333936468026952022-11-18T13:19:00.010-06:002022-11-19T13:17:10.092-06:00

The Brooklyn Public Library is marking their 125th birthday by making public a list of their 125 most borrowed books! I read about this on NPR and was pleased to read that many of the most checked out books are here at PBT. Click HERE  for the NPR article.And click HERE  for the list at The Brooklyn Public Library's website.Perhaps with today's post you'll enjoy some

Picture Book Theologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16078065225530829061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197808759722381198.post-52465440020892869012022-11-04T11:40:00.005-05:002022-12-08T07:24:30.327-06:00

For those of you wanting books about God for toddlers & preschoolers, below 2 PBT links feature 2 trustworthy series! Psychologically and spiritually they are right on target for the youngest in faith communities who are learning first concepts about God’s great love. These board books are not too wordy like many first written for older children. There are many books in these series.

Picture Book Theologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16078065225530829061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197808759722381198.post-85676363347363853712022-10-29T15:36:00.008-05:002022-11-15T11:46:43.771-06:00

I started PBT Easter morning of 2014. That first year, I posted a book everyday! Since that year, I've posted less often, but you'll find 900 or so books here connected to scripture with ideas for using them in ministry, church-based schools, family devotions, and even spiritual direction. That first year, I featured a book called Nora's Ark. It was a play on the plot of Noah's story in

Picture Book Theologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16078065225530829061noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197808759722381198.post-47024834936850810642022-10-22T17:57:00.011-05:002022-10-23T09:17:33.138-05:00

You may have no clue what my title here means. A couple of weeks ago, I visited a museum that I had been determined to see: The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. It was founded in 2002 in Amherst, MA (less than 2 hours from Boston). It was a dream come true for the beloved artist and his wife Barbara.   The experience was all I had hoped and then some! I found myself a bit

Picture Book Theologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16078065225530829061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197808759722381198.post-29166112563219384672022-10-14T16:20:00.007-05:002022-10-14T16:28:50.050-05:00

With gratitude practices as favored health regimens, Thanksgiving plans upon some (sorry I'm too late for countries who had Thanksgiving already), and legacies of our saints remembered in early November, this book seems perfect to feature. Meaningful rituals, issues of memory, a grateful orientation, profound joy, and loving grandparent legacies (think Lois mentioned in 2nd Timothy 1:2) are

Picture Book Theologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16078065225530829061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197808759722381198.post-25055812742053040342022-10-06T16:24:00.002-05:002022-10-09T08:53:00.978-05:00

Like in last week's post, here you'll find links to important PBT posts in which I've added new books! You'll see a sampling of some of those added books in the photos here. Last time, I gave you links to the Introduction to the 5 PBT questions and the first two PBT Questions. Here are links to the last three PBT Questions. You'll find dozens of books with these updates! PBT Question # 3PBT

Picture Book Theologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16078065225530829061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197808759722381198.post-42538544555853938542022-09-29T18:50:00.000-05:002022-09-29T18:50:33.725-05:00

For today’s PBT post and my next, I have gone back to 6 of my best posts and added new books! A sampling of some of those books I've added are in the photos here. I’ve given you links to the first 3 posts today. Intro to 5 PBT QuestionsPBT Question #1PBT Question #2Next week look for links to those last 3 questions. This series is at the heart of what I do here at PBT. There are many

Picture Book Theologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16078065225530829061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197808759722381198.post-15351412753366731732022-09-22T16:43:00.011-05:002022-09-22T17:18:19.873-05:00

Below I describe a brand-new book by one of my favorite picture book authors! This book will have your audience thinking seriously and expansively about Earth, our Dot - the home we all share. Picture Book: Here: The Dot We Call Home Author: Laura Alary Illustrator: Cathrin Peterslund Summary: This beautiful book offers a wise young girl's wide view of home, time, and space.

Picture Book Theologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16078065225530829061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197808759722381198.post-46704291939514182422022-09-14T15:24:00.006-05:002022-09-20T09:57:20.324-05:00

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!

Picture Book Theologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16078065225530829061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197808759722381198.post-52149932196439332152022-08-26T16:06:00.011-05:002023-08-11T13:32:23.939-05:00

Despite having the same title, the books above are very different! The first book I describe below is a PBT God Book – a book about the nature of God. The great I Am, may be called by all these names and more. The second book is a book about the nature of human beings. One of God’s names, I Am, found in Exodus 3:14, serves as a core theological perspective for both books.Both books

Picture Book Theologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16078065225530829061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197808759722381198.post-81290957235444741792022-08-12T14:29:00.004-05:002023-02-10T13:07:26.136-06:00

A few weeks ago, I posted a book about listening to godly sounds. Violinist Joshua Bell playing in a subway was the story in that post. Check it out HERE. Today’s listening is about perhaps the most holy kind of listening we humans can do... listening to a family member, friend, or even a stranger who is hurting. This is the best book I know about that holy practice. Like other excellent picture

Picture Book Theologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16078065225530829061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197808759722381198.post-58647056515950465802022-07-27T14:26:00.002-05:002022-07-27T14:26:16.796-05:00

I tend to disregard books about bedtime since I imagine most of the PBT applications happening at church, far away from homes and beds. But bedtime is about security and love, both very godly concepts! This fun picture book classic offers such an appealing story! It will connect to many important (perhaps surprising) biblical stories and ideas. At the end of this post, I give you links to

Picture Book Theologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16078065225530829061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197808759722381198.post-87488736762199348192022-07-14T07:26:00.000-05:002022-07-14T07:26:25.060-05:00

Picture Book: The Little Hummingbird Author/ Illustrator: Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas Summary: Based on an indigenous story, this book begins with a group of forest animals. When “the great fire” starts, animals huddle at the edge of a forest. They wonder what they can do, but they are afraid and feel helpless. As the forest burns, Little Hummingbird flies between the stream and the

Picture Book Theologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16078065225530829061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197808759722381198.post-880187932570272732022-07-01T00:00:00.075-05:002022-07-02T05:47:30.391-05:00

Picture Book: Wild Peace Author: Irene Latham Illustrator: Il Sung Na Summary: This extraordinary book is about the peace found when imagining a nature journey, leading to observing nature in all its Godly Glory and experiencing the peace such nature provides! It is the story of a young girl who is playing in a chaotic room with her 3 siblings. She is painting a nature picture. Then

Picture Book Theologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16078065225530829061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197808759722381198.post-39112317476699785192022-06-25T13:16:00.004-05:002023-03-05T11:51:46.590-06:00

Circles are a favorite motif for me! They hold much in the way of symbolism for life and my spiritual journey. They can be viewed as a directional line. Seasons, relationships, and life issues come and go and then return. And circles can be viewed as expanding or contracting inner spaces & community spaces. In both spaces, the potential for connections are infinite in number and rich meaning.

Picture Book Theologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16078065225530829061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197808759722381198.post-6894020223085412352022-06-19T20:39:00.039-05:002023-10-17T19:09:10.776-05:00

The PBT Techniques series explores unusual ways to use picture books in ministry. If you want to see more of these PBT posts, there are quick links at the end of the post. Also, I mention the work of 2 other authors you should know about: Leanne Hadley and Diane Alber!Today’s book is excellent, but for a group read aloud it is a bit wordy. Also, the illustration details are

Picture Book Theologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16078065225530829061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197808759722381198.post-44523104531117766312022-06-04T11:41:00.010-05:002022-06-06T16:59:25.317-05:00

 Here are 2 books with similar themes. Strong Suggestion: Don’t dismiss these books because there are only females in them. Your boys need to hear and will learn from books featuring only girls. Females have done this throughout literary history! Encourage your boys to use their inner voices to "translate" when necessary. Most experiences in these books will be applicable to all genders!&

Picture Book Theologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16078065225530829061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5197808759722381198.post-40095300816614843032022-05-27T17:12:00.002-05:002022-05-27T17:14:57.699-05:00

 Isaiah 40:1 Comfort, O comfort My people, says your God. After this month’s massacres in Buffalo, New York & Uvalde, Texas, I read again Rebecca Dudley’s beautiful books and thought how they might be a comfort to a child, a group of children, and even adult readers. The first book is about being lost, found, gently cared for, and then returned. We hope we are the ones doing these

Picture Book Theologyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16078065225530829061noreply@blogger.com0