Children's Books

Reading Program 2001

Education for Mission

SOMEWHERE TODAY: A BOOK OF PEACE
Albert Whitman & Company, 1998
24 pages
Shelley Moore Thomas (#3166) $14.95/

With its poetic text and appealing photographs, this book shows some of the simple ways children can bring peace to the world, perhaps by visiting someone who is old, teaching a younger sibling to ride a bike, or sharing with a friend from another culture. This is a beautiful way to teach children about peace. For ages 4-8.

Nurturing for Community

NO MATTER WHAT
Harcourt, Inc., 1999
32 pages
Debi Gliori (#3104) $16.00/

Beautifully illustrated, this is a book about unconditional love told through Small, a very little fox, who seeks reassurance from Large, the parent fox. "If I were a grumpy grizzly bear, would you still love me?" ask Small. "Of course," says Large. "Bear or not, I’d always love you, no matter what." A wonderful book to share with children ages 4-8.

I’M LIKE YOU, YOU’RE LIKE ME
Free Spirit Publishing, 1998
41 pages
Cindy Gainer (#3137) $10.95/

This book helps children discover that even though people are different, they can enjoy being together and learning about each other. Vibrant pictures show children of different races and some with handicapping conditions. The author/illustrator emphasizes such key concepts as acceptance, listening, understanding, and kindness. For ages 4-8.

Social Action

THE BUS RIDE
Lee & Low Books, 1998
32 pages
William Miller (#3107) $15.95/

The author retells the story of Rosa Parks’ historic refusal to give up her bus seat as it might have happened to Sara, a young girl. A fine example of a child taking a stand and making a difference, the story also helps introduce children to the struggle for the rights of African Americans. For ages 4-8.

Spiritual Growth

GOD’S LOVE IS LIKE
Abingdon Press, 1998
32 pages
Ray Buckley (#3126) $13.00/

In a unique approach to parables, including the Good Samaritan, the sower and the seed, and the house built on a rock, this book tells five parables in multi-cultural settings. Hispanic farmers illustrate faith as a mustard seed and a Native American child learns about the prodigal son through this rich way of sharing the Scriptures with children. For ages 4-8.

IN OUR IMAGE: GOD’S FIRST CREATURES
Jewish Lights Publishing, 1998
32 pages
Nancy Sohn Swartz (#3135) $16.95/

With exquisite illustrations, this book tells about the creation of the world. When God creates humans, each animal contributes a special characteristic. The swan gives humans gracefulness, the chimpanzee gives curiosity. The book shows the interconnectedness of all living things and our responsibility to care for creation. For ages 4-8.