New Children’s Selections in the St. Andrew’s Library
The library has been given several new children’s titles by our bookstore:
- The Coconut Monk by Thich Nhat Hanh. On an island in Vietnam, a monk lives in a coconut tree, eating its fruit and playing with his friends, a cat and a mouse. All the while, a war is raging. One day, the monk decides to visit his country’s president. After all, if a man, a cat, and a mouse can live in harmony, why can’t a nation? The hostile guards at the presidential palace throw the Coconut Monk in jail. Is there still a way for his message to be heard? Based on a true story, this charming picture book shows how seemingly inconquerable divides can be overcome through compassion and perseverance.
- Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners by Laurie Keller. Move over, Emily Post: Do Unto Otters is a guide to manners that anyone would be delighted to follow. Laurie Keller brings the Golden Rule to life in the form of Mr. Rabbit and his new neighbors, the Otters, who animate every page with their well-behaved hijinks, showing kids that a simple “please” or “thank you” goes a long way in making friends.
- The Gift of Nothing by Patrick McDonnell.Written for grades 1 through 4, this story features characters from McDonnell’s comic strip, “Mutts.” Mooch (a cat) wants to give Earl (a dog) a gift, but he already has a bowl, a bed, and even a chewy toy. In a flash of inspiration, Mooch decides to give him nothing, and sets out to find it. In the end, he wraps a big box with nothing in it and presents it to his friend. “There’s nothing here,” says Earl. “Nothing … but me and you,” Mooch replies. The text is minimal, and the small cartoon drawings are executed in black and white with touches of red and surrounded by plenty of white space. This book is a fine vehicle for a one-on-one discussion of the meaning of friendship and gift-giving.
- Jerusalem Sky: Stars, Crosses and Crescents by Mark Podwal. In this book for grades 3 and up, Podwal has paired a brief poetic text with skillfully composed and executed abstract impressionist paintings that show the beauty and sacredness of the ancient city as well as its importance to the three major religions that are rooted there. In simply worded statements — one or two sentences per page — he recounts the lore of this City of Peace that has been fought over since ancient times. The art features holy places of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim peoples. This lovely, inspirational book, best read aloud by an adult voice, could lead to discussion of Jerusalem’s history and the current situation there, and, perhaps, to further study of the three religions.
- Brother Juniper by Diane Gibfried. This book is best for kindergarten through grade 2. Father Francis of Assisi and his followers are famous for their piety and generosity. Brother Juniper, who is beloved because he is simple, is the most generous of all. One day, he is left alone at the church. When a poor man arrives asking for help, Brother Juniper gives him candlesticks. He offers the golden chalice to a hungry woman with eight children. By the time the brothers return, he has given away the entire church, from the furniture to the walls themselves. The others are so angry that he hides himself in shame. The following Sunday, however, as the friars congregate for prayers, they are amazed when a crowd appears and gathers around Brother Juniper to thank him. Father Francis arrives and says, “Look, Brothers, at the fine church that Brother Juniper built.” Children might not understand the symbolism without discussion, but this is an excellent choice to open discussion about generosity.
- The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq by Jeanette Winter. This book is best for grades 2 through 4. When war seemed imminent, Alia Muhammad Baker, chief librarian of Basra’s Central Library, was determined to protect the library’s holdings. In spite of the government’s refusal to help, she moved the books into a nearby restaurant only nine days before the library burned to the ground. When the fighting moved on, this courageous woman transferred the 30,000 volumes to her and her friends’ homes to await peace and the rebuilding of a new library. Although the invading country is never mentioned, this is an important story that puts a human face on the victims of war and demonstrates that a love of books and learning is a value that unites people everywhere.
- The Boy of Color by Sherrie Nelson. Blue was a boy who loved to color and paint. He painted pictures full of bright beautiful colors and even portraits. But one day he ran out of things to paint, so he went to his family members for advice. They were no help at all. Blue had an idea. He asked God to tell him what to do with his colors. Soon Blue knew just what to paint. God taught Blue he was The Boy of Color and God wanted Blue remind others that God created all colors and all colors were beautiful … especially when it comes to people.
This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to share the marvelous works selected by the Bookstore Committee. These books represent St. Andrew’s theology and offer beautiful words and illustrations for our children. Please drop by the library and check them out soon!
