When I Get Older: The Story Behind Wavin’ Flag
When I Get Older: The Story Behind Wavin’ Flag | by K'NAAN | illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez
Ideal for: International Day of Peace Sept. 21, International Day of Music October 1, World Kindness Day November 13, Human Rights Day Dec. 10, International Migrants Day December 18, Canadian Multiculturalism Day June 27.
Biblical and Theological Themes: Home and belonging, leaving home and family, being a refugee, welcoming the stranger, war and its traumatic effects, the strengthening and healing power of music, self-control, unity, freedom, and safety
Ten Little Dumplings
Ten Little Dumplings | by Larissa Fan | illustrated by Cindy Wume
Ideal for: International Day for Education January 24, Asian Heritage Month May, Canadian Multiculturalism Day June 27.
Biblical and Theological Themes: being seen or not seen, who is included and left out, paying attention, women in patriarchal societies, family, sibling relationships, cherishing all children regardless of gender
My Name is Blessing
My Name is Blessing | by Eric Walters | illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes
Ideal for: International Day for the Eradication of Poverty October 17, Global Accessibility Awareness Day May 19, International Day of Persons with Disabilities December 3
Biblical and Theological Themes: family, love, acceptance, the significance of names, welcome, generosity, belonging, disability, suffering, blessing and what it means to be both blessed and a blessing to others (beatitudes)
If I Had a Gryphon
If I Had a Gryphon | by Vikki VanSickle | illustrated by Cale Atkinson
Ideal for: International Literacy Day September 8, Take Me Outside Day October 20, Family Literacy Day January 27, World Read Aloud Day/ Winter Walk Day February 2, World Poetry Day March 21, DEAR: Drop Everything and Read Day April 12, Education Week May.
Biblical and Theological Themes: movement from discontent to gratitude, family, love and belonging, perfection and imperfection, grace, belonging to God and God’s family
Etty Darwin and the Four Pebble Problem
Etta Darwin and the Four Pebble Problem | written and illustrated by Lauren Soloy
Ideal for: National STEAM Day November 8, International Day of the Girl December 17, International Day of Women and Girls in Science February 11, International Darwin Day February 12, Pi Day/International Day of Mathematics March 14.
Biblical and Theological Themes: family, nature, curiosity, imagination, wonder, awe, openness to mystery
Encounter
Encounter | by Brittany Luby | illustrated by Michaela Goade
Ideal for: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation September 30, National Indigenous History Month June, National Indigenous Peoples Day June 21.
Biblical and Theological Themes: peacemaking, creation, welcoming the stranger
On The Trapline
On The Trapline | by David A. Robertson | illustrated by Julie Flett
Ideal for: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation September 30
National Indigenous History Month June, National Indigeous Peoples Day June 21.
Biblical Themes: homecoming (exile and return), belonging, family, intergenerational relationships, connection with the Earth, remembering, attentiveness and gratitude, repentance and repair