Author: Linda Heller
Illustrator: Alison Jay
Publisher: Dutton Children’s Books
Audience: Ages 4 and up
Summary: This is a story of celebrating God’s creation in the world. In the story, all of the creatures of God pass before God and God questions their work and motivation by asking if they cheerfully completed their tasks and were the best workers they could be. The story works though many different animals as well as a human, and each is questioned by God. They all answer God, and God is pleased and thankful to the creatures for their present of hard work and cheerful spirits.
Literary elements at work in the story: This is a picture book in which the characters interact with God, an omniscient presence. The story is told from the perspective of a third-person narrator. The theme that God has given each creature a purpose celebrates our individualities but also our sameness in devotion to serving God and creation.
How does the perspective on gender/race/culture/economic/ability make a difference to the story? There is no real perspective on gender, race, culture, ability or economic status other than the boy and the other humans, pictured toward the end of the book, are white. There is a slight suggestion of economic status based upon the “sharing of toys” and the illustrations of the homes and playgrounds in the story. Overall the book celebrates the various gifts and abilities each creature has been given by God.
Scripture: John 9:3-4a
Theology: We are called and gathered by God into one body, family or community called the Church of Jesus Christ. God creates the church and we live as part of it, in loving relationship with God and with each other. In response to this calling by God, we are to use our God-given gifts and abilities to feed, nurture and shape the way that we live our lives of faith each and every day. In doing so, we are carrying out the mission of the church in the world.
Faith Talk Questions:
- What gifts and abilities did God give the animals in the story? What about the humans?
- What gifts has God given you?
- How can you use those gifts to celebrate God?
- Why is it important that the we as the church use the gifts and abilities that God gives us?
Reviewed by Katie Todd, MDiv/MACE, Entering cohort Fall 2005