| Adult Education / Library |
Adult Education contentThe Church LibraryLocated next to Calvin Hall, the library provides an up-to-date collection of 2,500 books and 100 video tapes and is a background resource for leisure reading as well as all the educational programs. Books are available on church history, parenting, prayer, death and grieving, substance abuse, theology, biography, social concerns, and much more. A large collection of colorful books for young readers has recently been added to the library's stock. The Library is open Sunday mornings and a book truck with recent additions is available for browsing in the courtyard.
We Have a New Children's Library Ministry
Launch Date: November 14, 2010
St. Mark’s is beginning a new ministry for children and their parents using children’s literature as a way of teaching our children about faith and life. We are seeking to collect a core library of the best children’s stories that will serve as a resource for parents for the spiritual formation and religious education of our children. These children’s books appropriate for k-5 will be organized around themes like God, community, respecting diversity, non-violence and conflict resolution, caring for the earth, loss and grief etc. In addition to the books that St. Mark’s will make available in our church library you will find a more complete bibliography organized in the same manner below. This program will be launched on Nov. 14 in the 11am worship at St. Mark’s through an extended children’s moment, a sermon on the theme, and book fair following worship. Come and join us! Children’s BooksGod
Baritzer, Etan. What is God? Firefly Books, 1990A provocative look at the concept of God that differs greatly from the Judeo-Christian idea of God as a person rather than as a vacuous feeling or entity. Major world religions are introduced in combination with the well-known teachers representing them (Moses, Jesus, Buddha, Mohammed.) Fitzgerald, Annie. Dear God, thanks for thinking up love, Flying Frog Pub., 2003One of a large series of books by this author which “can provide opportunities for parents to enter into serious conversations with their children about spiritual matters. (Church Libraries)”
Gallup, Tracy. Roomful of questions, Mackinac Island Press, 2008Open the door to the room in your soul where all your questions live. Is magic in every one of us? Is anything always? A book to explore, cherish, and give as a gift to mark life's most special passages. Hample, Stuart. Children’s letters to God, Workman, 1991In 1966, a small unheralded volume appeared in bookstores throughout the U.S.--and before the year was out over 500,000 copies of Children's Letters to God were in print. Today a new generation can discover all the unexpected pleasures and provocations of what happens when children under ten decide to send a letter off to God. Full-color illustrations throughout. Jelenek, Frank. Journey to the heart: centering prayer for children, Paraclete Press, 2007Uses rhyme and illustrations to teach children how to practice prayer of the heart, contemplative prayer or centering prayer.
Kushner, Laurence. What does God look like? SkyLight Paths Pub., 2001To young children, the world is full of things to see and touch. And by using those very examples, this enchanting book gently invites children to become aware of God's presence all around us. Abridged from Because Nothing Looks Like God by Lawrence and Karen Kushner, What Does God Look Like? has been specially adapted to board book format to delight and inspire younger readers.
Vecchione, Patrice. Faith and doubt: an anthology of poems, Henry Holt, 2007Geared for teens and young adults; a collection of poems from around the world that explores the many facets of faith and doubt. Some poems are weighty, abstract inquiries; others are open, urgent prayers: "Give us love so that we may rebuild the collapsed universe / within us."
Respecting Diversity
Bass, Jules and Debbie Harter. Herb, the vegetarian dragon, Barefoot Books, 2008The only vegetarian dragon in a land full of carnivores, Herb peacefully tends his garden while others of his species munch on the castle's inhabitants… Using Herb as an example, the king makes a bargain with the rest of the dragons: if they agree to stop eating people, then the knights will stop hunting them.
Fox, Mem. Whoever you are, Voyager Books, 2001K-Grade 3. Fox has composed a simple refrain to celebrate human connections in this lovely picture book. "Little one, whoever you are," she explains, there are children all over the world who may look different, live in different homes and different climates, go to different schools, and speak in different tongues but all children love, smile, laugh, and cry.
Kalman, Bobbie. What is religion? Crabtree, 2009For ages 6 to 9. Religion is the belief in a power greater than oneself. Many people call this power God. This insightful book introduces children to the world's great religions: Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Chinese traditional religion, Native American Indigenous beliefs, and non-religious spirituality.
Kleven, Elisa. The puddle pail, Tricycle Press, 2007PreSchool-Grade 3. As two crocodile brothers walk on the beach, practical Sol searches for shells and seaweed, while fanciful Ernst seeks clouds and puddles. Cotton-candy-colored collages complete this ode to individuality.
Parr, Todd. It’s okay to be different, Little, Brown, 2001[The author] “wisely doesn't zero in on specifics, which would force him to establish what's ‘normal.’ Instead, he focuses on acceptance and individuality and encourages readers to do the same. All ages.”
Caring for the Earth; Ecology/EvolutionAnthony, Joseph P. The dandelion seed, Dawn Publications, 1997The humble dandelion. By roadside or mountainside, it flowers every month of the year throughout the world, a fitting symbol of life. Its journey is our journey, filled with challenge, wonder and beauty. This popular, simple book is beautiful and touching.
Anthony, Joseph P. In a nutshell, Dawn Publications, 1999"Books such as In a Nutshell ... mesmerize children with their thrilling account from nature, and their breathtaking illustrations..." -- Hearthside Books, January 2004 2000 Parent Council Ltd. – “Outstanding Selection”
Ellis, Brian. The web at dragonfly pond, Dawn Publications, 2006Ellis provides readers with a step-by-step depiction of a food chain that exists in a pond. He cloaks the information in recollections of a fishing excursion with his father, although he acknowledges that not all the events actually occurred in a single day. From the annoying mosquito that bites him to the bass that Brian catches for his family's supper, the boy observes various predator-prey relationships.
Mainor, Bruce and Carol Mainor. Earth heroes: champions of the wilderness, Dawn Publications, 2009One of a series for children, aged 10-14, with chapters about eight historic and contemporary people influential in the preservation of wild places [Includes Henry David Thoreau, John Muir, Theodore Roosevelt, and others less widely known.]
Matejovsky, Char. Stones & bones, Polebridge Press, 2007This book rhymes out the story of evolution with pictures of Charles Darwin in his study, reading the book aloud to a group of young children, maybe his grandchildren.
Morgan, Jennifer. Born with a bang: the universe tells our cosmic story, Dawn Publications, 2002The Universe tells its own life story of chaos and creativity, science and struggle. Time after time the Universe nearly perishes, then bravely triumphs and turns itself into new and even more spectacular forms. Eventually it turns stardust into you. This story begins in the very beginning, and ends with the formation of Earth.
Community
Gaiman, Neil. Instructions, Harper/Collins, 2010Young readers should relish the chimerical vision while older Gaiman fans should grasp the underlying suggestion that the compass used to navigate fairy tales can also guide us in the real world. All ages.
Nutt, Robert. Amy’s light, Dawn Publications, 2010In bed at night, Amy peers from under her covers at the dark shadows on the wall. But what is that flicker of light from the window? As she discovers the source of the mysterious light in her own backyard, she also learns something important about herself. The light, like many things in life, is something to be treasured but not contained, appreciated but always free.
Reitano, John. What if the zebras lost their stripes? Paulist Press, 1998Together with wonderful illustrations by William Haines, Reitano captures the essence and beauty of acceptance. A great springboard for discussion. -- The National Parenting Center Sister Susan. The sun in my belly, Plum Blossom Books, 2007Introduces young readers to the Buddhist idea that everything is connected; also the story of a valuable friendship and the joys of forgiveness.
Non-Violence and Conflict Resolution
Keller, Laurie. Do unto otters, Square Fish, 2009Here beloved children's author 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. (Amazon.com review)
Scholes, Katherine. Peace begins with you, Little Brown, 1994Explains, in simple terms, the concept of peace, why conflicts occur, how they can be resolved in positive ways, and how to protect peace.
Thomas, Shelley Moore. Somewhere today: a book of peace, Whitman & Co., 1998The premise is that all over the world, people are helping one another, and in doing so, they are bringing about peace: "Somewhere today...someone is being a friend instead of fighting" or "someone is fixing old toys to give to new friends." School Library Journal
Loss and Grief
Loth, Sebastian. Remembering Crystal, North/South, 2010Although there are other books for young ones that deal with the topic of death, this gets high points for the simplicity of the text—a few lines per page—and the handsomeness of the design. Buff, mottled pages serve as the background for illustrations that are elegant in their spareness. Booklist
Masurel, Claire. Two homes, Candlewick, 2003Parents looking for a book about separation or divorce will find few offerings as positive, matter-of-fact, or child-centered as this one. With a sure sense of audience, Masurel concentrates on the physical and emotional fundamentals that matter to children. Booklist
Mellonie, Bryan. Lifetimes: the beautiful way to explain death to children, Bantam, 1983.This is a book about the rhythm of life and death for all creatures, for everything that is born. One of the best parts of the book is its emphasis on what a lifetime is, and how it is framed by birth and death, and that in-between those "markers" is what is important. It explains that different creatures have different life spans, and that this aspect of nature is neither fair nor unfair. It simply is.
Rylant, Cynthia. Dog heaven, Blue Sky Press, 1995Rylant uses simple, comfortable language and an abundance of careful detail to create a place of warmth and happiness. …With their simple shapes and bold lines, the bright acrylic paintings have a childlike appeal. Brush strokes add texture and depth, while unusual color combinations--glowing mixes of oranges, purples, and greens--contribute to the peaceful mood… The reassuring story might comfort a child after the loss of a pet, but this pleasant, imaginary paradise will have a broader appeal to all animal lovers.
Wright, H. Norman. It's okay to cry : a parent's guide to helping children through thelosses of life, WaterBrook Press, 2004Children may respond to loss with fear or with anger. Most likely they are confused. They have questions they want and need answered. This book, gives parents a hands-on, interactive tool for dealing with various losses in their children’s lives.
Love
Bell, Martin. The way of the wolf, Ballantine Books, 1983Intriguing tales, timeless poetry, enchanting songs . . . Beguiling characters like Barrington Bunny . . . Joggi, the porcupine . . . Lena, the witch . . . Joshua, the boy who has lost his magic . . . and the great silver wolf -- majestic, ever-present, mysterious . . . A book that will inspire you to consider and celebrate such things as love, forgiveness, acceptance, salvation and commitment.
Silverstein, Shel. The giving tree, Harper/Collins, 2004This is a tender story, touched with sadness, aglow with consolation. Shel Silverstein has created a moving parable for readers of all ages that offers an affecting interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another’s capacity to love in return.
Steig, William. Amos and Boris, Farrar Straus & Giroux, 1970“A simple, matter-of-fact story about the friendship between a mouse and a whale. . . . Lovely watercolor pictures and a funny, well-written text which presents its plot coincidences in tongue-in-cheek manner fit together admirably in this faintly Aesopian tale.”—School Library Journal, Starred Review
Relationships
Mason, Mararet H. Inside all, Dawn Publications, 2008“Inside all / Is a universe / Energy flowing.” So begins a journey at the outermost edge of everything. Inside the universe is a galaxy, milky and glowing, and inside the galaxy is a planet, blue and hopeful. The text moves from space to earth, from valley to village, and finally to a home where a child sleeps. Now the book takes a more metaphysical turn… Attractive in look and compact and appealing in story, this brings the idea of interconnectedness to a level young children can understand.
Rice, David L. Because Brian hugged his mother, Dawn Publications, 1999…this is a charming story with a sweet and positive message.
Resources for Parents
Borba, Michele. Building moral intelligence: the seven essential virtues that teach kids to do the right thing, Jossey-Bass, 2008Kids, she asserts, should be fortified against the onslaught of increasingly negative cultural influences…by parental involvement and guidance. Designed as a guide for parents and caregivers of children from three to 15 years old.
Borba, Michele. Parents do make a difference: how to raise kids with solid character,strong minds, and caring hearts, Jossey-Bass, 1999The original title of this book was probably something like "The Eight Skills of Raising Successful Children." These simple skills, which Borba has researched and work shopped across the country, then implemented in the curriculum of three elementary schools, are commonsensical, feel-good affirmations for parents and kids.
Caldwell, Elizabeth. Making a home for faith: nurturing the spiritual life of yourchildren, Pilgrim, 2007This book is a good introductory book for parents who want to learn about raising their children spiritually. It combines theory, theology, and the practical. It is one of the more recent books on the subject. (Amazon.com review)
Edelman, Marion Wright. The Sea is so wide and my boat is so small :charting a course for the next generation. Hyperion, 2007A founder of the Children's Defense Fund evaluates what has been achieved and what still needs to be done in order to make the nation safe and fair for children, in a series of open letters to the author's grandchildren, the nation's leaders, etc.
Garland, Diana S. Sacred stories of ordinary families: living the faith in daily life, Jossey-Bass, 2003…what exactly is it that characterizes faith and spirituality in family life? Identifying resilience, strength, and faith in the stories of all kinds of families, this book motivates readers to think about how faith shapes their own family lives. Drawn from Garland's extensive interviews with 110 families.
Gurian, Michael. The good son: shaping the moral development of our boys and men, Tarcher, 1999Offers a handbook for parents concerned with the development of moral and ethical values in boys from birth to the age of eighteen. Gurian, Michael. Wonder of girls: understanding the hidden nature of girls. Putnam, 2002Therapist Gurian probes the unique aspects of girls' emotional, social and physical development in a follow-up to his bestselling The Wonder of Boys.
Jenkins, Peggy Davison. Nurturing spirituality in children: simple hands-on activities, Atria, 2008Children who develop a healthy balance of mind and spirit are better able to respond to life's challenges when given the tools to think and discover for themselves. Dr. Jenkins gives scores of age-appropriate activities that help children learn empathy, trust, forgiveness, growth, and inner peace. Kushner, Harold. When Children ask About God: a guide for parents who don’t always have all the answers, Schocken, 1995 Who made God? Can God hear my prayers? Why does God let people die? The author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People helps parents understand their children's fears and fantasies, and offers advice on answering their questions about religion, the Bible, illness, and bereavement.
Lewis, Richard. Living by wonder: the imaginative life of childhood, Touchstone Center, 2006A paperback edition of an inspiring collection of essays by teacher and writer Richard Lewis which considers the life of the imagination as a necessary part of every child's growing consciousness. In each of these thoughtful essays, Lewis explores the diverse facets of a child's imagination and its rich expression through language-making, play, art, stories and poetry.
Miller-McLemore, Bonnie L. Let the children come: reimagining childhood from a Christian perspective, Jossey-Bass, 2003In this important and much-needed book, theologian, author, and teacher Bonnie J. Miller-McLemore writes about the struggle to raise children with integrity and faithfulness as Christians in a complex postmodern society. Let the Children Come shows that the care of children is in itself a religious discipline and a communal practice that places demands on both congregations and society as a whole.
Morwood, Michael W. Children praying a new story: A resource for parents, grandparents and teachers, Kelmoor, 2009Moorwood challenges Christians to review any understanding of Jesus as the unique "way" to a localized God and to know him as the revealer of this Mystery in our everyday living and loving…?This book is for adult Christians engaged in this shift, now asking the vital questions: How do we educate children into this new faith perspective? How do we pray with them if prayer is not about addressing an external, listening Deity?
Popov, Linda Kavelin. Family virtues guide: simple ways to bring out the best in our children and ourselves, Plume, 2008Moral education has always been the domain of religion, and the author has culled 52 universal virtues from the world's religions, one for each week of the year. The resulting Family Values Guide is a workbook for the moral education of children that transcends differences of religion or culture.
Roehlkepartain, Eugene and Dean Feldmeyer. Parenting with a Purpose: raising confident, caring youth, Search Institute Press, 2006Challenges parents to view parenting through the Developmental Asset framework, highlighting how the assets can reshape major parenting tasks and suggesting ways parents can find support in their community.
Roehlkepartain, Jolene. Nurturing faith in families: 425 creative ideas for family ministry, Abingdon, 2002A family-faith crisis is occurring in church-going families. Often church leaders are perplexed about the best way for their congregation to care for the families within their midst and community. This book offers creative ideas that pastors, teachers, and other leaders can use to help families grow spiritually and feel more connected to the church.
Stonehouse, Catherine. Joining children on the spiritual journey: nurturing a life of faith, Baker Academic, 1998Understanding how a child's faith forms is crucial to knowing how adults can most significantly enhance the child's spiritual development. This book provides caring parents and teachers with valuable insights into spiritual formation during childhood. It also gives practical ideas on how they can nurture a child's faith in God.
Stonehouse, Catherine and Scottie May. Listening to Children on the spiritual journey:
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