A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 301 Picture Book: Tulip Loves Rex

Author: Alyssa Satin Capucilli

Illustrator: Sarah Massini

Summary: Little Tulip was born to be a dancer. She was spinning when other babies were learning to crawl. Every night before bed, she sends a particular wish off to the stars with a bend and a sway. One spring morning, Tulip meets a dog in the park with a tag that reads, “My name is Rex. I am not quite like other dogs.” Tulip and Rex hit it off, but Rex isn’t much for tricks. Tulip responds with encouragement realizing she just has to discover what Rex loves to do. Then she shows Rex how she loves to dance. Suddenly, Rex spins with her. Rex loves to dance too! When it is time to go home, Tulip hugs Rex goodbye, does a handstand, and notices the other side of Rex’s tag which says, “Will you take me home?” Tulip’s parents realize that Rex is the perfect dog for Tulip, and all happily go home. Grateful that her wish has come true, Tulip says thank you to the stars with a special bend and a sway.

Hanna’s Comments: This book ends with Tulip declaring to Rex, “There’s nothing quite like sharing love.” Let this question begin your conversation with children about the various ways we share love with all sorts of people (and non-people) in our lives and how being passionate about the same things encourages that love. You might consider hiding the cover of this book from your young audience. Then have them look for clues as to what Tulip’s wish might be. There are hints that Tulip very much wants a dog, but it is not explicitly stated.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Katherine Tegen Books, 2014

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up

# of Pages: 32

Formats other than Book: None at present

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press

PBT Topics this Book connects with: adoption, affection, affirmation, animals, authenticity, babies/children, belonging, bonds/connections, call/calling/vocation, communication, companionship, creativity/imagination/ingenuity, dance/dancing, family, found, gladness/happiness, gratitude/thanksgiving, home, individuality/uniqueness, joy, love, manna, passion, pets, play, prayer, wishes

Scripture Connections: Scripture stories about loving bonds that are strengthened over time (Ruth & Naomi, Jesus’ disciples, Paul & Timothy); above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony (Colossians 3:14); encourage one another and build one another up (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book to explain to children how important bonds or connections are for building loving relationships. Finding common passions bring people together. This happens in biological families and in families of faith. Talk about how loving bonds strengthen relationships over time. Use examples in our Holy Scriptures such as in the stories of Ruth and Naomi, Jesus’ disciples, or Paul and Timothy.
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