By Steve Petersen

 

We had a two-part program for June. In Part One, local librarian Mindy Rhiger discussed her ten favorite books for young children on the topics of religion, faith, belief, and death. She noted that the books were great for introducing children to these difficult topics without indoctrinating them. Some of the books explained, in simple terms, that people around the world have a variety of beliefs. Others are designed to help secular families talk about death and loss without involving religious teachings such as resurrection. This included The Tenth Good Thing About Barney, by Judith Viorst, which offers children an open, honest look at death and Goodbye, Rune, by Marit Kaldhol, a book that offers a humanist perspective on the loss of a friend.

 

In Part Two, Rhiger discussed ten great books for young children on scientific topics. Some, such as Riverbank (adapted from the final paragraph of Darwin's On the Origin of Species) and Steve Jenkin’s Life on Earth, provide an introduction to evolution for young people. Others, such as Born to be Giants, point out what we do know - and what we can know - about dinosaurs and other events from Earth's past. Rhiger also expressed her fondness for books that encourage children to be explorers, critical thinkers, and to ask questions. These included Turn It Loose, by Diane Swanson and Marcus Pfister's Questions, Questions.

James Zimmerman hosted both episodes.

Ms. Rhiger blogged about her experience HERE

 

If you would like to sponsor our program in your community, or have an idea for a program please contact Steve Petersen at achair@mnatheists.org or  call 651-484-9277. 

Cable Crew:  George Kane, Brett Stembridge, Shirley Moll, Steve Petersen, Wendy Steinberg, Grant Hermanson, and Art Anderson.

Podcasts: MinnesotaAtheists.org. Available via Itunes.  Made possible by Grant Hermanson.

Cable Schedule:

Burnsville/Eagan Community Tele-vision: Channel 14. Check their web site www.bect.tv for day and times. Sponsor: Kevin Hardisty.

 

Bloomington:  Channel 16. Monday 9:30 p.m. and Tuesday 5:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Sponsors: David and Joanne Beardsley.

 

Minneapolis: Channel 17. Saturday 8:30 p.m. Sponsor:  Steve Petersen.

 

Rochester:  Channel 10. Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 7:30 p.m. Sponsor: Jim Salutz.

 

Roseville, Shoreview, Arden Hills, North Oaks, Little Canada, Falcon Heights, Lauderdale, Moundsview/ New Brighton: Channel 14. Wednesday 10:30 p.m. Sponsor: Shirley Moll.

 

St. Cloud: Channel 12. Thursday 8:30 to 9:00 p.m. Sponsor Jack Richter.

 

Stillwater: Channel 16. Tuesday 7:00 p.m. Wednesday 9:00 a.m. Sponsor: Lee Salisbury.

 

South Washington County:  Channel 14. Tuesday 7:00 p.m. Sponsor: Jim Bodsberg.

 

White Bear Lake, Hugo, Lake Elmo, Mahtomedi, Maplewood, North St. Paul, Oakdale, Vadnais Heights: Channel 15. Saturday 7:30 p.m. Sponsor: Michael Seliga.