Rating: Needs Parent Supervision

I like to try to explore books from other cultures, and Little Pear by Eleanor Frances Lattimore was a delightful window into a Chinese farming family. Admittedly, little pear does get into quite a lot of mischief, but at least it is all very innocent. Lattimore seems to capture in Little Pear the simple sweetness of children that we all know and adore.

As one might expect from a culture that is not predominantly Christian, there are mentions of spirits and of luck that are not biblical. There were remarkably few of these under the circumstances. These moments could be starters for excellent conversations with kids about other cultures’ belief systems. Two of the strongest moments are given below, and there is only one more besides (in Chapter 8 when mom trusts in a good luck charm).

Discussion questions:

  • Little Pear’s mom is happy that he flies a kite because she believes bad spirits will fly away up the string & good spirits will fly down. What does a Christ-follower do to get rid of bad spirits? (Hint: see  for an example Mark 9:14-29)
  • If not to get good spirits, why might a Christian fly a kite? Can a Christian experience God in new ways while flying a kite?  
  • Little Pear gives a necklace to a baby in hopes it will protect the baby.  The necklace is an idol, because Little Pear is giving honor and trust to the necklace instead of in God, the one who protects His children.  What idols do you put your faith in, instead of trusting God?