I Went to the Carle!

You may have no clue what my title here means. A couple of weeks ago, I visited a museum that I had been determined to see: The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. It was founded in 2002 in Amherst, MA (less than 2 hours from Boston). It was a dream come true for the beloved artist and his wife Barbara.   

The experience was all I had hoped and then some! I found myself a bit overwhelmed. When you walk in, you are met with 4 huge canvases of Carle's tissue paper collages. I especially enjoyed the video of Carle talking about his passion for picture books and picture book art. The museum's guiding vision is to delight, entertain, and surprise, and educate children, families, teachers, artists, librarians, and scholars - everyone interested in the art of picture books! 

Besides seeing The Hungry Caterpillar and many other Carle creations, you'll find exhibits based on scholarly research about the history of picture books and their art.

Carle died in 2020, so it was nice to hear and see him at work in the video. The other special treat for me was the exhibit on a particular artist whose picture books are unknown by most Americans: Nura Woodson Ulreich, a Parisian artist & writer in the 1920s. Here's a sample:

And I was really happy to see the actual collages of one of my favorite collage artists, Melissa Sweet. To see the 3 dimensional work of such innovative picture book art is a huge treat! 

Above is a sample of Sweet's work for the book Some Writer: The Story of E.B. Wright (the author of Charlotte's Web) which is a beautiful book but not a quick picture book read. 

There are exhibits, classes, places to create, read & play, a fabulous store, and a library full of treasures and picture book experts aka librarians. When I was there, the library had an exhibit called Facing Fears with Picture Books. It featured 35 titles. You can access that book list on the website. 

The photo above shows a sample of play furniture. The photo below shows how the Carle was encouraging children and adults to creatively celebrate the 20th birthday of the museum.

I hope you will go if you are in the area, whether or not you have children with you. Certainly, it is designed with children in mind, but the Carle has much to offer adults. It is, after all, an art museum, a history museum, and a celebration of the legacy of a picture book author whose work has and still does delight most American adults.  

For details and visuals, and to see if there is a particular exhibit or featured artist that you want to experience, HERE is the Carle's website. 

There are many PBT books by Eric Carle. To find them, simply type "Carle" in the search box in the upper right corner if in the "web version."

Goodbye to 2 Giants in Picture Books

Recently, I was sorry to learn of the deaths of 2 beloved picture book author/illustrators. They died within a couple of days of each other: Eric Carle (see some of his books above)

and Lois Ehlert (see some of her books above)

Their books have been part of PBT since the beginning (2014). Check out the PBT links at the end of this post to 8 or so treasured books and their applications!

What was striking to me was the similarity of their work. Both artists were innovative in how they structured some of their books, inserting mechanisms (Carle), using foldouts and cutouts (Ehlert). Both used bold collage and both celebrated nature: Carle’s characters were mostly from the animal kingdom. Ehlert’s books were about plants, animals, and humans. Both wrote simply and empathically to young children, but their books were full of loving wisdom that could be meaningful at any age.

One of my bucket list items is to go to The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. I hope some of you will check it out when you are in or near Amhurst, MA, USA. Here’s the website: https://www.carlemuseum.org/. If you have been already, tell us about it via a comment below.

Before you click on the PBT links below, here is 1 more from each author.

Picture Book: The Very Clumsy Click Beetle

Author & Illustrator: Eric Carle

Summary: A young and inexperienced click beetle jumps from a tree and lands on his back, legs up. Fortunately, wise old click beetle comes along and begins teaching the young bug how to “click and flip through the air and land on your feet.” Young click beetle is not successful at first, but patient teaching continues. Meanwhile, other creatures pass by and encourage the trials. When a human boy approaches, the little click beetle is so afraid that he is finally and dramatically successful! The wise old click beetle watches and affirms.   

Hanna’s Comments: This is a great story about growing up and learning to do new and hard things. Such stories are what children live continually so they will relate! The young beetle’s struggles easily connect to the inconsistent growth of spiritual formation. For a child that might translate to relying on God while afraid or becoming more disciplined in faith habits. An obvious connection to the Bible for me was how Jesus consistently taught the disciples, despite their not seeming to get his teachings until after the resurrection. Another connection is the mentor/mentee relationship of Elijah and Elisha: 2 biblical heroes that children need to know, especially children who share their names.

Original Publisher & Date: Philomel Books, 1999

Age Appropriateness: Preschool & up

Formats other than Book: Audio

Note: Some books come with a mechanism that makes a clicking sound.

Scripture Connections: Elijah mentors Elisha (2^nd Kings); any scripture in which Jesus is teaching his disciples (i.e. Mark 9:14-29)

PBT Applications: Teach connections to this book by having your children learn and do a novel but doable activity, like playing with Tidily Winks, shooting marbles, or going through a challenging obstacle course. Then talk about the importance of striving through difficult lessons.

Picture Book: Hands: Growing Up to Be an Artist

Author & Illustrator: Lois Ehlert

Summary: From the point of view of a child with artistic parents, this book is visually striking. Carpentry (father), various handiworks (mother), and gardening (whole family) are covered here in some nice detail. The illustrations include tools and results of difficult work. The parents include the child in their work. “Extra hands” are needed, they say. They even create a work space for the child so that the child recognizes the importance of work for busy hands.

Hanna’s Comments: This is a fabulous book that few people know! One aspect of this story that I really like is the mystery of the child’s gender. That means all of your children will be able to relate without stereotypical gender boundaries. The range of work for hands is a nice plus and the structure is so colorful and unusual. There are lots of unusual cutouts!

Original Publisher & Date: Harcourt, 1997

Age Appropriateness: Preschool & up

Formats other than Book: none

Scripture Connections: Any scriptures about work, art, tender touching, or busy hands during worship (in praise or via music); For we are what God has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works... (Ephesian 2:10)

Connections to The Revised Common Lectionary: In my Trinity Treasures curriculum, I recommend this book for a lesson based on the Ephesians scripture above (RCL: Year B, Lent 4). The theme of the lesson is Created for Good Work.

PBT Applications: There are many ways to talk about hands in a religious  context. Hands love in many ways. They do good work, give comfort, show tenderness, and are part of The Body of Christ. All are important life applications for a child of faith. 

Links to other Eric Carle’s PBT Books:

The Tiny Seed

Panda Bear, Panda Bear: What Do You See? and 1 more

A House for Hermit Crab

The Very Lonely Firefly

Links to other Lois Ehlert’s PBT Books:

Planting a Rainbow

Waiting for Wings

Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf 

Rain Fish and Leaf Man

December Holiday Books #7 & #8

Below I'm featuring 2 very different picture books that celebrate the birth of Christ. The first looks like a secular book on the cover, but it's focus is quite sacred. The 2nd is a visual feast for those wanting to expose their faith family to classical art and new ways of viewing the nativity. Have a blessed and safe Christmas as we celebrate God with us.

Picture Book: My Merry Christmas

Author: Sally Lloyd-Jones

Illustrator: Sara Gianassi

Summary: "What is Christmas?" is the question that begins this book. Sure there are stars and gifts and much more, but "...what is Christmas really for?" Readers are asked to consider what are their favorite Christmas symbols and whether their meanings directly relate to Jesus. The lights of Christmas remind us of a desire for the Lord to light our paths. Angels remind us of joyous celebrations of Jesus' entrance into the world. Evergreens remind us of eternal life. Stars remind us of the wise men who knew to humbly search, worship, and give. And the gifts under our tree are reminders that love is God's greatest gift. The book ends with a thank you for Christmas and John 3:16.

Hanna’s Comments: The illustrations and cover of this book may seem juvenile, but it has great potential for conversations about whether or not we take the time to look beyond the trappings of the Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany seasons to their meanings and messages. This author also has written a wonderful Bible for Christian children called The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name. That subtitle tells you how it’s different from a typical Bible. I especially love this Bible's illustrations. Check it out as a potential gift to children in your family or faith family.

Original Publisher & Date: B & H Kids, 2017

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 2 and up, Toddler and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Scriptures about the birth of Jesus, (Matthew 1:18-2:1-12 & Luke 1:26-38, 2: 1-15)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group in your faith family during Advent to help them explore what the symbols of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany really mean to Christians. 

Picture Book: The Nativity

Author: Geraldine Elschner

Illustrator: Giotto

Summary: In this gorgeous picture book, simple text is paired with glowing masterpieces from a Renaissance painter. It highlights Giotto's interpretation of the major events in the Christmas story from the angel Gabriel telling Mary she has been chosen to bear the son of God to the threesome's flight to Egypt.

Hanna’s Comments: Many children have little exposure to classical art. Those living in poverty sometimes have a deficit of beauty in their lives. One of the benefits of PBT is exposure to good art in the illustrations that are experienced with the stories. This art can open us to new possibilities of meaning, delight, and wonder - all important aspects of spirituality and faith. In this book, you have vibrant gold foil artwork on the halos of key players who, in varying degrees, seem human and otherworldly. I think the faces in these images are particularly powerful too. Be sure to ask your audience how they personally react to such images and if these figures of the nativity give new meaning to their own interpretation of Jesus' birth and life. 

Original Publisher & Date: Minedition, 2015

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 5 and up, K and up

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Scriptures about the birth of Jesus, (Matthew 1:18-2:1-12 & Luke 1:26-38, 2: 1-15) 

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of elementary children and expand their imaginings about the Nativity and the events of Jesus' birth and life.

December Holiday Books #1 and #2

Advent is almost here so I’m going back to my simple format from my first year at PBT. That will allow me to feature more December holiday books. These two are a lesson in contrasts. One is brand new – my favorite discovery this season so far! One has been around for a while and was a recommendation from a webinar listener. Thanks for that! I’m sorry I didn’t catch your name. 

Here they are…

Picture Book: A Savior is Born:                                                                              Rocks Tell the Story of Christmas

Author & Photographer: Patti Rokus

Summary: This book will delight and amaze your audience! Rokus has managed to artistically explore the story of Jesus’ birth in rock collage, pairing each creation with a familiar scripture. In the video mentioned below, she says she found all the rocks on one hiking excursion! There is something about these faceless images direct from our Earth that gloriously speaks the Truth of these stories within the one great Story of Christmas. You may never look at rocks the same way again. Look for me to feature her Easter book come spring.

Hanna’s Comments: As is true for most PBT books, this jewel could be enjoyed by any age group because the art is stunning and so unusual. For very young children, you may want to focus on only a few double page spreads.

Original Publisher & Date: Zondervan, 2018

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet, Check out the 2 informative videos on the Amazon page. Fabulous!

Scripture Connections: Scriptures make up the text of this book.

Idea(s) for Application: Share this book with a group of children and offer a variety of rocks so that they too may create images that correspond to Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany stories.

Note: You may find this book with a different cover. 

Picture Book: Room for Little One: A Christmas Tale

Author: Martin Waddell

Illustrator: Jason Cockcroft

Summary: There are many picture books that cleverly have Jesus' birth told from animals' points of view. This one is special in that a series of animals offer invitations, share the warmth and comfort of the stable, accommodate differences, and even cuddle beside a species that might be thought of as an enemy. After each invitation, you find the sentence: There's always room for a little one here. Old Dog is welcomed by Kind Ox who later invites Stray Cat. Small Mouse is encouraged to come in by Stray Cat. Despite her fears, she enters. When Tired Donkey needs a place for Mary and Joseph, Kind Ox again offers hospitality so that Jesus, a little one so vulnerable, is born among selfless animals and loving parents. Beautiful!

Hanna’s Comments: This book may be written for young children, but the heart of the message is for us all. Will we make room for the message of Christmas amidst the chaos of the holiday? Will allow inside those we disagree with? Those who are very different from us? Those who make us uncomfortable? Even our enemies? These are burning questions for many in the world today and they relate to the themes of Luke's gospel message. For some fun, ask your audience to think about which character they most identify with and what kind of animal (or who in their lives) would they have the most difficulty inviting and accommodating. Invite those who will to share. You might be surprised at how profound their personal reflections are. I suspect we all imagine ourselves peering into that manger. Complicate those imaginings this year with this challenging story of hospitality and accommodation.

Original Publisher & Date: McElderry, 2004

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 2 and up, Toddler and up

Formats other than Book: Audio Cassette

Scripture Connections: Luke 2:1-7

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of adults and then encourage them to go into their neighborhood and invite all they meet to your Christmas Eve service. 

Iowa Presentation: Book #4

At the Iowa CEF conference, I shared one of my favorite picture books. I love it because it's both ridiculous and full of scripture connections! Share it with your faith family.

Picture Book: The Bear and the Piano

Author & Illustrator: David Litchfield 

Summary: This beautiful picture book involves a bear cub discovering a piano in a forest. 

He is intrigued by the sound the pressed keys make and experiments. Years later, he plays beautifully and a forest audience forms. The bear is happy and dreams of “strange and wonderful lands.”  

When a young girl and her father, hear the music and discover the artist, they lure him to the city to experience and play music . There he can perform for bigger crowds!

He is a great success, winning fame and awards. He realizes all he had hoped for in the city, but he misses the forest and his friends. 

He returns to the forest and anxiously looks for friends to tell of his success. When the piano is not where he expects, he worries that his friends have forgotten him or were hurt that he left. After encountering another bear who runs away, he follows while apologizing for leaving. Then he finds the piano. 

Behind it is an altar of sorts, with memorabilia of his musical success. The bear realizes that his earliest audience members were watching from afar and hoping for him to have success and fulfill his dreams.

Hanna’s Comments: I love this beautifully absurd book! There is so much here about the God-given desire we have to explore, create, and experience art & beauty. When you discuss this book with children or adults, don’t just focus on the bear character. Have your audience consider the perspectives of the forest audience, the daughter, and others who encourage the bear’s success in the city. Might you consider the piano similar to the burning bush? This book also relates to the homecoming of The Prodigal Son. He doesn't have to be presented as a negative character. All of us go away from our home in one way or another. Also, there's Abraham & Sarah's journey away from home and God's promise that they will be blessed to be a blessing. In a discussion with adults, end with the question, "What's your piano?"

Original Publisher & Date: Clarion, 2015

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up
Formats other than Book: Tablet
Scripture Connections: Made in God's image (Genesis 1:27); Abraham & Sarah leave home - blessed to be a blessing (Genesis 12:1-5); Jacob leaves home and then returns unsure (Genesis 33:1-17); The Great Commandment  (Deuteronomy 6:5, Mark 12:31); Make a joyful noise (Psalm 100:1); Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25: 14-30); the homecoming of The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32); As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace (1 Peter 4:10)
Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of elementary students or confirmands who are learning about how human artistry is the result of God’s image in us so that we may create for joy and problem solving. You can also explore the importance of a supportive community to help us realize who we are supposed to be. Adults would enjoy this book in a small group or team who is considering ways to contribute to the Kingdom of God through artistry or support of the arts. 

PBT God Book #13 - Glory

Picture Book: Glory

Author: Nancy White
Illustrator: Debra Reid Jenkins
Summary: Glory be to God! Creation is celebrated as an enormous variety of creatures praise God in this beautiful book. How does a butterfly, frog, fish, turtle, or rooster praise God? God is praised when God’s creatures do what they are created to do, whether flying, wriggling, making a joyful noise, singing to God in silence.... In the case of the young costumed girl on these pages, praise involves pretending to be another of Earth’s marvelous creatures. Here’s a sample of the verse:
Glory be to God for friendly fur,
For wiggling nose and racing heart,
For twitching ears and throbbing purr,
Tails that stretch and tails that wag,
Tail buttons soft as cotton…
All creatures by their being praise their Creator’s name.

Hanna’s Comments: While reading this book to your audience, pause after each double page spread and encourage them to move their bodies, acting out the motions and voices of favorite animals on the pages. At the book's ending, together verbally praise God for the abundance and beauty we see in animal life. Get creative together and praise through writing a group poem. Talk about how animal characteristics serve their survival and how that is true for humans too. Surely God’s creative love is at work in these creatures and each of your listeners. Ask them for some examples of God's creative love in them - some passions and gifts they treasure or favorite aspects of their glorious bodies. Talk about how God can be praised at church, home, and nature throughout their lives.
Original Publisher & Date: Eerdman’s Books, 2001
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 5 and up, K and up
Formats other than Book: Digital
Scripture Connections: Ascribe to the Lord the glory due God’s name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness (Psalm 29:2); let everything that has breath praise the Lord! (Psalm 150:6); for by God all things were created, in heaven and on Earth (Colossians 1:16)
Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children who are learning about God’s creativity, human creativity, or the spiritual practice of praise.

PBT God Book #11: When God Made You

Below I feature again a wonderful God book by Turner and Catrow. On Friday look for this pair's new book in the series, When God Made Light. 

Picture Book: When God Made You

Author: Matthew Paul Turner

Illustrator: David Catrow

Summary: Through charming rhyme and hilarious illustrations, this picture book celebrates when God made "an incredible you," a you that the world needs. 

You were in God's mind long before you were born. God imagined how you would look, what you could do, and how you would respond to the world. 

God knew your name all along. You are an important member of God's family who brings "color and rhythm and rhyme to God's story." 

Perhaps it's with paint, amazing tricks, a make-believe story, or the beauty of a dance, but for sure God is pleased, for you are an image of God!

God dreams about you, especially "all that in you that will be true." God knows your potential to be "a lover of nature", a "peacemaker," and a "builder of dreams." 

And you definitely can learn to view other children of God as a part of your family, ready to be loved by you. "You being you is God's dream coming true."

Hanna’s Comments: Picture books about the nature of God featured here at PBT I call God Books. I especially like the non-gender nature of God here. This book is a jewel because it emphasizes each person’s value as a uniquely created, child of God, made in God’s image and loved beyond measure. This is such an important message for each person in our world. In this oh-so-colorful book, you have encouragement for children (really people of all ages) to explore their gifts and abilities while considering how they might make the world better. You may recognize the art. David Catrow’s PBT books about Molly Lou Melon, have a similar look and a delightful little girl with similar imagination and enthusiasm but in a secular setting. Check out Molly Lou’s books [here] and [here]. 

Original Publisher & Date: Waterbrook, 2017

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

Formats other than Book: Tablet 

Scripture Connections: Made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27); for I am wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)
Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children or adults to remind them that they are all unique children of God, made in God’s image with gifts to share with and for the world's other creatures. 

New Series: Psalms for All Ages #1 (Ps. 139)

Coming up the first week of June, The Revised Common Lectionary has Christians all over the world reading portions of Psalm 139. It's my favorite psalm so I thought it would be fun to create a new PBT series that promotes connecting picture books to The Psalms. 

I'm passionate about The Psalms. We don't typically think of them as good subjects for lessons, particularly for children. But the whole range of human emotions and a vast range of human experiences are found in The Psalms. Besides, it's really good for our ears to hear poetry. Below you'll find 2 new books and many links to already featured books for exploring Psalm 139 across some age groups, youngest to adult.

Picture Book: From Head to Toe, God Made Me

Author: Mikal Keefer

Illustrator: David Harrington

Summary: This board book is part of a new 6 book series: Best of Li’l Buddies. 

The buddies featured are part of Group's VBS curricula. 

Whether or not your a fan of Group Publishing, you should check these out. 

The ideas are simple and the pages are few. 

Your kids will love the animals and the adventures each human has. 

At the bottom of this book's Amazon page, find a great chart that gives you the "Bible Truth" that each book covers.

Original Publisher & Date: Group Publishing, 2017

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 1 and up, Toddler and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: I praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)

Hanna’s Comments: It's hard to find books for this age that are short enough but rich with content. Be sure to point out the other things in the book that God made wonderfully.

If your kiddos are a little older...

Picture Book: The Wonderful Happens

Author: Cynthia Rylant

Illustrator: Coco Dowley

Summary: Cynthia Rylant is a master picture book author! This is a secular book, like most I feature at PBT, but it celebrates God's created world so beautifully.

The setting is a farm where the ordinary is declared extraordinary! Wheat becomes yummy bread. 

A simple egg becomes a creature of the air. 

A seed becomes a beautiful rose. 

Other transforming miracles are celebrated. 

Fruit becomes pies. Water makes tea. 

Puppies become dogs and weather changes. 

And these changes happen everyday in an on-going way. But the most amazing is You (the reader or listener), who "happened" in miraculous ways. 

The wonderful is you!

Hanna’s Comments: Earlier at PBT, I featured some other books for young children that connect well with the concept of being wonderfully made as is celebrated in Psalm 139. Molly Bang's All of Me! is a celebration of body parts. For preschool and elementary ages, consider Beaumont & Catrow's I Like Myself! Kids a little older will enjoy Turner and Catrow's When God Made You. 

Original Publisher & Date: Simon & Schuster, 2000 

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

Formats other than Book: None at present 

Scripture Connections: I praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)

For older elementary children, tweens, teens, or adults, consider one of the many books here at PBT that celebrates artists. For these you can view the artists as wonderfully made OR you can see them as a metaphor for God - our wonderful maker. Here are links to several PBT books about artists:

The Extraordinary Music of Mr. Ives

Keith Haring: The Boy Who Just Kept Drawing

When Marian Sang

The Iridescence of Birds (Henri Matisse)

Dave the Potter 

Me and Momma and Big John