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Children's Picture Books





"Elisa Kleven's exuberant, multicolored collage paintings and joyful stories celebrate the creative spirit."
--Bank Street College Bookstore





Books Written and Illustrated by Elisa Kleven (click here)

Books Illustrated by Elisa Kleven (click here)










Books Written and Illustrated by Elisa Kleven





The Apple Doll

THE APPLE DOLL

Written and Illustrated by Elisa Kleven
(Farrar Straus Giroux, July '07)

Lizzy loves the big apple tree in her yard. So when the first day of school comes, she picks a beautiful apple, turns it into a makeshift doll she names Susanna, and takes it along to keep her company. But her teacher tells her that dolls aren’t allowed at school. Even worse, her sister says that Susanna won’t last forever. Then Lizzy’s mom shows her a way to turn Susanna into a real apple doll. And with the help of Susanna the Apple Doll, Lizzy overcomes her shyness at school and makes plenty of new friends to bring home to play in her beloved apple tree.
Instructions for making an apple doll just like Susanna are included!

"...A plot summary does little to recreate the charm of this delightfully well-written picture book. Like the first illustration of the apple tree, where Lizzy lies happily on a branch surrounded by birds, cats, and squirrels, the pictures teem with life and intriguing details, but have at their heart the clear expression of the character's emotions..."
-- Booklist, starred review

"Kleven's lovely mixed-media collage illustrations, especially those that depect the four seasons and Lizzy's neighborhood and school, are filled with eye-catching detail and activity. A sweet story about accepting change, working together, and forming new friendships."
-- School Library Journal

Winner, 27th annual Northern California Book Award, Children's Literature category.

 




 

SUN BREAD

Written and illustrated by Elisa Kleven
(Dutton, '01)

A baker brightens a bleak winter by baking a golden, glowing sun bread, which lifts the spirits (and bodies) of all who taste it, while it lures the real sun out of hiding!

"With rhyming text, brilliantly colored illustrations, and her trademark collages, Kleven depicts a world teeming with animals who celebrate the joy of baking bread and the return of the sun. With a sun bread recipe on the back cover, this is the cheeriest book of the season. A perfect read-aloud for home or school." -- American Bookseller

American Bookseller Pick of the List
New York Times Best Illustrated Book, 2001
Parenting Magazine Reading Magic Award

 




THE LION AND THE LITTLE RED BIRD

Written and illustrated by Elisa Kleven (Dutton, '92)

A little bird discovers why the lion's tail changes color each day, as the lion and the bird become good friends.

"A sweet and captivating book with gorgeous illustrations." -- School Library Journal, starred review.

A PBS Storytime selection
ABA/CBC Best Book

 



 

 

THE PAPER PRINCESS

Written and illustrated by Elisa Kleven
(Dutton '94)

A little girl makes a paper princess, who is swept away by the wind and goes on to have many adventures. "The best book yet from this talented author/illustrator, and one that children will love." --School Library Journal, starred review

A PBS Storytime Book
A Book-of-the-Month Club Selection

 

 

 



THE PAPER PRINCESS FINDS HER WAY

Written and illustrated by Elisa Kleven
(Dutton, '03)

"Will strike a chord with velveteen rabbit fans.  Kleven takes a paper doll introduced in Paper Princess through further adventures and changes.  When her young maker grows past the point of being able to hear her, a kindly dog carries the faded princess outside.  Off she's carried by the wind, to hazardous encounters with a cat and a toddler, to a brief stay with a shelf of store-bought toys who are awed by her ability to "fly" without batteries, and to the top of a Christmas tree. Later she flutters along with zillions of monarch butterflies to a distant, warm country where a new child gives her fresh layers of love and clothing.
    The princess faces each up and down with open arms and a subtly changing smile, to go along with her welcoming spirit.  Younger readers will gladly go along on her odyssey, and thoughtful older ones may glimpse the metaphorical journey underlying it."
--The Kirkus Reviews

"Kleven's sequel to The Paper Princess (Dutton, 1994) is every bit as charming as the original...as in the first book, the mixed-media, folklike illustrations (paint, paper and fabric collage, ink, etc.) are gloriously colored and filled with tiny details. The simple story will delight young children, who also find adventure and pleasure in the simplest things. "I've traveled so far," says the princess, "and I've changed again and again." --School Library Journal

"Kleven knows exactly what kids like: a book where things happen! Every page is alive with collaged detail, a real miniature world...The writing is eloquent without being pretentious, and when you read it aloud your own voice will quaver with the abundant joy that permeates the narrative. Besides being full of little, lovely truths ("It's a hard word for small, fragile things"), there is a larger, hopeful message that change is always possible, and it is a message that is sure to help a new generation find their way to happiness. (5 and up) Attention, science teachers: use this book in combination with Gotta Go, Gotta Go by Sam Swope and Song of the Swallows by Leo Politi for a very nice literature-based introduction to winged migration. (5 and up)"
-- Planetesme.com  Best Picture Books of 2003





(with her dog!)


THE PAPER PRINCESS FLIES AGAIN

Written and Illustrated by Elisa Kleven
(Tricycle Press, '05)

The third book in the beloved Paper Princess series.

The Paper Princess has found a new home. Lucy has even made the Princess a paper dog to keep her company. One day, as Lucy's family prepares for a fiesta, the Princess and her dog catch a passing breeze and set out to find a gift for the friend who has been so good to them.  But when a bright paper flag turns into a flying carpet, the two are whisked away on a memorable adventure, and the gift they ultimately bring Lucy is richer than either could have imagined. Children will recognize both the desire to venture out and discover the world, and the joy of having a warm and loving home to return to.

"Kleven's lively, colorful, mixed-media illustrations breezily carry the characters from one detailed scene to the next in this original bit of make-believe that speaks to both a child's creativity and sense of belonging. Fans of the first two books will delight in the princess' latest fun flight."  --Booklist

"The third book in the Paper Princess series by Elisa Kleven finds the heroine and her pooch in a search of a gift for their owner in The Paper Princess Flies Again (With Her Dog). In their travels, they adapt a paper flag as a magic carpet, hitch a ride on a kite, and undergo more adventures against the fiesta-bright Mexico backdrop." Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.            --Publishers Weekly

"This joyous book, with its exquisitely detailed illustrations, is crammed full of delights, just like the pinata that serves as the key to the climax of this wonderful sequel to The Paper Princess Flies Finds Her Way. This title is just as appealing and satisfying as Kleven's previous books, as she tells the story of the Paper Princess' quest for a special gift for her human friend, Lucy. ...Reunited with their beloved friend, the story ends with great celebration. The Paper Princess and her dog had set out to find a gift for Lucy and returned with a paper flag that did not seem adequate to serve as a present; but, the story of their adventures is the very sort of present that Lucy loves best of all. Children will love pouring over the illustrations and in doing so will learn a good deal about Mexican culture in the process."   --Children's Literature




 

 

ERNST

Written and illustrated by Elisa Kleven

Re-issued by Tricycle Press, Spring " '02

An imaginative young crocodile who loves to wonder "what -if" moves from daydream to daydream.

"Imaginative children will love this book."
-- School Library Journal

"What child or poet or artist could resist a story that begins 'Once apon a time, in a world full of light, trees, bugs, seashells, birds...?' Young Ernst is a crocodile who loves to think 'What if?' Busy little pictures that sparkle with dots, splotches, and specks exactly reflect his luminous inner world. 'What if the honking school bus could sing?' he wishes one day. His questions seem never to stop. On Ernst's birthday his loving family makes him so happy that his real world and his imagined one come together. This fills him with such joy and delight that he can think of no better world to inhabit. The small-scaled illustrations in collage paper effectively let readers into Ernst's imagination. They produce the same kind of enchanted satisfaction one gets from peeping into a Venetian glass paperweight with all its small, brilliant flowers. Older preschoolers, particularly imaginative children, and fans of M. B. Goffstein will love this book."
-- School Library Journal

"Kleven imagines an entire universe filled with sparkling animation and affection. This small and beautiful book neatly reconciles the child's wishes with dreams fulfilled."
-- Los Angeles Times Book Review

 




THE PUDDLE PAIL

Written and illustrated by Elisa Kleven
(Dutton, '97)


Reissued by Tricycle Press

in March '07

Ernst the crocodile wants to collect stars, clouds, and puddles in his pail. His big brother, Sol, wants to collect "real" things.


"Kleven once again proves herself to be an outstanding storyteller...The collages are almost mesmerizing."-- School Library Journal

School Library Journal Best Book
Child Magazine Best Book
Crayola. Kids Best Book
1998 Children's Literature Choice List

 





THE WISHING BALL

Written and Illustrated by Elisa Kleven
(Farrar Straus Giroux, February '06)

Nellie, a lonely stray cat, wishes for a warm house filled with good things to eat. Ernst, a gentle young crocodile, wishes for the lion he drew in chalk on the sidewalk to come alive. Luckily for them both, a bored crow plays a trick on Nellie, setting off a chain of events that make their wishes come true in unexpected -- and wonderful -- ways.

"Immensely satisfying, the story is brought visually to life by Kleven's naïf artwork, which employs watercolors and bits of collage to make crowded, cozy pictures--with a needy, determined, darling kitty right in the middle of it all."  --Booklist


Kleven's colors are bright and cheerful, her characters are charmingly expressive and her brushstrokes are lively and energetic." --Kirkus Reviews


 

 

HOORAY, A PINATA!

Written and illustrated by Elisa Kleven
(Dutton,'96)

When Clara can't bear breaking her beautiful birthday pinata, her good friend Samson comes up with a thoughtful solution. "There is not a wrong note in this wonderful, upbeat picture book."-- Booklist, starred review

ABA Pick of the Lists
Booklinks Lasting Connections
Booklist Editors' Choice
CLASP Latin American Studies Award
Featured book at San Ramon CA Public Library's second annual KidsReads event, 2008. Thanks to a generous grant, 2,000 free copies of the book were made available to the community. Hooray for children's librarian Amy Mockoski for inviting children to submit their writing on real and imaginary friends, for organizing a pinata making project, and for allowing me and all the young writers to share our work at a library presentation.








THE DANCING DEER AND THE FOOLISH HUNTER


Written and illustrated by Elisa Kleven
(Dutton, '02)

A dancing deer teaches a silly hunter a lesson about the interconnectedness of all living things.

"Kleven's signature kaleidoscopic blend of color and texture and her respect-for-nature theme never disappoint." -- Publishers Weekly

"A wonderful, wonder tale about connections in nature." --Esme Raji Codell, author of How to Get Your Child to Love Reading.

"The Dancing Deer and the Foolish Hunter is a clever, cumulative tale filled with lively collage art and great humorous touches.  Just right for storytime, this original tale introduces an important environmental message.  But perhaps more importantly, it will leave young readers with the urge to get up and dance for joy." --Debrah Hopkinson, The Book Page



 


A MONSTER IN THE HOUSE


Written and illustrated by Elisa Kleven (Dutton '98)

  Now out of print, but available through Elisa Kleven

A little girl impresses her new neighbor with tales of the messy, noisy, slobbery monster who lives in her home. Later we find out who the monster really is.

"A wondrously silly tall tale ...expect laughter as readers grasp the truth of the monster's identity."-- Kirkus

ABA Pick of the Lists.
Bank Street College Best Book
ABA/CBC Best Book 1999




Books Illustrated by Elisa Kleven


 




Wish


WISH

Written by Roseanne Thong
Illustrated by Elisa Kleven
(Chronicle Books, September 2008
ISBN 0-8118-5716-1)


WISH takes us on a tour around the world to discover many ways that children make wishes. From birthday candles to giant kites, from lotus boats to peacock feathers, WISH shares an array of traditions from each continent.

 






ABUELA

Written by Arthur Dorros,
Illustrated by Elisa Kleven (Dutton,'91)

A little girl and her grandmother take an imaginary flying journey around New York City. In English with Spanish phrases and glossary.

"A marvelous balancing of narrative simplicity with visual intricacy...the city is transformed into a treasure trove of jewels, dazzling the eye, uplifting the spirits." --Horn Book, starred review.

Horn Book Fanfare
ALA Notable Book
Parent's Choice Award for Illustration
Reading Rainbow Book


 

 

ISLA

Written by Arthur Dorros
Illustrated by Elisa Kleven (Dutton, '95)

In this sequel to ABUELA, Rosalba and her Abuela fly to the island where Abuela grew up. NCSS Notable Children's Book

"An enchanting journey through the imagination that is delightful for sharing again and again."-- School Library Journal.

ABA/CBC Children's Books Mean Business
NCSS Notable Children's Trade Book
Bank Street Child Study Center Best Book
CLASP Latin American Studies Award




 

DE COLORES AND OTHER
LATIN AMERICAN FOLKSONGS

Written by Jose-Luis Orozco
Illustrated by Elisa Kleven (Dutton, '94)

"Rich and resonant" -- Booklist, starred review.

An ALA Notable Book
American Institute of Graphic Arts award
CLASP Latin American Studies Award



DIEZ DEDITOS AND OTHER PLAY RHYMES AND ACTION SONGS FROM LATIN AMERICA

Written by Jose-Luis Orozco
Illustrated by Elisa Kleven (Dutton, '97)

 

"This new collection will be as treasured as the first book and just as well used...Kleven's rich and vibrant collage illustrations are again wonderfully engaging."-- Booklist

Parents' Guide Notable Picture Book 1998
CLASP Latin American Studies Award
NCSS Notable Children's Trade Book





FIESTAS: A YEAR OF SONG AND DANCE FROM LATIN AMERICA


(Dutton, '02)
by Jose-Luis Orozco, illustrated by Elisa Kleven

"Kleven's illustrations bubble with life.  Like Orozco and Kleven's other songbooks, this offers a spirited slice of Latin American culture." -- Booklist

"Not only an exemplary songbook, but also a stunning visual experience.  An excellent resource for musical and bilingual programs." --School Library Journal

 "Schools will be very interested in this attractive, jewel-like songbook" --Kirkus






 


CITY OF ANGELS:
IN AND AROUND LOS ANGELES

Written by Julie Jaskol and Brian Lewis
Illustrated by Elisa Kleven (Dutton '99.
Newly revised and reprinted edition
to be published by
Angel City Press in August, 2008)

"Jaskol and Lewis's book captures a vivid sense of a major urban area's bustle, diversity, and character...children everywhere will find new details at every pass." -- Kirkus, starred review

An ABA Pick of the List




THE CITY BY THE BAY

Written by Tricia Brown
Illustrated by Elisa Kleven (Chronicle Books, '93)

A magical journey around San Francisco.

"A beautifully illustrated, fact-filled children's book."
-- Family Fun.




OUR BIG HOME

Written by Linda Glaser
Illustrated by Elisa Kleven (Millbrook 2000)

Gentle rhymes describe earth's gifts, shared by all creatures.

"Glaser's joyous appreciation of the interconnectedness of all living things forms the heart of this celebratory picture book; Kleven's brilliant, busy art gives it its soul."-- School Library Journal.

Reading Rainbow Feature Book
NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book
Neumann College Outstanding Merit Award

For a guide to projects based on this book, click here (pdf).

 







THE WHOLE GREEN WORLD

Written by Tony Johnston
Illustrated by Elisa Kleven
(Farrar Straus Giroux, '05)


"Amid swirls of brightly colored birds, bugs, seeds, leaves, wild creatures, buildings, and people, a child ties her shoes, then goes out to plant, nurture, and spread a garden -- all to the tune of Johnston's song-like verses: "I've got a little pair of shoes./(How I love my little shoes)/Got a little pair of shoes/to dance the whole green world."  Young children will happily dance along -- if they can tear themselves away from Kleven's paint and decorated paper collages, that is.  Her scenes build and build as each verse features another creature....bouncy and lyrical..." --The Kirkus Reviews

"This could be the happiest book this side of spring!"  --Children's Literature

"Johnston's language is playful and reads aloud smoothly...kids could spend hours just looking at everything in the pictures."  -- School Library Journal

 

 


THE MAGIC MAGUEY

Written by Tony Johnston
Illustrated by Elisa Kleven (Harcourt, '96)

Miguel figures out how to save the beloved maguey plant in his Mexican Pueblo.

"The MAGIC MAGUEY works on several levels: as a storybook in which the solution to a pressing problem comes from a child; as a traditional tale of a country we can't hear too much about; and as a satisfying Christmas legend. Kleven's delightfully distinctive collages enhance the text with colors and textures."-- New York Times

A Smithsonian Magazine Notable Book

 




 


B IS FOR BETHLEHEM

Written by Isabel Wilner,
Illustrated by Elisa Kleven (Dutton,'90)

Rhyming couplets introduce the letters of the alphabet, and the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. Originally written for second graders to perform.

"Kleven offers mixed-media collage...giving her artwork a vibrant, folkloric feel."-- Booklist, starred review.

ABA Pick of the Lists
Child Study Association Books of the Year
Library of Congress Books for Children





ANGELS WATCHING OVER ME

Written by Julia Durango
Illustrated by Elisa Kleven (Simon and Schuster,
March '07))

In this gentle, rhyming text, based on the spiritual "All Night, All Day, Angels Watching Over Me," a little boy goes through his day as angels of all kinds sing and dance and guard him, not far away.

"An African-American spiritual provides the inspiration for this exuberant lyrical lullaby... Glorious illustrations rendered in watercolor, ink, collage and colored pencil reveal nature holistically embracing the boy while a multicultural heavenly host of whimsical winged babies, boys, girls, birds, elephants, lions, cats, dogs and donkeys encircle and protect. Aerial views of the earth globally teeming with life and surrounded by blissful bands of cavorting angels provide cosmic comfort. Utterly angelic." -- Kirkus Reviews

"This is simply a glorious book. Basing her text on a familiar African-American spiritual, Durango adds her own verses to the refrain: "All night, all day, angels watching over me." Kleven interprets these words by depicting joyous celestial beings of every description (a lion, an elephant, boys and girls of different cultures, small animals, birds), all circling together holding hands against a bright blue sky and looking down at the colorful world. The narrative and artwork burst with life, color, and happiness, as a young boy greets a new day ("Day begins, dawn breaks anew./Sun wakes up, I wake up too") and spends it outdoors enjoying nature with the creatures of the Earth, while occasionally floating into the sky to soar with the angels for the song's refrain. In the evening ("Grass says rest, I curl up snug./Dusk surrounds me like a hug"), one of his new friends gently carries him home to sleep. The breathtaking folk-style illustrations are fashioned with watercolor, ink, colored pencil, and collage. Text and pictures radiate a sense of peace, security, and oneness with all living things. The words "my Lord" have been omitted from the refrain, and there are no references to specific religious beliefs, making the book a beautiful nondenominational paean to creation and the Earth's many blessings."
-- School Library Journal






IN EVERY TINY GRAIN OF SAND, A CHILD'S BOOK OF PRAYERS AND PRAISE

by Reeve Lindbergh (Candlewick, 2000)
Illustrated by Elisa Kleven, Christine Davenier,
Bob Graham and Anita Jeram.

A collection of blessings and prayers from around the world, illustrated by four artists.

"This is a prayerful, powerful collection that will introduce young readers to some of the most vivid writings of very different cultures."--
Booklist, starred review

ALA Notable Book



 


SNOWSONG WHISTLING

Written by Karen Lotz
Illustrated by Elisa Kleven (Dutton,'93
Now out of print, but available through Elisa Kleven)

From forest to field, school to home, harvest to holidays, a multitude of activities usher in autumn and winter.

"The spirited rhythm is infectious, and the art is splashed with vibrant swatches of colors and patterns to create a kaleidoscope of activity" --Publishers Weekly, starred review.

ABA Pick of the Lists



Copies of Elisa Kleven's Picture Books are Available through:

  www.bankstreetbooks.com

www.amazon.com

or ask at your local bookstore.


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Elisa Kleven
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Email Elisa at EKleven@aol.com   Website designed by Mira Reisberg miraguy@earthlink.net
All images and text copyright Elisa Kleven. Site last updated June 2008 by Andy Therrien