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"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






A Carousel Tale

A CAROUSEL TALE

Written and Illustrated by Elisa Kleven
(Tricycle Press, Spring,'09)

Ernst, the imaginative young crocodile from ERNST and THE PUDDLE PAIL is back. When his favorite carousel dog loses his tail, Ernst is given the important job of taking care of it over the winter. Creative as ever, Ernst manages both to make the "lonely" tail into a beautiful, happy new pal, and to please his old friend the dog when spring returns.

"Ernst, the endearing blue crocodile reappears in this joyous, childlike tale that celebrates the power of the creative imagination to transform the broken into something new, wonderful and whole.... Will Ernst be willing to transform his precious bird back into the dog’s tail? An ingeniously happy solution, in perfect harmony with the joyful creativity of this charming tale, saves the day. Kleven’s playful, light-infused collages sing and dance on the pages like the carousel in springtime." --starred, Kirkus

"Kleven designs a feast for the eyes... Once again [she]allows Ernst to connect to his inner world and build his creativity and independence. In the elephant carousel keeper, he even finds an adult who appreciates and nurtures his artistic spirit. Their delightful story and friendship will encourage children to develop their own imaginative passions and remind adults to let these inventions soar." -- ForeWord reviews

"Crocodile brothers Ernst and Sol return in their third adventure, set against a painterly landscape of lively animals and sumptuous colors.... The vibrant, organic art—mixed media collage with watercolors and pastels—sets the stage for a tender, animate space. Every object, from the tail-turned-bird to a paintbrush resting in a cup of water, emanates warmth and individuality."
 --Publishers Weekly

"The star of Ernst and The Puddle Pail returns in another charming adventure.... Kleven’s dreamy mixed-media collages add depth to this gentle tale of creativity and resourcefulness. The author effectively depicts the interplay between Ernst’s gentle introversion and his brother’s grouchy pragmatism, with Ernst’s creative vision winning out in the end. A good conversation starter on the nature of art and the art of nature."
--School Library Journal

"The clear, colorfully detailed, collage pictures celebrate the transforming power of art."
-- Booklist.

"A CAROUSEL TALE offers a reflection on responsibility, creativity, and love... Kleven's illustrations reveal a world in which creativity is a powerful force...Although A CAROUSEL TALE depicts animals in slightly dreamy settings, the story addresses real emotions. Its ending honors Ernst's capacity for both imagination and love."-- Junior Library Guild

A Junior Library Guild Selection

To learn more about A CAROUSEL TALE, please link to
the feature by Julie Danielso

To make your own carousel mobile, click here!

 



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 big golden sun bread, which lifts the spirits (and bodies) of all who taste it, and even 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

"Elisa Kleven has a soaring imagination." -- New York Times

"Bouncy rhymes make this tale an irresistible read-aloud, and Kleven's art is a great match. Enchanting, busy, colorful illustrations combine playful perspectives with whimsical details, patterns and textures to show an expressive animal cast in familiar and magical situations, from gloom to bright sunshine." -- Booklist

"The poetic lines of this tale swirl and arc , and the richly detailed illustrations, with the promise of an accompanying activity, hold alchemy of their own". -- Kirkus

"Kleven handles what could have been a sappy theme with a light touch. Her buoyant, rhyming text brims with shimmering imagery ("It glittered on the blue-green seas/wove golden ribbons through the trees") and has a consistent fun -to-read-aloud rhythm." -- Publishers Weekly

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)

"Every day the lion's tail changes color, and the little red bird determines to find out why. This is a celebration of friendship and creativity cloaked in a simple mystery. Collage paintings explode with color, texture and detail" -- Sesame Street Magazine

"A sweet and captivating book with gorgeous illustrations. Its story line and artwork both have unusual and unexpected qualities that work together to generate a magical, light mood...A unique and worthwhile contribution to any collection." -- starred, School Library Journal

"This joyous tale about the wordless discoveries of friendship is illustrated with mixed-media collages so richly colored and tetured that readers will want to feel the pages...Enchanting." -- starred, Kirkus.

A PBS Storytime selection
ABA/CBC Best Book

 



 

 

THE PAPER PRINCESS

Written and illustrated by Elisa Kleven
(Dutton '94)

A paper princess, freshly cut out and still in need of hair, blows away and has many adventures before returning, enriched and embellished, to the little girl who first created her.

"Kleven has taken this simple story and given it style and heart. The events, some of which are purely fanciful or highly unlikely, all seem authentic. Giving an inanimate object a believable personality is not an easy feat, and the author does a fine job of it. Her graceful phrases add a lyrical air, and emotions are described with a light and delicate touch. Her multi- medium collages have never looked fresher or more interesting. The world she creates is not necessarily free form danger or sadness, yet it is predominantly full of beauty and sunlight. All the elements of the visual arts -- texture, pattern, shape, color and line -- come alive in her skillful hands. The best book yet from this talented author/illustrator, and one that children will love". -- starred, School Library Journal

" Kleven's story and art work in tandem to encourage entrance to the wide open world of self-expression. Youngsters will not doubt be inspired to fire up their crayons, markers and paints after this outing."
-- Publishers Weekly.

"With her shoes like watermelons and her dress like a forest, the paper princess is both childlike and princesslike...Kleven's collage artwork is as spectacular as it was in ABUELA: it celebrates family, diversity, and individuality. This magical world, in which blue jays have feathers of Florentine paper and princesses have sweaters to wear when they go flying, is full of the spirit of creativity and the importance of finding a home."
-- Booklist

"The Paper Princess is a lovely story, beautifully illustrated." -- New York Times

A PBS Storytime Book
Book of the Month Club Selection.

 

 



THE PAPER PRINCESS FINDS HER WAY

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

Kleven takes a paper doll introduced inPaper 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."
-- Kirkus

"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 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.

"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.


"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

The little blue crocodile, Ernst, stars in this story about two brothers who have very different ideas about what makes a good collection. After a rain shower, down-to-earth Sol sets out to fill his pail with rocks and seashells, feathers and string. Dreamy, imaginative Ernst wants to collect dragon-shaped clouds, stars, and slippery puddles. Sol scoffs in his big brother fashion, but Ernst finds a way to put the world in his pail , and to turn his odd collection into something lasting -- a painting collection!

"Kleven once again proves herself to be an outstanding storyteller...The collages are almost mesmerizing. Ernst and Sol provide a wonderful model of siblings first learning to live with, and at last appreciating, their differences."-- starred, School Library Journal

"Ernst's brother, Sol, who saves all manner of stuff, encourages Ernst to start his own collection. However, Ernst doesn't want to collect string, or rubber bands, or rocks. He has his eye on bigger things--like clouds and stars. Knowing that's impossible, he settles on things somewhat more earthly--but certainly no less unusual. A book that speaks to creativity and independence." -- Booklist

"While his pragmatic older brother, Sol, takes joy in collecting such earthbound trinkets as feathers, stones, and seashells, Ernst would much rather try to harness the stars. He settles for collecting puddles, which magically reflect all the beauty around them. Watercolors and cut paper joyfully join forces in Kleven's rainbow-bright collages."
-- Publishers Weekly

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


Listen to a great discussion of PUDDLE PAIL on
Just One More Book!! podcast.

 

 



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.

"Kleven speaks confidently to the everyday emotional ups and downs in the lives of children. Her forceful paint and collage compositions are kinetic fiestas of color and texture..."--starred, Publishers Weekly

"There is not a wrong note in this wonderful, upbeat picture book."
-- Booklist, starred review

ABA Pick of the Lists
Book Links 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

"Luxuriantly detailed collages...Children will relish the joke and find plenty of detail to linger over." -- Booklist

"The age-old subject of a new baby is deftly handled in this winning combination of lively art and childlike text...The beast reaches delightfully horrible and gargantuan proportions until it's revealed that his is actually little, soft and cuddly...This charming twist on a popular subject is appropriate for both lap and group sharing.-- School Library Journal

"Kleven honestly portrays the mixed feelings of affection and annoyance that siblings often have for one another." -- Publishers Weekly

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.

"The details are wonderfully expressed in Kleven's jewel-toned mixed-media illustrations, which magically portray children and adults in rural and urban settings that look traditional and contemporary at the same time... The author and illustrator present a playfulness and a hope for better lives that is contagious." --Kirkus

"...Entices readers with consistently well-rhymed verses. Rendered in Kleven's kaleidoscopic style, many of the full-bleed spreads nearly shimmer..." --Publishers Weekly

"Visually captivating...Infused with a sense of community and celebration, the colorful double page illustrations are brimming with life and movement, while offering many intriguing details for children to absorb...An original presentation." --Booklist

"... For each stop on this unique tour, Thong presents a melodic poem suitable for reading aloud. .. Kleven's rich, mixed-media illustrations of joyful figures and inviting landscapes-reminiscent of the shimmering style of Marc Chagall-provide plenty to look at. A selection of lucky symbols to search for in the pictures adds to the fun. This positive introduction to worldwide traditions belongs in most collections."  -- School Library Journal

A Smithsonian Notable Book of the Year

"This worldwide collection with charmingly beautiful pictures will make your wishes for a wonderful book come true." --Chicago Public Library's "Best of The Best" Books, 2008

Listen to a great discusion of WISH on Just One More Book!! podcast.


 






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.

"Each illustration is a masterpiece of color, line, and form that will mesmerize youngsters. These are pages to be studied again and again...this book is a jewel." -- starred, Booklist

Horn Book Fanfare
ALA Notable Book
Parent's Choice Award for Illustration
Reading Rainbow Book
A Book Links Best Book
A Boston Globe Best 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)

""In the same shimmering style of magical folk art that she used to illustrate ABUELA, Kleven provides bountiful illustrations...Rich and resonant" -- Booklist, starred review.

"This lovely and useful resource will have children and adults singing, clapping , and dancing along." -- Horn Book

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

Open DIEZ DEDITOS and you will have in your hands a book that sings with words, music and color." -- Horn Book

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

 


CITY OF ANGELS:
IN AND AROUND LOS ANGELES

Written by Julie Jaskol and Brian Lewis
Illustrated by Elisa Kleven
Newly revised and reprinted edition
published by Angel City Press, August, 2008

"Readers will take away a portrait of an urban center teeming with cultural and geographical diversity.." -- starred, Publishers Weekly

"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

"Kleven has created gorgeously colored spreads...A delightful introduction to an amazing metropolis." -- Booklist

"A valuable, entertaining resource that will inspire readers to explore their own communities..." -- School Library Journal

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

Listen to a great discussion of SNOWSONG WHISTLING on
Just One More Book!! podcast.




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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All images and text copyright Elisa Kleven. Site last updated January, 2009 by Andy T.