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"Elisa Kleven's exuberant, multicolored collage paintings and
joyful stories celebrate
the creative spirit."
--Bank Street College Bookstore
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"Elisa Kleven's exuberant, multicolored collage paintings and
joyful stories celebrate |
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A CAROUSEL TALE Written
and Illustrated by Elisa Kleven 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." "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." "The clear, colorfully detailed, collage
pictures celebrate the transforming power of art." "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 To make your own carousel mobile, click here! |
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THE APPLE DOLL Written
and Illustrated by Elisa Kleven 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. "...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..." "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." Winner,
27th annual Northern California Book Award,
Children's Literature category.
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SUN BREAD 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!
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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
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THE PAPER PRINCESS 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
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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. |
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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. |
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ERNST 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."
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THE PUDDLE PAIL 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
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THE WISHING BALL 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
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HOORAY, A PINATA!
When Clara can't bear breaking her beautiful
birthday pinata, her good friend Samson comes up with a thoughtful
solution. |
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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." "A wonderful, wonder tale about connections in nature." "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." |
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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. |
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Written
by Roseanne Thong 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,
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ABUELA 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.
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Written by Arthur Dorros
In this sequel to ABUELA, Rosalba and her
Abuela fly to the island where Abuela grew up. NCSS Notable Children's
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LATIN AMERICAN FOLKSONGS Written by
Jose-Luis Orozco ""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.
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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 |
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"Kleven's illustrations bubble with
life. Like Orozco and Kleven's other songbooks, this offers a
spirited slice of Latin American culture." "Not only an exemplary songbook, but
also a stunning visual experience. An excellent resource for
musical and bilingual programs." "Schools will be very interested in this attractive, jewel-like songbook" --Kirkus |
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CITY OF ANGELS: Written
by Julie Jaskol and Brian Lewis
"Readers will take away a portrait of an urban center teeming with
cultural and geographical diversity.." -- starred, Publishers Weekly |
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THE CITY BY THE BAY A magical journey around San Francisco. "A beautifully
illustrated, fact-filled children's book."
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Gentle rhymes describe earth's gifts, shared by all creatures. Reading Rainbow Feature Book
NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book For a guide to projects based on this book, click here (pdf).
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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..."
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THE MAGIC MAGUEY Miguel figures
out how to save the beloved maguey plant in his Mexican Pueblo.
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Written by
Isabel Wilner, Rhyming couplets introduce the
letters of the alphabet, and the events surrounding the birth of Jesus.
Originally written for second graders to perform. ABA Pick of the Lists
Child Study Association Books of the Year Library of Congress Books for Children |
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ANGELS WATCHING OVER ME Written
by Julia Durango 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." |
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IN EVERY TINY GRAIN OF SAND, A CHILD'S BOOK OF PRAYERS AND PRAISE by Reeve
Lindbergh (Candlewick, 2000) A collection of blessings and prayers from around the world,
illustrated by four artists. ALA Notable Book
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Written by Karen Lotz
From forest to field, school to home, harvest to holidays, a
multitude of activities usher in autumn and winter. Listen to a great discussion of SNOWSONG WHISTLING on |
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www.bankstreetbooks.com www.amazon.com or ask at your local bookstore. |
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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 January, 2009 by Andy T. |
