Books with author Geraldine Elschner

A treasured painting by Paul Klee is the basis for this whimsical tale about a cat and a bird, and about the themes of freedom and friendship. A cat lives in a house filled with toys, but everyday she dreams of being free like the bird she watches through the windo. Finally with the bird's help, she is able to escape and dance on the roofs of the city by moonlight. This lovely story unfolds in a series of playful, brilliantly colored illustrations based on the artist Paul Klee's work. Influenced by the artist's bright palette and use of shapes and line, the book culminates in a dazzling reproduction of Klee's Cat and Bird. Accompanied by information about the artist and this iconic painting, the book invites appreciation of the unfettered joyfulness that makes Klee one of the most universally loved artists of all time.

Drawing on ancient Egyptian sculptures seen in museums around the world, this enchanting story for children reveals the powerful connection between Egyptians and the hippopotami that inhabited the Nile. To the ancient Egyptians, the hippopotamus was one of the most dangerous animals in their world. The huge creatures were a hazard for small fishing boats and other river craft. But in this delightful story, a young boy befriends a little hippo and together they live out their days along the banks of the Nile. After many years, when the boy’s life comes to an end, the hippo finds himself in a strange world populated with deserts, cities, forests, and finally a museum where he is reunited with his friends. Early Egyptian civilization has long been a source of curiosity and fascination for children. Through this simple, moving, and beautifully illustrated story young readers will discover how and why the hippopotamus was such an important figure in that ancient world.

Based on the beloved series of water lily paintings by Claude Monet, this children's book draws readers into the atmosphere and colors of Monet's garden at Giverny, where a lovely but vain frog tries to insert herself into the artist's work. When Antoinette, a comely young frog, learns that a famous artist is searching for beautiful flowers to paint, she is determined to get in the picture. But once the portrait is painted, it disappears--perhaps forever. This delightfully humorous mystery is accompanied by colorful illustrations that recall Monet's paintings of the pond near his home in Giverny. The final pages of the book feature reproductions of eight of Monet's water lily paintings. As children follow Antoinette's antics on a summer evening in France, they will become entranced by the pond, the painter, the light, and the beauty of Monet's world.

A beloved emblem of world peace—the dove—comes to life in this moving story that introduces Pablo Picasso and his art to young readers. "A little white dot in the great sky," a dove sails over the earth looking for a place to land. She soars over a series of intriguing landscapes: rocky plains filled with strange objects; an abandoned circus; a deserted barn. Finally she meets a friend—a wounded blue dove. The two birds travel until the blue dove collapses in a garden where Picasso is painting with a group of children. Together the children and the artist help the wounded dove. Then the two doves fly away to spread peace in other parts of the world. Illustrated with bold, arresting gouache and watercolor paintings, this simple story packs in powerful meaning. Samples of Picasso’s other artworks and styles are cleverly included in the book, allowing readers the chance to learn about one of the world’s greatest artists—and one of his most enduring symbols.

Everyone has the power to make a work of art come to life Pompon may be a statue of a white bear in a museum, but he has dreams like anyone else does. He yearns to break free and roam the world. Then one day a small boy comes to visit him, and the power of his gaze, his wonder, his love is enough to start a wondrous transformation. Could it be that Pompon just needs a young art lover’s appreciation to journey all over the world? Inspired by the famous sculpture by François Pompon in the Louvre, this is a poetic, touchingly illustrated story that shows the power of imagination to bring art to life.

Lena liked to sit in her mother's garden and watch the chickens. But something is missing in this happy group of hens...a sweet little chick! How fortunate that plump little Alma had just laid an egg. But to Lena's surprise, Alma does not seem interested in hatching it. Lena makes a snap decision and attempts to surprise everyone by hatching the chick herself. However, hatching an egg is more difficult than Lena thinks, and the journey from egg to chick is a long one. This is a sweet book about the challenges and joys of being a parent.

This delightful introduction to the inventions of Leonardo da Vinci teaches young readers about the painstaking but rewarding art of design and discovery. George the sheep is happy living outside in his meadow except for one thing: when it rains, he shrinks to the size of a mouse; when the sun comes out he grows enormous. Befuddled, his owner Leon sets out to find a way to shelter George from the rain. A huge set of bat wings to dry his fur? A wheeled chariot to keep out the wet? Finally he alights on the perfect solution―a large umbrella. But when the wind plays havoc with this contraption Leon must put pencil to paper once again to come up with a solution. Through careful measuring, sketching, and a truly indefatigable spirit, Leon, like his fifteenth-century namesake, solves the kinds of problems that have challenged inventors throughout history. Cleverly invoking the mechanical genius of Leonardo da Vinci, this delightful children’s book explores the art of invention through illustrations and an entertaining story.

As a young man Francis of Assisi renounced his wealthy background, dressed in coarse robes and lived in poverty. He believed every living creature and thing on earth was sacred and deserved respect. In this spirit, he founded the Franciscan Order, which endures today. Géraldine Elschner narrates in her poetic text the life and work of Francis of Assisi, one of the most famous saints of Christianity. Glowing reproductions of Italian frescoes and quotes by Pope Francis portray his life and works.

Sunny the squirrel is heartbroken. Her best friend, Milly, who is a marmot, must hibernate for the winter. What will Sunny do without her? Then Sunny meets Fred the snowman, and winter just flies by. Suddenly it's spring again, which brings a joyous reunion with Milly, but a sad farewell to Fred. This simple story of good-byes and hellos shows just how strong true friendships can be.