Books with author Géraldine 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.

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.

One of Degas's most celebrated works comes to life in this vibrantly illustrated story of the young ballerina who inspired the artist.Degas's ballerina paintings are well known and admired and his sculptural work Little Dancer Aged Fourteen--the onlysculpture he exhibited in his lifetime--is particularly beloved for capturing the essence of a ballerina. This book tells thefictional story of a young girl who dreams of becoming a ballet dancer. Jeanne auditions at the Opera Garnier and moves with her mother, a laundress, to Montmartre where life becomes consumed by rehearsals and classes. One day she meets Mr. D, an artist who asks Jeanne to be his model. As Mr. D works on his sculpture, Jeanne prepares tirelessly for an important performance. The book culminates with Jeanne triumphing at the Opera--and Mr. D completing his sculpture with her help. Olivier Desvaux's gorgeous illustrations, which recall Degas paintings, bring readers into Jeanne's world--the studio where she spends her days, the tiny apartment where she sleeps with her mother, and Mr. D's atelier, where he preserves her story forever. Readers will learn about the life of a young dancer in 19th-century Paris, and at the end of the book they will learn even more about one Degas's most intriguing works.

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.

Winnner of:2016 USBBY Outstanding International Books, Grades Pre K - 2A dog, feared and mistreated by everyone, is rescued and cared for by a man who needs and appreciates him Pointed ears, sharp teeth, and a back slightly bent under dark fur: a lonely dog gets mistaken for a wolf. No one came close—no one dared—so the sad dog howled. Until one day, someone reached out a hand to him.

In 1517, a humble monk by the name of Martin Luther posted a list of 95 grievances against the Church of Rome, and in so doing he changed the course of history. Never had anyone so openly questioned the Church’s authority. No one could suspect–not even Luther himself–that his speaking out would herald the beginning of a new movement that came to be known as the Reformation.