Interview with Annette Whipple about her new book, Quirky Critters, 52 Wild Wonders for Kids

Molly and I are thrilled to welcome Annette Whipple back to our blog. Annette is the author of a number of excellent nonfiction books for children. She loves to research and find facts that captivate children, and I use several of her Truth About books in my elementary art classes.

Annette has a new book out that combines her love of nature and her Christian faith, and Molly and I think you’ll love Quirky Critters, 52 Wild Wonders for Kids, published by Tyndale!

Kathy and Molly: We’ve been reading your new book, Quirky Critters, and we love all the interesting information. Would you tell us a little about how you came to write it?

Annette: I actually transformed one idea multiple times to come up with Quirky Critter Devotions: 52 Wild Wonders for Kids! These weren’t just major revisions. Instead one idea prompted a different idea over eight years! I wrote a detailed blog post about the process here.

https://www.annettewhipple.com/2024/02/a-story-of-triumph.html

Kathy and Molly: Isn’t is amazing how our ideas can transform! Do you have any favorite quirky critters?

Annette: I really struggle to say just one favorite quirky critter! However, I’ve always loved fireflies and owls. But the more I learn about an animal, the more I appreciate it! I had the hardest time limiting the devotional to only 52 animals.

Kathy and Molly: Owls are sooo amazing, and I know you love frogs, too! It must have been hard to choose just 52 critters, but we like the ones you chose. We also love that each critter can teach us something about our awesome God. Do you have one or two suggestions for how readers can really focus in on the biblical message?

Annette: The devotions have lots of animal facts and a faith connection. I do hope readers will take advantage of the faith-related journal entries as well as the printable Quirky Critter Questions cards that have additional questions—one about the animals and one that’s personal for each of the animals. In addition to the Bible verses included in the devotions, I hope readers will spend time reading the Bible, too. That’s the very best way to connect with God! The question cards are found at https://www.annettewhipple.com/2024/02/quirky-critter-question-cards-printable.html.

Kathy and Molly: You’re so right—reading the Bible is definitely the best way to connect with God! The Question cards look wonderful! Molly wants to try every activity. If families are reading these devotions together, how can they make it a fun family time?

Annette: I’ve heard of many families completing Quirky Critter Devotions together! Many read the main devotion as a family, as well as the Wild Wonder, verse, and prayer. I know one family who purchased individual copies for the children because each of the children were so passionate about animals. Some discuss the journaling portion while others write some ideas as a family. Many activities are great family activities! I’d suggest one person review the activity in advance and make a plan to include everyone.

Kathy and Molly: Those are terrific ideas! Would you tell readers where they can find their very own copies of Quirky Critters and about the downloadable Question Cards?

Annette: All of my books are available wherever books are sold! Just ask your local bookstore for the book of your choice, like Quirky Critter Devotions: 52 Wild Wonders for Kids. They’re also available online! https://www.annettewhipple.com/p/books.html]

You can even take a peek at my next book! Chomp! The Truth About Sharks is now available for pre-order, too!

The downloadable Quirky Critter Question Cards are absolutely free—no email needed! Print them at https://www.annettewhipple.com/2024/02/quirky-critter-question-cards-printable.html.

I’m so grateful to hear you’re enjoying my first faith-based book! I had a ton of fun researching and writing Quirky Critter Devotions: 52 Wild Wonders for Kids!

Kathy and Molly: Thank you so much, Laura, for telling us and our readers about Quirky Critters! Molly and I think it’ll be a great book for summertime fun and for building children’s faith!

Picture of Molly the Artsy Corgi investigating a Quirky Critter–a painted lady butterfly. And here’s a student art project based on Annette’s book, Whoo Knew, The Truth about Owls.

Before You Go

If you’d like more activity ideas for art, history, and nature, curriculum connections, and links to more resources, be sure to sign up for my newsletter and receive a free guide, 5 Ways Art Benefits Children’s Cognitive, Physical, Spiritual, and Social Development, You’ll also get a Few Fun and Easy Activities for each Benefit.

Visit Molly’s and my website where you’ll find free downloadable puzzles, how-to-draw pages and coloring pages for kids and an updated list of my hands-on workshops, chapels, and presentations for all ages.

 

Twisty and True Tails of a Shelter Dog Matchmaker by Jean Alfieri

Molly and I would like to welcome Jean Alfieri back to our blog today. We have loved getting to know her and telling you about her children’s book series about Zuggy the Pug. Today we’ll talk to Jean about the work she does at the Humane Society to help dogs find forever homes and a heartwarming book she’s written about it.

Welcome Jean! We love this picture of you surrounded by your pooches! How did you become interested in volunteering at the Humane Society? And what are some of the jobs you’ve had there?

Jean:  I really admire the service the Humane Society provides to our community, and I love animals, so it was a natural fit. I was a volunteer matchmaker (introducing people to dogs they wanted to adopt) and a rescue ranger (transporting animals from shelter to shelter). When I visit schools, it’s the rescue ranger deployments that capture the kids’ imagination.

Kathy and Molly: Molly would have liked to be a rescue ranger, too! This book is different from the stories about Zuggy. Can you tell us how it came about?

Jean:  “Twisty and True Tails of a Shelter Dog Matchmaker,” is an inspirational non-fiction book about displaced dogs who took the windy road instead of the straight path to happiness. It includes twelve short stories about my work at the Humane Society and of our adopted dogs.

Having been a dog-mom for many years, I discovered a trend related to my work and our pups in my prayer journal and decided to share some of the best stories. The common theme is the many ways God meets us – in the lives of our pets, even in our smallest needs.

Kathy and Molly: Isn’t it wonderful how God meets our needs! Molly would love to hear a little about the dogs you have rescued.

Jean:  Our current pack of vintage pups includes our 17-year-old, six-pound, toothless-terror, Reggie. He’s our charmingly aggressive chihuahua. Then there’s our always-adorable 13-year-old blind pug, Princess Zoey, and our 11-year-old retired show-dog, Silly Sally. She’s an Airedale Terrier. Our most recent adoption and baby of the family is a handsome hospice pug: 10-year-old, Morty. Though his condition is chronic, he’s doing well and finds a new way to make us laugh every day.

Kathy and Molly: Wow, they sound like a lot of fun, and each one so individual! Molly was a rescue dog, so she loves these heartwarming stories of dogs finding their forever homes. Do you have a favorite?

Jean:  They’re all very different but each one makes me smile. I’d love to know your favorite –

Kathy and Molly: You captured Molly and me right at the beginning with Rover, the 9-month-old German shepherd. How amazing was it that just the right person who knew all about German Shepherds wanted to adopt him. Not so amazing, though, for God! We also laughed through the story of Dean, the screaming chihuahua!

Molly and I also enjoyed the quotes and the Bible verses. How might readers use these for encouragement and meditation?

Jean:  Thank you. 😊 I just created a book club question guide. It’s a great way to start small group discussions or prompt your own reflection. I’d be delighted to provide it to anyone or to assist in leading a six-week program for a women’s ministry group. Just reach out!

Kathy and Molly: That sounds like a wonderful idea! Do you have any advice for families who want to adopt a rescue dog?

Jean:  It’s always worthwhile to do some research on the breeds that may be best for your current lifestyle. And remember to take it slow. It’s hard for an animal to transition from whatever they knew, to a shelter environment, and then into a new home. It’s all very exciting, frightening, hopeful, and scary. Please be patient and loving.

Kathy and Molly:  That’s great advice. Molly remembers when we adopted her that patience was super important. Are there any ways our readers can help with the work of the Humane Society?

Jean:  We are regularly looking for volunteers to help in-shelter and/or with special events. From dog-walkers to doing laundry, there’s no shortage of work. You can find out more and apply at: https://www.hsppr.org

Kathy and Molly: Those are great ways to help! Where can our readers go to get a copy of “Twisty and True Tails of a Shelter Dog Matchmaker,” and see your many other wonderful books?

Jean:  The picture and activity books for kids, the guided journals, and my newest release: “Twisty and True Tails of a Shelter Dog Matchmaker,” are available on Amazon and can be found on my website: https://www.JeanAlfieri.com

Be sure to sign up for our monthly newsletter, too, for fun ways to stay connected and win free books! I also love speaking engagements, whether for women’s groups or grade school visits. We offer in-person and remote programs.

Thank you, Kathy – for allowing me to connect with your audience. It’s an honor.

Thank you, Jean, for sharing these stories of dogs finding their forever homes! We loved your new book and having you on our blog!

Pictures of Molly the Artsy Corgi soon after we adopted her

Molly still wasn’t sure she could trust us and sometimes hid under our bed!But she soon learned to love us and her toys!

 

Before You Go

If you’d like more activity ideas for art, history, and nature, curriculum connections, and links to more resources, be sure to sign up for my newsletter and receive a free guide, 5 Ways Art Benefits Children’s Cognitive, Physical, Spiritual, and Social Development, You’ll also get a Few Fun and Easy Activities for each Benefit.

Visit Molly’s and my website where you’ll find free downloadable puzzles, how-to-draw pages and coloring pages for kids and an updated list of my hands-on workshops, chapels, and presentations for all ages.

 

 

Dandelions in the Great Piece of Turf by Albrecht Durer

All of a sudden there are dandelions everywhere. Not everyone likes these fuzzy yellow flowers, but I’ve discovered they’re pretty special.

Albrecht Durer thought so, too. Durer was a great artist who still delighted in studying and painting the small everyday creatures and plants where he lived, as well as on his many trips around Europe. He had a great curiosity and appreciation for even the smallest parts of God’s creation, even dandelions!

Let’s Learn a Little about Dandelions

Scientists believe Mayflower passengers took along dandelions to grow in their New World gardens. That’s right. Those sunshiny flowers that pop up in our lawns came to America with the Pilgrims. If they’re just weeds, why did the Pilgrims bring them? Because even though they’re little, dandelions have super powers.

Each part of a dandelion has a different super power. Dandelion flowers come out in early spring and feed bees hungry from winter hibernation. Dandelion roots dig deep. They break up the soil so other plants can sink their roots deep, too. Dandelion roots also bring up nutrients to help other plants grow big and strong.

Dandelion leaves and stems are packed with vitamins and minerals. Cooked or made into tea, they helped keep people healthy before vitamins came in bottles.

Let’s Learn about the Artist

Self portrait at age 13 by Albrecht Durer, public domain

Albrecht Durer was a German artist who lived from 1471 to 1528. In his work Durer combined the Northern European artist’s love of naturalism and detail with the careful perspective and proportions of Italian Renaissance artists.

Durer lived at a pivotal time in church history, and though he never met Martin Luther, he read his writings, and when Luther was “kidnapped” Durer wrote of his concern that a voice had been stilled that spoke truth to the people about God.

You may have first encountered Durer’s work in his prints. He was one of the first artists to earn much of his income from these. His series of detailed woodcut prints of scenes from the life of Christ and Revelation are famous.

the Scourging of Christ by Albrecht Durer, public domain

Durer’s passion to study nature led to his death. On a trip to the Netherlands he caught a fever from traipsing through swamps to study a beached whale.

Let’s Learn about the Painting and Enjoy It Together

Here is one of Durer’s watercolor paintings of a small piece of nature. It’s called the Great Piece of Turf, and you’ll recognize the lowly dandelion!

The Large Piece of Turf by Albrecht Durer, public domain

Durer painted this from a low vantage point. He must have had to sit or even lie down to get this low! It looks like this might have been a clump of weeds next to a puddle or pond; there seems to be a little bit of a reflection at the edges of the mud.

Here are some questions to help you or your children and grandchildren explore this simple nature study:

• Have you ever gotten down low to view a small flower or insect?
• How many different kinds of plants can you find?
• How many different greens do you see?
• Look at the detail of the roots on the edges of the mud.
• What other colors do you see?
• What are some small creatures that might like to live or hide in this scene
• Imagine being small enough to walk through this clump of plants!

A Little Inspiration from God’s Word

Take time, as Durer did, to appreciate the beauty and intricacy of grasses, weeds and wildflowers that grow everywhere. Now that spring has come, get out and enjoy a walk in your neighborhood, a park, in the woods, or by the shore. Look for early buds on trees and bushes. Smell the scents of an awakening earth.

Even in your own yard, before you dig up that dandelion, notice that its buttery yellow shades to gold in the center. And marvel at God’s care that gave this lowly weed delicate little parachute seeds to ride away on the wind (probably to your neighbor’s lawn!)

Studies have shown that people are more creative after a walk AND come back refreshed and more aware of God’s creativity!

And as you walk and look, remember Matthew 6:28-34 where Jesus reminds us that if God has bestowed such care and beauty on the flowers of the field that are here today and gone tomorrow, how much more can we depend on Him to clothe and care for us.

What Great Piece of God’s Turf reminds you of His love and care? Is it a wooded area with dappled shade and the scent of pines? Do you look forward to summer meadows filled with yellow buttercups and Queen Anne’s lace?

One of my favorite pieces of turf is it at the sea shore where sandpipers skitter away from incoming waves. Join the conversation and share your favorite piece of turf.

Picture of Molly the Artsy Corgi

Before You Go

If you’d like more activity ideas for art, history, and nature, curriculum connections, and links to more resources, be sure to sign up for my newsletter and receive a free guide, 5 Ways Art Benefits Children’s Cognitive, Physical, Spiritual, and Social Development, You’ll also get a Few Fun and Easy Activities for each Benefit.

Visit Molly’s and my website where you’ll find free downloadable puzzles, how-to-draw pages and coloring pages for kids and an updated list of my hands-on workshops, chapels, and presentations for all ages.

 

 

 

 

 

A Young Girl Reading by Jean Honore Fragonard

We’re getting closer to spring, but have you ever heard this saying? “March is just February spelled differently.” Many places are still cold and snowy in March, so it’s good to keep a supply of books to read. And a snuggly pillow and cup of hot cocoa or tea would be great, too. In A Young Girl Reading by French artist, Jean Honore Fragonard (1732-1806), the young girl is doing just that!

 Let’s Learn about the Artist

Fragonard lived in Paris most of his life. As a teenager he was apprenticed to Jean-Baptiste-Simeon Chardin, who was a master of still lifes and genre scenes of domestic life.

Fragonard later trained as a history painter in Paris and in Italy, but when he returned to Paris, he chose to do small works for private collectors. Many portray the courtly life of the aristocracy in the fluffy, cotton-candy-colored Rococo style.

Rococo art was an over-the-top decorative style in the 1700s that used swirls and curls on everything from furniture to horses’ harnesses. Palaces were decorated with this style, and paintings often portray the elegant life of the nobility. Some Rococo artwork contains nudity and celebrates immoral courtly behavior.

Later in life Fragonard returned to Italy, and drawings from then show he still enjoyed working on genre scenes. A Young Girl Reading captures one of those everyday moments. But the French Revolution (1789-1799) brought big changes to art, and Fragonard died in 1806, mostly forgotten.

Let’s Look at and Enjoy the Painting

This painting is a cross between a genre painting and a portrait. More than likely someone Fragonard knew sat for the painting, and she is dressed in the height of fashion. But the painting also focuses on her activity—the everyday moment of reading a book.

Young Girl Reading by Jean Honore Fragonard, 1776, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., public domain

Here are some suggestions to further explore the painting:

• What is happening in the painting?
• Is the girl focused on the book or looking away and daydreaming?
• Is the mood quiet or noisy?  busy or peaceful?
• How do the yellows and reds help create the mood?
• How has the artist arranged shapes, lines, and colors to get us to notice the subject? Think about where she is in the painting and the bright color of her dress.
• How about the tiny book? Think about how the book stands out against the dark background, which it wouldn’t in her lap. And how it allows her to show off the elegant tea-party gesture with her pinkie finger.
• Find the touches of violet that Fragonard used along with the yellow. Yellow and violet are opposite each other on a color wheel and are called complementary colors. Artists often pair complementary colors, because when they are next to each other, as in this painting, the resulting high contrast is eye-catching.
• Of course, God thought of it first! He used complementary colors when He created flowers because that shimmery high contrast attracts insects and birds. Look at pictures of flowers or the real thing if you can, to see how many flowers with complementary colors you can find. (violet and yellow pansies are one example)
• Are things in the painting finished and smooth, or can you see the brushwork?
• Fragonard painted quickly, with loose brushwork that he didn’t blend much. The girl’s face is fairly detailed, but the ribbons are sketchy, and the book’s printing is just some lines of paint. Some critics would have said that this was okay for quick oil studies, but not for finished works.
• Notice the violet highlights on the girl’s face and in her hair and the rust colors of the shadows on the pillow. These unusual colors and the loose brushwork show Fragonard’s admiration for Rembrandt and show his influence on the Impressionists, who were also accused of using funny colors and sketchy brushwork. Berthe Morisot, one of Impressionism’s women artists, was a grandniece of Fragonard. Fragonard clearly  influenced Renoir’s paintings of women and children.

A Little Inspiration from God’s Word

I first saw this painting on a poster I bought my first year of teaching. I loved the painting, and I especially loved the Bible verse printed on the poster. It always hung it in my classroom no matter where we moved. The verse is from Proverbs 4:23.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”

The word “wellspring” doubles down on its meaning as a source of life. The word well—something we draw water from—comes from Old English meaning “to bubble and roll.” Spring—also from Old English—means “to come out or up with speed and force.”

So the idea is of the heart as a source of life that bubbles-up with a forceful or continual supply—not our physical hearts—but our spiritual heart or center of our being. And life is not the life that will end in death, but eternal life.

The Lord is most concerned about that heart, because it is the heart that the Holy Spirit must change for us to believe in Jesus and receive eternal life. He changes it from a heart of stone to one of flesh so our inner most thoughts and desires change course and spring up with love for God.

Notice that the verse in Proverbs is a command, “Guard your heart….” And we don’t just guard something important once and then forget it. The dragon in The Hobbit never stopped guarding his treasure. He slept right on top of it, and it was just gold and jewels!

How much more should we keep on guarding the priceless treasure of a heart that has been bought with the precious blood of Christ and now belongs to God?

How do you decide what goes into your heart? How do you guard your heart so that it is a heart that can continually bubble up in a life that honors and serves God and overflows with love for Him and others?

Picture of Molly the Artsy Corgi

Molly loves flowers of every color!

Before You Go

If you’d like more activity ideas for art, history, and nature, curriculum connections, and links to more resources, be sure to sign up for my newsletter and receive a free guide, 5 Ways Art Benefits Children’s Cognitive, Physical, Spiritual, and Social Development. You’ll also get a Few Fun and Easy Activities for each Benefit.

Don’t miss a fun new section in our newsletter all about horses!

Molly’s and my website where you’ll find free downloadable puzzles, how-to-draw pages and coloring pages for kids and an updated list of my hands-on workshops, chapels, and presentations for all ages.

 

A Quiet Winter Painting by Claude Monet

Have you ever gone outside after a heavy winter snow and noticed how quiet it is? Snow covers trees and bushes, muffling every sound. Read on to see how Claude Monet captured that quiet in a painting called The Magpie. And don’t miss the give away and Molly in the snow at the end!

In the early years of Monet’s career (the 1860s and 70s), the official French salon rejected most of his paintings, and he sold very few. But in 1868 he received a couple commissions and was able to rent a house on the Normandy coast.

He wanted to paint the famous cliffs there, which he did. But The Magpie shows there had been a heavy snowstorm, and Monet probably couldn’t get to the cliffs. Instead, he painted this quiet, winter scene.

Painted in 1868, its quiet beauty shows how Monet was still experimenting and developing his style, especially his use of color instead of blacks in shadows. The Magpie also shows the technique he was developing to capture fleeting changes while painting en plein air (outdoors).

Let’s Learn about the Artist

Painted about the time of The Magpie, Portrait of Claude Monet (1840-1926) 1867 (oil on canvas) Carolus-Duran MUSEE MARMOTTAN MONET, PARIS, ,

Claude Monet (1840-1926) grew up in Normandy, France. As a teenager, he drew caricatures of local people, which he sold for about $60 each. He also accompanied another artist, Eugene Boudin, on outdoor painting excursions.

Monet was astounded by what happened to colors in sunlight, and he always considered this to have been the most influential part of his training. When he was 18, Monet moved to Paris to study art, but continued to take day trips to paint outdoors. He convinced many of his friends—men and women we know today as Impressionists—to go with him.

Monet and other Impressionists endured great poverty before their paintings became popular, but today this style of art is the favorite of millions of people. Many people are familiar with Monet’s haystack or cathedral series of paintings, and his many water lily paintings mesmerize millions each year at the Musee de l’Orangerie and the Musee Marmottan in Paris.

A few water lily paintings by Monet at the Musee Marmottan in Paris, author pphoto

Let’s Learn about and Enjoy the Painting

The Magpie, by Claude Monet, 1868, Musee d”Orsay, public domain

In The Magpie painting the sun is low in the sky, casting long shadows across the sunlit scene. The painting’s brightness is accentuated by the dark tree trunks, branches, and the wattle or woven wood fence. Monet paints the deep snow with patches or dabs of paint—his emerging technique for capturing the changing light.

In the middle ground a long rose-colored building with reddish chimneys is the only truly warm place in the painting. In the background is the sea.

Look closely at the sky to see yellows and reds and blues and violets. And when you look at the snow, especially in the shaded areas, you’ll see violets and blues and even some yellows and pinks.

The focal point of the painting (the area that draws your attention) is the magpie sitting on top of the fence.

The Magpie lives with other great Impressionist works, on the top floor of another famous museum of French art—the Musee d’Orsay in Paris.

Before doing any other activities, ask children to tell what’s going on in the painting and what tells them that. Then have them tell what else they see. Enhance observational and verbal skills by rephrasing words and adding new vocabulary. Help them see nuances of color in the sky and snow.

The Magpie, by Claude Monet, 1868, Musee d”Orsay, public domain

This painting is great for describing what we’d hear and see and feel if we’d been there with Monet. Here are some good questions to help children imagine what it would be like:

• Have you ever been out after deep snow and noticed how quiet it is?
• Have you ever walked in the woods after a snow and had snow plop down on you from the trees overhead?
• What would you need to wear to be comfortable in this scene?
• Would you feel the cold seeping into your fingers and toes even through your mittens and boots? Can you imagine how cold Monet’s fingers must’ve gotten as he tried to paint this?
• Would the fence feel rough or smooth?
• Do you think the snow would be warm and sticky enough to make a snowman?
• Do you see how Monet has created a rhythm of shadows across the painting in front of the fence?

A Little Inspiration from God’s Word

Our everyday lives are busy and often noisy. But taking a walk on a quiet winter day can be refreshing for our bodies, our minds, and our souls.

Try some of these suggestions to appreciate God’s creation:

• Stand still and listen; what do you hear?
• If it’s quite cold, notice how your breath hangs in the air.
• Study shadow shapes and colors on the snow.
• Look at the sky and describe the colors and clouds
• Look for bird nests (they show up more without leaves on the trees).
• Look at different tree shapes (these also show more in winter)
• If the snow is fresh you may be able to see animal tracks—rabbit or squirrel or even deer tracks. Take photos of these and look up how to tell the difference between rabbit and squirrel tracks.
• Many birds stay around all year, so it’s fun to watch them and observe their winter habits. Use a field guide to identify species.

After your walk come inside, warm up with some tea or cocoa, and meditate on Ecclesiastes 3:11 “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Or verses from Job, 38:19-22 and 24-30.

Just as a quiet winter day can help us see God’s hand in creation, taking time each day to be quiet with God’s Word can help us know Him even better. Our heavenly Father wants us to come to Him and talk to Him in prayer about all the things going on in our lives, as well as thank and praise Him for the beauty and diversity of His creation. He wants to talk to us, too, through His Word that helps us learn about Jesus and His love for us.

Molly and I pray you and your children will have many quiet times in creation and with God’s Word in 2024!

Here’s a Give Away that may help you spend more time in God’s word!

 

Molly and I would like to give away one free copy of a book of 30 short Bible studies from Lighthouse Bible Studies. In Feed Your Soul with the Word of God, Collection 2, the insights of many writers, including 2 of mine, will help make your quiet times with God even more meaningful. We’ll be doing a random drawing from our newsletter subscribers, so tap that “subscribe to my newsletter” button before January 26^th and be part of the drawing.

Molly loves to play in the snow

St. Joseph the Carpenter, by Georges de la Tour

Lights are a big part of Christmas. We may put lights on a tree, outside on our houses, and often in our windows. We put out extra candles. At a dark time of the year, these lights are cheery, but they represent much more—they celebrate that Jesus, the Light of the World, has come.

St. Joseph the Carpenter by Georges de la Tour, 1642, the Louvres, Paris, public domain

This painting, St. Joseph the Carpenter by Georges de la Tour has a single candle, but it clearly illuminates Jesus as the Light of the World who came to lead us out of the darkness of sin.

Georges de La Tour was a French artist living from 1593 to 1652. His work reflects the style of the Baroque period—a time in the1600s when artists used light to produce drama and contrast in their paintings. Like Rembrandt’s work, de la Tour’s subjects often seem to appear out of the shadows—the perfect style to emphasize that Jesus is the Light of the World.

Tradition says that Joseph was a carpenter, and this painting is set in a carpentry shop.

• Notice how simple, even stark the painting is—Joseph and Jesus, a couple tools, a block of wood, a curled-up shaving on the floor.
• Listen to how quiet it is, with perhaps just the squeak of the hand drill biting into the wood.
• Do you see that all the focus is on the boy Jesus as He holds a candle for Joseph?
• Look at how the candle burns tall and bright and also streams out between Jesus’ fingers.
• See how that single candle light, held by Jesus, allows everything in the painting to emerge out of the shadows, just as when His light overcomes darkness, to dawn in our hearts.

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; On those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned, (Isaiah 9:2).

[Jesus] said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life,” (John 8:12).

• See how the light from the candle shines most fully on Jesus’ face, bringing to mind these wonderful verses:
  

  St. Joseph the Carpenter, detail, author photo

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”made his light shine in our hearts to give us thelight of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ, (2 Corinthians 4:6).

Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord, (Psalm 4:6).

You, [Lord] are resplendent with light, (Psalm 76:4a).

God is light; in him there is no darkness at all, (1 John 1:5b).

St. Joseph the Carpenter isn’t your usual Christmas painting. But it is a perfect painting to remind us that Jesus is the Light of the World. And that God, who created and numbers the stars, chose one of His great lights to lead the Wisemen to Jesus.

This year, may we each allow the many lights of Christmas to illuminate a path in our hearts to lead us to celebrate the mystery and wonder of the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whose face all the glory of God shone.

Molly and I wish you and your family a blessed Christmas filled with the light and love of our Lord Jesus.

And if you subscribe to our newsletter or sign up now, you will soon receive a fun and easy Christmas craft idea and directions to enjoy with your children or grandchildren.

 

Cranberry Harvest on Nantucket by Eastman Johnson

Do you like cranberry sauce or a cranberry jelly? Whichever form you like, you probably don’t consider your Thanksgiving meal complete without cranberries. In our family we put out both kinds, and let people choose the kind they like better—sauce or jelly.

In this post you also get to choose which version of Eastman Johnson’s 2 paintings of a cranberry harvest in New England you like better. Although not that well-known today, Johnson’s paintings of everyday life were very popular during his lifetime.

Let’s Learn about Eastman Johnson

Eastman Johnson was born in 1824 in Maine. After a short apprenticeship in a Boston lithography business, he opened his own portrait studio. When his family moved to Washington D.C, Eastman joined them for a time. But in 1846 he returned to Boston where the family of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow helped further his career.

When he was 25 Eastman traveled to Germany to study drawing and painting. Later he moved to the Netherlands for 3 years to study the old Dutch Masters, such as Rembrandt. He completed his art education with a short study time in Paris, before returning to America.

By this time Eastman had begun painting genre paintings—scenes of ordinary people and events. He settled in New York City, but spent summers on Nantucket. He died in 1906. Today his works are in many museums, such as the Met in New York City and the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.

Let’s Learn about and Enjoy The Cranberry Harvest Together

Genre paintings are like snapshots, telling stories of the ordinary moments of life.

The Cranberry Pickers and The Cranberry Harvest, Nantucket Island, 1879 and 1880, by Eastman Johnson, public domain

Let’s look first at the big story. Both of these paintings are about a cranberry harvest on Nantucket Island, which is off the coast of Massachusetts. At first I thought it might be a farm that allowed people to pay to go into the fields or orchards and pick their own strawberries, apples, or pumpkins.

But when I looked closer, I saw a horse and cart on the right, with people handing their full buckets up to a man on the cart. (If you go to this link to the paintings you can enlarge it a little to see more detail in each).

One fall I picked apples for a nearby orchard. Each time I climbed down from a tree, I’d lug my heavy bucket over to a large central bin. Someone kept track of how many buckets I filled, which determined my pay. I wasn’t picking apples for myself but helping take in a large apple harvest. I think these cranberry harvest paintings are like that—lots of people in the community helping harvest fields of cranberries and making some money for themselves.

There are also lots of little stories of the harvesters in these 2 paintings. In the more detailed cranberry painting you’ll see the different ages, clothing, and hats of the harvesters.

• the older couple in front in their everyday hats. How many years have they been picking cranberries in this very field?
• the man in the coat and top hat, who has brought a chair. What’s his occupation? Is he showing the child how to pick cranberries without crushing them?
• the lady standing up in the middle foreground. Does she need a break from this back breaking work? Look closer though. Follow her gaze to see the young boy walking toward her carrying a baby. Has the baby been crying and needs Mum?

The Cranberry Pickers and The Cranberry Harvest, Nantucket Island, 1879 and 1880, by Eastman Johnson, public domain

These paintings are also fun to compare and contrast. The top painting was painted in 1879 and is less finished. It has less detail, so it could be a study for the 1880 more detailed version. Or maybe the earlier painting was first sketched at night and many workers had gone home. The fading light could have obscured details. Perhaps Easton just wanted to try a different style.

Whatever the reason, like cranberry sauce and jelly, there are differences, so enjoy finding them. They include time of day, number of people, and numerous other details in every part of the paintings.

A Little Inspiration from God’s Word

Thanksgiving is a holiday to be thankful to God for His many blessings to us. And one of those blessings is a bountiful harvest that allows the feast on our Thanksgiving tables. Today most of us are many steps removed from the work it takes to grow the foods we eat. So paintings like the Cranberry Harvest can remind us to appreciate those who work on farms, on ranches, in orchards, and on the sea all over the world to produce the harvests.

Most of all, when we spoon up some of the humble little cranberry—sauce or jelly—with our turkey this Thanksgiving, may it remind us of the bounty of God’s blessings in the great variety of foods He provides for us and make us eager to share some of that bounty with those in need.

Picture of Molly the Artsy Corgi and 2 Questions

Which way do you like your cranberries?

Which of these paintings do you prefer?

Molly and I pray your Thanksgiving is blessed with the love of friends and family. If you’d like a children’s Thanksgiving art project that makes cute Thanksgiving cards or to decorate your table, go to our post Fun and Easy Pumpkin Thanksgiving Cards

Before You Go

If you’d like more activity ideas for art, history, and nature, curriculum connections, and links to more resources, be sure to sign up for my newsletter and receive a free guide, 5 Ways Art Benefits Children’s Cognitive, Physical, Spiritual, and Social Development. You’ll also get a Few Fun and Easy Activities for each Benefit.

You may be interested to read my latest Write2Ignite post called Procrastination or Creative Pause for some recent research on creativity and procrastination. You’ll gain some insights into Leonardo da Vinci’s work habits!

Visit Molly’s and my website where you’ll find free downloadable puzzles, how-to-draw pages and coloring pages for kids and an updated list of my hands-on workshops, chapels, and presentations for all ages.

 

 

 

My Tender Heart Prayer Book by Laura Sassi, author interview

Molly the artsy corgi and I are delighted to welcome Laura Sassi and Sophie back to our blog to tell us all about their latest board book, My Tender Heart Prayer Book. This joyful and colorful book is the second in their Tender Heart series, and it will encourage your little ones to see God and talk to Him in prayer in every part of their day

So let’s welcome Laura and her little cockapoo, Sophie, who helps by listening carefully when Laura reads rhymes she’s working on to her!

Laura Sassi and her writing companion, Sophie

Laura, tell us a little about your childhood years.

We moved around quite a bit when I was a child. My earliest memories are from when we lived in Mexico (ages 3 – 5).  Next we lived in Minnesota (ages 5 – 7), followed by France (ages 8 – 12). Wherever we lived, books were my constant companion. First, I was read to by my parents. Later, I read on my own. I also loved using my imagination to transform blocks, dolls, toy cars, and even nature into fantastical play worlds.  All these were seeds to my lifelong love of reading and playing with words.

Wow, you’ve lived in many interesting places. What were some of your favorite books when you were young?

Here’s an assortment of favorites from my pre-elementary school years:

• When We Were Very Young and Now We Are Six by A.A. Milne
• The Duchess Bakes a Cake by Virginia Kahl
• Blueberries for Sal and Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
• The Travels of Babar and other Babar stories by Laurent de Brunhoff
• Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans

Those are such wonderful books. Blueberries for Sal is still on my shelves! Were you always a fan of rhyming books?

Yes, even as a young child, I loved the rhythm and sound patterns found in rhyming books. In fact, my earliest favorite book memory is of sitting in my mother’s lap while she read to me from A.A. Milne’s When We Were Very Young. I memorized many of his poems, quite by accident, because I asked my mother to read them to me so often. I’ve carried a love for rhyming beats with me ever since.

That’s a sweet memory of your mom reading those poems to you, and now you are giving that special gift to many other children with your rhyming books! What’s one thing about you that some may not know?

Hmmm…let’s see. Even though I haven’t lived in France for years, I love the French language. Not only is it beautiful sounding, it lends itself to rhyme far better than English because so many of the ending sounds are silent! This is beautifully demonstrated in French music and so, in a joyful effort to keep up my French language skills, I like to listen to my favorite French singers and sing along while I do the dishes!

What a fun way to keep up your French skills! This is your second book in your Tender Heart series. Molly, the artsy corgi, and I loved your first one, My Tender Heart Bible. How did you come up with the idea for this series and for this book about prayer? 

A year and a half ago, I had an idea for a Bible story collection that would point littlest ones to God—using rhyme, illustration, and “heart moments” of reflection and response. My publisher, Paraclete Press loved the idea, but asked if I would be willing to write a prayer book as well. I loved the idea and immediately set to work writing prayers to take a small child through the day and foster conversations with God.

And what a great idea it was! How did you choose which times to include?

Knowing that I wanted the prayers to span the time frame of a day—through the lens of a child’s eye—I tapped into memories of my own children’s preschool years and came up with a list of fun, age-appropriate prayer moments. Some are moments one might expect, like before mealtime and at bedtime.

But I also worked hard to come up with other, more unexpected times for prayer such as when you are going on an errand or playing sports.  As I wrote, I made sure each prayer was short and easy for a young child to memorize. I also paired the prayers with thematic Bible verses, so that little ones would have an opportunity to connect with God through Scripture.

Molly and I love that the moments with God and the prayers in My Tender Heart Prayer Book take children through their day from morning wakeup and drive time to “scrubba dubba” tub time and nighttime tuck-in.

And the illustrations by Sandra Eide are so colorful and filled with things children will enjoy finding as the book is read to them. Do you have a favorite spread and why?

I love all her illustrations, but I think my favorite is the “Counting Wonders Prayer” spread. That prayer is a counting prayer and I just love the way Sandra creatively incorporated all the things that are counted in a fun outdoor setting. It’s one of the spreads I’m enlarging to poster size to bring with me to church and preschool visits!

That was one of our favorites, too. What do you hope children will take away from My Tender Heart Prayer Book?

I wrote this book for children and their caregivers as a reminder, or maybe as a first introduction, to the good news that God loves us and longs to be in conversation with us through the ups and downs and ins and outs of our daily lives. I hope each prayer is read, prayed, enjoyed, and most importantly, that it sparks daily spontaneous conversation with God.

We pray My Tender Heart Prayer Book will do just that! Before you go, Molly, the artsy corgi, wanted to give a hello woof to Sophie and ask her a couple questions:

Molly: Sophie, I love all the animals I found in My Tender Heart Prayer Book, but my special favorites are the dogs! Are they yours, too? I also counted up how many I found. How many have you seen?

Sophie: Woof, woof! I love the spreads with dogs as well. I counted seven. And I think I know why there are so many! It’s because illustrator Sandra Eide loves dogs too – just like our Kathy and Laura do!

Molly: I can’t decide which place I like best in the story—the meadow, the beach, or maybe curled up on the bed with my best friend as she reads her Bible. Do you have a favorite place in the story, Sophie?

Sophie: I like all those places, but my favorite in the book (and here at my house, too) is curled up on the bed at bedtime listening to my best buddy read from the Bible. It’s just soooo snuggly!

Molly:  Woof, I think you’re right, Sophie!  Here are some pictures Laura and Kathy took of us with your new book, My Tender Heart Prayer Book. I think you’ll like them!

Thank you, Laura and Sophie for visiting Molly and me and telling us about your very special new board book!

Laura, one last question: where can our readers find your books?

My books are available wherever books are sold. And if you want to learn more about My Tender Heart Prayer Book or My Tender Heart Bible, including downloading the free activity kit which Paraclete and I designed to provide even more ways to plant seeds of prayer, go to mytenderheartbooks.com. 

I know a special little guy who Molly and I plan to give My Tender Heart Prayer Book to this Christmas! We know he’ll enjoy it.

Before You Go

If you like to write for children or just want to find out more about chapter books from Marianne Hering, the author of Focus on the Family’s Imagination Station series, find all the information at this link to the Write2Ignite website. Marianne will be teaching a virtual workshop on September 23, hosted by Write2Ignite.

In my August post for Write2Ignite, a website with resources for Christian children’s writers, I’ve summarized the final 3 areas in which we busy modern people may be in need of rest,–sensory, creatively, and spiritually, according to Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith’s book, Sacred Rest. As in the first post, Molly the corgi has provided the illustrations. The post is Writers Need Rest to Maintain Their Creativity, Part 2. Here’s one of those illustrations. Can you guess which of those 3 areas Molly is illustrating?

If you’d like more activity ideas for art, history, and nature, curriculum connections, and links to more resources, click on the signup button for Molly’s and my newsletter and receive a free guide, 5 Ways Art Benefits Children’s Cognitive, Physical, Spiritual, and Social Development. You’ll also get a Few Fun and Easy Activities for each Benefit.

And visit our website where you’ll find free downloadable puzzles, how-to-draw pages and coloring pages for kids as well as a list of my hands-on workshops, chapels, and presentations for all ages.

 

 

 

All about Horses, A Sample Newsletter

Not long ago I had the opportunity to take a trailride  in Colorado’s high country. It’s been many years since Russell rode on Western trails, but it’s still beautiful. We hope you’ll enjoy this newsletter sample, All about Horses.

In this post Molly and I decided to give you a sample of our newsletters which go out once a month to subscribers. Each one provides additional ideas, information, and books to supplement the month’s blog post, just as this sample provides additional resources and books for last week’s post “Charles Russell, Cowboy Artist of the Old West.”

If after reading this sample, you decide the newsletter would be enjoyable and helpful, you can subscribe by clicking on the button on the right. You’ll receive the monthly newsletters and this freebie—5 Ways Art Benefits Children’s Cognitive, Physical, Spiritual, and Social Development, with art activities for each benefit.

Now here’s what’s in most newsletters:

Museum Gem

The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City is a fantastic museum of Western art and culture. If you can visit in person you’ll see everything from fine art by Charles Russell and other Western artists to exhibits about native Americans and even TV cowboys and cowgirls such as Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. AND they have some great online programs for every age, which is the page I’ve linked to.

Let’s Learn More about Art with Molly the Artsy Corgi

When Molly looked at paintings by Charles Russell and saw all that big Western space, she decided that had to be her August art word.

Artists define space in a painting as the area surrounding forms such as people or trees or buildings. It can include land, water, and sky.

Molly was amazed how Russell used space to draw viewers into his paintings. Her sharp corgi eyes noticed Russell used these techniques:

• Aerial perspective—distant objects look lighter or bluish
• Size differences—objects farther away are smaller
• Details—fewer detail on objects farther away
• Overlapping—one object appears to be behind another

Your turn:

Bringing up the Trail,1895, Sid Richardson Museum, Fort Worth, TX, public domain

Molly says, “Look at the painting, Bringing Up the Trail by Russell and see how many of these techniques you can find.”

• Do you see how bluish-gray it looks in the distance? That’s aerial perspective.
• Do you see where the horses and people get smaller?
• Which people and horses have more detail? The woman on the white horse or those behind her?
• Do you see a horse that looks like it’s behind the white horse? That’s overlapping. How many other examples of overlapping can you find?

3 History and Nature Connections

1. Using the above link to the National Cowboy Museum, learn about the equipment cowboys or Native Americans and their horses needed to live in those wide-open spaces. Put pictures and information on a poster for others to enjoy.
2. Make a list of fun facts about early cowboy and cowgirl TV and movie stars and their horses. Make up a quiz and see if your friends and siblings can guess the answers.
3. Native American tribes on the plains became expert horsemen and women. One tribe, the Nez Perce, loved and helped develop the appaloosa horse breed. Find out more about this beautiful spotted horse and share your research through a story, or a poster. 

Book Reviews

If you know some horse-loving kids, these books are All about Horses.  

Picture Book about a horse

This Way, Charlie by Caron Levis is a beautiful story of 2 animals who live on an animal refuge ranch—Jack, a goat who trusts no one because he had been mistreated, and Charlie, a horse who arrives at the refuge blind in one eye. The two form an unlikely friendship, and when Charlie goes completely blind, Jack begins to guide Charlie out to his favorite field. The light-filled illustrations help portray the special moments of this sweet story about friendship and helping others.

Chapter Book series about horses

Winnie, the Horse Gentler series by Dandi Daley Mackall. Winnie Willis has lost her mom, and she and her dad and sister have moved to a new town to begin a new life. Like her mom, Winnie has a way with horses and has an opportunity to gentle a horse no one else can handle. Through this first book in the series, Winnie makes friends and comes to trust God again. 3^rd — 6^th graders who love horses will enjoy reading all 8 books in this series from Tyndale.

Early Chapter Book series about horses

Winnie, the Early Years is a 4-book early chapter book series also by Dandy Daley Mackall for readers ages 6 to 10 that tells how 8-year-old Winnie learns from her mother to love and gentle horses. Also from Tyndale.

Updates about my Writing Journey

In her book, Sacred Rest, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith writes about 7 areas in which we modern busy people may be in need of rest. In my July post for Write2Ignite, a website with resources for Christian children’s writers, I summarize 4 of those areas and some ways Dr. Dalton-Smith gives to bring better rest to our lives. The post is Writers Need Rest to Maintain Their Creativity, Part 1.

After a short summer break, Molly the artsy corgi and I posted our first fall blog last week. Here’s the link if you missed it, Charles Russell, Cowboy Artist of the Old West.  In upcoming blog posts we’ll bring lots more great art and children’s books to enjoy this school year.

Photo of Molly the Artsy Corgi

Molly and I enjoy following this path up in the high country west of Pikes Peak. We love hearing the wind sighing through the evergreen trees. We hope this year you’ll follow our blog and newsletter to learn about more great art from a Christian perspective and some wonderful children’s books, too.

Before You Go

If you like to write for children or just want to find out more about chapter books from Marianne Hering, the author of Focus on the Family’s Imagination Station series, find all the information at this link to the Write2Ignite website.

Marianne will be teaching a virtual workshop on September 23, hosted by Write2Ignite.

Charles M. Russell, Cowboy Artist of the Old West

After a little summer break Molly the Artsy corgi and I are back to tell you about Charles Russell, one of the best artists of the Old West, because he actually lived the life of a hunter and trapper and later of a cowboy in Montana.

Russell also admired the Native Americans of the northern plains and spent a year living with a Blackfoot tribe, painting and documenting their lifestyle and later becoming an advocate for these tribes.

Let’s Learn about Charles Russell

Charles M. Russell, portrait by A.O. Gregory, public domain

Born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1864, Charles Russell grew up riding and watching the many trappers and explorers who traveled through. He read books about the West and loved to draw and model clay figures of animals. He never had formal art lessons.

At just 16 Russell quit school and traveled to Montana to work on a sheep ranch. The sheep ranch job wasn’t too successful, but Russell then spent 2 years working with a hunter and trader, whose knowledge of the West was invaluable for the young Charlie.

Eventually Russell was hired as a night herder by several ranchers, which left him time during the day to observe and draw and paint the life of the cowboys and their horses. Russell documented in many watercolors the especially harsh winter of 1886-87, which began to bring him fame and commissions as an artist.

Waiting for the Chinook, public domain

In 1893, after spending 11 years as a working cowboy with several different outfits, Russell settled in Great Falls, Montana to become a full-time artist. He created over 4,000 artworks of the Western landscape and its people, creatures, and life style in watercolors, oils, and sculptures. He was a friend of Will Rogers, the Western social commentator and humorist, and consulted with Hollywood on movies about the West.

Let’s Enjoy Charles Russell’s Paintings Together

Charles Russell was a talented artist and storyteller who used his skills to tell the stories of his own life as a cowboy and as well as the stories of the Native Americans in his paintings and sculptures. His work is authentic because he had worn those chaps to protect his legs from prickly brush and ridden in those saddles in all kinds of weather. He had chased steers down rocky hillsides and taken time to gaze over the prairie at the distant mountains and plateaus.

Buccaroos, 1902, public domain

So here are several things to look for and discuss in Russell’s paintings:

• Notice the style of Russell’s art. Is it realistic? Are his colors really bright or somewhat muted? Are there touches of bright color to catch your attention?
• Notice the setting. Sometimes it’s a rocky hillside with little vegetation. Other times it’s a lush prairie. Look into the distance to see the mountains and plateaus and wide Western skies.
• Look at the title, because Russell often chose these to help tell what’s happening.
• Look at and discuss the story Russell is telling. What emotions do you see portrayed by the people and creatures? Does the story portray any danger? How do you think the story will end? How would you have felt if you had been part of the story?
• Where does Russell place the action in his paintings? Is it up front to get your attention right away? Does he place some things more in the middle ground?
• Look at the clothing and equipment the people and horses are wearing and using. How was each of these made or used. Why do you think these things were important?

When the land Belonged to God, 1914, public domain

Roundup # 2, 1913, public domain

Bringing up the Trail,1895, Sid Richardson Museum, Fort Worth, TX, public domain

A Little Inspiration from God’s Word

When we look at many of Russell’s paintings, we can’t help but notice how hard the cowboys and their horses are working. They must often have finished the day tired out, but they knew it was important to care for their cattle and to feed hungry people all over the country. So they gave it their best effort.

Sometimes as summer comes to an end, it may be hard to get back to school with all its work, but in Genesis 2:15 we see that God created us to take care of the world He made. He made us in His image with abilities to grow crops, build towns and cities, invent helpful machines, create beautiful music and art, write stories, and care for others. And in all those things, bring glory and honor to Him.

When you look at one of Russell’s paintings, remember that even though school can be hard work, it can help prepare us to be good stewards of God’s creation in whatever field He calls us to.

And you don’t have to do it while racing down a rocky hill!

Buccaroos, 1902, public domain

Picture of Molly the Artsy Corgi

Molly takes her work of guarding us from any passing danger very seriously!

Before You Go

Stay tuned over the next couple weeks for some information on updates to our newsletter and website, and a new freebie for newsletter subscribers.

But in the meantime, if you’d like more activity ideas for art, history, and nature, curriculum connections, and links to more resources, be sure to sign up for the newsletter and receive the free guide, 5 Ways Art Benefits Children’s Cognitive, Physical, Spiritual, and Social Development, You’ll also get a Few Fun and Easy Activities for each Benefit.

You can also visit Molly’s and my website where you’ll find free downloadable puzzles, how-to-draw pages and coloring pages for kids and an updated list of my hands-on workshops, chapels, and presentations for all ages.

Here are 2 more opportunities you might want to check out.

Though we are called to work hard, God also calls us to rest. You may want to read my latest post on Write2Ignite, a website dedicated to helping Christian children’s writers. Writers Need Rest to Maintain Their Creativity, Part 1  summarizes ideas about our need, not just for sleep, but for rest in 7 crucial areas from Sacred Rest, a book by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith. Molly helps illustrate 4 of these areas!

AND Write2Ignite is hosting another great virtual Master Class for Christian children’s writers. Marianne Herring , editor and author of numerous books will be teaching about how to write chapter books! Go here for more information.