A child reaches for a butterfly or kneels to gaze at an insect in the grass or delight in picking a flower. Children are naturally curious about nature, drawn to beauty and movement—butterflies, colorful flowers, the antics of monkeys, ants trailing across a sidewalk . . . 

Children receive joy in interacting with the natural world.

They respond to lessons learned through God’s creation. 

They need examples of kindness and other appropriate behaviors to imitate.

They need to hear proper use of language, even before they speak it.

Children need books that show beauty and speak truth.

What makes a child want to hear a certain book read over and over? What makes a grown up want to buy a book they loved as a child for their own children and grandchildren?

If a book is to have value, it should be appealing, engaging, charming and personable rather than frightful and unreal.

“A Whistle in the Wind,” a sweet children’s book with lovely, simple illustrations, is a breath of fresh air in a world of googly-eyed, anime-inspired bobblehead people and creature illustrations. The classic, timeless pictures are gentle and sweet, not loud and over-colored. 

This review of my children’s picture book is what prompted me to consider why gentle and engaging illustrations and stories appeal to young children and why they are needful.

As a parent and educator, I understand the responsibility of how we guide what words and images fill the minds of young children through books and screen, oral and visual. 

My desire as an author is to engage young children, evoke interaction, stimulate thinking skills, bring joy, and teach life lessons. “A Whistle in the Wind,” illustrated by Ann Boland, is a perfect birthday, Christmas, or a “just because we love you” gift. Every giraffe has a heart, and young children love searching for them. It’s a great book for day care center, school, or local library.

Here’s another one I wrote, with a cover and line drawings throughout the book also by Ann. “The Wright Pages” is a historical fiction adventure book for ages 7 to 10.

If you and the children in your life enjoy these books, I would love to hear from you.

~ Image of mother and daughter reading in field is in public domain, from wpclipart.com