When fall comes, so do the books. It is approximated that almost 2,000 children's books will be printed this fall. Of this mass number, perhaps a handful--a very small handful-- are actually worth reading to a young child night after night. Bijou Le Tord's A Blue Butterfly: A Story about Claude Monet, is part of this handful.

The book came out in 1995, yet it still holds my attention and respect. What sets this book apart from other biographies about the artist and other children's books is its celebratory nature. Its luminescent art work invites parents and children to revisit the art and life of Claude Monet. It captures the essence of art in its warm colors, creating a soft aura of beauty that encloses the reader even after the book is finished.

Anybody interested in sharing art with a young child or sharing the life of an artist should purchase this book. Not only do readers learn about an early twentieth century artist, but they also get to share in the joy of a contemporary artist, Bijou Le Tord.

I have always been bedazzled by Monet's painting and his home, Giverny. This book is another wonderful way to share Monet's gifts with young children. As a first-grade teacher, I appreciate the ideas suggested by the teacher below who shared her method for offering Monet to young children. An exceptional treasure to enjoy over and over again!

My 5 yr old daughter and I picked this up at the library and what a find! This is a book of delightful watercolor illustrations of Monet out in the field, in a garden, by the sea. The pictures are so pleasant and very reminiscent of Monet's work, and the few lines that accompany the drawings are perfect for young children. I heartily recommend this book.

Jesus' teachings are beautiful to learn; however, for most, they are difficult to share with a young child. But Gods Little Seeds makes sharing Jesus that much easier. The beautiful and simple pages retell the parable of the mustard seed and the sower in a way that any child can understand. The warm illustrations will captivate children's imaginations and the parables themselves will bring a new understanding of Jesus.

This book not only nurtures the soul but the mind as well, and should become a part of every child's book collection. It is a book which can be passed down from one generation to the next because the story will never grow old.

This is a must book for all parents who believe in the power of God to touch the lives of children. The illustrations are magnificent - the words are simple and meaningful. This is truly a book that will be read again and again!

So often authors are afraid to lay a claim on creation, especially in a manner which is accessible for young children. Le Tord, however, does so and in a magical way. Her simple language and elegant illustrations make The Deep Blue Sea a treasure. There is no Darwinian sense of conflict in this beautiful creation about creation. I do not have children yet; however, I know that with the help of rare authors such as Bijou Le Tord, teaching spirituality and faith will be much easier.

In 1998, I read Earnest Hemingway's short story "Hills Like White Elephants" and since then, I have devoured as many manuscripts pertaining to Elephants as possible. In my reading about Elephants, I have had the extraordinary pleasure of discovering Bijou Le Tord's Elephant Moon. The soft and delicate illustrations of such powerful animals attracted and charmed me from the start. I liked the flow from the page of well researched facts to the majestic journey through the hills of East Africa. There was no deception on Le Tord's part. Even though she was writing for young children, she did not attempt to make her elephants Sunday tea drinkers. She keeps the elephants the majestic and powerful creatures that they are. It is books such as Elephant Moon that will teach children to appreciate and embrace the beauty of endangered animals.

Just as I fell in love with the simple illustrations of Rabbit Seeds, So I fell in love with Good Wood Bear. The story unfolds itself in its elegant craftiness and firm foundations. The story invites young people not only to work hard, but to work hard for the sake of others. I love the generous spirit which fills this story. Bear obviously is not making the bird house for the sake of making a bird house. He is making it because he values hard work and giving to others. For children, this book has many implications. It has the ability to inspire children's imaginations because they must fill in the minor details that Le Tord deliberately left out. It also can inspire a work ethic and pride in one's craft. The final illustration--or diagram rather--is an excellent invitation for young people to use their hands as they use their minds. Though this book may be hard to obtain, since it is out of stock, I do recommend searching for a copy of this book. I think Bear and Goose would be very happy if you did.

During my last year in High school, I worked at a summer camp for children between the ages of 4 and 10. Imagine trying to find fun activities which inspired such a wide age range. I soon found though, that these children were on fire for God. Upon realizing this, I had to create an activity which would help all of the kids learn more about God. so I searched the library high and low for a children's book that would teach and interest my young students. Le Tord's story, The Little Hills of Nazareth, did just that. The young children loved the simple illustrations and the older kids loved their ability to read the complex story of Mary and Joseph and Naboth to the open ears of the younger children. Afterwards, I had them draw pictures of their favorite Bible story and found that many tried to imitate the work of Le Tord. It is not easy to come upon books which will captivate and inspire young people. I think that is why I appreciate Le Tord and her works so much. The Little Hills of Nazareth is just one example of how simple elegance can create beautiful images in the minds of all people, young and old.

The simple watercolors provide a calming and reassuring feel to this beautiful psalm. It is hard to imagine how the 23rd Psalm could be further enhanced, but this book does it. Although it is written for children, sometimes simplicity is exactly what an adult needs. I have often given it to adults when they are going through difficult times. Someone gave it to me when I was in my own dark valley because she had found it reassuring when she was in a dark time. Whether child or adult, good times or bad, this book provides a peaceful reassurance that is always comforting.

Who could imagine that such simple drawings could instill so much fun and creativity. The black and white illustrations in Le Tord's Rabbit Seeds is charming and is fleshed out with an unseen color. The shaded edges of each turned page blends into the season that is being described on the page. And the subtley of the words makes me want to share this treasure of a book with my four year old cousin. I believe that this book will not only teach him and other youngsters about the change in season but also about seeing the fruits of ones labors. What better way to teach children than throguh the beauty of nature and the strength of hard work, which are all made visible in a garden?

It is rare to find children's books about God that aren't overly dramatic or dogmatic in their style; therefore, imagine my surprise when I finally discovered a children's book about God that actually had flare, originality, and a deep spiritual vein. Bijou Le Tord's story, The River and the Rain, is an enchanting retelling of the Lord's prayer. The universality of the story makes this Christian story a welcoming prayer for all, just as God would intend. Unlike other Christian authors, Le Tord does not liken God and prayer to trite depictions of right and wrong in the traditional sense of the word. Instead, she uses the simple elegance of nature, the destruction of nature, and the forgiving harmony of nature to reword a passionate prayer to the Lord. Le Tord's story is one that will be around for ages to come because in our more "liberal minded world", constrained views about religion will not be tolerated; thus it is an immense relief to see somebody trying to teach young people the beatuy of accepting all of God's creations, whether in nature or in daily life.

Tord does a nice job of mixing the book of Psalms with a story like feel. It is a wonderful book to read with your kids. This book helps bring the Psalmist alive with color and words. A must for a church library.

Never have I read a more loving and carefully collected compilation of Psalms as those found in Le Tord's Sing a New Song. Each vibrantly illustrated page brings an easily understood image of God to young and old readers alike. The Psalms are about praising God and his works, and Sing a New Song does just that. The words are simple enough for any child to memorize and powerful enough to carry a world of meaning.

This is a picture book that parents can feel good about sharing with their children. In a world ridden with questions of faith, Le Tord's book becomes a simple answer. It is about love and spirituality and most importantly, about praise to God.