On Awe: Nell Cross Beckerman’s favorite children’s books evoking awe
I’ve been exploring Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence this month. In a prior post, I explored what this abstract strength actually means and why it’s important, and highlighted beautiful children’s books that can be used to explore specific qualities of this character strength.
I also reached out to a few authors whose books evoke a sense of awe and wonder, and asked them to share some of their own favorite children’s books that do the same. I was so happy to read their thoughts on beauty and books and will share them with you here, too. First up, favorites from Nell Beckerman.
Nell is the author of a few books evoking beauty: Caves, a poetic and awe-inspiring dive into caves around the world; When the Sky Glows, a fascinating look at when and why the sky glows; and Down Under the Pier, where kids delight in nature and fun at the sea pier.
Here are the books that evoke a sense of wonder and awe for Nell.
Written by Carter Higgins
Illustrated by Daniel Miyares
Published by Chronicle Books
You Are (Not) Small meets The Quiet Book in this beautiful compilation of all the little things that make up our big world.
Nell says: It took me a few reads to realize that each section revisits the same moments from different perspectives. That realization gave me a sense of awe, as did the beautiful illustrations, mood setting, and all the creative paper folding. The large fold out at the end gives me goosebumps, which is the definition of awe to me!
Written by Meg McKinlay
Illustrated by Matt Ottley
Published by Walker Books
A creative kid makes a bird in her mind with gorgeous detail, poetic imagining, inspiring wonder, appreciation of nature and hope
Nell says: The writing and art work together to create a mood. You don't know quite where the story is going and then at the end you are left in a wondrous daze. It also ends with a beautiful sky!
Written and illustrated by Marie Dorléans
Published by Floris Books
An award-winning picture book about a family's midnight adventure—a contemporary Owl Moon
Nell says: The illustrations are gorgeous as is the language. Marie creates such a delicious mood of quiet adventure, culminating in a wordless spread filling the reader with awe!
You'll notice all my selections do not talk about beauty, awe, or wonder—they evoke it. To me, this is art working at its finest—to give the reader a feeling they weren't feeling before they opened the book.
Thank you, Nell, for sharing your recommendations of these beautiful books. You can explore more of Nell’s work on her website, where she also has free resources to help teachers, readers, and parents, such as activities, curriculum guides, and videos.
Explore more books related to Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence and the other transcendent strengths—gratitude, hope, humor and spirituality—through the book guides below.
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