BOOK Coming February 2026
Sing Up the Earth!
by Cheryl Hellner, illustrated by Mercè Tous
A long time in the making, I am delighted to announce this new picture book, Sing Up the Earth! Each step on the journey of this book’s creation has been filled with longing for its beauty, care in the intricate and necessary refining of text, image, design, and a prayer that with patience and deep trust one day this story would be a book that could be shared.
A young girl, Meadow, dreams of making musical instruments out of clay—the very body of the Earth—just as her grandpa does. Clay ocarinas, flutes, horns, and drums make all kinds of music. Wild animals respond by singing back their calls and songs. In an old stone barn, Meadow learns the ancient art Grandpa has loved since he was a boy.
On a winter night of thundersnow and lightning fire, the old stone barn burns down. Grandpa’s favorite instrument, a very old hawk-shaped ocarina disappears.
Though Grandpa tries to re-make the instrument, he cannot. Until the day Meadow discovers one jagged clay piece sparkling at the bottom of the creek.
A beautifully crafted, lyrical story of creativity, heartbreak, and hope.
Tender, gorgeous artwork illuminates this rich tale of the One Great Love that holds all things.
“Sing Up the Earth! is the kind of book I would have loved to read to my grandkids when they were young. Charming, lively, and honest, with colorful illustrations that nicely fit the text, and vice versa.”
—Luci Shaw, award-winning poet and author
—Luci Shaw, award-winning poet and author
Sing Up the Earth!
by Cheryl Hellner, illustrated by Mercè Tous
Published by Paraclete Press, February, 2026
ISBN: 979-8893480290
Price: $18.99
About the Illustrator
Mercè Tous
Mercè Tous lives and works in Barcelona, her hometown. She loves being close to the sea and enjoying the cultural activities that this cosmopolitan city offers. However, whenever possible, she escapes to nature, her main source of inspiration. Since childhood, she has enjoyed drawing, painting, and creating illustrated images and books. Her grandfather was her first drawing teacher—the person who sparked her passion for art, instilled a sense of curiosity, and passed on values of dedication and an appreciation for well-crafted work.
Downloadable Resources
Explorers’ Guide for Sing Up the Earth!
Coloring Pages & Word Search
