Sing Up the Earth!

by Cheryl Hellner, illustrated by Mercè Tous

“A harmonic homage to nature, art, and family.” – Kirkus Reviews

A joyful, lyrical picture book celebration of creativity, art, nature, and the family bonds that inspire and sustain us through good times and bad—from the viewpoint of a young girl and the love she shares with her grandfather.

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 stone barn burns down. Grandpa’s favorite instrument, an 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.

“Lyrical and lovely. With simple but expressive language, an abundance of wild creatures, and a sprinkle of tension and mystery, the book will delight readers of all ages. Like the melodies that connect humans and their animal kin, this story soars.”
—Laura Alary is a storyteller, educator, and picture book author. Her many books include The Curious Life of Cecilia Payne: Discovering the Stuff of Stars and All the Faces of Me Charlotte Zolotow Award 2024 Honor Book

“A deep story that encourages in children what they intuitively know: Earth and all her creatures sing.”
—Gayle Boss, bestselling author of All Creation Waits: The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings

“A thought-provoking, melodic ode to the Earth, its peoples and their creativity, whose words and images will stay with the reader long after the final page is turned.”
—Glenys Nellist, award-winning author of Song of the Seasons and Bedtime Blessings: God’s Perfect Peace

Sing Up the Earth!

by Cheryl Hellner, illustrated by Mercè Tous
Published by Paraclete Press, February, 2026
ISBN: 979-8893480290
Price: $18.99

Amazon

Indie Bound

Barnes and Noble

Paraclete Press

“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

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